Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder with symptoms that include fatigue, memory and mood issues, and problems sleeping. But the main symptom is widespread musculoskeletal pain that is believed to be caused by amplified pain signals in the brain.

It is characterized by areas called tender points. This means that additional pain is experienced when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of the body that include:

  • Back of the head
  • Between shoulder blades
  • Top of shoulders
  • Front sides of neck
  • Upper chest
  • Outer elbows
  • Upper hips
  • Sides of hips
  • Inner knees

Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. Those suffering from it commonly have other medical problems that include tension headaches, TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and depression.

Natural Remedies for Fibromyalgia:

Self-care:

One of the best natural home remedies is to make sure you take good care of yourself. This is critical in managing not only fibromyalgia symptoms like pain and fatigue, but it also helps you heal just a little for tomorrow.

  • You take care of yourself by getting plenty of sleep. This is really important because fatigue is not only one of the main symptoms, but it also can bring on the disease. If you have this disorder it is essential to practice good sleeping patterns, which can translate to going to bed and getting up at nearly the same time every day.
  • Taking care of yourself also means eating right and making sure you get regular exercise. In the beginning exercise can increase your pain, but as you consistently do a little bit each day and gradually increase your daily workout, and then you will find that exercise should help decrease your symptoms.
  • Your exercise regime might include swimming walking, bike riding, or any type of water aerobics. It might be useful to speak to a physical therapist and have them work out a specific home exercise program that includes daily stretching and relaxation exercises.
  • The last item on your self care list is to reduce stress. It helps to develop a plan to limit the amount of times that you overexert yourself. This could mean staying up late, etc. You might have to relax, limit your caffeine amount, and just take some time to breathe and enjoy life.

St John’s Wort:

This herb in tincture form is often used as a topical remedy for nerve pain. As such St John’s Wort is very helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia. You massage in as much of the tincture as you need to use. If you purchase the tincture in a health food store, look for one that is a deep blood red, and that doesn’t contain any food coloring. Because St John’s Wort is red in color, the better quality the tincture, the redder in color it will be and the more effective it will be in helping you fight pain.

You can also make your own St John’s Wort Fibromyalgia Oil. This oil can be used to fight the pain in localized areas. This oil will also help stimulate blood flow and help in healing. It is useful for more than fibromyalgia pain. It also helps with any injury near the surface, including any injury to skin, bone, or joint.

St. John's Wort Fibromyalgia Oil:

  • 4 oz of wintergreen oil
  • 4 oz of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 oz of peppermint oil (peppermint-based menthol crystals will work too)
  • ½ cup of dried arnica flowers
  • ½ cup of dried St John’s Wort flowers
  • ½ cup of dried marigold flowers
  • ¼ cup of powdered cayenne pepper
  • ¼ cup of dried, grated ginger root

Place the above ingredients into a jar with a lid. Let them soak for a minimum of two weeks. Three to four months is better. You might consider making several batches for use right away and in the coming months. Shake the jar frequently while it is soaking or before use.

Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy can help you relax, and get the blood flowing throughout your body’s muscles and soft tissues. Massage can help sufferers improve their range of motion and it also helps the body produce natural painkillers.

Yoga or Tai Chi:

These regimes if practiced regularly can help keep your body limber and relaxed. Both combine slow movements, deep breathing, relaxation, and light meditation that have been found very therapeutic in controlling fibromyalgia symptoms.