FibromyalgiaChinese Medicine

Calm Spirit
Fibromyalgia Information and Resources

Fibromyalgia has been called many names by the medical profession, including fibrosis, chronic rheumatism, and myalgia. It was also thought by some physicians to be a psychological condition. However, now it is recognized as a true illness and a major cause of disability. Unfortunately, some physicians consider it to be a "fad disease" because there is still a lack of knowledge to diagnose and treat it. Because there is not medical test for it, FMS is usually diagnosed when all other similar illnesses have been ruled out.

Fibromyalgia is called a syndrome (FMS), which means it is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. The official definition requires that tender points be present in all four quadrants of the body, and there must be widespread, continuous pain for at least three months. FMS can occur at any age, and when taking a careful history, most FMS sufferers indicate their symptoms started at an early age. More women than men suffer from FMS. Along with the 18 "official" tender points needed to diagnose FMS, other symptoms include:

Although there are several theories about what causes FMS, no one knows for sure about what causes it. There may be triggering events including illnesses or traumatic injury, or developing another disorder, such as lupus, arthritis or hypothyroidism. While they don't actually cause FMS, they may start an underlying physiological abnormality. Theories pertaining to these abnormalities include changes in neurotransmitter regulation (serotonin and substance P), sleep physiology, and hormonal regulation.

Presently, there is no western medical cure for FMS. However, it has been found that symptoms change from being acute to being manageable. While many people do improve, it is not known if there is actual recovery from FMS. This inconsistency can have disastrous effects on the ability to work a full time job, and have an normal family and personal life. It can greatly affect a person's self confidence and self esteem. Feelings of inability to cope with every day activities and never being able to plan ahead often lead to frustration and/or depression.

Traditional western medical treatments try to improve the quality of sleep and reduce pain. Physicians may prescribe medications that boost the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine, such as Elavil, Flexeril, Sinequan, Paxil and Xanax.

Although there is no cure, some medicines have been developed to alleviate symptoms. Lyrica and Cymbalta are medicines that help some people, but in studies of people with FMS, many participants drop out because of the severe side effects that outweigh the benefits. And these medications are expensive, which some people can't afford to take on a daily basis. Other medications that are thought to help are gabapentin and amitriptyline, the combination of these two are the considered to be the most effective as of this writing (October 2009). These also have side effects that can be severe for some people. The costs for these medications are considerably lower than Lyrica and Cymbalta.

NSAIDS like ibuprofen may be helpful. However, if you are taking medications every day for FMS, you may experience unpleasant side effects from the medicine that add to the misery of your fibromyalgia. There are some things you can do to take more control of your life and symptoms, and perhaps reduce the need for medications.

It is important to keep moving, even though exercise is the last thing you might feel like doing. Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga and taiji chuan keep you flexible and build strength. Also, be aware of your posture as you go about your daily activities.

Balance your life. On good days, don't do too much. On bad days, don't do too little. Decide what you need to do and what you want to accomplish to have a good day that includes personal care and exercise, house and yard work, enjoyable activities and hobbies, social time and relaxation. Time management skills are important, so you can have the best day possible.

Avoid any extremes, including temperatures in environment and the foods and beverages you consume. Don't do too much or too little of anything.

Manage your emotions. When you have a chronic illness like FMS, there is often a feeling of loss and grief about the status of your health. You may feel anger and frustration about your limitations. It is important to have the support of your family and friends, and use good communication skills to let people know what you need. If you are having problems dealing with your emotions, seek counseling for help sorting out your feelings and working on coping skills.

Have realistic expectations. Be a positive thinker. Learn to be assertive instead of aggressive or passive.

Deal with stress. Know what triggers your FMS symptoms. Plan your day, but keep it simple. Organize your time with what you want to do and have to do, and take a break when you need one. Practice daily relaxation. Learn meditation or progressive muscle relaxation.

Eat properly, again avoiding extremes. Try to maintain your ideal weight. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. While western medicine doesn't have a treatment for FMS, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a diagnosis and treatment for your individual sets of symptoms. You may want to seek health care treatment from a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatments include acupuncture, acupressure, tuina, qigong healing and herbs, as well as other appropriate treatments based on your diagnosis. Chinese medicine differs from western medicine in that western medicine regards the body as chemical in nature, and therefore illness is treated with medication that changes the body's chemistry. Chinese medicine believes the body is energy. When qi flow is blocked, illness results. Treatments restore the balance of the body's qi flow.

