Natural Healing Alternatives to Fibromyalgia

Healing crystals and gemstones can be used to treat Fibromyalgia in conjunction with traditional medicine, as part of a holistic approach to wellness.This information is not intended to replace regular medical care with your doctor, but instead to be used as one of many paths to good health.

Many believe that Fibromyalgia is caused by an abnormal sensory processing in the central nervous system. Symptoms include chronic pain, tenderness of joint, muscles, tendons and soft tissue. Other symptoms are migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, sleep disturbances, fatigue, depression, anxiety and stress.

Central Nervous System

1. Amazonite can be used to help remove any blockages in the central nervous system. It soothes the brain and nervous system, and is said to help alleviate stress and exhaustion, and heal emotional disturbances and the after effects of emotional trauma.

2. Aragonite is a grounding stone that is said to calm the nervous system and mediate stress. It may be beneficial for chronic fatigue.

Balance and Energy

1. Hematite has been called the stone for the mind. It brings with it grounding and calming which in turn creates mental organization and focus. Hematite decreases negativity and can help balance the mind, body and spirit connection. It draws negative energy away from you into itself and also acts as a stabilizing force. Physically, it is thought to stimulate iron absorption in the small intestine, which in turn improves oxygen supply to the body.

2. Tiger Iron is a powerful lower Chakra stone, promoting physical vitality, energy, and stamina. It is a helpful aid to those who feel emotionally, mentally or physically exhausted and burned out. Tiger Iron acts as a supreme healing stone, encouraging the remembrance of perfection within the cells, and can be therefore laid upon any affected areas to bring improvement. It is also very useful for people who are overly sensitive to the moods of others, and who tend to take on the feelings and emotions of others.

3. Smoky Quartz is good for balancing and improving one's general health. It is a grounding and stabilizing stone, bringing calm and centering. It can be used to relieve stress, fear, jealousy, anger and other negative emotions by transforming them into positive energies. Smoky quartz is very comforting and calming, and can be considered a stone of serenity.

Chronic Pain and Sleep

1. Amethyst is the Stone of "Spirituality and Contentment". Amethysts have a soothing and relaxing effect on people, and they promote healthy sleep habits when placed on the body or under the pillow. This crystal is also used to alleviate migraines, help improve concentration, calm mental disorders, strengthen the immune system, as well as to balance and heal all chakras.

2. Howlite is predominately a calming stone. It can aid in sleeping, calming the overactive mind and ease insomnia. Physically, it calms the whole body and releases muscle tension. It is used to eliminate pain brought about by stress.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

1. Carnelian can promote balanced digestion

2. Banded Agate stimulates digestion and elimination

3. Citrine promotes stomach functioning

Depression and Anxiety

1. Labradorite is said to provide quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration. It can be used to dispel negativity, as well as to give perseverance, strength and enhanced intuition when one is experiencing times of conflict and change. Labradorite may be helpful in treating eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolism and the digestive process.

2. Lepidolite, also known as Lilac Stone, can be used to reduce depression and stress as it works to halt obsessive thoughts. It promotes calm, trust and acceptance during times of change. It is said to be a powerful pain reliever, as well as work to strengthen the immune system, relieve allergies and exhaustion.By Julie Lloyd 

The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Celiac Disease

Do you have Fibromyalgia? Are you constantly sick and tired all the time? Have you been told to live with it and that there is no cure? Could you actually have Celiac Disease and it has been undiagnosed? Is there a possibility you could find a solution to all your health problems that is a simple as a change in diet?

Fibromyalgia is a complex pain syndrome, with a multitude of different symptoms and without a single known cause. There are many symptoms. Here are some of them:

• Increased sensitivity
• Stiffness on Awakening.
• Arthritis like pain, with or without joint involvement
• Fatigue
• Un-refreshed sleep (tired on awakening)
• Sleep Disturbances
• Muscular pain
• Tendon pain
• Hormonal effects
• Headaches and Migraines
• Brain Fog
• Depression
• Exercise Intolerance
• Low immunity/ frequent infections
• Stomach/ Bowel disturbances /Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
• TMJ/ jaw pain.

