Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic condition causing pervasive aches, pains and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Other physical symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, skin sensitivities, dry eyes and mouth and irritable bowel syndrome. Emotional or psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, memory impairment, insomnia and depression, can result from chronic pain and frustration in accessing treatment.
Causes
The cause of fibromyalgia remains unknown, though some evidence suggests that immune system compromise may be a factor. Other considerations and correlations noted in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies" are Epstein-Barr virus, candida, mercury poisoning, anemia, parasites, hypoglycemia and hypothyroidism.
Western medicine has made some advances in the recognition and treatment of fibromyalgia, yet traditional or naturopathic remedies have often been successful in not only providing reassurance and validation, but also in relieving symptoms.
Holistic Approach
Experts at the Mayo Clinic recommend a holistic approach. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding stress, changing sleep habits, regular exercise and reassessing nutritional intake, are critical in managing fibromyalgia. Alternative or complementary medicines for pain and stress reduction have become standardized care. Meditation and yoga, acupuncture, chiropractic care and massage therapy are all considered part of the "best practices" milieu.
Herbal supplements and homeopathic medicine have also been found to be effective in the treatment of fibromyalgia and, in many instances, have replaced the use of analgesics, beta blockers, antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications. Herbs, such as echinacea, enhance immune function while valerian root addresses anxiety and can improve sleep. Licorice root supports the glandular system but must also be avoided if a history of hypertension exists. As with all forms of treatment, a professional should be consulted before beginning any course of therapy or medication.
The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Department's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes homeopathy as a "whole medical system" developed over 200 years ago and practiced in the United States since the early nineteenth century. The principle of homeopathy is to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by ingesting very small doses of high diluted substances. Homeopathic remedies are prepared according guidelines similar to non-prescription, over-the-counter drugs and are further regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
A double blind study done by the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine concluded that individualized homeopathy has efficacy in treatment of fibromyalgia. Participants in the study showed significant improvements in tender point count, tender point pain, quality of life, global health, and less depression.
The most common homeopathic remedies for fibromyalgia are arnica for muscle trauma, rhus for stiffness, bryonia for hardness in muscle groups and headaches, casticum for soreness, weakness, or stiffness after exertion, gelsemium for lethargy, low-grade fever and/or flu like symptoms, cimicifuga for spasms and sensitivity, and hepricum (St. John's Wort) for nerve pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities and can also be beneficial in addressing secondary depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
Homeopathic medicine should be taken on a clean pallet and while on a course of treatment, strong flavors, such as mint, coffee, or camphor should be avoided. Once relief is attained, the remedied should be stopped. A homeopathic professional should reassess if symptoms return.
