Fibromyalgia Ayurvedic Treatment with Effective Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons throughout the body. People with fibromyalgia often experience fatigue, sleep problems and difficulty in concentration. Exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. Infection, stress, and trauma can be the cause of this disease. Treatment of this disease focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. It may include meditation, exercise, physical therapies, stress management and lifestyle changes. This condition typically requires a combination of approaches to help ease up this pain.  Ayurveda’s  management focuses on  treating the root cause. In this article we will discuss its ayurvedic overview and its management.

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes long lasting pain all over the body, along with feelings of fatigue, waking up feeling tired and trouble with focus or memory (Fibro fog). People with Fibromyalgia may confuse it with arthritis symptoms. There is no tissue inflammation despite symptoms of soft tissue pain. It occurs mostly in females. It is thought to be a condition where the brain has trouble processing pain signals properly. This means people with fibromyalgia feel pain more intensely than others, even from things that wouldn’t normally cause discomfort.

Causes

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is not clear, but there are a few factors that may contribute to it

1. Pain processing problems: People with fibromyalgia may have issues with how their brain processes pain which causes them to feel pain more intensely than others.
2. Genetics: It can run in families, so there may be a genetic link that makes some people more likely to develop fibromyalgia.
3. Infections: some infections can trigger or make fibromyalgia symptoms worse.
4. Injury or trauma : Physical or emotional trauma like an accident or some stressful event can cause fibromyalgia.
5. Sleep Problems: Poor sleep or Sleep disorder are common cause
6. Stress :Physical or mental stress can worsen fibromyalgia.

Associated conditions

There are some conditions that are associated with fibromyalgia.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis
2. Osteoarthritis
3. Ankylosing spondylitis
4. Temporomandibular disorder

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of fibromyalgia are

1. Stiffness in joints and muscles
2. Headache
3. Widespread pain
4. Irregular sleep
5. Heat or cold intolerance
6. Restless leg syndrome
7. Fatigue
8. Difficulty in concentration , also known as “fibro fog”
9. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
10. Numbness in hands and feet

All these symptoms can occur at any duration of life. But they are most common between the ages of 25 to 55.

Diagnosis

Fibromyalgia’s diagnosis can be difficult because its symptoms are similar to other health conditions, there is no single test to diagnose it. Diagnosing it is a part of differential diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed by :

1. Medical History :- Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed if the pain and other symptoms have been present for at least three months.
2. Physical exam :- On pressing some points on the body if it’s tender or painful then it may be diagnosed as Fibromyalgia because it is a common symptom of this condition.

Treatment

Treatment of Fibromyalgia typically involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes,  physical therapies and psychological support. Here are some common treatment methods:-

Medications

1. Pain relievers

• Acetaminophen
• Nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

2.Antidepressants

• Duloxetine
• Milnacipran

3. Anti-seizure medication

• Pregabalin
• Gabapentin

4. Muscle relaxants

• Cyclobenzaprine

5. Physical Therapy

• Exercise
• Stretching

6. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Sleep management

Ayurvedic overview

It is classified as Vatavyadhi in Ayurvedic medicine. Vatavyadhi is a chronic and unpredictable disease that is difficult to treat. Fibromyalgia is quite similar to Mamsa Dhatugata vata and Mamsavrut Vata. In this condition Vata is the main accumulated Dosha it gets aggravated and destabilised the nervous system. Then it creates hypersensitivity which leads to pain and tenderness. Shrotoavarodh (Blockage of channels) because of Ama (Toxins) can also be the factor. These toxins accumulated in the body are the root cause of many autoimmune diseases. As these toxins block the circulatory channels of the affected area. Symptoms like pain, stiffness and reduced muscle strength are seen and these symptoms are similar to fibromyalgia.

Causes

There are many factors that can aggravate vata and lead to its invasion into the muscle.

1. Aharaja Nidana (Dietary factors)

Intake of Dry, rough and cold food and lack of warmth and nourishment in food can further aggravate this condition. It vitiates Vata dosha.

