| Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a complicated, | | | | be safe with FMS because there is no tissue |
| little-understood disorder, and therefore, there are | | | | damage involved. Studies have shown that some |
| no simple answers when it comes to treating and | | | | Fibromyalgia symptoms are substantially improved |
| dealing with it. Because it is often a rather loose | | | | with aerobic activity. |
| collection of symptoms, it frequently isn't even | | | | In Ayurveda, Fibromyalgia would likely correspond |
| diagnosed. | | | | with an excess of vata or air energy. Therefore, |
| Symptoms of Fibromyalgia can include aches and | | | | doing things to balance vata can be helpful. These |
| stiffness, widespread pain lasting for many | | | | would include staying calm and warm, avoiding |
| months, chronic headache, fatigue, swollen joints, | | | | cold foods, and avoiding raw foods. Warm foods |
| irritable bowel, sleep disturbance, numbness and | | | | and spices are thought to be good. Some vata |
| tingling, TMJ disorders, depression and anxiety, and | | | | balancing foods to consider would be chickpeas, |
| many others. | | | | avocados, grapes, cooked vegetables, and |
| While there are no simple, easy answers when it | | | | oatmeal. |
| comes to dealing with Fibromyalgia, there are | | | | Some people have found herbs to be beneficial in |
| many natural things that can help through trial and | | | | coping with FMS. Possible helpers include the |
| error. | | | | adaptogens such as rhodiola, ginseng, and licorice. |
| For example, Magnesium supplements can be | | | | Food allergies are thought to be a hidden culprit |
| beneficial in some cases. Research has shown that | | | | behind Fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that |
| many Fibromyalgia patients have very low | | | | when allergens are removed from the diet, some |
| magnesium levels. Although it doesn't work for | | | | FMS patients do improve. Common culprits can |
| everyone, some patients have experience | | | | include dairy, corn, wheat, soy, nuts, citrus, and |
| profound and dramatic improvements from it. | | | | sugar. Therefore it may be beneficial to use an |
| Magnesium needs to be used carefully because it | | | | elimination diet to determine if there are indeed |
| can cause diarrhea. | | | | any sensitivities. |
| Exercise is super important for those suffering | | | | Massage can also make a huge difference in FMS |
| from FMS. The irony is though that's usually the | | | | patients. Massage oxygenates the muscles and |
| last thing they want to do. When you are stiff, | | | | can increase flexibility. It can be particularly helpful |
| achy, and tired, exercise is not something that | | | | when herbal salves are used. Salves containing |
| usually comes to mind. That said, exercise is | | | | menthol are cooling and good for reducing |
| absolutely crucial. It works to loosen the stiffness, | | | | inflammation. And those containing Cayenne |
| and circulate blood to the joints and muscles | | | | extract can suppress pain. Care should taken |
| which helps to alleviate pain. Exercise is thought to | | | | when using Cayenne as it can irritate the skin. |