Taiji chuan (tai chi) has also been found to be very helpful for FMS sufferers, and it is something you can do for yourself. The slow, gentle movements of taiqi increase flexibility and strength, and taiqi is considered to be a moving meditation. The purpose of qi exercise is to promote the smooth flow of qi (energy) through your body

Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and preventing disease, and more recently has been used in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders and other conditions. Qigong is best learned from a qigong master, and then can be practiced daily at home.

Wearing magnets can be very helpful for alleviating pain. For more information and to view the Calm Spirit magnetic Chakra necklace, bracelet, headband and anklet all-in-one jewelry piece, click here.

A Chinese herbal remedy that may be helpful is Calm Spirit herbal formula, because it contains a high content of zizyphus that calms the spirit, nurtures the heart and stops pain. It is useful for insomnia, restlessness and mental agitation. In China, Du Huo Jisheng Wan is classic formula for helping with pain especially in the lower part of the body.

Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan has just been added to the inventory. A classic Chinese Herbal Formula that helps insomnia.

Green tea has been found to be very healthful, and a cup of tea can be very relaxing and a good break for your body, mind and spirit.

The more you can do for yourself to manage FMS, the better you will feel. Please do not hesitate to contact calmspirit if you have any questions, or need more information.

Fibromyalgia and the MindBodySpirit Connection, by William B. Salt and Edwin H. Season

Yoga Over 50 The Way to Vitality, Health and Energy in the Prime of Life by Mary Steward (If it's aimed for people over 50, it should be gently enough for FMS sufferers of any age. This book is a Calm Spirit favorite)

The Way of Qigong The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Kenneth S. Cohen


