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Natural Treatments of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects every system of the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 5 million people suffer with fibromyalgia. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there are treatment options that help relieve pain and improve a person's way of life. Some of the most effective treatment options are natural.

  1. Lifestyle

    • Eat a well-balanced diet to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Eat meats lower in fat, eat high-fiber vegetables, and include low-carbohydrate fruits and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Stay away from fried foods, sugar, alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Also, get in the recommended 64 ounces of water daily.

    Exercise

    • Start a regular exercise program. Fibromyalgia sufferers should begin an easy, slow exercise program and work up to more strenuous workouts. Walking, biking and yoga are good exercises for fibromyalgia patients to do. Always remember to stretch to avoid pain. Work up to 30-minute to 1-hour exercise sessions three times a week for best results.

    Stress Management

    • Be proactive in controlling stress. Stress makes pain associated with fibromyalgia worse. Practice coping skills such as meditation and guided imagery to deal with stressful situations. Join a support group to receive help with coping skills and for support from other fibromyalgia sufferers.

    Supplements

    • Contact a physician and decide what nutritional supplements to take as part of a natural treatment program for fibromyalgia. Some supplements recommended to help with fibromyalgia symptoms are magnesium citrate, which helps reduce muscle pain; B vitamins, which increase energy; melatonin to improve sleep; and vitamin D, which helps with concentration, pain and energy levels.

    Herbs

    • Talk with a physician to decide what herbs can help your fibromyalgia symptoms. Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not screen herbs, it's best to do extensive research and talk to knowledgeable professionals before taking any specific ones. Some herbs recommended for fibromyalgia are ginger, which helps combat fatigue, and turmeric to reduce pain and inflammation.

    Physical Treatments

    • Try acupuncture, acupressure, massage therapy, digestive system cleanses, light therapy, reiki and trigger-point therapy to relieve fibromyalgia symptoms. These natural treatments for fibromyalgia work by relieving pain and helping with relaxation, along with eliminating toxins from the body. Always contact a certified professional in whichever discipline chosen. For a well-rounded natural treatment plan, seek the advice of an osteopath.

    Other Alternative Treatments

    • Other alternative treatment options that can help with fibromyalgia symptoms are reflexology, hypnosis, dance therapy, aromatherapy, humor therapy, biofeedback and hydrotherapy.

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