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The Body
 Phyt Breast Cancer
What about Gout?             Nutrition in Pregnancy
Dealing with Neck Pain
Fibromyalgia
Lizzie & Arthritis
Biomagnetic Healing       Low Back Pain  

 The Mind
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture
A Short History of Medicine
A Cycle of Creation
Definition of AMMA

The Spirit
Grief and Grieving
 Rules for Being Human Healing with Color

This piece is dedicated to “mi amiga bonita Maria”.  She is my friend, my colleague and my inspiration.

Fibromyalgia Table of Contents: (skip this and take me to the article)

 What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

             Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) means widespread pain of the fibrous tissues.  These tissues include the muscles, tendons, ligaments and sometimes bones.  Before 1970 it was known as fibrositis (inflammation or scarring of the fibrous tissue).  Since then it has been discovered that there is no inflammation of the tissue involved, hence, the name change.  About 2% of the population suffers from this condition.  90% of the cases involve women.

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 What does Fibromyalgia Syndrome feel like?

             Try to imagine having a really bad flu virus.  Every muscle aches.  You have pain all over.  The pain ranges in intensity from a dull aching to burning or stabbing pain.  The muscles may twitch.  Your limbs are stiff and heavy, especially in the morning.  Your body is drained of its energy.  You could have a terrible headache, dry mouth, sore throat, irritable bowel syndrome, and irritable bladder syndrome and/or dizziness and brain fogginess.

            Your sleep is disrupted.  You awake feeling like “a Mack truck has just hit you”.

Maybe now you can just about understand how a person with Fibromyalgia Syndrome feels. 

            In addition to these, the following symptoms can be associated with Fibromyalgia:

  1. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) and Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)
  2. Premenstrual Tension and Dysmenorrhea
  3. Anxiety and Depression
  4. Palpitations
  5. Memory Impairment and Cognitive difficulties
  6. Dry eyes and mouth
  7. Sensitivities of the skin
  8. Visual changes
  9. Impaired coordination
  10. Difficulty climbing stairs or lifting
  11. Candida albicans (Yeast Infection)
  12. Restless Leg Syndrome
  13. Chemical or food allergies
  14. Facial tenderness and Myofacial Pain (Shortened Muscle Fiber Syndrome)
  15. Raynaud’s Disease (Impaired Circulation Resulting in Coldness and Bluish Discoloration of the Hands and Feet)
  16. Gastrointestinal Disturbances (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

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 How is Fibromyalgia Syndrome diagnosed?

             Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a rheumatic disorder characterized by chronic achy muscles for duration of at least three months.  Physical exams, blood and urine tests may be normal.  It can overlap or mimic many other autoimmune disorders.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) [now known as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS)] and Fibromyalgia Syndrome have similar symptoms and are often mistaken for each other.  They both may arise from a past Epstein-Barr or other viral infection, chemical sensitivities, mercury poisoning, anemia, parasites, hypoglycemia or hypothyroidism. 

In CFIDS fatigue dominates over pain.  People with FMS tend to do better with regular exercise.  Exercise further fatigues the person with CFIDS.  In patients with FMS the pain dominates over the fatigue.             FMS can also overlap with diagnoses of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), psychological stress, trauma, depression, infection, substance withdrawal, Lupus and Lyme’s Disease.

            The most characteristic symptom that results in a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia Syndrome is the presence of tenderness in at least 11 of 18 specific points.  For the locations of these points Click here.

The pain is believed to be a result of an increase in a chemical identified as Substance P.  This chemical signals the brain to the presence of pain. It may also be attributed to a decrease in the neurochemical Serotonin.  This chemical blocks the severity of perceived pain.  Another theory involves a diminished cortical reaction to stress.

            Research has shown that the sleep disruption associated with FMS may be due to an alpha-eeg anomaly where bouts of waking occur during deep sleep cycles. This results in a decreased amount of restorative sleep.   Extreme fatigue, pain, restless leg syndrome and bruxism further disturb sleep patterns.

The etiology of FMS is largely unknown; it may be triggered by various factors.  Lack of exercise, stress, anxiety, trauma, poor sleep, infections such as candidiasis, viruses, allergies, poor nutrition, low seratonin and amino acid levels, and the inability to excrete phosphates have all been suspected situations.  There are theories that suggest FMS may arise from Leaky Gut Syndrome.  Leaky Gut Syndrome is caused by a constant irritation, injury or infection of the intestinal mucusal wall, which widens the margins of the cell walls allowing large molecules back into the bloodstream.  Once in the bloodstream these molecules stimulate an inflammatory response.  The symptoms of this response vary from person to person.  It may include gastrointestinal disturbances, arthritis, eczema, hives and asthma.  Common insults to the intestinal lining include inadequate digestion of food, allergies, candida overgrowth, viral and bacterial infections, alcohol, and many medications such as steroids, non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and antibiotics.   FMS comes on gradually and increases in severity.

