Ayurvedic Treatment Of Fibromyalgia (cfs)
By Dr.Shashikant Patwardhan, Thu Dec 8th

Fibromyalgia is a recently recognized disorder that is regardedas a chronic condition associated with the experience ofnon-inflammatory pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments ,joints and fatigue. is a relatively commoncondition, estimated to affect about four percent of the generalpopulation. It is very similar to chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS); Only point of difference is presence of musculoskeletalpain in and that of fatigue in CFS. Low level ofSerotonin is considered to be most important biochemicalcriteria. The primary treatment goals should include raiseserotonin levels, improve sleep quality, and assure adequatemagnesium levels. Symptoms : Generalized aches or stiffness atmany sites for more than three months. Generalized fatigueChronic headache including migraines Sleep disorder,particularly timings of cycles Neuronal and psychologicalcomplaints 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 mainimbalance and Aggravated Vata destabilizes the nervous systemand can create hypersensitivity leading to pain and tenderness.Accumulation of Ama (toxins) and shrotorodha are alsocontributory factors. Ayurvedic Approach of and CFSTreatment 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 chronicstress should also be tackled. Panchakarma TherapyPre-purification Measures namely 'snehan' and 'swedan are veryuseful to balance 'Vata' and to loosen the toxins. Snehan is theHerbalized Oil Massage. This oil is applied to the entire bodywith a particular type of massage. Swedan is sudation orsweating and is given immediately following the snehan. Anherbal concoction may be added to the steam to furtherenhancement of effect. Daily herbalized oil massage alsoprovides a deeply soothing and balancing effect to the entirenervous system. The motion of massage creates heat and frictionwhich enhances circulation and helps cleanse the areas ofchemical impurities that could be aggravating andhypersensitizing nerve tissues. Diet and Nutrition

Following is the diet suggested for the patients suffering formFibromyalgia and CFS Vegetable juices and soups Coconut waterand Coconut milk Juice of carrot, Cucumber, Beetroot Cookedvegetables like squash, zucchini and pumpkin Spices like cumin,coriander, ginger asafetida, garlic, fennel and turmeric. Greensalad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt Khichadi(recipe made by cooking rice and mung dal, 1:1 or 1:2proportion)

The patient of and CFS should avoid the following:Eating hot, spicy and fried foods, sweets, foods like brinjal,cabbage, Cauliflower, spinach, broccoli, okra and potatoes. Toomuch tea, coffee, alcohol, white sugar, yogurt, chocolate,cocoa. Sleeping during the day and staying up late at nightMental tensions like worry, anxiety, fear, stress and grief.Yoga

for Stress Management and Improved Mental and EmotionalFunction:

It is well documented that is often worsened byheightened stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. There arehormonal changes and other biochemical responses to stress thatcan aggravate the nervous system, and the immune response. Thesleep disturbance that is often created by symptomsincreases fatigue which in turn increases one's susceptibilityto stress which in turn aggravates the condition.Meditation,Yoga, Pranayama and studying of spiritual philosophyare all recommended for supporting personal healing andrelaxation of the mind. Efforts should be made to increase theSattvic quality of mind. Yogasana : Various stretching exercisesare known to have a positive effect on fibromyalgia. Regularpracticing of sets of different postures are helpful in creatinga healthy flexibility throughout the body. Yogic breathingpractices will also create a state of restful alertness in mindand body. Progressive deep relaxation, i.e., shavasana (Corpseposture) brings about a relaxed state of mind which prepares theindividual for meditation. Lifestyle and Daily Routine One ofthe most important factors for balancing Vata and maintainingstability in the nervous system is to have a lifestyle that doesnot disturb natural bodily rhythms. When we eat, sleep andexercise in constantly fluctuating and disturbing patterns, thebody loses its natural balancing cycles. Therefore regularity inour daily routine can be extremely effective in reducing Vataimbalances. Ayurvedic Herbs: - Decoction of the roots of tenherbs (Dashamularishtam) should be given in the dose of 30 ml.,twice daily. - Daily use of the Ayurvedic compound 'Triphalachoorna' is recommended to cleanse the colon. - Half a teaspoonof turmeric powder with warm water helps to reduce pain andinflammation in Fibromyalgia. Dosage: twice a day - Garlic isuseful for detoxification and to enhance immune system function.- Guggul is a very helpful herb for relief of pain. - Licoriceroot supports the glandular system and acts in the body likecortisone, but without the harmful side-effects. Caution: Ifoverused, licorice can elevate blood pressure. Do not use thisherb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoidit if you have high blood pressure - Ginger Tea. Ginger is agood alternative to aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains.Steep 1 teaspoon of the grated root in 8 ounces of hot water for10 minutes. Strain. Add honey for taste, if you like.Alternatively, take 1 to 2 Grams of powdered ginger a day withfood. Generic preparations available in market such asDashamularishtam, Triphala guggul, Maharasnadi Kwath, VataVidhwans Rasa etc. can be taken under the guidance of aayurvedic physician.

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