Calm Spirit Fibromyalgia Information and Resources Fibromyalgia has been called many names by the medical profession, including fibrosis, chronic rheumatism, and myalgia. It was also thought by some physicians to be a psychological condition. However, now it is recognized as a true illness and a major cause of disability. Unfortunately, some physicians consider it to be a "fad disease" because there is still a lack of knowledge to diagnose and treat it. Because there is not medical test for it, FMS is usually diagnosed when all other similar illnesses have been ruled out. Fibromyalgia is called a syndrome (FMS), which means it is a specific set of signs and symptoms that occur together. The official definition requires that tender points be present in all four quadrants of the body, and there must be widespread, continuous pain for at least three months. FMS can occur at any age, and when taking a careful history, most FMS sufferers indicate their symptoms started at an early age. More women than men suffer from FMS. Along with the 18 "official" tender points needed to diagnose FMS, other symptoms include: Problems sleeping at night. You might not be getting enough sleep or the right kind of sleep. Many people with FMS complain of sleep deprivation. Sensitivity to sounds, lights, smells, and temperature fluctuations and pressures. FMS sufferers may have different nervous systems, and their bodies may interpret sounds, lights and odors as pain . Body temperature may fluctuate because of problems with thermal regulation, causing you to feel hot or cold. People with FMS often lack proper sensory feedback. Muscles may not use enough pressure, and there might not be enough effort to stand, walk or sit. You may be clumsy when handling items because your body is not sensing correctly and letting your muscles know how much energy is needed.. Although there are several theories about what causes FMS, no one knows for sure about what causes it. There may be triggering events including illnesses or traumatic injury, or developing another disorder, such as lupus, arthritis or hypothyroidism. While they don't actually cause FMS, they may start an underlying physiological abnormality. Theories pertaining to these abnormalities include changes in neurotransmitter regulation (serotonin and substance P), sleep physiology, and hormonal regulation. Presently, there is no western medical cure for FMS. However, it has been found that symptoms change from being acute to being manageable. While many people do improve, it is not known if there is actual recovery from FMS. This inconsistency can have disastrous effects on the ability to work a full time job, and have an normal family and personal life. It can greatly affect a person's self confidence and self esteem. Feelings of inability to cope with every day activities and never being able to plan ahead often lead to frustration and/or depression. Traditional western medical treatments try to improve the quality of sleep and reduce pain. Physicians may prescribe medications that boost the body's level of serotonin and norepinephrine, such as Elavil, Flexeril, Sinequan, Paxil and Xanax. Although there is no cure, some medicines have been developed to alleviate symptoms. Lyrica and Cymbalta are medicines that help some people, but in studies of people with FMS, many participants drop out because of the severe side effects that outweigh the benefits. And these medications are expensive, which some people can't afford to take on a daily basis. Other medications that are thought to help are gabapentin and amitriptyline, the combination of these two are the considered to be the most effective as of this writing (October 2009). These also have side effects that can be severe for some people. The costs for these medications are considerably lower than Lyrica and Cymbalta. NSAIDS like ibuprofen may be helpful. However, if you are taking medications every day for FMS, you may experience unpleasant side effects from the medicine that add to the misery of your fibromyalgia. There are some things you can do to take more control of your life and symptoms, and perhaps reduce the need for medications. It is important to keep moving, even though exercise is the last thing you might feel like doing. Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga and taiji chuan keep you flexible and build strength. Also, be aware of your posture as you go about your daily activities. Balance your life. On good days, don't do too much. On bad days, don't do too little. Decide what you need to do and what you want to accomplish to have a good day that includes personal care and exercise, house and yard work, enjoyable activities and hobbies, social time and relaxation. Time management skills are important, so you can have the best day possible. Avoid any extremes, including temperatures in environment and the foods and beverages you consume. Don't do too much or too little of anything. Manage your emotions. When you have a chronic illness like FMS, there is often a feeling of loss and grief about the status of your health. You may feel anger and frustration about your limitations. It is important to have the support of your family and friends, and use good communication skills to let people know what you need. If you are having problems dealing with your emotions, seek counseling for help sorting out your feelings and working on coping skills. Have realistic expectations. Be a positive thinker. Learn to be assertive instead of aggressive or passive. Deal with stress. Know what triggers your FMS symptoms. Plan your day, but keep it simple. Organize your time with what you want to do and have to do, and take a break when you need one. Practice daily relaxation. Learn meditation or progressive muscle relaxation. Eat properly, again avoiding extremes. Try to maintain your ideal weight. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. While western medicine doesn't have a treatment for FMS, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a diagnosis and treatment for your individual sets of symptoms. You may want to seek health care treatment from a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Treatments include acupuncture, acupressure, tuina, qigong healing and herbs, as well as other appropriate treatments based on your diagnosis. Chinese medicine differs from western medicine in that western medicine regards the body as chemical in nature, and therefore illness is treated with medication that changes the body's chemistry. Chinese medicine believes the body is energy. When qi flow is blocked, illness results. Treatments restore the balance of the body's qi flow. Taiji chuan (tai chi) has also been found to be very helpful for FMS sufferers, and it is something you can do for yourself. The slow, gentle movements of taiqi increase flexibility and strength, and taiqi is considered to be a moving meditation. The purpose of qi exercise is to promote the smooth flow of qi (energy) through your body Qigong is an integrated mind-body healing method that has been practiced with remarkable results in China for thousands of years. The Chinese have long treasured qigong for its effectiveness both in healing and preventing disease, and more recently has been used in conjunction with modern medicine to cure cancer, immune system disorders and other conditions. Qigong is best learned from a qigong master, and then can be practiced daily at home. Wearing magnets can be very helpful for alleviating pain. For more information and to view the Calm Spirit magnetic Chakra necklace, bracelet, headband and anklet all-in-one jewelry piece, click here. A Chinese herbal remedy that may be helpful is Calm Spirit herbal formula, because it contains a high content of zizyphus that calms the spirit, nurtures the heart and stops pain. It is useful for insomnia, restlessness and mental agitation. In China, Du Huo Jisheng Wan is classic formula for helping with pain especially in the lower part of the body. Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan has just been added to the inventory. A classic Chinese Herbal Formula that helps insomnia. Green tea has been found to be very healthful, and a cup of tea can be very relaxing and a good break for your body, mind and spirit. The more you can do for yourself to manage FMS, the better you will feel. Please do not hesitate to contact calmspirit if you have any questions, or need more information. Recommended reading Curing Fibromyalgia Naturally with Chinese Medicine, Bob Flaws Mayo Clinic On Chronic Pain Nature's Pain Killers by Carl Germano and William Cabot Fibromyalgia and the MindBodySpirit Connection, by William B. Salt and Edwin H. Season Yoga Over 50 The Way to Vitality, Health and Energy in the Prime of Life by Mary Steward (If it's aimed for people over 50, it should be gently enough for FMS sufferers of any age. This book is a Calm Spirit favorite) The Tai Chi Book by Robert Chuckrow The Way of Qigong The Art and Science of Chinese Energy Healing by Kenneth S. Cohen Reiki for Beginners, David Vennells Reiki for the Soul, Mari Hill Home / Online Counseling / Ask Calm Spirit Chinese Wellness:Migraines and More Energy Healing /Reiki / Qigong / Feng Shui / Gua Sha Chinese Herbs and Tea Ying Yu Chinese Jade China Travel Chinese Orphans
		NEW ADDITION: Herbal Remedy For Fibromyaligia
	Home Online Counseling About the Counselor Ask Calm Spirit Chinese Wellness Energy Healing Reiki Qigong Gua Sha Feng Shui Herbs and Tea Ying Yu Jade China Travel