Ayurvedic Treatment for Fibromyalgia in Kerala

Are you looking for the best ayurvedic Treatment for fibromyalgia in Kerala? book an appointment at Saatwika Ayurveda Treatment Centre, Trivandrum.

Best Ayurvedic Treatment Package for Fibromyalgia in Kerala

Ayurvedic treatment for Fibromyalgia in Kerala focuses on an integrated approach to managing the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Fibromyalgia includes

Ayurvedic formulations, Therapies,
diet,
lifestyle modifications,
stress management techniques

These treatments helps balance the Vata dosha and eliminate accumulated toxins(Ama) which are responsible for the development of fibromyalgia.

Dr. Salini . L. S

Chief Ayurvedic Physician
Saatwika Ayurveda

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Fibromyalgia Treatment Packages At Saatwika Ayurveda

Long Lasting Cure
No Side Effects
Herbal medicines only
Minimal Recurrence
7 -21 Days Package

Scientific Diagnosis
Inpatient Facility
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
Daily Doctor Consultation
Healthy Stay

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Importance Of Ayurvedic Remedies In Fibromyalgia Treatment

Ayurvedic remedies play a crucial role in the treatment of fibromyalgia due to their holistic approach and effectiveness in managing symptoms.

Ayurveda recognizes fibromyalgia as a Vata dosha imbalance along with the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Hence, the therapies aim to balance the vata dosha and flush out accumulated toxins.
Ayurvedic therapeutic plans are highly personalized, taking into account the unique constitution, symptoms, and underlying causes of each individual’s fibromyalgia.

This individualized approach ensures targeted and effective management of the condition.

Ayurvedic physicians recommend herbal formulations, Panchakarma therapies, dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques to relieve symptoms by understanding the dosha and other factors involved.

These remedies emphasize long-term management and prevention of recurrence by addressing the root cause of fibromyalgia, promoting overall health, and enhancing resilience against stress and environmental factors.

Aim Of Ayurvedic Treatment for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects a notable segment of the global population, with prevalence rates estimated between 2% and 8%.
It typically manifests more severely in women aged in their thirties and forties.

Here comes the role of Ayurveda in managing fibromyalgia.

Ayurvedic treatment for fibromyalgia aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, balance the doshas (energies), eliminate toxins (ama), and improve overall well-being.

Ayurveda addresses the condition’s root cause through customized therapeutic plans, including herbal formulations, diet, lifestyle modifications, and external Panchakarma therapies.

These therapies help manage the symptoms effectively, enhance the quality of life, and maintain harmony within the body and mind.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread body pain, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, disrupted sleep patterns, and memory issues.

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown; it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and medical factors.

The symptoms can vary in intensity, and flare-ups can occur between.

How Fibromyalgia Looks like?

The symptoms of fibromyalgia are not easy to spot, as they can mimic other diseases.

The affected individual may experience pain and tenderness all over the body.

They can also feel tired, have trouble sleeping, and have difficulty concentrating or memory issues.

Fibromyalgia can also be seen associated with digestive issues, headaches including migraines, and rashes, which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia

The symptoms can vary in intensity and worsen without proper treatment. The symptoms include:

Over three months, persistent and widespread muscle pain in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks has been present.
Stiffness affects joints and muscles.
Altered sleep patterns.
Fatigue and overall body weakness.
Difficulty concentrating and experiencing “fibro-fog.”
Sensitivity to light, sound, heat, and cold.
Symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort include constipation, bloating, and stomach aches.
Occasional headaches, along with feelings of anxiety and depression.

Specific Symptoms in Male

Fibromyalgia often remains undiagnosed in males because it is viewed predominantly as a female disease. The specific symptoms seen in males include:

1. Pain and tenderness over the whole body

2. Fatigue

3. Muscle stiffness, especially in the morning

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

5. Brain fog or difficulty concentrating affecting the work quality

6. Headache

7. Depression

Specific Symptoms in Female

Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. The symptoms can be more intense and aggravated in females. The specific symptoms seen in females include:

1. Widespread pain

2. Fatigue and tiredness in the morning

3. Symptoms specific to Irritable Bowel Syndrome

4. Fibromyalgia can worsen during the time of menstruation and pregnancy

5. During the time of pregnancy, fibromyalgia can worsen mood swings and fatigue

Causes Of Fibromyalgia

The exact reason for the formation of fibromyalgia is still unknown; it’s likely to be a combination of various factors.

