Fibromyalgia: Signs, Symptoms and Home Remedies

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a painful condition often associated with illness or injury. It mainly affects the muscles. The affected muscles become sore and tender to the touch. Exposure to damp and cold are frequent causes, but any injury to joints or muscles may bring in this condition. It begins suddenly, and the pain usually feels worse when the muscles are used.

People with this condition cannot sleep at night due to pain. Their muscles begin to ache at night and their sleep is disturbed on account of pain.

Normally, when people sleep, they enter the stage-four sleep, which produces deep relaxation, and their muscles naturally turn off. But people with fibromyalgia don't enter stage-four sleep. As a result, their muscles don't rest properly and they ache.

Most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are pain, tenderness of the muscles, extreme fatigue and general weakness.

HOME REMEDIES FOR FIBROMYALGIA

• Bog bean works as an anti-inflammatory, eating this herb or taking the herb in a supplement form can help in combating pain. 
• Ginger is also known for its properties in fighting joint pain and stiffness.
•  Take two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water twice daily. It is highly effective for the treatment of pain. This is one of the best home remedies for fibromyalgia. 
• Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm water twice a day is also beneficial in curing Fibromyalgia 
• Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also helpful for the treatment of joint pains.
• Radish juice mixed with sugar is also helpful to fight with muscle pains.
•  Drinking 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it helps in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. 
• A cup of papaya seed tea taken six or seven times daily for two or three weeks gives relief in the joint pains. 
• Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days. This is very effective home remedy for Fibromyalgia. 
• A tablespoon of fruit pectin in a small glass of cranberry juice taken every morning gives relief. A person suffering from pain should eliminate sugar, white flour, macaroni, pie, cake, and sweet drinks from diet. 
• For fibromyalgia treatment, drink consisting of four raw finely sliced beets soaked in a quart of berry wine for one day. Drink one small glass of this liquid before meals, three times a day. 
• Dissolve 4 teaspoons of blackstrap molasses in one quart of cranberry juice and drink one glass everyday. This is also very effective home remedy for Fibromyalgia. 
• Two parts pure olive oil and one part kerosene makes a wonderful solution to be applied on the affected muscles. 
• For fibromyalgia treatment, add one-tablespoon cod liver oil to the juice of one orange, and drink before going to bed. 
• Rubbing the aching joints with hot vinegar before going to bed also gives relief to the pain. 
• Mix 2 tablespoons mullein, 3 of granulated slippery elm bark, one of lobelia, 1-teaspoon cayenne. Use boiling water to make paste. Spread on cloth and place on swollen joints. This is one of the useful home remedies for fibromyalgia. 
• Bake one or two egg- plants. Mash and fry in about 2 tablespoons of castor oil. Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic and salt can be added while frying. Take once daily for two to three months for relief. 
• Another herb known as Guggulu is very helpful in curing muscle pains. If available, eat half a teaspoon twice a day after meals with warm water. ·Paste of 1 teaspoon red chilies and fresh ginger mixed in half a cup of sesame oil and strain. Gently rub this oil on the affected muscles. Camphor, wintergreen and cinnamon oils are also beneficial for external application. 
• A vegetable-juice fast significantly reduces pain for many patients with fibromyalgia. Carrot juice, celery juice, cabbage juice, or tomato juice can be used Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also provides relief from joint pains. 
• A combination of burdock, slippery elm, sheep sorrel and Turkish rhubarb was shown good results in improving fibromyalgia.
•  Soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a paste and apply it on the joints for quick relief from pain. 
• Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation of joints. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, sardines, other oily fish, walnuts, flax, soy, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. 
• Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts are natural anti-inflammatory that help to ease pain Topical applications of cayenne (capsicum) powder mixed with wintergreen oil can help relieve muscle pain.
•  Dandelion reduces frequency and intensity of pain and strengthens the connective tissue. Take 1 tbsp. Juice or 1-cup tea twice daily for four to six weeks. This is one of the best home remedies for fibromyalgia.
•  Willow bark has anti-inflammatory properties and works as a painkiller.  

FIBROMYALGIA :

 A Description

The word fibromyalgia comes from three Latin words, fibro ("fibrous tissue"), my ("muscle tissue"), and algia ("pain"). It is a chronic condition characterized by musculoskeletal pain and many tender points, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. It is called a syndrome rather than a disease, because not everyone's symptomsare the same. 

