10 Natural Treatments that provide great relief from Fibromyalgia

Woman with shoulder or neck pain, stiffness, injury

Pain due to Fibromyalgia is way different than the common body aches that often leave the sufferer helpless. In this case, excruciating pain is felt in specific parts of the body due to reasons unknown. This suffering becomes a frequent affair, which is followed by excessive fatigue, anxiety and sleep disturbances. The pain is felt mostly in certain tender areas like neck, shoulder, hip joints, elbow and lower limbs.

Though the reasons behind Fibromyalgia cannot be specified but stress, anxiety, genetics and hormonal imbalance can be contributory factors. The condition needs to be confirmed by a doctor only.

Every 1 out of 50 persons in US suffer from this ailment. The number of women suffering from this debilitating condition is more than men. About 5 million Americans are affected by this ailment [as per webmd.com].

Though there is no sure shot cure of the disease, but the pain is manageable through few effective natural treatments listed below:

  1. Take care of your diet:

Always take a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and grains. Look for antioxidant rich foods like colored vegetables and leafy greens. Magnesium rich foods like almonds, peanuts and walnuts can help a lot in improving your condition.

Food rich in omega-3-fatty acids and unsaturated fats like fish oil, flaxseeds, seafood, walnuts etc. are quite helpful in reducing inflammation and neuropathic pain. Since fatigue is a common feature in this ailment, it is advised to take small portions of food throughout the day instead of 2-3 heavy meals.

  1. Avoid certain foods:

Experts say diversity is the main characteristic of Fibromyalgia. It is recommended to avoid Aspartame, MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), tomatoes, caffeine, simple carbohydrates, sugar, yeast, gluten and dairy products.

This, of course, does not mean everybody suffering from Fibromyalgia will experience worse symptoms on having any one of these. You need to check your food intolerance before drawing a conclusion.

  1. Calm your mind through meditation:

Regular meditation sessions are of great help in reducing Fibromyalgia pain. Sensation of pain is very much related to brain signals. Stress build up in mind triggers the neurotransmitters causing excruciating pain in specific body parts. Meditation soothes the nerves enabling the brain to carry out normal signaling. Daily 20-30 minutes of meditation sessions is recommended.

  1. Yoga and deep breathing:

These processes unblock the nerve channels allowing the normal flow of energy. Yoga, deep breathing along with meditation are great relaxing techniques that soothe stressed out nerves.

Yoga enhances body circulation and helps in reducing pain, fatigue and stiffness in bone joints. It also helps in managing the level of cortisol that helps in fighting stress.

  1. Physical Exercises:

It is mandatory to keep your body moving but avoid overdoing. That would do more harm than good. Maintain a normal schedule of light physical exercises through regular warm ups to maintain the flexibility of muscles and joints.

Free hand exercises and light jogging would be ideal to drive out chronic pain and fatigue symptoms. Walking, stretching and swimming are other good options.

  1. Treatment with Acupuncture:

Trying acupuncture or needle therapy is another effective natural treatment for Fibromyalgia. Needles inserted at specific points of the body direct the energy flow to the normal path removing all blockages that are hindering the passage.

Acupuncture combined with electric current known as electro-acupuncture has also been found to be quite effective in pain management.

  1. Massage Therapy:

The immense benefits of massages are known since ages.  Massage therapy relaxes stiff muscles and joints enhancing the blood circulation.  It also has a calming effect on the nerves that reduces fatigue instantly.

A professional masseur would give a long lasting service. The massage termed as Manual Lymph Drainage Therapy (MLDT) is also found to be quite effective in reducing Fibromyalgia pain.

  1. Application of Capsaicin:

Capsaicin, the substance derived from pepper plants has awesome pain relieving properties. While applying, the heat generated from capsaicin helps in reducing the level of P chemical released by our body that triggers the pain sensation. Apply this whenever you experience the unbearable pain.

  1. Aromatherapy:

As the name goes, soothing aroma of specific essential oils has helped a lot in Fibromyalgia pain management. This therapy helps in uplifting the mood and improving blood circulation. It increases in pain tolerance imparting a great sense of rejuvenation.

Tests have revealed oils of lavender, lemon, chamomile, jasmine, grapefruit, geranium, black pepper, peppermint, juniper and eucalyptus have benefitted the patients a lot with each oil specifically treating a particular symptom.

  1. Have Epsom Salt bath:

Your bathtub would be of great use in this case. Epsom salt is rich in Magnesium that enhances the circulation in bone joints and eases stiff muscles. Add one cup of Epsom salt in a tub of lukewarm water. Soak yourself completely in the solution for about 20-30 minutes. It would be great if you can do this early at the morning and at night before going to bed.

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