Many people tend to have Fibromyalgia as a co-existing condition along with another disease. The most common of these is Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it can also exist with Lupus, or Psoriasis. However is also possible for it to exist as a stand alone disease. There is however another possibility that has been overlooked and that is the incidence of Celiac Disease that is being misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia.

Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease that is, the body mistakenly attacks its own tissues seeing them as a foreign substance. When a person with Celiac Disease eats any food containing gluten (the protein found in Wheat, Rye, Oats and Barley), the body reacts to those proteins found in the gluten and attacks the small finger like projections in the small intestine called villi, thus preventing absorption of food. This leads to major digestive disorders, stomach ailments, fatigue, anemia, headaches, exhaustion, and pain and fatigue.

At least 1 in 100 people have Celiac Disease but it is often missed. It is not commonly something that is checked for when someone has all the fibromyalgia symptoms, but it is worth ruling out and investigating. It is diagnosed by a blood test and by a biopsy of the small intestine during a gastroscopy. The simple treatment of it is a completely Gluten free diet.

Most often people with Fibromyalgia have digestive disorder complaints, most commonly they are told that it is caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The symptoms of this are alternating diarrhea and constipation, nausea, bloating and wind and constant fatigue. Well unsurprisingly this is also the exact symptoms of Celiac Disease! How many doctors have checked their Fibromyalgia patients for Celiac. I know I wasn't.

Since following a Gluten free diet all my symptoms of Fibromyalgia and IBS have disappeared! I am however not advocating that all Fibromyalgia is caused by Celiac Disease, but don't you think it's worth your health to rule it out.

After being sick and misdiagnosed for over 20 years, Yael finally found the cause of her constant pain, anemia, fatigue, fibromyalgia and digestive problems. When she was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease everything changed. She was able to start her life again. There is not nearly enough awareness about this disease.By Yael Goodman

Weird Symptoms of Fibromyalgia to Watch Out For!

Although you may not be aware of it, most everyone knows someone who suffers with fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia generally don't go around shouting about their condition from the rooftops. It's not fashionable or fun, and it hurts like the devil! And there are approximately 5 million of them in America today... about 90% of them are women!

Unfortunately, if you don't have the symptoms of fibromyalgia... and you are very fortunate if you don't... it's really hard to relate to someone who has all the weird and seemingly disconnected conditions that come with the illness. And some of the weirdest symptoms can have the most devastating effect on a fibromyalgia sufferer's life... mostly because they go unrecognized as symptoms and are often not addressed or treated.

Fibromyalgia patients, who are under the care of a rheumatologist, are provided with medications to manage their symptoms. That's one way the common symptoms of fibromyalgia, like the pain, can be kept under control. However, it's not unusual for individuals with the illness to keep quiet about their condition or even lie to their family, friends, co-workers, and bosses ... to avoid appearing as "weak" or "a chronic complainer". As a fibromyalgia "victim" myself, I can tell you that I kept my mouth shut, especially at work, so that I wouldn't lose opportunities on my job. I just worked through the pain and misery.

People who understand the syndrome are aware of the fatigue and severe pain that are the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia. These are usually theindicators used by doctors when diagnosing the illness. But, what is not commonly known, is that many fibromyalgia sufferers:

1) Have difficulty focusing, unexplained vision changes, and visual blind spots

2) Frequently have gastrointestinal issues including abdominal cramping, bloating, reflux, intestinal gas, frequent constipation and/or diarrhea, and even nausea and vomiting

3) Are hypersensitive to odors, bright lights, and loud noises; have alcohol intolerance; and sensitivities to various medications and foods

4) Have vivid or disturbing dreams and nightmares, sleep difficulties including inability to stay asleep; or even hypersomnia --- which is excessive sleeping

5) Appear to be clumsy --- walking and accidentally bumping into things, knocking things over; have trouble judging distances --- like when reaching for things or driving a car; have occasional balance difficulties, and may experience vertigo/dizziness

6) Have difficulty finding the right words to express themselves and remembering names or recognizing faces; have difficulty following directions, and frequently lose their train of thought; are easily distracted and may have long and/or short-term memory loss

Can you imagine waking up one morning and not being able to remember your boss' last name... or your best friend's phone number?... Or has this already happened to you?

