ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS:
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is always there. However, a flare-up can be triggered by infection, mental or physical stress, too much exercise, pregnancy, a motor vehicle accident, and even changes in the weather. When pain gets to be too much, try soaking in a tub of warm to hot water (a spar bath is lovely and relaxing) and both alternatives will help to reduce the pain. However, where possible avoid completely giving up the exercise, as you may find that you feel even worse the next day.
Do Not Mope About... Exercise, such as walking, gentle aerobics, swimming, etc. This will improve your blood flow and the oxygen to your muscles, which will help to prevent muscle pain. Remember, that with any form of exercise you need to do Warming Up and Cooling Down exercises to prevent muscle cramps. Set your self a target each day, but do not over do it...
Here is a list of Beneficial Herbs/Natural Remedies that you may find helps. Please remember. Before taking any Alternative/Natural Remedies to check with your Medical Practitioner first. This is because in some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications, and these interactions can be dangerous. Herbal Remedies are Not regulated nor their quality controlled, and despite many information resources circulating on herbs and their benefits, there is much to be scientifically proven. It is vitally important that you tell your doctor or pharmacist of any natural treatments you are taking, just like it is telling them about the conventional medications you use. These people are there to help and advise on what treatments are best used, especially when mixing medications.
Glucosamine Hi-Strength with Chondroitin: This is something I have used and have found to be fairly beneficial and would recommend that other suffers give it a try. This medication helps to maintain the Connective Tissues and Joints, which are continuously regenerating. I use a brand that has added Vitamin C, which is an effective Anti-Oxidant that is known for its role in tissue integrity and Calcium (Carbonbate), which aids the strengthening of bones around the tendons, cartilage and ligaments. The Chondroitin is a constituent of the connective body tissues.
This can be expensive, so shop around and look for the best prices from high street health shops to online retailers.
Fibromyalgia/IBS/Arthritus/Crohn's Disease
This product has been recommended by a friend of mine, Gini, and is definitely worth considering.
There are many conditions in this modern world that can blight our lives, and rob us of any real quality of life -that sees us turn to prescription drugs; which may help in the short-term, but may also have some unpleasant side-effects in the long-term. So desperate can one become for relief from the symptoms relating to the issues we are trying to address, the search for help is ongoing. Forever Living Products - established 25 years - work with nature to produce superior, safe drinks and supplements to help alleviate the symptoms of many conditions; and many symptoms completely vanish with the daily inclusion of their nutritional programme! One of their products was recently highlighted on The Richard & Judy - Channel 4 programme and FLP regularly receive heart-warming letters which include terminology that states:
"FLP has given me my life back' and 'I tried these products as a sceptic, with nothing to lose, and now I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who would like to try a natural answer to their health problems' and 'I get great pleasure in letting other people know of the benefits from taking these natural products' and 'Although there is no cure for my illness, I feel that together with my positive attitude on life, great support from my family and with the natural help of the aloe vera drinking gel, my quality of life has been greatly improved, and long may it continue."
A warning to the wise: There is aloe vera, & there is Forever Living Products aloe vera! FLP products hold The International Aloe Science Council Seal; a coveted award which should be sought on any aloe purchases. FLP are the worlds largest grower and distributor of Aloe Vera, and also one of the worlds largest bee-keepers; producing 100% natural bee products, just as the honey bee and nature intended.
To the aloe vera, there are in fact over 300 species that are related to other medicinal plants, such as onions, garlic and also asparagus. There are at least 4 species that have medicinal properties, but it is Aloe Barbadensis Miller that is the one most widely used because it has some of the most potent medicinal properties. It is not a cactus, as some would believe, but actually a member of the Lily family! Firstly, lets take a look at the Vitamins housed in FLP Aloe Vera.
It contains a number of natural vitamins, particularly Vitamins A,C,E,B1,B2,B6,B12, Folic Acid - Choline & Niacin (Vit. B3).
The minerals found: At least 9 minerals are present, namely: Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium, Chromium, Magnesium, Zinc, Manganese & Copper.
To date some 75 nutients have been identified in stabilised Aloe Vera gel and those who choose to include FLPs nutritional drinks into their daily lives report benefits in stomach, bowel, joints and skin issues, time and time again. Sold in over 90 countries is surely testiment to its success!
In a revolutionary new drink - Forever Freedom - FLP have included Chondroitin and Glucosamine, with the addition of Vitamin C to activate the gentle action of this aloe based, nutritional drink. A unique formulation providing a practical and nutritious way to defend against the signs of ageing & joint wear and tear. Some make a cocktail of both this and FLP Aloe Vera Gel drink to address sore joints and IBS issues in one go! Working from the inside out, this wonderful drink has also reported benefits with skin complaints. As a natural anti-inflammatory it is favoured by people with digestive disorders, arthritis, skin disorders & fatigue; the latter something that can strike all of us with the pace of life as it is today. Each case is different. But the important thing to note is that there is a natural alternative - endorsed by doctors, vets and laymen alike, out there for you, via an independent distributor; as these products are not sold in the High Street stores. FLP have at present 45 product centres globally, and still growing, to service and assist dedicated distributors worldwide.