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 Traditional Chinese Medical Diagnosis

             Traditional Chinese Medicine describes Fibromyalgia Syndrome as a collection of symptoms that result from a pathogen that exists between the exterior and interior areas of the body.  This is somewhere between the channels of the body and the skin [Qi and Defensive (Wei) Qi].  It can occur from a weakened body resistance to a bacterial or viral overgrowth and/or from an antibiotic resistant organism.    It is like a “limbo” state.

The symptoms of fatigue, weakness, chilliness, weak pulse, poor muscle tone, yellow complexion, poor digestion, and low voice indicate that a Qi and Yang Deficiency pattern is present.  Treatment with Acupuncture, Amma Therapy, Herbs and Nutrition would be focused on warming and tonifying the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver Channels.

            Poor microcirculation results in a blood stagnation causing metabolic changes in the muscle fibers.  TCM is aimed at unblocking the flow of Qi in the channels and restoring balance.

 Chinese Diagnosis can include any of the following combinations of Syndromes:

Spleen Qi Deficiency symptoms include:

  •     Fatigue

  •     Loss of Appetite

  •     Limbs feeling heavy “like lead” and tired

  •     Epigastric Distension

  •     Cold hands and feet

  •     Bruising easily

  •     Edema

  •     Diarrhea

  •     Pale Face

  •     Tongue: Swollen, thin with a white coat

  •     Pulse: Fine and weal

 Liver Qi Stagnation symptoms would include:

  •     Irritability

  •     Depression

  •     Constipation

  •     Burping

  •     Premenstrual Tension

  •     Breast Distension

  •     Tongue: Dark with a thin white coat

  •     Pulse: Wiry

Kidney Yin Deficiency

  •     Low back pain

  •     Pain in the knees

  •     Nocturnal Urination

  •     Dizziness

  •     Tinnitus

  •     Night sweats

  •     Hot Flashes

  •     5 Palm Heat (Sweating of Palms, Soles of Feet and Sternum)

  •     Early morning insomnia

  •     Tongue: Red and peeled

  •     Pulse: Rapid, fine and overflowing

Kidney Yang Deficiency

  •     Weakness and Soreness of the lower back and knees

  •     Decreased Libido

  •     Waking at night to urinate

  •     Cold lower half of the body

  •     Tongue: Pale with a thin white coat

  •     Pulse: Slow, deep and forceless 

Damp Heat

  •     Loose and foul smelling stools

  •     Dark green or mustard color with burning defecation around the anus

  •     Swelling of the feet and ankles

  •     Legs are red and warm

  •     Herpes or sore and blisters on genitalia

  •     Dark green nasal discharge

  •     Dark green or yellow vaginal discharge

  •     Tongue: Yellow and slimy

  •     Pulse: Rapid and slippery 

Blood Deficiency

  •     Pale lips, nails and face

  •     Constipation

  •     Poor sleeping

  •     Dry skin and hair

  •     Muscle cramps

  •     Tension and stiffness of the muscles

  •     Itching

  •     Blurred vision

  •     Dizziness

  •     Palpitations

  •     Anxiety

  •     Memory Loss

  •     Tongue: Pale and dry

  •     Pulse: Fine, will be choppy with significant blood deficiency 

Blood Stasis

  •     Sharp pain

  •     Stabbing pain that is worse in the evening

  •     Large varicosities

  •     Spider Nevi

  •     Cherry angiomas

  •     Engorged sublingual veins

  •     Blood clots

  •     Painful Menstruation

  •     Liver Age Spots

  •     Tongue: Purple or dark

  •     Pulse: Wiry, deep and slow 

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Treatments

 Traditional Chinese Medical treatment is aimed at transforming dampness and heat, strengthening Spleen, Liver and Kidney Qi and moving the Qi, blood and fluids.

Medical treatment consists of managing the symptoms and improving pain, function and lifestyle.  Much of this treatment utilizes pharmacology, exercise, nutrition, and counseling.  Wholistic treatment focuses on the entire individual, body, mind and spirit.  It encompasses Amma Therapy and massage techniques, Acupuncture, and Herbals, yoga and exercise, nutrition and relaxation techniques.