These are examples of only a few of the weird and seemingly unrelated symptoms of fibromyalgia, and sufferers and their doctors will tell you... every case is different. Some individuals have severe gastrointestinal problems and trouble sleeping as their primary complaints along with the common symptoms of pain and fatigue, while others can't tolerate strong smells and may have vision problems and difficulty focusing. In all cases, fibromyalgia sufferers have multiple symptoms, some of which may never have been recognized as part of their fibromyalgia condition.

So... Is There Any Treatment That Can Help Me With All My Weird Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

The simple answer is "yes!" Improving your overall health is the key! Many of the symptoms accompanying fibromyalgia's pain and fatigue, like overall weakness, headaches and migraines, gastrointestinal distress, sleep issues, and even depression, can be reduced or eliminated by improving your diet! Begin with a heart-smart diet with low sugar, low fat... and add fruits, vegetables and whole grain. Avoid drinking a lot of caffeinated beverages. Maintain a healthy weight and avoid allergy-causing foods. And... include an adequate supply of lean, digestible protein to repair the body at the cellular level. It's widely accepted that a good diet complete with vitamins, minerals and amino acids --- protein's building blocks which support the muscles, nerves and brain, may help you to take control the symptoms of fibromyalgia... and your life.

By Carol Ryland

What is Fibro Fog?

While the most predominant symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread pain and persistent fatigue, the resulting cognitive impairment of this condition may be its most maddening.

Commonly referred to as fibro fog, this symptom is a conglomeration of cognitive challenges. Fibro fog is understood to be a physical symptom of fibromyalgia, not a psychological one. While research on fibro fog is scarce, experts agree that it is not the result of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other brain function deterioration condition. Of utmost importance is recognizing that fibro fog can be managed and with the reduction of fibromyalgia’s other symptoms, the cloud of fibro fog will also fade away.

Symptoms of Fibro Fog

Just as no two individuals experience fibromyalgia in the same way, fibro fog also has a varying range of indications, including:

· Mental confusion

· Fuzzy thinking

· Short-term memory loss

· Inability to concentrate or pay attention

· Language lapses

Fibro Fog Causes

The same lack of information as to fibromyalgia’s origin also surrounds fibro fog. While a variety of causes have been proposed, including depression, decreased oxygen flow to the brain, certain medications, poor nutrition, and changes to the Central Nervous System (CNS), most experts agree that sleep deprivation is the primary culprit of fibro fog.

Occurring at the deepest level of the sleep cycle, individuals with fibromyalgia typically lack sufficient restorative sleep. We know that at the deeper levels of sleep, called delta wave sleep, a person’s mind conducts internal housekeeping. During delta wave sleep, newly acquired information is assimilated and integrated into the brain. The inability to get sufficient delta wave sleep impairs the ability to recall information and operate at a normal level of mental efficiency.

Physical Link

Temporal lobe brain abnormalities appear to mimic the presentation of fibro fog.
According to Dr. Jay Seastrunk, a psychiatrist specializing in fibromyalgia, if the temporal lobes are mismatched, there will be trouble with memory, recall and concentration. “Cognitive dysfunction is a right temporal lobe phenomena. Multiple mood swings, trouble sleeping are all temporal lobe abnormalities. Temporal lobe is responsible for understanding what we hear, retrieving and restoring our memories even though the patient may feel they have difficulty with their memory. The problem is actually the retrieval of this information. Not being able to find the word or you forget what you are going to do, or blocking, is a left temporal lobe phenomena.”

