Fibromyalgia, formerly know as fibrositis, is a common and chronic condition affecting the muscles. This condition is present more in women between the ages of 35 and 55. Stress, trauma and infection are believed to cause fibromyalgia. Common symptoms include pain, fatigue, emotional disturbances, headaches and abdominal pain. Unlike other rheumatic conditions, fibromyalgia is not associated with tissue inflammation. Patients affected with this condition appear to have an increased sensitivity to pain, which is wide spread and involves multiple tender points all over the body.
The Ayurvedic treatment of fibromyalgia is aimed at treating the symptoms and reducing stress. Medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Dashmoolarishta, Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina), Khurasani ova (Hyoscyamus niger), Jayphal (Myristica fragrans), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) are used to control pain. Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Arjunarishta and Drakshasav are used to treat fatigue. Stress and emotional disturbances can be treated using medicines like Saraswatarishta, Brahmi-Vati, Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi).
Migraine and tension headaches associated with fibromyalgia can be treated using medicines like Triphala-Guggulu, Pathyadi-Qadha, Godanti-Bhasma and Sarpagandha. Numbness or tingling of different parts of the body can be treated using medicines like Kaishor-Guggulu, Ekang-Veer-Ras and Tapyadi-Loh. A local application on the painful and tender spots using medications like Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahamash oil is also quite helpful.
Fibromyalgia can be treated effectively in most patients with a combination of education, stress reduction, exercise and medications. Low- impact aerobic exercises, done in moderation, are very helpful in this condition. Relaxation techniques, yogic asanas and pranayam are also quite helpful in fibromyalgia. Treatment programmes need to be tailor-made for each individual.