Fibromyalgia afflicts between three and six million Americans, women more often than men. It often occurs in more than one member of a family, which suggests it may be an inherited disorder. Other possible causes include a virus or an injury that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms may be triggered or exacerbated by stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, or a change in the weather. For many years, fibromyalgia was thought to be a psychosomatic disorder because no one could find a definitive cause of the pain.

Signs and Symptoms

•  Chronic, widespread pain that lasts three months or more, with no clear cause, combined with tenderness in at least 11 of 18 well-defined tender point sites on the body
•  Pains, aches, and stiffness in several muscle groups, joints, and in all four quadrants of the body
•  Pain that moves from one part of the body to another, most commonly felt in the neck, chest, arms, legs, hips, and back
•  Pain that may be variously characterized as deep aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting, or burning
•  Body aches and stiffness upon awakening
•  Headaches and jaw pain
•  Disturbed sleep patterns
•  Fatigue
•  Anxiety
•  Depression
•  Digestive system difficulties, as in swallowing, alternating diarrhea and constipation, or recurring abdominal pain
•  Numbness or tingling in parts of the body
•  Increased sensitivity to bright lights, noise, odors, and various foods
•  Alternating feelings of hot and cold

Conventional Medical Treatment

Diagnosis is frustrating, because fibromyalgia mimics the symptoms of other diseases, such as Lyme disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or low-back degenerative disease. Diagnosis usually comes after these and other conditions have been investigated and dismissed. There is no known way to prevent fibromyalgia, and the symptoms can come and go, often lasting for months or years. However, the disorder leaves no permanent damage, and in most cases it eventually does subside.

A doctor may prescribe a combination of muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant drugs. The antidepressants amitriptyline (Elavil) or cyclbenzaprine hydrochloride (Flexeril) are beneficial in relieving some symptoms, but can have side effects, including weight gain, urinary retention, and morning grogginess. Other muscle relaxers and antidepressants are occasionally prescribed.

The treatment for fibromyalgia also includes a combination of healthy diet, exercise, and rest. Stationary biking, low-impact aerobics, swimming, and walking may help alleviate symptoms; slowly work up to 60 minutes of exercise 3 or 4 times per week. Warm up and cool down the muscles gradually before and after exercise, and avoid exercises that can cause joint pain. Proper sleep is also important. Experts recommend eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables because these foods provide trace elements and minerals that help muscles. High-fiber foods help the digestive system perform its functions. Massage and physical therapy (with heat) may bring some short-term relief.

Complementary and Alternative Treatments

Nutrition and Supplementation   

When it comes to fibromyalgia, it seems more important to avoid certain food than to include particular foods in your diet. Eliminate meat, dairy products, and all other foods high in saturated fats; these fats interfere with circulation and increase pain. Likewisee avoid fried and processed foods, shellfish, whith bread, and pasta. Eliminate sugar products from your diet, as sugar in any form disturbs sleep and promotes fatigue. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as well. If you have been consuming these foods on a regular basis, you will go through a short with-drawal period where your symptoms may worsen once you eliminate them from your menu. Before long, however, you will notice improvement.

Center your diet around raw foods and fresh juices. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and seeds, skinless turkey or chicken, and deep-water fish. These foods provide nutrients that help energize and build immunity. It is important to flush out toxins, so drink steam distilled water and herbal teas. Eat four or five small meals daily so your body is supplied with a steady intake of proteins and carbohydrates necessary for muscle function.

Malabsorption problems are common in fibromyalgia, so all nutrients are needed in amounts greater than normal. A daily plan would include:

Most Important

•  Coenzyme (75 mg)-improves oxygenation of tissues
•  Lecithin (as directed on label)-energizes and improves circulation
•  Malic acid and magnesium (as directed on label)-assist in energy production in many cells
•  Proteolytic enzymes (as directed on label, 6 times daily)-improves the absorption of foods, especially protein
•  Vitamin A (25,000 IU for 1 month, reduce to 10,000 IU; not to exceed 8000 IU if you are pregnant)-protects the body's cells; use the emulsion form
•  Vitamin E (800 IU for 1 month, then reduce to 400 IU)-enhances immune function; use the emulsion form
•  Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (5000 to 10,000 mg)-energizes; use buffered form
•  A prodophilus formula (as directed on label)-supports intestinal function

