Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Treatment of 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, estimated to affect  about four percent of the general population. It is very similar to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS); 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.

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

Ayurvedic View

It can be described as 'Mansa Dhatugat and Mansavrut Vata'.  Fibromyalgia is perceived as a Vata imbalance. Vata is the main imbalance and aggravated Vata destabilizes the nervous system and can create hypersensitivity leading to pain and tenderness. Accumulation of Ama (toxins) and shrotorodha are also contributory factors.

Ayurvedic Approach of Fibromyalgia and CFS Treatment

The aggravation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxins) are the primary causes and should be treated mainly. Associated weak digestion, constipation, and effects of chronic stress should also be tackled.

Panchakarma Therapy

Pre-purification Measures namely 'snehan' and 'swedan' are very useful to balance 'Vata' and to loosen the toxins. Snehan is the Herbalized Oil Massage. This oil is applied to the entire body with a particular type of massage. Swedan is sudation or sweating and is given immediately following the snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to the steam to further enhancement of effect. Daily herbalized oil massage also provides a deeply soothing and balancing  effect to the entire nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat  and friction which enhances circulation and helps cleanse the areas of  chemical impurities that could be aggravating and hyper-sensitizing nerve tissues.

Diet and Nutrition

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering form Fibromyalgia and CFS

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 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 for Stress Management and Improved Mental and Emotional Function

It is well documented that fibromyalgia is often worsened by heightened stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. There are hormonal changes and other biochemical responses to stress that can aggravate the nervous system, and the immune response. The sleep disturbance that is often created by fibromyalgia symptoms increases fatigue which in turn increases one's susceptibility to stress which in turn aggravates the fibromyalgia condition.

Meditation,Yoga, Pranayama and studying of spiritual philosophy are all recommended for supporting personal healing and relaxation of the mind. Efforts should be made to increase the Sattvic quality of mind.

Yogasana

Various stretching exercises are known to have a positive effect on fibromyalgia. Regular practicing of sets of different postures are helpful in creating a healthy flexibility throughout the body. Yogic breathing practices will also create a state of restful alertness in mind and body. Progressive deep relaxation, i.e., shavasana (Corpse posture) brings about a relaxed state of mind which prepares the individual for meditation.

Lifestyle and Daily Routine

One of the most important factors for balancing Vata and maintaining stability in the nervous system is to have a lifestyle that does not disturb natural bodily rhythms. When we eat, sleep and exercise in constantly fluctuating and disturbing patterns, the body loses its natural balancing cycles. Therefore regularity in our daily routine can be extremely effective in reducing Vata imbalances.

Ayurvedic Herbs

  • Decoction of the roots of ten herbs (Dashamularishtam) should be given in
    the dose of 30 ml., twice daily.
  • DaiDaily use of the Ayurvedic compound 'Triphala choorna' is recommended
    to cleanse the colon.
  • Half a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm water helps to reduce pain
    and inflammation in Fibromyalgia. Dosage: twice a day
  • Garlic is useful for detoxification and to enhance immune system function.
  • Guggul is a very helpful herb for relief of pain.
  • Licorice root supports the glandular system and acts in the body like cortisone, but without the harmful side-effects. Caution: If overused, licorice can elevate
    blood pressure. Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven
    days in a row. Avoid it if you have high blood pressure
  • Ginger Tea. Ginger is a good alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and
    pains. Steep 1 teaspoon of the grated root in 8 ounces of hot water for 10 minutes.
    Strain. Add honey for taste, if you like. Alternatively, take 1 to 2 Grams of
    powpowdered ginger a day with food.

Generic preparations available in market such as Dashamularishtam, Triphala guggul, Maharasnadi Kwath, Vata Vidhwans Rasa etc. can be taken under the guidance of a ayurvedic physician.  

Disclaimer: 
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.   

18-Jul-2004

More by :  Dr. Shashikant Patwardhan


Top | Ayurveda

Views: 3488      Comments: 17



Comment dear sir,
what do you mean by fibromalgia ,has its life expectancy for old person over 85 i do not think it is deadly but its pains are out of endurance with no part untouched now coronovirus i cannot come to you pl. say if this disease cured
regards

badri rimal
02-Oct-2020 21:26 PM

Comment
I am suffering from Fibromyalgia since past 2 years. I am 44 years male and also have DM2 and HT.

