Fibromyalgia is a chronic
condition literally meaning "muscle and connective
tissue pain". It’s more a syndrome which includes other symptoms as
fatigue (Generalized tiredness), sleep disturbance and joint
stiffness. Fibromyalgia is frequently associated with psychiatric
conditions such as depression and anxiety. Women are much more
likely to develop fibromyalgia than men in their mid-30s to late-50s.
Fibromyalgia is frequently co morbid with stress-related disorders such
as chronic fatigue syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder, irritable
bowel syndrome and depression.
Causes:
There is no clear defined
cause of fibromyalgia. But the following can be hypothecated as the risk
factors:
1. Stress is
considered as an important precipitating factor for fibromyalgia.
2. Poor
lifestyles as smoking and lack of physical activity.
3. Chronic
sleep disturbance.
4. Genetic
factor – There is a high aggregation of fibromyalgia in families.
3. Infections. Some
illnesses appear to trigger or aggravate fibromyalgia.
4. Physical
or emotional trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder has been linked to
fibromyalgia.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia can be
considered as a vāta vyādhi (diseases caused primarily by imbalance of
Vāta dosha), with Pitta and Kapha involvement. Vāta vyādhi’s are a group of 80
disease of chronic and unpredictable nature, difficult to cure, involving
primarily the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Primarily the
pathogenesis originates in the gastrointestinal tract then branches out to the
muscle tissues (mamsa dhatu). Rasa, Asthi and Majja Dhatus are also often
involved along with Mamsa.
Symptoms:
·Pain and Tenderness - The pain associated
with fibromyalgia often is described as a constant dull ache, the pain must
occur on both sides of the body. The pain is associated with tenderness commonly
located in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips called tender trigger points,
widespread in deep muscle. The tenderness is worse in the mornings and has been
described as flu-like, burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing nature.
·Fatigue - Feels tired always, wake up with
tiredness, even having slept for long periods of time. Sleep is often disrupted
by pain / restless legs syndrome / sleep apnea.
·Lack the ability to focus, pay
attention and concentrate.
·Other problems - Many people with
fibromyalgia may experience depression, headaches, and pain or cramping in the
lower abdomen.
Line of treatment:
Balancing the vata,
correcting Agni (digestive system and cellular metabolism - Dhatwagni),
strengthening the Dhatus.
Treatments:
The treatment
modalities includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications,
Activities, Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Virechana,
Basti, Nasya
Externally – Abhyanga,
Udwarthana, Shiro Dhara, Kashaya Seka, SSPS, Chandana Avagha, Sthanika Basti
Internally – Deepana -
Carminative
Pachana - Digestives
Vatanulomana – Balancing
vata
Rasayana - Rejuvinators
Activities:
Specific Asanas,
Panayamas, meditation
Physiotherapy, Aquayoga.
Food:
·
Improving on the intake of water preferably warm water and foods
which aids easy digestion.
·
Include fresh ginger tea as it a good digestive – carminative.
·
Timely regular wholesome meals in a conducible non disturbing
atmosphere.
Lifestyle changes:
specific to the individual’s constitution, nature of work and geographical
conditions.