Treatment: Complementary Approaches to Fibromyalgia
12-12-2000 -
Fibromyalgia is translated to mean "pain in the muscles" yet the symptoms may also include sleeplessness, exhaustion, digestive disorders, anxiety, depression and "brain fog." Western medicine often answers these symptoms with one or more prescription drugs, which may lesson the symptoms but which fail to treat their underlying cause. Many herbal and alternative choices exist for those suffering from fibromyalgia, which work to treat the cause of the ailment, rather than just its apparent symptom.
Be Supplement Savvy
A variety of nutritional supplements exist that have shown effective in treating FM. Just a few are highlighted below.
Magnesium and Malic Acid – This duo works to fight fatigue and relax the muscles; many consider them a "must" for anyone with FM. A study of 24 patients at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio treated with Magnesium and Malic Acid showed reduced pain and tenderness after two months of supplementation. Suggested dosage: 150mg magnesium and 600mg malic acid twice a day with meals.
St. John's Wort – Although this herb is best known as an antidepressant, it also works to improve pain tolerance. Suggested dosage: 300mg taken three times a day, with meals.
5-HTP – This is a form of the amino acid tryptophan, which raises levels of serotonin, resulting in lifted mood, pain regulation and improved sleep. Suggested dosage: 100mg three times a day on an empty stomach.
NADH – 'The energizing coenzyme," was found to boost energy levels in those with chronic fatigue syndrome and may have the same effect on those with FM. Suggested dosage: 10mg twice a day on an empty stomach.
Kava – Used to naturally ease anxiety, Kava can be taken during the day since it is nonsedating. Kava is helpful in breaking the cycle of pain/stress/more pain, etc. Suggested dosage: 250mg three times day with food. Look for standardized extracts with at least 30% kavalactones.
Chinese Medicine Choices
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fibromyalgia is the result of external factors (such as harsh weather, pollution, and viral infections) that become trapped in the skin and muscles, blocking the flow of qi (pronounced "chee" and meaning vital energy), fluids and blood. The TCM remedy is acupuncture, which may also be combined with a treatment called moxibustion. Moxibustion involves burning herbs and allowing the heat to penetrate the acupuncture sites, and has shown very effective for relieving muscle and joint pain. TCM may also incorporate herbal medicine, massage, diet therapy, tai chi, qigong, and yoga to improve circulation and strengthen the body.
Treating Trigger Points
Trigger point injections, involving injecting tender points with a mixture of lidocaine and the herbal extract Sarapin, often produce immediate, significant pain relief. Better yet, this treatment is often covered by health insurance.
A second option for trigger points is a deep tissue massage of those areas called, myofascial trigger point therapy.
Combining Meditation and Movement
A University of Maryland study published last year asked enrollees to begin an eight-week program of cognitive- behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and qigong, which resulted in a lessening of FM symptoms.
In Closing
Whatever your treatment choices, always look for certified practitioners and standardized, quality products.
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