2. Viharaj Nidana (Regimen Factors)

1. Lack of sleep
2. Stress
3. Trauma
4. Excessive physical exercise
5. Irregular eating habits.

3. Mansika Hetu (Emotional factors)

1. Stress
2. Anxiety
3. Emotional trauma

5. Kalaja Hetu (Age and seasonal factors)

1. Cold and dry seasons (Especially Autumn)
2. Old aged people (Above 50)

Symptoms

Some main symptoms of Mamsagatavata (Fibromyalgia) are as follow

1. Gurvangata (Stiffness / Heaviness in body)
2. Supti (Tingling or Numbness)
3. Todavata Vedana (Throbbing type of pain)
4. Fatigue
5. Overwhelming feeling of being tired
6. Continuous pain

Treatment

Ayurvedic management of these diseases focuses on pacifying vata dosha and strengthening Mamsa dhatu. Line of treatment is categorised into the following :-

1. Ahara (Dietary Modification)

Food that pacifies Vata is the first line of treatment. It includes :

1. Warm and Nourishing Foods
2. Use if Ginger, Cumin, Coriander, and turmeric to enhance digestion
3. Intake of healthy fats like, Cow’s Ghee, Sesame oil and olive oil to balance Dryness.

2. Vihara (Lifestyle Modification)

Lifestyle modifications are crucial in management of fibromyalgia.

1. Regular sleep pattern
2. Gentle exercise
3. Stress management

3. Shodhana (Detoxification Therapies)

Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification therapy) play’s a vital role in management of vata dosha. These therapies also improve muscle health. These therapies includes :

1. Snehana (Oil Massage)
2. Swedana (Fomentation therapy)
3. Basti (Medicated Enemas)
4. Virechana (purgation Therapy)

4. Shamana (Palliative Therapies)

In addition with Shodhana chikitsa (Detoxification therapy), Shaman Chikitsa (palliative Therapies) reduce symptoms and provide overall health.

1. Ashwagandha
2. Dashmoolarishta
3. Yogaraja Guggulu
4. Rasnadi Kashayam
5. Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam
6. Eranda Bilwadi Kashyam
7. Kasturyadi Gulika
8. Shuddha Bala Thailam
9. Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita

Herbal Remedies for Fibromyalgia by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company. It provides the best formulations with the best combinations of herbal remedies. All these formulations are 100% natural and chemical free. These formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. These Herbal formulations are very safe to use as they are made from 100% pure herbs. They have no side effects. These herbal formulations are a combination of many effective herbs that provide relief in many conditions, one of them is Fibromyalgia care pack.

Product description

1. Stress support

This capsule is a  herbal blend of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) and Tagar (Valeriana Wallichii). All these Herbs work together to reduce stress naturally. These adaptogens help the body with stress management. This combination also helps with sleep issues like Insomnia and it reduces fatigue, which is often caused by ongoing stress. These herbs have antioxidant properties that help to protect the body by neutralizing harmful free radicals , thus reducing oxidative damage. Overall they not only calm the mind but also boost mood naturally, and help to restore a sense of balance and relaxation. So this is really effective in fibromyalgia to reduce stress.

Dosage : 1 capsule two times a day with lukewarm water after meal

2. Aamvatantak churna

This herbal powder is pure extract of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Suranjaan (Colchicum Autumnale), Methi (Trigonella Foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus Indicus), Sonth (zingiber officinale), etc. All these herbs are used to manage conditions related to joint pain and inflammation. These herbs have Anti inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties, which helps to reduce pain and discomfort associated with this condition.

Dosage : 1-2 tsp two times a day after meals with lukewarm water.

3. Joint Aid plus

This capsule is a pure extract of Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), shallaki (Boswellia Serrata), Ashwgandha (Withania Somnifera), etc.  All these herbs work together to reduce inflammation and manage painful bone conditions, making them especially helpful for joint and muscle pain. These herbs strengthen the bones and muscles

Dosage : 1-2 capsules two times a day with lukewarm water after meals

4. Boswellia Curcumin

This capsule is a pure extract of Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Both of these herbal supplements are effective at reducing inflammation in muscle, bone, tendons, and even skin, making them helpful for conditions like joint pain. They are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.these herbs improve blood flow to the affected areas  which helps to ease pain and discomfort so it is very effective in conditions like fibromyalgia.

Dosage : 1 Capsule two times a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Shatavari Ghrit

This Ghrit is classical preparation with the pure extract of Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza Glabra), Munaka (Vitis Vinifera), Mudgaparni (Phaseolus Trilobus)  etc. All these herbs Nourishes and strengthens the body. It has anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties and it helps in hormonal imbalance. So this formulation provides relief in this condition.

Dosage : 1 tsp twice daily to be mixed with Mishri

Conclusion

Ayurvedic  medicines have great potential in management of fibromyalgia. According to acharyas it is correlated with vata Vyadhi . In allopathic medication there is only symptomatic treatment ayurveda to cure disease from its root cause . Ayurvedic treatments aim to improve digestion and reduce inflammation and restore balance in the body and mind. Dietary changes, lifestyle changes, Detoxification therapies , palliative therapies and Planet Ayurveda’s  fibromyalgia care pack are best to manage fibromyalgia from its root cause.