Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread disorder causing pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive disturbances. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

The condition affects nearly 2 to 8% of the general population. Women are more susceptible to the disease than men. It can occur at any age but is commonly diagnosed in middle-aged individuals.

What causes Fibromyalgia?

The exact reason for the formation of the disease is still unknown. But a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors plays an important role in the formation of the disease. The factors that may lead to the formation of the disease are:

1. Genetic predisposition: There is a tendency to see that fibromyalgia runs in families.
2. Abnormal processing of pain: People with this condition have increased sensitivity to pain due to abnormalities in the way the central nervous system processes the pain.
3. Emotional or physical trauma such as accidents, surgeries, or psychological stress may act as triggering factors leading to the formation of the disease.
4. Sleep disturbances and neuroendocrine abnormalities
5. Psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, etc. are seen in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is characterized by a wide range of symptoms, such as:

1. Musculoskeletal pain: The most prominent feature of fibromyalgia is the widespread pain that persists for more than three months. The pain is commonly felt in the arms, legs, chest, abdomen, back, and buttocks.
2. Muscle and joint stiffness
3. Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
4. Cognitive dysfunction: The affected individual finds difficulty in concentration, recollecting things, and memory loss.
5. Sensitivity to light and noise
6. Digestive issues such as bloating and constipation
7. Headaches, anxiety, mood swings, and depression.

In females, pain during menstruation is very much common in the case of FM. Gastric disturbances like bloating and gas formation are also seen along with constipation in patients with FM. And most of the time these patients get diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Because of these multidimensional impacts on the body, it is also known as fibromyalgia syndrome.

Fibromyalgia in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, fibromyalgia can be correlated with the disease Mamsadhatugata vata or Mamsavruta vata. It can be included as one of the 80 vata disorders in Ayurveda.

The condition primarily occurs as a result of the imbalance of vata dosha in the human body. The vitiated vata dosha produces symptoms such as widespread pain, muscle, and joint stiffness, sleep disturbances, abdominal bloating, etc., which can be seen in fibromyalgia.

Management of Fibromyalgia in Ayurveda

Ayurvedic treatment aims at bringing the vitiated doshas back to normalcy and thereby maintaining harmony in the human body. The vitiated vata dosha must be brought back to normalcy for the management of fibromyalgia. Various approaches can be adopted in the management of fibromyalgia, including:

1. Panchakarma procedures: The external therapeutic procedures help reduce the symptoms while rejuvenating the body. The procedures are:

• Oleation therapy: oleation therapy improves blood circulation, helps in muscle relaxation, reduces pain, and promotes the overall well-being of the individual.
• Fomentation therapy: Fomentation therapy helps open the channels and remove the toxins from the body, relieving pain and stiffness.
• Medicated enema: Enema is considered the prime treatment in the management of vata rogas. It helps in nourishing the tissues and pacifying the vitiated vata dosha.
• Shirodhara: Pouring medicated oil on the head promotes nerve relaxation, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety and mood swings.
• Nasyam: Instilling medicated oil into the nostrils clears the nasal passages and reduces headaches and associated symptoms.

2. Ayurvedic medicinal supplements: Medicinal supplements can be given to address issues such as pain, stiffness, constipation, abdominal bloating, etc.

Along with this, proper diet and lifestyle management are necessary for controlling the condition.

Diet and lifestyle modifications

Diet and lifestyle modifications play an important role in the management of fibromyalgia. The dietary and lifestyle modifications that can be adopted are:

1. Eat a balanced diet. Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in the diet. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and excessive sugar from the diet.
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
3. Practise yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises regularly.
4. Avoid stress and unwanted tensions.
5. Sleep nearly 6–7 hours a day.

Conclusion

Fibromyalgia treatment in Ayurveda is based on diagnosis of the root-cause, the present health status and other associated complications of the patient. Symptoms of fibromyalgia resemble rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, sciatica, or a low backache. So proper diagnosis and treatment should be started at the early stage.

Ayurveda offers proper treatment for fibromyalgia, it might be a slow process but overall it is promising and result-oriented. One of the main points to note in the management of fibromyalgia is to avoid self-diagnosis and treatment. Hence taking the guidance of a trusted Ayurvedic doctor is always advised before you take any decision.

If you are in search of a natural treatment for your illness, ayurveda practices can help. Contact us today for a consultation.