Also Recommended

•  Vitamin B complex (as prescribed by a doctor)-energizes and increases normal brain function; injections are best
•  Free-form amino acid complex (as directed on label)-supplies protein necessary for repair and building of muscle tissue
•  Magnesium glycinate (1000 mg)-a deficiency is common in people with fibromyalgia
•  Calcium citrate or calcium lactate (2000 mg)-balances with magnesium
•  Potassium (99 mg)-aids in muscle function
•  Selenium (200 mcg) -an antioxidant
•  Zinc (50 mg, not to exceed 100 mg total from all supplements)-helps the immune system function properly
•  Melatonin (as directed on label, 2 hours or less before bedtime)-promotes sleep
•  Vanadyl sulfate (as directed on label)-protects muscles and reduces fatigue
•  L-glutamine (2 g)-supports immune system functioning.
•  Live cell therapy supplement (as directed on label) (thymus, adrenal, liver, and pancreas)-Supports glandular functions Consult your healthcare provider regarding the duration of treatment.)

Herbal Therapy

•  Since fibromyalgia presents a variety of stressing, even incapacitating, symptoms and discomforts, more than one herb is necessary for relief. try a combination of the following herbal remedies:
•  To boost blood circulation, alertness, and the immune system, use astragalus, echinacea, and ginkgo. You might also try these teas: burdock root, dandelion, and red clover. To make the teas, steep 1 to 3 teaspoons dried herb or root in 1 cup boiling water for 5 to 15 minutes; strain. Drink several cups daily. You also can brew a blend of the herbs.
•  For relief from muscular pain, use a topical application of 1 part cayenne powder and 3 parts wintergreen oil. You also can try cayenne (in capsule form) and flaxseed oil (as directed on the label, three times daily).
•  Sip skullcap or valerian root tea to improve sleep. To make the skullcap tea, steep 2 teaspoons dried leaves in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes; strain. To prepare the valerian tea, steep 2 teaspoons dried, chopped root in 1 cup boiling water for 8 to 12 hours; strain. Both skullcap and valerian are available in tincture form. Be aware that these herbs can cause drowsiness and should not be used to excess.
•  Grape seed extract helps to protect muscles from free radical damage. Use as directed on the product label.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture  

Most of the symptoms and side effects associated with fibromyalgia can be treated with acupuncture. The acupoints to be manipulated will, of course, depend entirely on the symptoms presented by the individual.

Chinese Herbal Therapy 

There are numerous Chinese herbs that can be used to treat fibromyalgia-related symptoms. Consult the entry for each specific ailment ("Headache," "PMS," etc.) for detailed information or recommended herbs.

 Formulas often used for fibromyalgia muscle pain are Corydalis Formula, Ginseng and Tang Gui Ten, Ginseng and Atractylodes, Peony and Licorice, and Tian Qi and Eucommia.

  

Reference:

Eating Well for Optimum Health by Andrew Weil.

Clifford R. Anderson, M.D. : Your Guide To Health. Second edition.

The best alternative medicine: what works? What does not? Kenneth R. Pelletier. Simon & Schuster Fireside.

Green pharmacy herbal handbook: Your comprehensive reference to the best herbs for healing. James Duke. Rodale, 2000.

SKIN ALLERGY

 Skin Allergy, causes of allergy, home remedies for skin allergy and ayurvedic treatment of skin allergy,

Clear skin is free from germs. But an irritated skin is a cause of trouble. Chafing of the skin is more likely to occur where two moist areas meet, such as in the groins or buttocks, or under the arms. Skin reactions are more common today due to many new fabrics in use. Babies often develop skin rashes because of irritation from the coloring materials in these fabrics.

Allergies are abnormal or hypersensitive responses of the Immune System to relatively harmless environmental antigens (substance which causes the allergy).

Diaper rash usually arises from some chemical irritation due to certain germs present in the baby’s stool. These germs break down the urea into ammonia, which irritates the skin.

