Fibromyalgia:
A Challenging Condition
by Peg Doyle, M.Ed., LMT
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder
involving several etiologies and symptom patterns. Not always
definitively diagnosed by medical professionals, there is general
agreement that those who have the syndrome experience a variety of
symptoms, with widespread body pain the most universally reported
complaint.
In seeking an assessment and diagnosis,
most patients present additional symptoms of poor sleep, fuzzy thinking
and disturbances in digestion and elimination. The majority of patients
are women, and many similarities in health and lifestyle histories
surface. Most patients have had one or more abdominal surgeries, many
have suffered an emotional loss or losses, and many work long hours and
continually push themselves over an extended period of time. The onset
of symptoms may be gradual or they may be precipitated by a surgical
procedure or trauma.
In seeking a medical diagnosis, most
professionals will assess the level of pain at 18 specific points on the
body. These points are located at the base of the skull, the top of the
shoulders, near the collarbone, at the elbow, knee, hip and sacrum.
While it is most commonly a medical doctor who renders a diagnosis, many
fibromyalgia patients find relief through bodywork in combination with
medical treatment. The location of the aforementioned trigger points
correspond with acupoints treated by acupuncture and shiatsu, and
treatment of these points can greatly improve a patient's comfort level.
It is indeed frightening to be diagnosed
with a disease or a syndrome, but there are many steps a person can take
to improve the quality of life. Though it may seem strange, it is
sometimes important to view illness as a gift. Illness comes to remind
us that we are out of harmony, and disharmony when left unchecked
eventually presents itself as a disease. It is reasonable to assume that
when we return to a state of harmony, our whole selves will return to a
state of ease or well-being. Below is a 9-point plan I have developed
for my clients that will bring an improved state of mind and body to the
person with fibromyalgia:
- Assess your symptoms and keep a log.
With fibromyalgia it is easy to think globally, i.e., "I hurt
all over," but chances are there are some parts of you that are
pain-free. Draw a body, front and back, and mark the places that
hurt. Look at the drawing and notice not only what hurts, but what
doesn't hurt. Make a new drawing each week to measure your progress.
Keep a log with your drawings that list any doctors or bodywork
therapists you are seeing and how you respond to their treatments.
Actively involve yourself in all your health care decisions.
- Mingle with nature.
Get outside if possible. Tune up your senses by listening to the
birds, smelling the air, feeling the wind on your face, connecting
with the earth. This is very healing in a spiritual sense as well as
in a physical sense.
- Eat well.
Eliminate processed foods from your diet. Use natural seasonings
like garlic and ginger. Simple foods like steamed vegetables, pasta
and fresh seafood or organic meat takes little time to cook and will
nourish you well. Make mealtime relaxing and restful.
- Connect with people you love and care
about.
Being in the company of those you love is most important when we are
healing. If you feel isolated, seek out a fibromyalgia support group
that focuses on recovery and mutual support. Take time to laugh with
others.
- Knowledge is power.
Read as much as you can about healing. The body has an amazing
ability to heal itself. You will find your own path to healing if
you take the time.
- Move.
All bodies are designed for movement. Lack of movement causes
stagnation of body and mind. If weight-bearing exercise is too
uncomfortable at first, start with movement in water, or with very
simple stretching. Passive stretching with a physical therapist or
shiatsu therapist will help.
- Watch your breath.
In Oriental Medicine, the way one breathes is considered a very
important factor in relation to health. The average person breathes
68,000 times a day. Make those breathes deep and restorative.
Learning yoga or meditation will increase your awareness of the
breath.
- Eliminate multi-tasking and learn to
say "no."
As noted earlier, people with fibromyalgia often have a history of
overwork. It is important to change this habit and slow down. At
home, turn off the TV or stereo and have quiet to allow your mind to
rest. At work, use voice mail to screen out unnecessary calls and to
give you uninterrupted time for a meeting or writing a report.
Recent medical research has shown that continually doing multiple
tasks simultaneously has a negative effect on brain function and
lowers performance. It is mentally exhausting.
- Get adequate rest.
Interrupted sleep is a common symptom of fibromyalgia. If that is
the case for you, take frequent, short brakes during the day in the
form of breathing exercise or 5-minute meditations. Eliminate
caffeinated foods and beverages. Sleep in a darkened room with no
radio or TV. Make your bedroom a peaceful sanctuary.
If you follow this 9-step program, you
should see positive results within 4 to 6 weeks. These lifestyle
suggestions are important for all people, but they are especially
important for anyone with fibromyalgia. This is a disease that seems to
evolve after a number of assaults on the body and mind, and adoption of
a lifestyle that supports the mind, body and spirit is essential for
recovery from this condition.
____________________
Peg Doyle is owner of the Shiatsu
& Reiki Treatment Center in Medfield, MA. She can be reached at
508-359-6804 or peg@wellnessandyou.com.
This article was originally published in Spirit
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