I have taken help of Rhematologist , They gave me Dulane 20, Tryptomer etc. No help found after taking these medications. Also have consulted MD Medicine but the symptoms never got reduced. They asked me to consult psychiatrist and he gave me prothiaden 25, mitraz 7.5 and frisium 0.5. My sleep pattern got altered so he also gave me Spectra 25. No effect and everything in vain.

Anil Suryawanshi
06-Jul-2020 23:48 PM

Comment Marie this is for you .take a trip to India for respite and relief.as yet no cure found generally but each patient is different and you could get leads from goggle of places to visit .

Renu Lal
13-Feb-2020 04:22 AM

Comment Hi, I have diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 7 months back but I have pains for more than 15 months now. it all stated after giving birth to my second son. I have pain in neck, shoulder, spine, legs and feet, hands. Its horrible. tried so many therapies. everything for just few minutes of relief. I am so depressed and sometime have negative thought as I am not able to take care of kids. it all feels worthless.

Can you tell me a place in India that understands the condition and provides effective tretement?

Help will be very much appreciated.

shweta

Shweta
29-Jun-2016 12:23 PM

Comment my dad is suffering form fibromyalgia from last 3 years. in the starting the pain was in the beariable condition now the pain is untorrable.. all the pain relieves has also stop working now.... he is having pain in the neck, shoulder and the back muscles..... i have visited all the doctors of delhi but no ones medicine gives me relief..... plz plz tell me any best treatment plz.....

kajal aggarwal
14-Nov-2015 06:57 AM

Comment Please let me know if you have a clinic in Secunderabad for sustained fibromyalgia treatment.
I live near Sainikpuri in North East Hyderabad
R.Gopalaswami
93 4751 0948
040-27112905

R Gopalaswami
11-Oct-2015 22:58 PM

Comment I am writing to you to ask for your advice on finding an Ayurvedic treatment Center in India. I will be spending several months Jan-March 2016 in India and then going to Sikkim to Study at a monastery April and May.

I’m a 56 year old female and have struggled with Fibromyalgia for the past 7 years. I have been working with a Ayurvedic doctor here and also do Qi Gong yoga practice 4 time a week. Still I have so much pain and related health issues.

I want to find a place in India were I can go to get very focused and excellent treatment to see if it can help me. It is so difficult to understand which places are more like a Spa and which are really serious treatment centers. Then there is the issue if the Doctor has experience working with Fibromyalgia.

I wanted a place where I can live an stay and take multiple treatments including yoga and diet so just renting a room and finding a doctor is not such a good option.

I looked most seriously at Ayurvedic Nature Health Center in Goa http://www.healthandayurveda.com and Ayurveda Retreat in Coonoor http://www.ayurveda.org/index.aspx

Can you offer me any help or advice.

Thanks for your time and consideration

Debra

Debra Kreisberg
07-Sep-2015 13:02 PM

Comment to m.a. subbaramann- I'm sorry you are not well...I've tried many many therapies through the past 24yrs. and the best for me has been ayur-veda but, especially...a programme for the use of "guaifenisen" Check out the website of Dr.R.Paul St. Armand- Fibromyalgia Treatment Center...I'ts worth a try! There is nothing worse than chronic debilitating pain. all the best! namaste!

buddy
30-Jun-2015 01:46 AM

Comment I am 69 yrs old male,suffering from Fibromyalgia since October,2012.From February,2014 the pain has increased and has become permanent .I have consulted many doctors.Three of them , including eminent neurologists in Mumbai have confirmed Fibromyalgia after ruling out all other diseases. Rhumatologist,Orthopedic etc say that it is not FM on the first visit. Subsequently they also say it is a type of Myalgia. Allopathic medicines did not give any relief at all. Tried Chiropractic treatment for 21 days , without result.Ayurvedic massage, Homeopathic treatment , Physiotheraphy,etc.did not give any relief at all.My symptoms are:

Pain/Ache in 4 limbs, shoulder,neck etc.
Even after getting up from sleep. feels tired & sleepy
Good Appetite
Co - ordination problem
Difficult to remember recent things
Problem in walking & using hands freely.
Always tension & anxiety.
Very unfortunate that there is no remedy for this bad disease .As days pass, the intensity of pain increases. If any one has been cured from Fibromyalgia, their feed back will be appreciated.
M.A.Subbaramann
Mumbai. 14/06/2015.