Allergic conditions, such as Hay fever and sinusitis are also greatly aggravated by the presence of the germs within the tissues of the nose and throat. The most common allergens are grass and tree pollens, mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander. Eating certain foods and food additives and being stung by insects can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Such common disorders as eczema, hives, hay fever and asthma are often attributed to allergic reactions.

The most common cause of the skin allergies is impairment in the immune sysytem, which increases the risk of allergic reactions. This occurs due to stress on the immune system due to excess of the toxins.

Other causes of the skin allergies are the nutritional deficiencies, imbalanced diet, chemicals in the food chain due to preservatives and chronic intestinal yeast overgrowth.

Researchers have found that digestion also plays some role in the allergies. These are not just caused by the food. Proper digestion helps to remove toxins from our body. When digestion is disturbed, large amount of toxins get accumulated in the body and our body becomes over loaded with the toxins. This is what leads to allergies.

Itching is an unpleasant sensation, which we try to relieve by scratching. A certain amount of mild itching is normal for every one. Only if it is persistent and troublesome it becomes serious. Persistent scratching may produce swellings in the skin with deep scratch marks and small ulcers into which germs have found their way, causing much more trouble.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SKIN ALLERGIES

• Grind 1 tbls of poppy seeds with 1-teaspoon water. Add 1-teaspoon limejuice. Apply to affected area for relief from skin allergies.
• Add 1-teaspoon limejuice with sandalwood paste. Apply to affected skin allergy area
• Avoid the foods, plants, animals, drugs, dust, or other substances that trigger an allergic reaction.
• Smoking exacerbates allergic reactions. Those who are allergic to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) should avoid smoking.
• Vitamin C is very helpful in fighting with the allergic reactions.
• Avoid white sugar, and everything made with it. The process of chemically whitening sugar is toxic.
• Avoid bleached flours, and everything made with it.
• Avoid all processed foods, including the frozen pre-packaged types.
• Avoid the processed meat.
• Thoroughly wash all fresh fruits and vegetables in warm water
• Eat whole foods, and prepare your meals at home using fresh, natural products.
• Prepare an eating schedule. It may be that 3 large meals per day or 4 or 5 smaller ones will be better.
• Regularly practice juice fasting. This will cleanse your system of toxins and residues.
• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Heavy coffee consumption is to be avoided ( 1 or 2 regular cups per day is not considered harmful )
• Avoid fried foods and foods cooked in oil to prevent skin allergies. When oil is heated to cooking temperatures it begins to break down and has been identified as a carcinogen.
• Regularly try to do regiment of moderate exercise, such as walking, biking or swimming and strive to live in harmonious surroundings that contribute to inner peace.
• Rub an ice cube gently over the affected area. This cools the skin, reduces inflammation and soothes the itch immediately.
• Pour boiling water over a bowl of oats. Cover the bowl and leave for 10 minutes. Strain the oats away and pour the liquid into an ice cube tray. Freeze the oat liquid to form oat cubes. To relieve itch, rub and frozen oat cube gently over the affected area.
• Apply aloe Vera gel on the affected areas. It will sooth the areas and gives a cooling effect.
• Take 2 cups water, ½ teaspoon each Echinacea root and marshmallow root, 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers, ½ teaspoon peppermint leaf and ¼ teaspoon ginger rhizome. Combine water and Echinacea and marshmallow roots in a saucepan and simmer for about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining ingredients. Steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. For a 50-pound child, give 1 to 2 cups daily.This is an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
• Take 1 cup boiling water,1 teaspoon each calendula flowers, chamomile flowers, Echinacea root, elder flowers and yarrow flowers, 3 tablespoons baking soda. Pour boiling water over herbs and steep for 15 minutes, then strain out herbs. Stir in baking soda. Apply to irritated skin with a soft cloth or a sponge until itching is reduced. This is also an effective home remedy for skin allergy.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Allergies in general are defined as hypersensitivity to some foreign particle or the other. Different people have different kinds of tolerances for foreign bodies. When some people cannot adjust with certain elements in their surroundings, they may suffer from certain skin problems that are commonly referred to as skin allergies.

There is a sure way of determining whether your skin affliction is an allergy or not. If you have got a skin problem due to a cause that has affected no one else, then it is an allergic reaction. For example, several people may be exposed to dust. But if it affects you in a strong way, then you are allergic to dust.