Dr. Muhammad B. Yunus, a leading chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia researcher, suggests that SPECT (single photon emission computerized tomography), PET (positron emission tomography) and BEAM (brain electrical activity mapping) scans of the brain demonstrate that fibro fog is a physical anomaly. According to Dr. Yunus, “Cerebral blood flow imaging by SPECT, PET and BEAM have been reported to be abnormal in a large majority of patients with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), showing a pattern different from normal controls and those with depression. Results of SPECT, PET or BEAM studies specifically in fibromyalgia have not been reported, but a good number of patients with CFS who had these tests carried out with abnormal results also had fibromyalgia.”

When considering both Dr. Seastrunk and Dr. Yunus’ contributions, it is clear that fibro fog is represented by physically visible brain variances.

Managing fibro fog

Since fibro fog is believed to be directly related to non-restorative sleep, putting all of one’s resources into getting good, quality sleep is crucial. In addition to seeking professional assistance (and possible physician-prescribed sleep medications), the following suggestions may be conducive to getting a quality night’s sleep:

· Adhering to a regular sleep routine – going to sleep and waking at the same time each day

· Providing a relaxing atmosphere prior to and during sleep

· Limiting caffeine and food consumption near bedtime

· Listening to white noise prior to and during sleep

· Sleeping on a high quality mattress

· For pain reduction, using pillows in bed to cushion any sore spots

· Using natural sleep aids (always consult your physician)

In addition to focusing on getting restorative sleep, The Arthritis Foundation® shares nine tips to minimize fibro fog’s impact during the day:

1. Repeat yourself. Repeat things to yourself over and over again. Repetition will keep thoughts fresh in your mind.

2. Write it down. Whether you write in a calendar, in a notebook or on sticky notes, if you’re afraid you won’t remember something, putting pen to paper can help.

3. Pick your best time. If there is something you need to do that requires concentration and memory, such as balancing your checkbook or following a recipe, pick your best time to do it. Many people with fibromyalgia say they perform best early in the day.

4. Get treated. Depression, pain and sleep deprivation can influence your ability to concentrate and remember. Getting your medical problems treated may indirectly help your memory.

5. Engage yourself. Reading a book, seeing a play, or working a complex crossword or jigsaw puzzle can stimulate your brain and your memory.

6. Stay active. Physical activity, in moderation, can increase your energy and help lift your fibro fog. Speak to your doctor or physical therapist about an exercise program that is right for you.

7. Explain yourself. Explain your memory difficulties to family members and close friends. Memory problems often result from stress. Getting a little understanding from the ones you love may help.

8. Keep it quiet. A radio blasting from the next room, a TV competing for your attention, or background conversation can distract your attention from the task at hand. If possible, move to a quiet place and minimize distractions when you are trying to remember.

9. Go slowly. Sometimes memory problems can result from trying to do too much in too short a period of time. Break up tasks, and don’t take on more than you can handle at once. Stress and fatigue will only make the situation worse.

Fibro Fog Hope
As one of fibromyalgia’s most frustrating components, there is hope for fibro fog sufferers. Understanding the following about fibro fog will allay many accompanying fears:

· You are not alone in suffering with fibro fog

· Fibro fog is not a psychological condition

· Fibro fog is likely a result of non-restorative sleep disturbances

· Improving sleep can reduce fibro fog

· There are many ways to reduce fibro fog’s prominence in your life

The best news of all is that many individuals report that being committed to managing their fibromyalgia (by integrating western medicine, alternative medicine and lifestyle changes), has resulted in their fibro fog fading away.

References:

Yunus, MD, Muhammad B., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Similarities and Differences, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois.

http://www.arthritis.org, Clearing the Fog, Arthritis Foundation, 2006.

http://www.disabilitysecrets.com, Fibromyalgia and Brain Fog or Fibro, disabilitysecrets.com, 2006.

http://www.drlamb.com, Clearing the Brain-Fog of Fibromyalgia, The Pain Reliever Corporation, 2006.

[http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Falls/8173/neurology.html], Neurological Effects of FM and CFS.

web.tampabay.rr.com/lymecfs/brainfog.htm, What is Brainfog and how significant is it?, Marilyn J. Kerr, RN, 2001.

http://www.suite101.com, Fibromyalgia: Fighting Fibro-Fog, Tamara Peters.

By Nicole Cutler