Treat Fibromyalgia Naturally

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, so a diagnosis may leave you with more questions than answers when it comes to treatment options. According to the Mayo Clinic, fibromyalgia is "widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues." The pain radiates from deep within the muscles and occurs on both sides of the upper and lower body. Women typically experience fibromyalgia more so than men, and some form of trauma, whether a surgery, infection or psychological event, may trigger an acute onset, or a combination of these factors, over time, may result in a diagnosis. 

The way the brain processes nerve signals may predispose some individuals to be more sensitive to pain; in turn, these pathways in the brain can change over time and increase levels of neurotransmitter chemicals, which may produce pain signals, or the memory thereof, even when there's no precipitating event. Those who suffer from fibromyalgia may feel tired, even after a full night's sleep, because the pain interrupts the REM cycle, which is the period where the brain rejuvenates itself and energy levels are restored. This is a vicious cycle of pain with no respite, and many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia become unable to engage in daily activities they once enjoyed doing.

There are prescription medications that can treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, primarily by regulating the neurotransmitters responsible for nerve or muscle pain; but if you're looking for a more natural approach, there are indeed other options. First, consider meditation or some form of stress relief. Exercise comes in as a healthy alternative as well. Establish a healthy sleep regimen, avoid caffeinated beverages and follow a well-balanced meal plan to give your body as much support as possible. Alternative medicine strategies, such as acupuncture, massage, yoga and tai chi, are other ways to treat fibromyalgia naturally.

Clinical evidence has shown that serotonin levels greatly influence pain receptors in the brain, and antidepressant manufacturers have known about this since the advent of Prozac in the late 1980s. A natural way to get your body to produce more serotonin is with the amino acid 5-HTP (Hydroxy-Tryptophan). Metabolic Response Modifier's Vegetarian Capsules are derived from griffonia seeds native to Africa. Another option, which also contains vitamins B-6 and C, is available from Nature's Way with their 5-HTP Tablets.
To keep your energy levels high as well as your body's ability to fight off disease, you need a good night's sleep. Melatonin has been shown to naturally regulate sleep cycles, and many frequent flyers use it to reestablish their Circadian rhythms, especially for overseas travel between different time zones. To wake up refreshed and rejuvenated, consider trying Metagenic's Benesom Tablets with passionflower extract, long known for its calming properties. Pure Encapsulations offers their Melatonin Capsules in a vegan-friendly formula. If you need an easy-to-take alternative, consider NOW's Liquid Melatonin with vanilla and orange extract.

 St. John's wort has been used as far back as the ancient Greeks to treat anxiety and nervous conditions. The National Institutes of Health report that this herb is also used to treat sleep disorders and depression. Consider Enzymatic Therapy's St. John's Wort Tablets to regulate mood and enhance your general well-being. For a vegetarian alternative, try NOW's Mood Support Capsules to regulate nerve function and produce an uplifted feeling. For a liquid option, consider Herb Pharm's St. John's Wort Extract derived from fresh flower buds.