Relaxation for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by diffuse pain in the muscles accompanied by tender points on various places on the body, such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips and extremities.  Patients often describe the pain as a constant dull ache.  The condition may be accompanied by fatigue, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, abdominal cramping and headaches.

TREATMENT

Pharmacologic treatments have their place in the pain management of fibromyalgia, but the best philosophy is to treat the root cause, not just mask the symptoms.  Since chronic stress is one of the most common precipitating factors, stress release and relaxation strategies are paramount in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

“We should be cautious about overmedicating patients and keeping them on continued medications.  We worry about the side effects.  Non-pharmacologic therapies have no risks,” states Dr. Mary-Ann Fitzcharles, a rheumatologist at McGill University in Montreal.

Mind-body therapies such as meditation, massage, yoga and deep-breathing exercises are non-pharmacologic therapies that can be helpful relaxation techniques for treating fibromyalgia.  Interventions such as intentional or mindful breathing exercises and movement may decrease anxiety and depression, as well as increase a sense of well-being, which may dampen the sensation of pain and decrease pain flare-ups. 
A counselor or therapist can teach strategies for stress management.

Tai chi may also be a helpful intervention.  It combines meditation with a series of movements performed in a slow, graceful manner accompanied by deep breathing and relaxation.  These movements are thought to move qi, or vital/life force, throughout the body in a smooth and balanced flow along pathways called meridians.  Research supports that tai chi increases a sense of calm, peace, stress reduction and quality of life for fibromyalgia patients.

For those suffering with fibromyalgia, incorporating relaxation techniques can improve quality of life.  Committing to a relaxation routine is a declaration of self-love and self-care.  We all should have the courage to love ourselves enough to commit. 

“Relaxation strategies are paramount in the treatment of fibromyalgia.”

rumchatta eggnog recipe

Rumchata Eggnog

Ingredients 4 eggs, separated 3 tsp granulated sugar 3 cups whole milk 6 ounces Rumchata 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Read More »
Eating the rainbow - red, orange, green, blue

Eating The Rainbow!

By:Amber Arevalos Nothing is more naturally beautiful than a rainbow. Believe it or not, there are foods of every color in the rainbow. From vibrant

Read More »

Up Beat BEET Juice

Beat the winter blues with this uplifting super-natural beet juice. Beets, like chocolate, contain tryptophan an essential amino acid needed by the body to produce

Read More »

Eat Fresh Eggs

By Anja Springthorpe Eggs have been a pantry staple for centuries.  Unfortunately, they have been the center of some debate in recent years.  While dieticians

Read More »

Sculpt Your Body with Barre

By: Tami Charbonnet | Model: Megan Ellender | Photographer: Milestone Photography Barre is the increasingly popular ballet-inspired workout designed to sculpt and develop lean muscle

Read More »

Distracted Driving

By Liz McGehee According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,477 lives and caused 391,000 injuries in 2015 with teens

Read More »