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Sleep Disturbances

Structuring the environment to promote sleep can minimize sleep disturbances.  Quiet and darkness may be necessary.  A comfortable mattress and pillow are extremely important.  A study of individuals with Fibromyalgia using Magnetic Mattress Pads and Pillows showed beneficial result.  Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and nicotine is recommended since they can all interfere with sleep patterns.  Progressive relaxation combined with music therapy may be useful.  Progressive relaxation involves systematically tensing and relaxing the muscles in ascending order beginning with the toes and ending with the top of the head.  Many audiotapes are available.

Aromatherapy can be used.  Placing lavender essential oil on the pillow or bed sheets can be relaxing.  The lavender essential oil can be combined with olive oil and massaged into the feet before bedtime. 

.  Medical practitioners may prescribe Ambien to assist sleep.  Sometimes a tricyclic antidepressant is prescribed to induce deeper sleep states.  Elavil (amitriptyline) is an example.  It should be used with caution in depression because it is very sedating.  It works with GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain that decreases brain activity.  A health practitioner should monitor liver and kidney function tests.  Other antidepressants may be prescribed such as Pamelor (nortiptyline) or Sinequan (doxepin).

Prozac (fluoxetine) in combination with amitriptyline has been found to be effective.  These medications influence serotonin levels in the brain.  They do have side effects.

Some of the more common ones are:

  1. Dry eyes and mouth
  2. Constipation
  3. Increased Appetite

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Managing Pain

             Aspirin, Advil, Motrin (ibuprofen), Tylanol (acetominophen) are all over the counter analgesics to treat the pain and the stiffness of FMS.  They seem to lose their effectiveness.  Frequent ibuprofen use can result in gastrointestinal pain, ulcerations and bleeding.  Excessive use of acetaminophen can cause kidney or liver damage.

            Rosemary and Lavender essential oil in a very warm bath or combined with vegetable oil rubbed into the skin promotes muscular relaxation and pain relief.  Applying Tiger Balm, a Chinese Liniment such as Po Sum On, or blending one part cayenne pepper (capsicum) to three parts wintergreen oil can provide some pain relief. MSM cream applied to affected joints may be useful.  Dry eyes can be treated with an over-the-counter artificial tears product.  Choose a preservative free brand.

Exercise increases circulation.  This brings a fresh supply of oxygen to the muscles and removes toxins quickly. It raises endorphins, prevents osteoporosis and muscular atrophy.  It can improve sleep.  Exercise may make pain increase at first, but a routine of gentle stretching or yoga combined with aerobic exercise 20-30 minutes a day will help improve symptoms.  Examples of beneficial aerobic exercises are walking, swimming and biking.  Strenuous exercise like tennis, bowling, golf and weight lifting should be avoided at first.

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Nutritional Recommendations

     Eat several small meals a day to evenly distribute nutrition throughout the day for proper muscle function.

    Drink plenty of steam distilled water and herbal teas.

    Juicing raw veggies and fruits provide an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.  Pomegranates and their juice contain many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Wheatgrass juice and Chlorella provides many nutrients for cellular regrowth and repair.  They are also immune enhancing and prevent Candida overgrowth.

    Eat whole grains, millet, brown rice, nuts, seeds, soy, skinless turkey and chicken and deepwater fish. See Phyt Cancer with Plants.  The nutritional recommendations in this article are applicable to FMS.

    Eliminate green pepper, eggplant, tomatoes and white potatoes.  They contain solanine, which interferes with enzymes in the muscles and can cause pain and discomfort.

    Avoid meat, dairy and saturated fats because they increase cholesterol and interfere with circulation.  They stimulate the inflammatory response and pain.  Fried foods, shellfish and white flour should be avoided.

    Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and sugar all increase pain and fatigue.  They interfere with sleep.

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Supplements

Germanium (Ge-132, bis carboxyethyl sequioxide, organic germanium) is a trace mineral.  It is a potent antioxidant and improves the flow of oxygen to the cells.

CoEnzyme10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone) is important for energy production by creating more ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for the mitochondria of the cells. They are antioxidants and scavengers of free radicals.  It is found in concentration in the muscles and especially the heart, liver, kidney and pancreas.  It can benefit people with angina and reduces the amount of tissue damage during myocardial infarction, open-heart surgery and congestive heart failure.  It can be obtained through ingesting beef and liver hearts, whole grains, sardines, peanuts and spinach. Supplementation is available in 30-l80 mg.  When given in 100 mg or more, it should be taken in divided doses.

