Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia

ABSTRACT

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition of the body's musculoskeletal system. Some people define pain as burning pain and needle-pricking pain in the whole body. Fibromyalgia has disability ratings up to 40%. The average range in Fibromyalgia diagnosed is 30 to 45 years. Fibromyalgia mainly occurs in females.  People may have pain in their muscles from the very beginning but mostly they ignore these symptoms. This can adversely affect the condition later in life. Ayurveda modalities can arrest the progression of pain and other symptoms very effectively which are discussed in this article. Also in this article, we will discuss possible causes and various symptoms of this disease.

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia also called Fibromyalgia Syndrome is defined as widespread pain and tenderness in the body's muscles. It can also cause cognitive issues. The pain is triggered by physical stress. Also, it can trigger emotional stress. The Social Security Administration has established rules and has assured that Fibromyalgia can cause disabilities. It can also occur along with other joint and muscle conditions such as Rheumatoid arthritis and ocular symptoms such as dry eye, visual disturbance, and corneal sensitivity. The symptoms may be worse in cold weather. Fibromyalgia may impact the quality of life of the person.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

Pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Imbalanced Vata leads to pain in the body. The imbalance is due to improper lifestyle and diet. The continuation of Virudh diet and lifestyle will further worsen the symptoms. Ignoring the aggravation of dosha. And not trying to pacify the dosha, along with continued practice of Vataj aahar and vihar leads to chronic pain and other many disabilities in the body.

CAUSES

Since the cause of Fibromyalgia is unclear, it is assumed to occur due to the following reasons-

• Serious past injuries
• Physical and emotional stress
• Genetic causes
• Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis
• Central nervous system issues

SYMPTOMS

Pain is the main symptom of Fibromyalgia, other associated symptoms found in the patients are as follows-

• Muscle pain (full body muscle pain)
• Muscles fatigue
• Pain and stiffness in the body
• Weakness
• Cognitive difficulties
• Altered sleep
• Memory defects
• Mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety

In Severe Cases, It Might Also Cause:-

• Tooth decay
• Hair loss
• Eyesight loss
• Light sensitivity
• Pelvic and urinary problems
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in sitting and standing

DIAGNOSIS

There is no specific test that can rule out Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can occur due to rheumatoid arthritis. The tests can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. But there are no adequate diagnostic criteria for confirming Fibromyalgia.

• Medical history is taken
• Full physical examination
• MRI
• X-ray
• 18 point test

American College of Rheumatology has laid three criteria for confirming Fibromyalgia:-

1. Pain, sleep, cognitive issues, fatigue-like symptoms in the previous week.
2. Symptoms present from the last three months.
3. No presence of other health conditions with the same symptoms.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

The proper evaluation must be done to differentiate Fibromyalgia from other disorders with similar symptoms such as-

• Lower back pain
• Gout
• Sprains
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Muscles Strain
• Myasthenia Gravis

TREATMENT OF FIBROMYALGIA

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but can be managed with a few medications that can help to control the symptoms from getting worse.

• Analgesics (painkillers)
• Muscle relaxants
• Multivitamins
• Medications to manage fatigue
• Laser photo biomodular therapy

Ayurveda treatment includes therapies and medications for better and fast recovery. Both these modalities are used effectively in various cases along with dietary and lifestyle modifications.

• Therapies-
1. Abhyanga - Body massage with medicated oils according to the dosha, individual prakriti, and disease extent is prescribed. Abhyang is indicated only by the ayurvedic Doctor after observing the health condition of the patient
2. Potli Massage therapy - Dry or Oil dipped potli is used in fibromyalgia. Again this therapy is performed after the consent of an ayurvedic Doctor. The type and duration of therapy are assured based on the various aspects.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR FIBROMYALGIA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Along with these therapies, these herbal medicines for fibromyalgia are prescribed for the best results. Planet Ayurveda Fibromyalgia Care Pack for fibromyalgia is one of the most popular and practical options for recovery. Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company of herbal medicines in India. It has been preparing several herbal medicines that are successfully treating several diseases worldwide. Their preparations are 100% pure and also free from any kind of preservatives. Fibromyalgia Care Pack is one of their herbal formulations which is non-invasive and chemical-free. It restores the imbalance of doshas and helps the body to recover. Planet Ayurveda's Fibromyalgia Care Pack for the management of Fibromyalgia includes:-

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Joint Aid Plus
2. Aamvatantak Churna
3. Stress Support
4. Boswellia Curcumin
5. Shatavari Ghrit

Fibromyalgia Care Pack

INGREDIENTS DESCRIPTION

1. Joint Aid Plus

This combination is prepared with herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Adrak (Zingiber officinalis), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). It aids the joints and provides strength to the muscles and joints. This is helpful in all joints and muscles related conditions. They will strengthen the muscles and reduces fatigue, weakness, stiffness, and pain in the muscles. Consuming capsules regularly will show effective results in fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

2. Aamvatantak Churna

This classical preparation is composed of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. The churna will eliminate aam (toxins) from the body along with balancing Vata dosha disturbance. This will maintain gut health and will not let the doshas aggravate which will ultimately reduce symptoms and improve the condition of fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.

3. Stress Support

This polyherbal support system is prepared from the standard extracts of the herbs - Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagara (Valeriana wallichii), and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These herbs help to relieve stress and depressive mood. . It also improves the thinking of the person by enhancing memory. These capsules help to increase concentration and reduce headaches. These capsules act on brain cells and will reduce symptoms of anxiety, depressive mood, and sleeping problems that occur due to fibromyalgia.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.

4. Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are a combination of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and act as antioxidants. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling. These capsules help maintain healthy blood composition and will improve blood circulation in the whole body which promotes joint, brain, and muscle health.

Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.

5. Shatavari Ghrit

The ghrit is made from herbs such as Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Kshir kakoli (Lilium polyphyllum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Meda (Polygonatum cirrhifolium), Munaka (Vitis vinifera), etc.  It is considered a health tonic to improve vitality. Consuming ghrit will give strength to your muscles and will surely ease the symptoms of muscle fatigue, weakness, pain, etc. Also, the ghrit will balance tridoshas and hormones in the body so will improve the condition of the person by relieving emotional and physical stress (by easing muscle fatigue and weakness).

Dosage - 1/2 teaspoon twice daily with warm water.

CONCLUSION

Fibromyalgia is a health condition with sensitivity and pain. The pain is constant but worsens over time. So you need to overcome this pain without further side effects. This is possible with Ayurveda. Do not ignore your pain and do not get delayed for the treatment. Contact us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com for any query and information.