Ayurvedic Treatment of Fibromyalgia (CFS)
By: Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan

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 hypersensitizing 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.
- Daily 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
powdered 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.

About the Author

He is a chief editor and Ayurvedic Consultant of a 'Comprehensive website on Ayurveda
- http://www.ayurveda-foryou.com

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