M.A.Subbaraman
14-Jun-2015 08:59 AM

Comment mujhe 5 mahinese yeh peeda kaise jaldi thik ho sakti hai kya koi bata sakta hai
HINDI bhaha main.
11/5/2015

A Deshmukh
11-May-2015 03:41 AM

Comment I had this kind of issue 6 years back and i tried all the treatment but only cure i found was thru confidence and yoga.

So far there is no permanent cure for FIBROMYALGIA, even in allopathy or auyurvedic or homeopathy,

Kindly stop wasting money by trusting bull shit doctors around you, Please start with excersises(intial will be painfull) and change the life style.

Shaila D
17-Oct-2013 01:47 AM

Comment 1. Weakness (like chronic fatigue syndrome)
2. Loss of weight
3. Short Memory loss
4. Too much of appetite
5. No concentration on work (not able to do the daily routine work, I have resigned a job in UAE one year before).
6. Sleeplessness (only I can sleep 2/3 hours in the night)
7. Severe pain/burning sensation on my both leg)
8. Muscle pain/muscle loose
9. Strain on eyes (i feel when I see the things around me like 500 years back),
10. No freshness, mood
11. Always have the tendency to sleep.

Consulted various physicians also, they conducted various test and nothing can be found out on me. But my condition is deteriorating day by day. (due to muscle loose and my brain is not in a concentrated state I am unable to walk and work).

Can you give some advice if found fit i am in Payyanur.

Mohanan
0091-7403864710

mohanan padachery
20-May-2013 08:03 AM

Comment I have fibromayalgia since last two years. I tried physiotherapy, chiropractor, massage and everything but no luck. I am taking cymbalta and lyrica with no luck. Want to plan for baby but can't do it since I am in so much pain and not ready because of the pain.my hole life has affected because of this. Can anyone suggest me the natural ( Ayurvedic treatment ) for this in India? Can you pls let me know where is the best treatment center for fibromayalgia in India???

Binal
25-Mar-2013 03:00 AM

Comment Hello I am a fibro sufferer now 15yrs.

I take cymbalata but after some relief for the last 2 years the symptoms are back. I have tried soo many therapies and doctors and all that has helped is deep tisue massage for the muscle spasm huge knots in the shulders and extreme headache.

I am free on holiday next summer for 2 months and woould like to dedicate time to try treatments wonce more. I would also consider attending a centre in India if t all possible.


many thanks forany information you can provide


marie

Marie Kelly
24-Aug-2012 11:59 AM

Comment I am male,age 30 years. Recently i am diagnosed with fibromyalgia. May i know what are the ayurvedic centers availbale in hyderabad to treat fibromyalgia?

ANIL
27-Jun-2012 02:48 AM

Comment I have been diagonsed as generalized fibromyalgia during last month 20/9/11.Doctor prescribed DULANE20mg for 6week.this drug not reducing pain. Iam a DENTIST NOT CAPABLE OF DOING FORECEFUL WORK LIKE TEEH REMOVEL ,ROOTCANAL TREATMENT ,leads to pain &ache in hand&all over body. I had RHEUMATIC FEVER DURING 2002 WAS TREATED by penidura (penicilllin 12 lakhsfor 5 years &cured.After R.FEVER CURED ,I HAVE been diagnosed as FIBROMYALGIA.CAN U CURE this diseases by ayurveda,will i get any allergies&cold.where iget ayurveda treament in bangalore& Email us about fees.I HAVE BEEN HAVING PAIN for 3.6 years.

Dr.raghavendra
28-Oct-2011 08:50 AM

Comment I have been having similar problems for the last 5 years, was never diagnosed for fibromyalgia. I have gone through a set of routine tests which have always been found to be normal. When I go for natural treatments like oil massages and hot and cold baths I tend to get allergies and severe cold. Can all these be related. Bones in the whole body ache. There seems to be no problem with the bones either.

Kirti
04-Sep-2011 22:04 PM




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