Skin allergies could be in the form of itching, dry and scaly skin, eruptions, rashes, boils, etc. There are three main types of problems that are associated with skin allergies.

These types are as follows:-

(i) Dermatitis – This is the skin allergy which is caused due to contact with some substances. It is shown as an inflammation.

(ii) Hives – Hives is a fluid accumulation in the skin which shows up as a swelling. This is a temporary condition and heals with treatment. Hives are also known as urticaria.

(iii) Prickly Heat – This is a red rash which occurs on the body. Prickly heat is generally caused due to excessive perspiration due to hot and humid climates.

All skin problems are vata dosha disorders. Vata dosha controls the air element of the human body. Hence, when the vata dosha is vitiated, there are skin reactions. In different people, there are different degrees of the vata dosha. In some people, the vata may be weak and get easily vitiated due to external factors. Such people are more specific to skin allergies than others.

In this article, we see how to treat various skin allergies with an Ayurvedic point of view.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Cassia (Cassia fistula)

Cassia is used effectively in the treatment of several irritations on the skin caused due to allergies. A paste of the cassia leaves can be applied on the skin in case of inflammation of the hands and feet caused due to extreme cold, and also swellings caused due to accumulation of fluids under the skin, as in hives.

- Henna (Lawsonia inermis)

Henna is an excellent remedy for several skin allergies. It can be used in case of hives, swellings, boils and other kinds of inflammation. Applying henna on the skin cools the skin and removes the symptom of the allergy.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) (tulasi)

The holy basil is venerated in Indian tradition as the tulsi. It has an almost maternal status for the Hindus. This plant is venerated for its many medicinal properties. Among the other advantages, tulsi is also used for healing skin problems. In case of itches and rashes, the juice of the tulsi leaves is applied on the skin. This is a very quick treatment for allergic skin problems.

- Madhuca (Madhuca indica)

Madhuca is used as a treatment for skin itch problems. The leaves are made into a paste and applied onto the skin in skin infections due to allergy.

- Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina)

Rauwolfia is known as sarpagandha in Ayurveda. It is a very good remedy for skin problems. In case of hives, the juice of its leaves is applied on the swollen parts to reduce itching. Relief is almost immediate.

- Sandalwood (Santalum alba)

Sandalwood is a traditional remedy for all kinds of itch problems on the skin. It is made into a paste and applied on the skin. It smoothes the skin and prevents it from allergies. Itches are immediately resolved by applying sandalwood paste on the skin. Permanent relief can be obtained by keeping the paste smeared on the skin for half an hour before washing it off. Sandalwood oil is also used in the treatment of diseases such as erysipelas (an eruptive allergic skin disease) and prurigo (an itchy skin eruption).

Dietary Guidelines for Treatment of Skin Allergies

You must take a lot of water to prevent all kinds of skin allergies. These include fresh fruits and vegetables that have high water content in them. In the summer season, take cooling drinks such as lemon juices and sherbets.

Do not consume sour foods if you have skin allergy problems often. This can vitiate the vata dosha further.

Home Remedies for Treatment of Skin Allergies

- Take about 30 millilitres of the juice of the leaves of wood apple (Feronia limonida) and mix some cumin powder in it. Take this twice daily. This is a very good treatment for urticaria or hives.

- Extract the juice of the jambula (Indian Plum) and mix some soda in it. Apply this in case of prickly heat.

- In hot seasons, drink a glass of lemon juice twice everyday. This will supplement the vitamin C content of the body lost due to perspiration and will prevent the outburst of prickly heat.

- Chomping on sugarcane several times in the hot season is also a good method of preventing prickly heat.

- If the area on the skin is exceptionally itchy, then mash a papaya and spread the paste of the papaya on it. This will reduce the itch and also make the skin healthier.

References:

• Milam, Larry J., D.I.HOM, Allergies: How to Avoid Them, 2000.
• Ullman, Dana, Discovering Homeopathy, North Atlantic Books, 1988, 1991.
• Materia Medica, B. Jain Publishers, Pahargani, New Deli, 1992.
• Hass, MD, Dr. Elson M., Staying Healthy with Nutrition, Celestial Arts Pub., 1992.