11 Alternative Medicine Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia.
If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you might want to try out some alternative methods before turning to medication. There are many natural remedies for this condition, and this article will explore some of the most popular.
The majority of the 5 to 6 million Americans who suffer from fibromyalgia are female. The causes are still unknown, and it was only recently that the medical industry began to accept this as a real condition.
The Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
The hallmark symptoms of this ailment are extreme muscle 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 from 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 hydro baths or Jacuzzis can help with pain and relaxation.
Aromatherapy.
Several essential oils 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. 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. These can help calm and, in that calming, soothe the pain and help better deal with the emotional aspects of fibromyalgia as well.
Herbs and supplements.
Melatonin is.
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 if any, 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 can help with anxiety, insomnia, depression, and pain associated with fibromyalgia.
Magnesium.
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant that can prevent spasms of muscles.
Gingko biloba.
Ginkgo biloba is an herb that can help with fibromyalgia because it has antioxidant properties that help improve brain function and increase 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 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 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 a 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.
Bottom Line.
Using natural medicines, a proper diet, and exercise can all go a long way to helping people deal with fibromyalgia.
These 100% all-natural remedies for fibromyalgia have little or no side effects. They are safe and can go a long way towards bringing relief to the mind, body, and soul.