The potential factors that result in the development of fibromyalgia include:

Genetics: Fibromyalgia tends to run in the families. So, individuals with a family history are more prone to develop this condition.
Abnormal processing of pain: The central nervous system communicates with the rest of the body through specialized cells called neurons. Any change or abnormalities in this communication may explain fibromyalgia and extreme sensitivity and sensitivity to pain.
Infections: People affected with diseases, including Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme virus, are at more risk of developing fibromyalgia.
Physical trauma, including accidents or significant surgeries.
Sleep disturbance and neuroendocrine abnormalities.
Psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, etc

Body Parts Affected by Fibromyalgia

Even though fibromyalgia can cause pain and discomfort throughout the body, the common body parts affected by fibromyalgia are:

Head
The Chest
The Abdomen
Arms and legs
The Upper back and spine
The Lower back and spine, including the buttocks

Tender Points in Fibromyalgia

Tender points are specific sites in the affected person’s body that are more likely to be more painful when pressed.

These regions are about the size of a penny and much more sensitive than the surroundings. They are seen surrounding the joints, not within the actual joints.

There are 18 tender points located symmetrically in the body, and 11 had to test positive to diagnose fibromyalgia.

These are scattered over the neck, chest, back, shoulders, hips, and knees.

The tender points are located in the following areas:

1. Lower neck in front

2. Edge of upper breast

3. Below the side bone at the elbow

4. Base of the skull

5. Neck and shoulder

6. Upper inner shoulder

7. Upper outer buttock

8. Hip bone

9. Just above the knee on the inside

Earlier, physicians used these tender points to diagnose fibromyalgia. Although tender points are a characteristic feature of fibromyalgia, advanced methods are now adopted for diagnosing the condition.

Tender points are specific sites in the affected person’s body that are more likely to be more painful when pressed.

These regions are about the size of a penny and much more sensitive than the surroundings.

They are seen surrounding the joints, not within the actual joints.

There are 18 tender points located symmetrically in the body, and 11 had to test positive to diagnose fibromyalgia.

These are scattered over the neck, chest, back, shoulders, hips, and knees.

The tender points are located in the following areas:

1. Lower neck in front

2. Edge of upper breast

3. Below the side bone at the elbow

4. Base of the skull

5. Neck and shoulder

6. Upper inner shoulder

7. Upper outer buttock

8. Hip bone

9. Just above the knee on the inside

Earlier, physicians used these tender points to diagnose fibromyalgia.

Although tender points are a characteristic feature of fibromyalgia, advanced methods are now adopted for diagnosing the condition.

Associated diseases of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia often co-exist with other conditions, which can often complicate the diagnosis and management. Disorders commonly associated with fibromyalgia include:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bladder
Headaches, including migraine headaches
Dysmenorrhea
Premenstrual Syndrome
Restless Leg Syndrome
Temporomandibular joint pain
Non-cardiac chest pain
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Anxiety and depression
Rheumatic conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

How To Diagnose Fibromyalgia

There are no diagnostic tests or imaging tools for fibromyalgia so far.

To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, an individual must have experienced widespread pain, tenderness, and other associated symptoms for more than three months.

Once the person experiencing the symptoms approaches the healthcare provider, they will conduct a physical examination and medical history to identify the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

The physician will ask about the pain’s duration, severity, and location, as well as whether you suffer from severe fatigue, memory issues, or disturbances in sleep.

Physical examination is carried out to examine the joints for swelling and deformity and to understand the location of the tender points.

Blood, urine, and other imaging tests are also carried out to rule out other diseases and conditions.

If no alternative diagnosis is found, the condition is considered fibromyalgia.

Ayurvedic perspective on Fibromyalgia

In Ayurveda, the three fundamental energies or doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha- are responsible for the body’s normal functioning.

Any imbalance or disturbance in these doshas can result in abnormal bodily functions and various health conditions.

Ayurveda describes fibromyalgia as the vitiation of Vata dosha, classifying it under the broad category of diseases known as Vata Vyadhi.

The symptoms of fibromyalgia closely resemble those explained in diseases such as ‘Mamsadhathu gata Vata’ or ‘Mamsavruta Vata.’

The vata dosha can get vitiated due to various factors such as inadequate rest, improper lifestyle and diet, chronic stress, emotional distress, etc. An imbalanced Vata dosha can destabilize the nervous system, leading to symptoms like widespread pain, stiffness, sleep disturbances, and abdominal bloating, which are characteristic of fibromyalgia.

Additionally, as per Ayurveda, the accumulation of toxins or ama is another factor responsible for the formation of the disease.

These accumulated toxins block the bodily channels (shrotoavarodh) and trigger the development of fibromyalgia.

