While some conditions have a discernible origin, fibromyalgia does not. Generally speaking, this disease arises when sensory and biological pathways converge improperly. The ever-so-elusive cause of fibromyalgia is still unravelling in the light of new research.
Although the cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, it can be treated using conventional and homeopathic methods. Quite often, patients combine traditional therapies with alternative remedies for best results.
Most doctors prescribe a regimen of antidepressants, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and sleeping aids for fibromyalgia patients. Patients who safely combine these measures with homeopathic remedies may increase their overall wellness and capacity to cope with the condition as a whole. With this said, living with fibromyalgia necessitates far more than an artificial medley of medication.
But, what does “homeopathic” mean anyway? The term homeopathy implies a self-healing body with energetic pathways. And in the realm of homeopathic medicine, these pathways provide a natural means of healing and pain relief.
The following methods may be used as an alternative to conventional therapy:
- Exercise
- Massage
- Herbal Remedies
- Vitamins and Nutrients
- Acupuncture
- Melatonin Treatments
- Biofeedback
- Chiropractic Therapy
Exercise
Aerobic exercise is safely regarded as a potent remedy for fibromyalgia. While exercise is not an area of homeopathic medicine, it does serve an indispensable purpose for chronic pain sufferers. Exercise is a natural mode of regulating symptoms and catalyzing the induction of healing pathways.
Many concede that exercise is just as powerful as massage and acupuncture. Accordingly, aerobic exercise may increase range of motion, promote muscle building and recovery, stimulate circulation, and release endorphins, as well. Hence, every fibromyalgia patient should incorporate an exercise regimen into their daily routine.
Many fibromyalgia patients are wary of exercise because they fear the prospect of injury. Many feel imprisoned in a state of fatigue and muscular weakness. However, exercise can counteract these symptoms. It is recommended that fibromyalgia patients gradually increase the intensity and duration of their exercise over time.
Massage
Massage therapy is one of the most commonly used homeopathic treatments. While clinical studies cannot replicate the effects of massage in controlled environments, many people report the benefits of massage nonetheless. This remedy has been known to reduce muscle pain and stiffness. Deep tissue massage provides immense relief for sufferers of this condition. Essentially, it involves slow, deepened strokes, in which high levels of pressure are applied to the body. Deep tissue massage is designed to realign both muscles and connective tissues, as well. However, this type of massage may cause muscular pain and stiffness, which eventually subsides after 1-2 days.
Shiatsu massage is another commonly pursued treatment for fibromyalgia. This type of massage entails the use of pressure, stretching and circular motion. Many contend that it stimulates neural pathways in the central nervous system. Trigger point massage therapy helps remove compact, muscular fibers that produce knot-like bundles. These bundles/nodules cause tenderness and pain in some cases.
Herbal Remedies and Vitamins and Nutrients
Nature is brimming with natural herbs and remedies, which some patients use to their advantage. For instance, capsaicin is a pain relief chemical that occurs naturally in pepper plants. When capsaicin is applied generously to a painful area of the body, a chemical known as substance P mitigates the intensity of the pain. This chemical produces temporary relief for fibromyalgia symptoms.
Vitamin D and magnesium can reportedly improve muscle function, which resonates with many fibromyalgia sufferers. The most pervasive source of Vitamin D happens to be sunshine, and this alone can enhance muscle function. Furthermore, magnesium can be obtained through a variety of different food sources. Magnesium rich foods include leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, fish, beans, lentils, avocadoes, bananas, and dried fruit.
SAMe is a substance that is synthesized naturally in the human body, and its primary function is to fight pain. Not only does it stave off symptoms of depression, but it dissolves muscular cramping and discomfort. According to some studies, this chemical mitigates the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in the field of eastern medicine. This therapy predates many other modes of treatment, and it emerged from the field of Chinese medicine. Many acupuncture practitioners provide electroacupuncture therapy, in which needles transmit electrical pulses to the body. This has been said to alleviate pain on a short term basis.
Melatonin Treatment
In the world of chronic pain, sleep deprivation seems to ensue naturally. In the case of fibromyalgia, traditional sleeping pills rarely remedy the issue. However, melatonin therapy can normalize sleep cycles and combat insomnia. Melatonin is synthesized naturally in the body, but is often deficient in fibromyalgia sufferers.
By preventing these sleep disturbances, patients may improve their mental acuity and concentration levels, as well. Sleep deprivation causes cognitive deficits in otherwise healthy individuals. Sleep also promotes healing and muscle recovery, which combats painful symptoms in most cases.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is designed to fortify the mind-body connection. It enables the mind to regulate certain physiological events in the body, as well. Biofeedback has been known to control muscular tension, headaches, and temperature regulation.
During a biofeedback session, electrodes are first attached to the body. Then, signals are transmitted in the form of a visual or sound. In the final step of this process, the subject controls their bodily mechanisms by manipulating the outside stimulus. This translates to enhanced control over pain, tension, headaches and stiffness.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic medicine is an alternative means of combating pain in the human body. A chiropractor’s prime objective is to realign vertebrae for optimal pain relief. According to some studies, this homeopathic method safely eliminates pain for fibromyalgia patients.
Precautions
Before subscribing to a homeopathic treatment, consult with your physician first. This is especially crucial in the context of herbal remedies. Specific herbs are believed to interact adversely with fibromyalgia medications, which can prove hazardous to your health. Determine if these herbal supplements or remedies will increase the sedative effects or toxicity of a particular medication. Furthermore, it is not recommended that you replace conventional medicine with homeopathic remedies entirely.
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