Alternative Medicine Options For Fibromyalgia

November 11, 2016 taylorevance@gmail.com Comments 0 Comment

Fibromyalgia affects about 5 to 6 million Americans who are mostly female. The causes are still unknown and it was only recently that the medical industry has begun to accept this as a real condition.

The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

The hallmark symptoms of this ailment are extreme muscle and nerve pain, sleep problems and fatigue. Patients also experience emotional and mental problems as a result of the often debilitating pain and problematic sleep that can greatly lower the quality of life.

Since alternative therapies have seen such an increase in popularity in the last few years, Congress has created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) an organization that is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NCAAM helps to organize research and offer information to the public regarding alternative medicinal practices.

They are also responsible for creating safe guidelines for those seeking to complement their conventional medical treatment with more natural options.

There are many alternative options for treating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, which include the proper diet and engaging in regular exercise, both of which go a long way in helping those who suffer with this condition that involves so much pain.

Precautions And Safety

Before taking any herb or supplement for fibromyalgia, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects or herb-drug interactions.

Natural Alternative Medicine For Fibromyalgia

Massage

Massage is one alternative therapy for Fibromyalgia and can be really helpful.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is another option as the warm water and jets in hydrobaths or Jacuzzis can really help with pain and relaxation.

Aromatherapy

There are several essential oils that help with pain, calming, relaxation and sleep problems, including, Lavender and Chamomile. Engaging the services of an Aromatherapy specialist, such as, a holistic medical doctor or nurse is the best option, though many people use a home diffuser and learn the proper recipes for their healing goals.

Meditation and Relaxation

It is also wise to engage in regular meditation and relaxation exercises that can help calm and soothe the pain by simply eliciting the relaxation response in the body and support in dealing with the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia.

Herbs And Supplements

Melatonin

Melatonin is a natural hormone that can be purchased over the counter that has natural sleep inducing properties. Recent studies have shown that melatonin may be effective in treating fibromyalgia pain.

One of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia besides pain is sleep problems and exhaustion, and melatonin has been known to help.

It is safe and has few and usually no side effects for most people. The only precaution is that it does cause drowsiness and should not be used while driving.

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a building block of serotonin and its supplement can help those who suffer from Fibromyalgia.

Increased levels of the brain chemical serotonin are believed to play an important role in fibromyalgia pain, and levels of this brain chemical are associated with sleep and depression.

In a study published in the Alternative Medicine Review, scientists stated that the 5-HTP supplement could help with anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain associated with fibromyalgia.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that can prevent spams of muscle.

Gingko Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is an herb that can help with Fibromyalgia because it has antioxidant properties that help improve brain function and increases blood circulation.

Ginger

Ginger is used in alternative medicine for fibromyalgia mainly because it has anti-inflammatory properties that help to control pain and swelling.

Turmeric

Turmeric is another herb that can help fibromyalgia patients seeking alternative natural remedies because it is another antioxidant that helps to combat damage from free radicals. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can alleviate muscle inflammation and pain.

Olive Leaf

Olive leaf is yet another useful herb that is a good alternative medicine for fibromyalgia because it boosts the immune system and helps the symptoms of fatigue that are so prevalent in this condition.

Additionally, it can help lift the spirits and help patients feel better emotionally since for many the debilitating symptoms that are seen in fibromyalgia can cause depression.

L-Carnitine

While scientific research is still limited, there is promise that taking an L-carnitine supplement may provide some pain relief and treat other fibromyalgia symptoms.

A study into the effectiveness of L-carnitine in 102 fibromyalgia patients showed that symptoms in the group that took the supplement improved over the group that took a placebo.

This is promising news and research will continue to see if it can indeed become a go to alternative to treat the physical and mental symptoms of fibromyalgia.