MSM (DMSO², methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur compound.  It comes in oral supplementation and topical forms.  Food is devoid of this compound due to washing, cooking and processing.  The green plant and algae are food sources.  MSM can be combined with Glucosamine and Chondriotin to minimize joint pain and increase flexibility.

Rutin is a bioflavoniod found in buckwheat (kasha).  It works synergistically with Vitamin C to maintain a healthy immune system.  It is an antioxidant and increases the strength of the capillary blood vessels.  It prevents hemorrhage and has diuretic properties.

L-carnitine is formed from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is found in striated muscles.   It is involved in fatty acid transport to the mitochondria to supply increased energy to the muscles.  It can be obtained by eating meat and dairy products.  Since meat and dairy products should be minimized in individuals with FMS, supplementation is advisable.

Acidophilus tablets aid in digestion.  Probiotics  probiata from Wakunga combats candida infections.  It replaces friendly bacteria.  Use a nondairy formula and follow label directions.

Lecithin with meals promotes energy and aids in brain function.  It helps with circulation.

Magnesium and calcium supplement helps with muscular cramping and fatigue.

Manganese 5mg should be taken separately from any calcium supplements.  This aids connective tissue formation.

A garlic supplement like Kyolic from Wakunaga aids in digestion and circulation.

Vitamin A with carotenoids, Vitamin E and Vitamin C with Bioflavoniods are antioxidant, antiviral, and increase energy.  Use buffered Vitamin C forms.

Free form amino acids  promote immune function.

Proteolytic enzymes taken 6x a day decrease inflammation and increase absorption of food.  Protein is needed for tissue repair.

Some practitioners recommend Sam-e.  It is used for depression and eases pain.  Do not use if you are taking any antidepressants or have bipolar (manic-depressive) disorder.

Vitamin B complex injections for one month followed by an oral B complex of 100mg is given for energy and brain function.  The sublingual forms are better than oral.

Chromium helps balance blood sugar and prevents night sweats.

Essential fatty acids such as Kyolic EFA or Health from the Sun Total EFA are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.  They decrease fatigue.

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Herbals

             St. John’s Wort may help depression.  Many sleep preparations contain valerian, skullcap, hops, lemon balm, chamomile and passionflower.  These are all good sleep inducers for insomnia.  Passionflower is also antispasmodic.  Nikken has a formula called Restful Night that contains many sleep inducing herbs such as Chamomile, Hops, Valerian Root, Grape Seed Extract, Melatonin as well as Calcium and Magnesium for muscle relaxation, Manganese for connective tissue repair and many antioxidants and Calcium regulators.

            There are many herbs to enhance the immune system.  Dong Qui (angelica), Echinacea, garlic, ginger, and astragalus may be useful.  Gingko Biloba improves microcirculation and brain function.  This is good for Raynaud’s Disease and memory.

            Eat plenty of ginger, cayenne pepper, onion and garlic.  They move Qi, blood and fluids.  They dry dampness.  Ginger tea should not be used in individuals with ulcerative digestive systems or GERD.

            Before using any herbal product, consult a qualified Wholistic health care provider.  Many of these herbs have anticoagulant (blood thinning) properties.

            There are many Chinese Herbal Decoctions that may be helpful with symptoms.  Consult a certified Acupuncturist and/or herbalist for these treatments.

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Amma Therapy

             Amma Therapy can induce relaxation of the body and the mind.  It promotes the circulation of Qi, blood and fluids to enhance oxygenation of the muscles and removal of the toxins.  It can provide relief of symptoms and improve sleep.

 The key acupressure points used are as follows:

 Acute Illness

LI 4- Facilitates Qi flow, moistens, generates fluids, regulates and tonifies Qi, tonifies protective Qi, relaxes the sinews.  It is used in atrophy syndromes.

LV 3- Regulates and tonifies Liver, alleviates pain, insomnia and menstruation problems.  Alleviates urinary incontinence, shoulder, lower back and epigastric pain.  It spreads Liver Qi and blood flow.

GV 14-Calms the spirit, clears the brain, facilitates Qi flow, relaxes the sinews, It is used for neck stiffness and pain.

ST 36-Regulates, strengthens and tonifies Spleen Qi and Yang.  It reduces digestive stagnation, facial pain, acute back pain, insomnia, dysmenorrhea.  Tonifies the Kidney, weakness, and dizziness.   Benefits the knees and leg stiffness.

Spleen Deficiency and Dampness

ST 36-Transforms Dampness and Damp Heat, dries Damp and Damp Cold.  Beneficial in atrophy syndromes.

CV 12-Regulates, strengthens and tonifies the Spleen Qi and Yang.  Transforms Damp and is beneficial in indigestion.

