What
is Fibromyalgia (CFS) ?
Fibromyalgia
is a recently recognized disorder that is regarded as a chronic condition
associated with the experience of non-inflammatory pain and tenderness
in muscles, ligaments, joints and fatigue. Fibromyalgia is a relatively
common condition very similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) the
only point of difference is presence of musculoskeletal pain in Fibromyalgia
and that of fatigue in CFS. Low level of Serotonin is considered to
be most important biochemical criteria. The primary treatment goals
should include raise serotonin levels, improve sleep quality, and
assure adequate magnesium levels.
What
are the symptoms ?
- Generalized
aches or stiffness at many sites for more than three months.
- Generalized
fatigue
- Chronic
headache including migraines
- Sleep
disorder, particularly timings of cycles
- Neuronal
and psychological complaints
- Swelling
- Numbness/
tingling sensations
- Irritable
bowel syndrome
- Chronic
headaches and facial aching
- Hightened
sensivity
- Depression
irritable bladder
- Chest
pain
- Irritable
eyes
-
Painful menstruation
- Sensation
of swelling in limbs
- Feeling
of developing pelvic inflammatory disease
Causes
include –
- Chemical
changes in the brain
- Sleep
disturbances
- Injury
- Infection
- Abnormal
responses
- Altered
muscular metabolism
Complications
–
The
complications are primarily psychologicak and lead to signs of depression
and related mental disorders.
Diagnostic
tools –
No
diagnostic tool is specific to fibromyalgia and any diagnostic application
will not necessarily lead to its diagnosis. Its diagnosis is primarily
established by a careful history concentrating upon the life style
of the person and thereby assessing the strain (mental & physical)
one goes through in his routine.
The main criteria remains to be chronicity in this case.
Ayurvedic
View -
It
can be described as 'Mansa Dhatugat and Mansavrut Vata'. Fibromyalgia
may be perceived as a Vata imbalance. It is caused due to aggravation
of vata leading to neurological signs and symptoms.. Accumulation
of Ama (toxins) and shrotorodha are also contributory factors.
Ayurvedic
Approach of Fibromyalgia and CFS Treatment -
The
treatment concentrates on vata shaman and purification of the body
which is said to become impure due to accumulation of Ama ( toxins
).
Panchakarma
Therapy –
This
is the main physiotherepeautic process employed in this disorder.
Diet
and Nutrition -
The
best diet suited to patiets of fibromyalgia is -
- Vegetable
juices and soups.
- Coconut
water and Coconut milk.
- Juice
of carrot, Cucumber, Beetroot.
- Cooked
vegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin .
- Spices
like cumin, coriander, ginger asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric.
- Green
salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt.
- Khichadi
(recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal, 1:1 or 1:2 proportion)
The
patient of Fibromyalgia and/or CFS should avoid the following
- Eating
hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, foods like brinjal, cabbage,
Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes.
- Too
much tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate, cocoa.
Sleeping during the day and staying up late at night
- Mental
tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.
- Yoga
and a proper daily routine are the primary requisites of the patients
of this disorder so as to enable them to lead a healthy and a normal;
life style.
We
offer some classical Indian supportive remedies for this disease which
are supposed to be taken strictly under medical supervision. Kindly
Ask a Doctor
