Ayurvedic Treatment of Fibromyalgia (CFS)Written by Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan
Fibromyalgia is a recently recognized disorder that is regarded as a chronic condition associated with 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 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 main imbalance and Aggravated Vata destabilizes 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 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 toxins. Snehan is Herbalized Oil Massage. This oil is applied to entire body with a particular type of massage. Swedan is sudation or sweating and is given immediately following snehan. An herbal concoction may be added to steam to further enhancement of effect. Daily herbalized oil massage also provides a deeply soothing and balancing effect to entire nervous system. The motion of massage creates heat and friction which enhances circulation and helps cleanse areas of chemical impurities that could be aggravating and hypersensitizing nerve tissues. Diet and NutritionFollowing is diet suggested for 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 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 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:
| | Help For Persistent Or Recurring SwellingWritten by Dr. Rita Louise
Like arteries, veins and capillaries that transport blood through our bodies, our bodies also contains an extensive drainage system that returns water and proteins from our tissues back to bloodstream. Called lymphatic system, it is part of our immune system and works to defend body from diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.The lymphatic system has two major functions. First, it works to regulate amount of fluids within our bodies. Secondly, it is responsible for “taking out trash”, that is collecting waste products, such as dead blood cells and pathogens from interstitial fluid (the fluid that fills spaces around cells) and filters it before returning it to bloodstream. The lymphatic system is made up of lymph vessels that carry lymph, a protein-rich fluid that is transported through lymph vessels, and lymph nodes which filter out germs and toxins. There are over 100 lymph nodes throughout body, with majority of them being located in neck, groin and armpits. Lymphatic vessels contain valves that prevent lymph from flowing backwards within system. Within lymphatic vessels, lymph is transported through vessels and moves via squeezing action of their neighboring skeletal muscles. When movement of lymph through body becomes impaired, it will leak out of lymphatic capillaries and cause surrounding tissues to swell. This condition is called lymphedema. Lymphedema occurs when amount of lymph fluid in body exceeds body’s ability to transport it. This causes lymph fluid to accumulate in tissues, where it causes swelling, particularly of arms and legs. There are two types of lymphedema. Doctors don’t know what causes Primary Lymphedema, but it can be present at birth, or can develop later on in life. Fortunately, this condition is rare. Secondary Lymphedema is a condition that is not often talked about, but often affects individuals who have undergone surgery, such as cancer surgery where lymph nodes are commonly removed. It can also affect individuals who have undergone radiation therapy, which can damage lymph nodes and cause scar tissue to form ultimately interfering with flow of lymph. It can also be experienced by individuals who have experienced a severe trauma or infection. In initial stages of this chronic condition, Lymphedema often begins with swelling in a hand or foot, particularly one closest to where surgery has occurred or radiation therapy has taken place. If left unchecked, protein-rich lymph can continue to accumulate, leading to increased swelling and a hardening of tissues. This increases your risk of developing an infection or may interfere or impair function of limb.
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