7 natural remedies to treat fibromyalgia

Article written by doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Head of Endoscopy - Gastroenterology Unit - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Standard treatments for fibromyalgia include pain relievers, antidepressants, and antiepileptic drugs. They can help relieve symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and insomnia. However, the American Joint Association says that, sometimes, drug treatments don't work. The authors conclude that the best approach is to combine drug treatment with other types of non-pharmacological or “additional” therapies. Here are some natural remedies to treat fibromyalgia.

Some studies show that yoga can help ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Researchers in the American Journal of Pain Research linked yoga to levels of pain relief associated with fibromyalgia in participants.
Another study published in the Journal of Pain Research showed similar results. Women with fibromyalgia who attended a 75-minute yoga class, twice a week, for eight weeks reported less pain at the end of the study. They also had lower blood levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Can meditation change the way your brain processes pain signals? Dr Daniel Lewis, Australian rheumatologist says yes. He thinks that meditation can change the way the brain works, helping to improve symptoms of fibromyalgia.
A research review published in the Journal of Headache also found evidence that meditation can reduce pain associated with fibromyalgia. It can help you calm your mind and relax your body, promoting deep rest and relaxation. This can help your body heal itself without the use of medication.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring amino acid. It helps your body produce serotonin. This chemical helps regulate your mood.
According to a review published in the National Journal of Arthritis, 5-HTP may help improve fibromyalgia symptoms. It can help with pain, morning stiffness, fatigue and anxiety. More research is still needed, but scientists believe that 5-HTP has the same effects as antidepressants.

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a molecule that your body produces naturally. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
Researchers in the journal Rheumatology report that SAMe may help relieve some symptoms of fibromyalgia. For example, it can help with pain, morning stiffness, and fatigue. However, study participants also reported some mild side effects, such as stomach upset and dizziness.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine. Very thin needles are inserted into your skin at different points on your body. It is used to treat many different conditions.
An article published in the Cochrane Database of systematic reviews suggests it may help treat fibromyalgia. The authors evaluated 9 studies with a total of 395 participants. They found some evidence that acupuncture can help improve pain and stiffness.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice. This martial art involves moving your body slowly and gently through a series of poses. It has shown some potential for alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
A study reported in the British Medical Journal shows promising results. Participants with fibromyalgia took a 60-minute tai chi class or a health education and stretching class. They attended these classes twice a week for 12 weeks. People who practice tai chi have improved pain, sleep quality, depression, and quality of life. Benefits continued to be seen for up to 24 weeks.

Manual lymphatic drainage therapy (MLDT) is a type of massage. It helps move lymph fluid in your body. Your lymphatic system helps your body get rid of waste and toxins.
In research reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies, scientists tested MLDT on a group of women with fibromyalgia. They did the MLDT 5 times a week for 3 weeks. It seems to be more effective than regular massage for morning fatigue and anxiety. Both MLDT and regular massage have been associated with reduced pain and improved quality of life.

Research on fibromyalgia is still in its early stages. Experts will continue to make new discoveries and advancements. Several complementary therapies have shown promise in alleviating the symptoms of this disease.
If standard medications don't give you the relief you need, talk to your doctor about complementary therapies. Massage therapy, yoga, meditation, or other options can help you feel better. Your doctor can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of adding them to your treatment plan.
Fibromyalgia can progress to chronic without timely intervention, but the disease can also be relieved well if the patient reduces stress and follows the doctor's instructions. Have faith that you can cure it with a combination of therapies, especially natural remedies for fibromyalgia.
Vinmec International General Hospital is always ready to receive and treat diseases from simple to complex. With a team of qualified doctors and modern medical equipment, the examination and treatment process takes place well and achieves the highest results.
Currently, in addition to developing package examination services, such as general health checkup packages, the institute also has individual services suitable for each customer's case. Therefore, when you have any health problems, you can go to Vinmec hospital for examination and appropriate advice from a team of leading doctors and experts from many major hospitals across the country.

References: oxfordjournals.org, springer.com, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, dovepress.com