Many people choose to forgo medications to treat fibromyalgia, preferring instead to use non-medicinal remedies and exercise to address symptoms of insomnia, fatigue and pain. Natural remedies offer many advantages, including less prominent side effects and (sometimes) lower costs. If you choose natural remedies, you should be aware that natural remedies may come with their own risks. Here are a few natural remedies that some have found helpful in fighting fibromyalgia.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. If you choose to go this route, buy them from a reputable source and be sure to let your health care provider know what you are taking, as some of these treatments can interact with other medications, causing unwanted side effects.
- Ginseng
- Often used to boost energy, and may also be used to boost immunity
- Skullcap
- Eases muscle spasms and tension, helps to induce sleep
- Valerian root
- Used to treat anxiety and in sleep disorders
- Cayenne
- Cayenne can be used in topical form (capsaicin) to reduce muscle pain and inflammation
- St. John’s wort
- Used as a natural treatment for depression (should never be taken with conventional antidepressants)
- Ginkgo biloba
- Improves circulation and brain function
- Willow bark
- Has anti-inflammatory properties, used as a natural painkiller
- Grape seed extract
- Anti-inflammatory
Massage
Massage therapy is a popular remedy to reduce pain. Massage relaxes muscles and soft tissue, increases circulation to tissues, promotes relaxation and relieves stress. Hot and cold therapy can also be included. Massage can be beneficial not only in reducing pain, but in decreasing insomnia as well. Massage provides a sense of well-being that many fibromyalgia sufferers appreciate. It is important to find a trained masseuse who has experience in treating patients with fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not new- it has been used in ancient cultures for centuries. It involves the placement of tiny needles in strategic and specific areas of the body to improve the flow of energy. The placement of the needles may not correspond to where the pain is occurring; this is normal. Studies have shown that fibromyalgia pain, fatigue and anxiety can be improved with acupuncture. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, except that instead of needles, pressure is applied to specific areas to relieve pain.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback involves training your body to recognize and control physical and emotional responses to stress. With use of specialized equipment, you can learn to control your body’s stress response. This may lead to a reduction in pain, fatigue and anxiety. It takes time to learn biofeedback techniques, but the results can be rewarding.
Meditation/Controlled Breathing
Whatever type of relaxation therapy you choose to perform, the benefits can include decreased pain, anxiety and depression, as well as an improvement in sleep patterns. Meditation has been proven to help fibromyalgia sufferers cope more effectively with the symptoms of their condition. Similar to the idea of controlled breathing during labor to reduce pain, meditation and breathing techniques can ease the aches and pains of fibromyalgia, both physical and mental.
These are only a few examples of natural remedies that can help to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. Choosing the right one for you may involve some trial and error, but the benefits may be worth it.
The Fibromyalgia Support Group at SupportGroups.com is for individuals, friends and families who are looking to connect during life's challenging times. Share experiences, evaluate information and get support during times of need, illness, treatment or recovery.
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