SP 9- Regulates and tonifies the Spleen and regulates the Stomach.  Good for atrophy syndromes, low back pain, urinary incontinence and resolves Damp.

BL 20- Regulates Small Intestine and Stomach.  Tonifies Spleen Transforms Damp.  Beneficial in insomnia and atrophy syndromes.

 Kidney Deficiency    

KI 13-Tonifies Kidney and Essence, removes obstructions from the channel and circulates Qi and blood in the abdomen.  Beneficial in dysmenorrhea, dysuria, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

KI 17- Beneficial in abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation.

BL 23-Tonifies Kidney.  Beneficial in atrophy syndromes due to deficiencies, irregular menstruation, abdominal pain, cramping, resolves Damp, promotes urination, brightens the eyes, strengthens the lower back and knees, improves concentration and benefits the sacral area.

KI 27- Indicated for mental fatigue, disorientation, anxiety, palpitations and forgetfulness.

 Heart and Kidney not Communicating

HT 7-Nourishes the mind, calming and promotes sleep.

HT 6-Benefits the heart.

PC 5-Calms the Shen (Spirit), harmonizes the Stomach and expels Phlegm (Mucus).

Indicated for cardiac pain, palpitations, irritability, stomachache, vomiting, elbow and arm pain, mental disorders.     

CV 14-Calms the Spirit and regulates the Qi, pacifies the Stomach and benefits the diaphragm.  Indicated for pain in the Heart and chest, nausea, acid regurgitation, vomiting, mental disorders, palpitations, epilepsy and difficulty swallowing.

KI 3-Tonifies the Kidney Qi (Yang and Yin), blood and Essence.  Strengthens the brain, regulates menstruation, water pathways, insomnia, lower back pain and poor memory. 

 Blood Stasis

LV 3- Spreads Liver Qi and Blood flow.  Regulates and tonifies the Liver.  Sedates the Liver and opens the channels.

SP6- Strengthens Spleen and transforms dampness, spreads Liver Qi and benefits the Kidneys.

SP 10-Regulates Spleen and menstruation.  It invigorates blood and facilitates blood flow.

ST 29-Regulates stagnation, menstruation and abdominal pain.  Transforms Damp.

BL 17-Regulates Spleen and blood and facilitates blood flow.

BL 19-Regulates the Liver and Stomach for dream-disturbed sleep and insomnia.

BL 20-Regulates Small Intestine and Stomach.  Tonifies Spleen Transforms Damp.  Beneficial in insomnia and atrophy syndromes.

  Insomnia

ST 36-Indicated for insomnia

SP 6-Strengthens Spleen and transforms dampness, spreads Liver Qi and benefits the Kidneys.

HT 7-Regulates heart, palpitations, dizziness, malaise and dream disturbed sleep

PC 6-Regulates and tonifies Heart.  Facilitates blood flow, calms spirit and clears the brain.  Indicated for depression, insomnia and forgetfulness.

TB 6-Facilitates qi flow for menopause, shoulder and arm pain, alleviates pain.

Ān mián- extra point meaning peaceful sleep.  Calms spirit, clears the brain.  Indicated for insomnia, restless or dream-disturbed sleep and dizziness.

Point in the center of the heel.

  Depression

LV 3-Spreads Liver Qi and Blood flow.  Regulates and tonifies the Liver.  Sedates the Liver and opens the channels.

LI 4-Facilitates Qi flow. Clears the channels.  Suppresses Wind and alleviates pain.

GB 34-Regulates and tonifies the Liver, benefits the joints and hips, relaxes the sinews, facilitates Qi flow, alleviates pain in the lower back, knee, sciatica and lower extremity atrophy syndrome.

ST 40-Regulates Stomach and Intestines, transforms Damp, indicated in menopause, dizziness and insomnia.  Calms the spirit, anxiety and palpitations. 

HT 7-Regulates heart, palpitations, dizziness, malaise and dream disturbed sleep

KI 3-Tonifies the Kidney Qi (Yang and Yin), blood and Essence.  Strengthens the brain, regulates menstruation, water pathways, insomnia, lower back pain and poor memory.

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Counseling

           Living with chronic pain and fatigue can be devastating to many.  Stress management and counseling can help individuals to perceive their situations from a more positive viewpoint.  Support groups can be beneficial many cases.

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For more information contact:

WholisticHealthWorks

Fibromyalgia Network  @ P. O. Box 31750, Tuscan, Arizona 85751

http://fmnetnews.com/  (800) 853-2929

The Mayo Clinic:http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?id=DS00079

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