Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating syndrome that occurs predominantly in women of all ages and backgrounds. Here are just some of the many symptoms

• Widespread Muscular Pain
• Overwhelming Fatigue
• Unrefreshing Sleep
• Depression & Anxiety
• Poor Memory & Concentration

Pain is the predominant symptom of fibromyalgia, with severity ranging from a mild ache to a stabbing or burning in the muscles.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a Neuro-Endocrine Immune Disease. It involves neurotransmitter and hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders and the development of a predictable pattern of tender points in the muscles and other soft tissues. It is not known why people develop fibromyalgia.  However, its onset can be triggered by a traumatic event, illness, hormonal changes, chemical sensitivities or a rheumatic illness. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed when other diseases have been ruled out, and when 11 active tender points are found distributed among all quadrants of the body, along with fatigue, morning stiffness, and poor quality sleep. These specific points of tenderness can occur all over the body but they are most numerous around the shoulders, chest, neck, elbow, hip and knee.

Holistic Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia

Treatment for fibromyalgia depends on the individual's set of symptoms, but often takes a holistic approach. Herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation and massage can greatly improve symptoms of pain, fatigue and depression. Depending on the factors at play for the individual, strategies may involve stress reduction, exercise, improved nutrition, massage, hormonal balance and pain relief.

Supplements that can help fibromyalgia sufferers include:

• Magnesium Needed for tired and painful muscles

• Turmeric Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory

• Withania Herb Tonic Immune balancer Improves quality of sleep

How can Massage Therapy help?

Massage therapy can effectively reduce the pain, stiffness, and tenderness caused by fibromyalgia syndrome, if done on a regular basis. It is theorised that massage therapy actually enhances the production of certain pain blockers, including endorphins and serotonin. These hormones work to counteract pain signals conducted by the brain.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia Sufferers

Massage therapy is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. Massage therapy benefits include:

• increased blood circulation to the muscles, allowing for faster muscle repair
• increased flexibility
• increased range of motion
• decreased stress and depression
• reduced pain
• reduced stiffness
• improved sleep patterns

In a 1996 study, fibromyalgia sufferers reported a 38% decrease in pain symptoms after receiving just ten, 30 minute massage sessions. They also reported a significant decrease in their sleep difficulties: they began sleeping for longer periods at a time and were disturbed less by sleep disorders. There are two types of massage that you may find beneficial for relieving your fibromyalgia pain.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is one of the most popular forms of massage. The Swedish massage technique is designed to increase the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the muscles. This helps to flush out toxins and improve the flexibility and health of your muscles. Swedish massage is characterized by long, gliding movements, which involve stroking the body with the thumbs, fingertips, and palms. It is a very relaxing and healing massage.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release techniques help to relieve stiffness and tightness in your body’s fascia, caused by myofascial pain. The fascia is a thin layer of tissue that covers all of your muscles and organs. In fibromyalgia, sometimes the fascia can become extremely short and tense, resulting in pain. Myofascial release therapy uses stretching techniques to relieve this pain. The therapist first locates an area of tightness on your body. Then gradually stretches this area, holds the stretch, and then allows the fascia to relax. The process is repeated until the fascia is completely relaxed. Yasmin Issa is a degree qualified Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist as well as holding diplomas in Remedial Massage and Aromatherapy. Her in depth understanding of how mind and body work together gives her a unique insight into the treament of Fibromyalgia. Learn more about Yasmin here and see her at the Mr Vitamins store to arrange a consultation and treatment.