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Natural
Remedies for Fibromyalgia
and
Chronic Fatigue
by Phyllis Light, Herbalist PAIN!!!
If there is a single word that describes
fibromyalgia, it would be pain. Burning,
shooting, stabbing, throbbing, twitching,
cramping, aching muscle pain that can be
everywhere at once or localized in a particular
area. Pain that is present with movement
or present with inactivity. Pain that drains
the energy and drains the spirit, that prevents
deep restful sleep, that takes the fun out
of life and the life out of the body.
FATIGUE...
The next word that most often describes
fibromyalgia is fatigue. Fatigue that limits
and defines movement and daily activities.
Fatigue that can be mild one day and immobilizing
the next. Fatigue that exhausts the body
and the mind. Fatigue that reduces the will
to move and the will to be.
Pain
and fatigue are only two of the symptoms
of fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue
syndromes (CFS). Other symptoms of FMS include
chronic headaches, TMJ, sleep disorders,
depression, morning stiffness, chest pain,
poor memory and concentration (“fibrofog”),
irritable bladder, irritable bowels with
malabsorption, mild anemia, skin sensitivities,
allergies, and impaired coordination. Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome may have any of these symptoms,
but also usually has recurrent infections,
fevers, and sore throats, more fatigue,
but less muscle pain.
Each
day we wake up allocated a certain amount
of hormonal energy. But most sufferers wake
up tired, so there is already a drain on
the day's energy allotment. Once out
of bed, the daily routine of caring for
spouse, children, home and work begins.
Our bodies were not designed to deal with
this type of emotional and physical stress,
to be continually on the go. Part of this
driven mentality is a product of Western
culture. “Give til it hurts. The job
comes first.” We are taught to go to
work sick and act as if we are well.
I
believe that recovery requires moving out
of the “fight or flight” mode
of living. For most sufferers, this requires
managing their time and energy differently
and setting priorities. The endocrine system,
especially the adrenals, are pushed to the
limit to keep up with the demands of the
day. This puts a person into “fight
or flight” mode so adrenaline and other
stress hormones are constantly pumping through
the body. After a time, an adrenal deficit
appears, with generalized exhaustion of
the endocrine system.
Recovery
is a process that takes place gradually.
Lifestyle changes and a holistic regimen,
including herbal remedies, can help make
a difference in the quality of life for
sufferers of the syndromes. There are some
herbs that can be very helpful in supporting
and nourishing the endocrine system and
helpful in balancing the mental and emotional
aspects relating to FMS and CFS.
Herb
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