Fibromyalgia Natural Ayurveda Treatment or Management

Chronic muscle pain accompanied by lack of sleep and a consequent feeling of constant tiredness is often a sign of stress. However, it may be indicative of another lesser-known condition – fibromyalgia.

This syndrome affects muscles and the surrounding soft tissues and can be responsible for the unexplained feeling of muscle pain you experience for no specific reason.

Closely related to this is another disorder called chronic fatigue syndrome. Both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome can be highly debilitating because of the fatigue they cause, and this can interfere with a person’s lifestyle.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Many people observe that their symptoms peak at particular times of the day, such as early morning and evening. Some of the common symptoms of this condition may include:

• Chronic pain in the muscles or muscle spasms
• Low energy levels and fatigue ranging from moderate to severe
• Lack of refreshing sleep or insomnia
• Stiffness after being in a single position for long
• Chronic generalised aches all over or specific complaints such as headaches or migraine
• Fogginess of the mind, depression, problems with concentrating on simple mental tasks
• Sensitivity to noise, bright light, cold weather and strong smells
• Numbness or a tingling sensation in the legs, hands and face
• The feeling of swelling in the hands and feet when none exists

Ayurveda treatment or Management of Fibromyalgia symptoms or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Ayurveda suggests that fibromyalgia symptoms can be considered vata dosha imbalanced symptoms and maybe because of an improper functioning of the nerves (vyan Vata subtype dosha) that carry impulses to and from the muscles. Also, based on many Ayurveda texts, symptoms of this disorder are categorized under Vataja Jwara, which is due to an imbalance in Vata Dosha; when this advances, it begins to affect the deeper tissues and Ojas – the material power in the body that nourishes the higher consciousness, holding together the spirit, mind and body.

The nervous system is governed by the Vata dosha, and therefore, an imbalance in this dosha is responsible for fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Therefore, managing this condition in Ayurveda depends on correcting this Vata imbalance by ridding the body of the toxins and impurities that have built up within the tissues.

Traditional Herbal Remedies of Vata Jwara for Fibromyalgia symptoms or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

Ayurveda treatment may include:

1. At first, the body is supported to eliminate the unwanted stubborn byproducts in Panchakarma therapy.
2. Next, the body is urged towards a state of equilibrium of Doshas by using certain herbs, diet, and lifestyle that alleviate the symptoms.
3. Formulations made of traditional medicinal plants are used to strengthen Ojas or Immunity.

Natural Ayurveda Panchakarma Management for Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms

Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies such as Abhayanga and Shirodhara combine massage therapy with the medicinal effects of specially formulated oils and have been found beneficial in reducing the painful symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Shashti Shali Pinda Swedana for Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms

Some neurological ailments may respond well to this unique form of Ayurveda therapy called Shasti Shali Pinda Swedana. The word “Shasti” refers to the rice made to grow in 60 days, and swedana is a therapy that induces perspiration.

Thus, this is a process in which the affected part is treated by applying medicated boluses made by combining rice with different medicinal herbs tied in a cloth bag; when this method is used, it induces perspiration that helps to rid the body of toxins.

Traditional Herbs to Manage Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia Symptoms with Natural Remedies

Herbs that help to detoxify the body, eliminate vata dosha and remove excess pitta are said to be good for fibromyalgia. Amla fruit (Emblica officinalis) is a classic example of such a herb, and it is a part of ancient formulations such as Chyavanprash and Triphala that may be recommended.

• Amla: It is well known for being one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C; however, it also contains other ingredients – tannins such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, phyllanemblin, and flavonoids.
  Amla has the unique property among Ayurvedic herbs of balancing all three Doshas. Therefore, it has been traditionally considered an important herb in treating debilitating disorders such as f Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms. Other herbs that may help with fibromyalgia include turmeric (Curcuma longa), garlic (Allium sativum), guggul (Commiphora mukul) and ginger (Zingiber officinale).

• Turmeric: Contains curcumin that has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, and may be used as a remedy against the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia.
   
• Garlic: It may help to detoxify the body from the toxins that have accumulated and led to the symptoms of this condition. Besides, it also helps to strengthen the immune system and, therefore, has rejuvenating properties.
   
• Guggul and Ginger: Contain volatile oil made up of phytoconstituents with marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Yoga for Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms

People with this chronic disease must battle a lot of pain and tension in different body parts. Certain yoga asanas (yoga postures) can help to keep the muscles supple and reduce pain and stress.

For example, Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose) helps keep the spine strong and pain-free. Garudasana (Eagle Pose) helps to stretch the muscles in the upper back, and Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) opens the chest and extends the back. Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) helps to keep anxiety in check.

 Diets for Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms

In Ayurveda, our food is important in maintaining the balance of the 3 Doshas. Therefore, when managing fibromyalgia symptoms, the Ayurvedic practitioner also advises about the types of food to be eaten and those to be avoided. Here are a few guidelines about what to eat during fibromyalgia:

• Beetroot, cucumber and carrot juice
• Vegetable soup
• Spices such as ginger, coriander, cumin and asafetida
• Coconut milk and coconut water
• Green salads with salt and lemon juice dressing

Foods to be avoided in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia include:

• Fried, spicy and hot foods
• Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, okra, spinach and potato
• Yoghurt
• Excess beverages such as coffee, tea and alcohol

Ayurveda Lifestyle for Vata Jwara or Fibromyalgia symptoms

The symptoms of fibromyalgia get aggravated at times when people are under stress. Therefore, learning to remain calm is important to treat this condition. Avoiding mental tension and setting up a regular sleeping pattern without sleeping during the day are important measures to help recover from fibromyalgia better.

Practices such as pranayama, yoga and meditation can help deal with fibromyalgia symptoms. These practices also help to calm the mind, relieve anxiety and prevent mental fatigue.

While this is a general explanation of fibromyalgia and its treatment as per Ayurvedic concepts, the fact remains that Ayurveda provides a treatment method tailored to an individual’s specific constitution.

Depending on the specific symptoms of fibromyalgia that you experience and your body type, an Ayurveda doctor will be able to get an idea of the Ayurvedic imbalance of your problem. Using this information, he or she will design a therapy protocol that is tailor-made to suit your particular constitution and aim to help you get relief from the pain and discomfort of fibromyalgia.

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini, in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic". People who can't reach us personally may choose online Ayurveda consultation.