How To Diagnose Fibromyalgia In Ayurvedic Way

Ayurvedic sages diagnose fibromyalgia by focusing on the involvement of doshas and dhatus. Fibromyalgia is diagnosed in Ayurvedic way by:

Prakriti Assessment: Ayurveda explains the concept of Prakriti or individual constitution. Assessing prakriti helps people determine an individual’s inherent strengths and weaknesses, which can influence how fibromyalgia manifests.
Dosha Imbalance: Fibromyalgia is often associated with an imbalance in Vata dosha, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and hypersensitivity.
Physical examination: Ayurvedic practitioners evaluate symptoms specific to fibromyalgia, such as widespread pain, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and sensitivity to touch.
Understanding Disease Pathogenesis: Ayurveda views fibromyalgia as a result of impaired digestion, which leads to the accumulation of ama and vitiation of Vata dosha. This will help in planning treatment strategies focused on restoring digestive function, eliminating toxins, and balancing doshas.
Differential Diagnosis: Ayurvedic physicians differentiate fibromyalgia from other musculoskeletal disorders and systemic conditions based on symptom patterns and examination findings.

Risk Factors And Complications

Risk factors

Understanding the risk factors of fibromyalgia can help with the diagnosis and management of the condition effectively.

Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, several factors may increase the risk of developing the condition.

1. Age: Fibromyalgia can affect people of any age, even in children. It most commonly affects people in middle age, and the chance of having it increases with age.

2. Gender: Women are more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men. It is partly due to hormonal imbalance or varying responses to stress or pain. Menopause is another potential risk factor for fibromyalgia in females due to the lower levels of estrogen hormone.

3. Family History: Individuals having a close family member affected by the condition are more likely to develop the condition.

4. Stress and trauma: Physical or emotional trauma, such as an accident or significant life changes, can trigger the onset of fibromyalgia.

5. Rheumatic conditions affect joints, muscles, and bones. People diagnosed with the conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and SLE.

6. Infections: Some infections have been linked to developing or worsening fibromyalgia symptoms.

7. Fibromyalgia occurs among people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.

Complications

Fibromyalgia not only affects physical health but also has a significant impact on the various aspects of life.

The complications associated with fibromyalgia include:

1. Chronic pain: Persistent pain can interfere with daily activities and the overall quality of life, resulting in frequent hospitalization.

2. Sleep disturbances: Fibromyalgia can result in sleep problems, including insomnia and non-restorative sleep.

3. Mental health issues: Chronic pain and fatigue can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

4. Cognitive impairments: Fibromyalgia can lead to memory problems, difficulty in concentration, and mental fatigue.

5. Reduction in quality of life: Constant discomfort can significantly impact personal and professional life, leading to decreased productivity and social isolation.

Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening but can be challenging. Learning how to manage the condition may give a better outcome

Ayurvedic Treatment For Fibromyalgia

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing fibromyalgia.

Ayurvedic therapies focus on restoring bodily harmony, reducing pain, eliminating toxins, and enhancing the overall health of the affected individual.

They help balance the vitiated doshas, especially the vata dosha, and eliminate accumulated toxins from the body.

Internal Medications

According to Ayurveda, therapeutic plans can be classified into Sodhana(purification therapies) and Samana (pacifying medicines). Internal medications or Samana Chikitsa help balance the vitiated doshas, kindling the digestive fire, and relieving pain and associated symptoms.

After careful examination, various formulations are administered internally, considering the doshic constitution, age, and progression of the disease.

These formulations commonly contain herbs with vata-pacifying properties, such as Ashwagandha, Guggulu, boswellia, Licorice, and Ginger.

External Therapies

Panchakarma therapies form the backbone of Ayurvedic therapeutic plans. These therapies balance the aggravated doshas, eliminate accumulated toxins, and restore mental harmony. Various therapeutic approaches for fibromyalgia are:

Abhyanga, or full-body massage, with medicated oils helps balance the Vata dosha, improves blood circulation, relaxes joints and muscles, relieves pain, and eases emotional distress. Physicians select oils with Vata-pacifying properties after analyzing the doshic constitution, age, and progression of the disease.
Swedana or fomentation therapies aim to open the bodily channels and eliminate the accumulated toxins from the body.
Vasti, or medicated enema, is renowned in Ayurveda as the ‘Ardha Chikitsa’. Introducing medicated oil or decoction to the rectum helps pacify Vata dosha and enhance digestive health.
Shirodhara, the therapy in which warm medicated oil is poured gently over the head, helps balance Vata dosha, improves sleep quality, reduces anxiety, and enhances the functioning of the nervous system.
Nasyam, or instilling medicated oil through the nostrils, clears the nasal passage and aids in relieving symptoms of the head region.
Pizhichil is an Ayurvedic therapy in which warm medicated oil is poured over the body in a synchronized manner. This treatment benefits the body and muscles by relaxing them overall.