Forever Living Bee Products: Since time immemorial, bees have been producing some of the most beneficial life-enhancing substances in the natural world. They include: Honey, Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis and Royal Jelly. FLP offer a remarkable line of 100% natural bee products, locating the ideal environment for the beehives - high in the desert regions of Arizona and the American West, where the pristine environment elimates contaminants such as pesticides and pollutants. Here they gather and preserve the ingredients in the condition nature intended. All the products are natural and nutritionally rich, and come to you, direct from the hives, just as honey bees have been making them for thousands of years! Help with energy levels, stress, anxiety, the common cold, sore throats and much more that is sent to test us all, is helped with the inclusion of FLP Bee Products.
You can find this product and many other Forever Living health treatments/supplements on the internet.
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Some FMS sufferers have found that MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane) and Glucasmine Sulfate has helped and its natural too. Further more, this is not a new product, but I for one had not heard of it until recently. The MSM works like an anti-inflammatory. The Glucosamine puts a lubrication back into the joints. Like all treatments, it will not work for everyone, but its worth a try.
Take a look at the product website for more information: http://www.msm.com
Beneficial Herbs:
Angelica (Dong Quai), Astragalus, Echinacea, Garlic & Ginger: These all have immune enhancing properties.
Burdock: This helps too soothe pain related to arthritis, rheumatism and back ache.
Chaparral: This helps to relieve leg cramps.
Crampbark: This is believed to be a natural muscle relaxant.
Dandelion: This can be effective in relieving inflammation and joint stiffness.
Passion Flower: This is believed to be an antispasmodic, that can aid sleep.
Red Clover Tea: This is a general herb that can improve overall health and is believed to relax the body.
Turmeric and White
Other Herbs: Alfalfa, Horsetail, Oat Straw, Panax Ginseng, Papaya, Slippery Elm and Star Anise. These may also be beneficial in relieving symptoms.
Dietary and Nutritional Supplements:
Make sure you have a well-balanced diet to receive all the necessary natural nutrients required. If, for whatever reason this is not possible, then take a vitamin and mineral supplement.
It is also recommended that you include Fresh Chives and Nettles in your diet, as these are high in Iron and Vitamin C, and also to increase your dietary intake of Magnesium.
Limit intake of fats, especially saturated cooked processed fats, hydrogenated vegetables oils. Substitute with cold pressed unprocessed vegetable oils.
Decrease or eliminate use of tobacco. Tobacco interferes with utilization of oxygen.
Increase intake of whole grains, legumes, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits, and also fish and poultry if you are a meat eater.
Massage with Essential Oils can be beneficial:
This can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia.
Helichrysum: Is a rich aromatic essential oil that comes from the flower petals of the plant Helichrysum augustifolium. It soothes your body and raises a persons spirit. It can be massaged into sore tissues where it soothes away aches, pains, sprains, and strains. It can also help relax a persons body and ease the tension and pain of tendons and muscles.
Helichrysum can be detoxifying, anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, expectorant, calming, warming and memory enhancing.
Lavender: Is distilled from the flowering tops of Lavender plants. Lavender is gentle to use and known to reduce soreness and sprains. Lavender scent is one of the best aromas to help a person sleep. It can be applied on the temples or the back of the neck to help a person relax. Mixing Lavender with Helichrysum helps to relax painful muscles. Lavender is probably the most-used, and most often adulterated, essential oil in the world. Some of the effects of Lavender on our bodies are antiseptic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and antidepressant, deodorant, diuretic, insect repellent, sedative, tonic and it can also help with sunburn.
These essential oils should be mixed in massage lotion or almond oil. One part of each of the essential oils (two drops of each) to two parts massage lotion (or one squirt) or almond oil (12 drops). This mixture can be rubbed into a persons painful skin tissues and should provide relief. Essential oils, by themselves, should never be applied directly to the skin. They are very concentrated and should be diluted with massage lotion before use.
Other Essential Oils:
Bergamot, Cedarwood and Chamomile for Environmental Stress.
Lavender, Patchouli and Sandlewood for Mental Stress.
Cardamom,
Lemon, Patchouli and
Chamomile, Geranium and Lavender for Physical Stress.
Warning: Please consult a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils, especially if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, epilepsy, severe allergic responses or asthma. Never apply essential oils directly onto the skin - always combine with base oil, such as massage lotion or almond oil. Avoid accidental ingestion - Keep out of reach of children and pets!
Other Alternatives To Try:
Magnets: Some say they work others not. I personally do not find them a help.
Acupunture: Again some say it works, others not. I have tried this and found that is only offer short term relief.
Hypnosis or Relaxation Therapy: Meditating can be extremely relaxing.
Chiropractic: Never tried.
Massage Therapy: This is something I do recommend. It is very relaxing and when using the correct essential oils can bring relief too pain.
Conventional Treatments:
This is a short section as I personally try to avoid conventional drugs for a more natural alternative, as already discussed.
However, painkillers are necessary for those extremely bad days.
I choose to use prescription Co-Codamol.
Other conventional drugs used are: Ibuprofen and Codeine.
Conventional Medications Used Include:
Analgesics: Are used to treat or prevent pain. They work in some people only.
Anti-inflammatories: Only tend to provide partial pain relief to FMS sufferers. With Fibromyalgia there are no signs of inflammation.
Anti-depressants: These are used to try and improve sleep patterns and lessen pain, and the doses are significantly lower than the doses of medication taken by patients suffering depression.
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