| The jury is out about fibromyalgia, with some | | | | buy this in liquid extract form in small bottles, or in |
| doctors refusing to acknowledge this painful | | | | pastille form. These are available from all good |
| condition, it can often prove difficult for sufferers | | | | health food stores and high street chemists. Keep |
| to get adequate treatment from their GP or | | | | some in your bag or pocket if you suffer |
| physician. However, those people who experience | | | | frequent attacks. |
| the painful muscle spasms and pain associated | | | | Finding some suitable stress relieving activities or |
| with this condition would try to convince you | | | | exercise can be most beneficial for helping to |
| otherwise. | | | | improve the long-term health of fibromyalgia |
| Fibromyalgia is usually stress-related, and can be | | | | sufferers. Try taking up regular walking in the |
| brought on by cold, damp weather, and usually | | | | fresh air each lunchtime for a bit of stress-relief, |
| affects people from middle age onwards. | | | | and to stretch out your muscles. Especially good |
| Sufferers often sit for long periods in a cramped | | | | for people with desk-bound jobs! |
| position, such as at desks, or driving for long | | | | Most community swimming pools have early bird |
| periods of time. The condition seems to affect | | | | sessions, and you may find you can fit in a swim |
| people of a nervous, emotional, or anxious | | | | before work. Or if you have to be at work early, |
| disposition, or those suffering from excessive | | | | see if the pool runs evening swim sessions you |
| stress. | | | | could join after work. This would be great for |
| The symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary in | | | | winding down after a stressful day at work, and |
| intensity, with aches, pains and tenderness felt in | | | | will aid in restful sleep too. |
| the back mostly, but can affect other parts of | | | | Ever wanted to learn to dance? There is nothing |
| the body including shoulders, neck, chest, and | | | | better than learning a new skill, plus gaining all the |
| knees. The after effects of this condition can | | | | health benefits of regular exercise along the way. |
| make a sufferer feel completely exhausted, both | | | | Dance classes are also a great way of making |
| physically and mentally, but no relief is reached at | | | | new friends, who can also help you de-stress and |
| night as sleep is often restless, fitful, and very | | | | take your mind off your troubles for an evening. |
| disturbed. | | | | Check at your local community college to see |
| As for treatment, aromatherapy massage with | | | | what adult evening classes they run. You may find |
| lavender, chamomile and rosemary can be really | | | | taking up a new hobby, sport or craft can greatly |
| beneficial, both on body and mind. You can also | | | | relieve your stress, and could even lead to new |
| use lavender oil in a warm bath to help relief | | | | work opportunities that you may not have |
| stiffness and pain. | | | | considered before. Lots of people have changed |
| Symptoms of an attack can be reduced by | | | | careers as a result of experiencing new and more |
| taking Rescue Remedy flower essence. You can | | | | enjoyable skills learned at night school. |