There is help for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Question: I suffer from Fibromyalgia. Is there anything that can be done to relieve the symptoms other than taking drugs?
Mimi: Fibromyalgia means: Fibro (fibrous tissue) my (muscle) algia (pain)
Most researchers agree that fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder of the central nervous system. "Short circuited" receptors send wrong messages to the brain, resulting in chronic and widespread pain. Pain of all sorts: feeling bruised all over, aching, throbbing, stabbing, burning, tingling, numbness, twitching, and hypersensitive skin. FM patients have at least 11 tender points, also called Trigger Points. "Fibro Fog" was coined to describe struggles with mental clarity and memory. Additional symptoms may include IBS, headaches, restless legs syndrome, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, Raynaud's Syndrome, and neurological disorders. Restful sleep eludes many, depriving them of healing, restorative delta level sleep.
Many FM guests request Deep Tissue massage to work out knots causing muscle pain, not realizing that their muscle structure is normal! In their case, muscles do not relax between contractions, causing muscle fatigue and the build up of metabolic waste products, or "pain chemicals" such as lactic acid (burning) and Substance P (pain).
Neuromuscular Massage (aka Fibromyalgia Massage) is a non-invasive treatment using "Comfort Touch," light acupressure, and gentle compression. These techniques help ease pain by relaxing hypertonic (extremely tense) muscles without over-stimulation of the nervous system. Deep tissue massage may trigger more pain or worsen secondary symptoms. The goals of Neuromuscular Massage technique are to relax the body and to facilitate restful sleep. It is not uncommon for clients to fall asleep during treatment!
Neuromuscular Massage is also beneficial for people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, sleep disorders, and chronic stress. In fact, anyone who needs a vacation from pain and stress could benefit from this gentle treatment.
Pain Triggers include cold. A warm bath and soaking in Epsom salts or salts from the Dead Sea may help. Plan on using a hydro tub before a massage.
Stress. Regular mild exercise and massages reduce stress. A cup of herbal tea is soothing.
Lack of sleep. Re-read the Sleep yourself well column. Valerian root or melatonin taken at bedtime may help.
Caffeine. Reduce soft drinks containing caffeine, black tea and coffee.
Aspartaine. Cut out all diet sodas. When you reduce artificial sweeteners, you will probably experience a reduction of Brain Fog, Depression, Nervousness, and Pain. I have seen guests totally reduce their pain when the decided to eat properly. Do not use artificial sweeteners. Read the bottle. Enjoy a cup of herb tea with lemon and honey instead of a diet soda. Eat lots of fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Drink lots of water. Cut out the junk food.
Mimi Barre is the owner of International Day Spa, 325 Cajon St., Redlands.
Send your skin care questions to her at MimiB@INTLdayspa.com. She and her estheticians are available for personal consultations. (909) 793-9080. Past columns of Ask Mimi are on the web at www.INTERNATIONALdayspa.com.
