Eastern Treatment for Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a controversial health disorder, the very existence of which is the subject of heated debate within the medical community. As if that fact were not disconcerting enough, there also seems to be little agreement about treat fibromyalgia. While the debate about whether fibromyalgia is real or not is likely to go on for some time, ancient medical remedies from the Far East offer some hope for relief for those who feel their quality of life is suffering because of the disorder.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
Like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia seems to some to be a collection of symptoms rather than a clear-cut disease in its own right. The term "fibromyalgia" literally translates as "pain of the muscle fiber," and muscular pain is the condition's most singular symptom. But there are also other symptoms including profound fatigue, difficulty sleeping, feelings of exhaustion, depression, headaches, anxiety and irritable bowel syndrome. There is not yet a definitive test to confirm the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wei Liu and Changzhen Gong, in a paper written for the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, examine the unique approach that traditional Chinese medicine takes toward the treatment of this somewhat nebulous health condition. As with the Far Eastern approach to medicine in general, the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are traced to imbalances within the patient's body. Once these imbalances are identified, steps can be taken to restore things to normal by correcting these imbalances.
Spleen/Heart Imbalance
Liu and Gong write about a woman named Donna who was suffering the symptoms of fibromyalgia, most notably profound muscle pain, and getting no satisfaction from practitioners of Western medicine. In reading about some of the physical manifestations caused by what the Chinese diagnose as an imbalance between the spleen and heart, Donna found that the symptoms of such an imbalance perfectly described her condition. Traditional Chinese medicine suggested that it could be corrected through acupuncture and the use of a Chinese herbal formula called Gui Pi Wan. Donna tried both modes of therapy and was pleased to see that her condition improved markedly over time.
Liver Chi Stagnation
Another common cause of fibromyalgia symptoms, according to Liu and Gong, is called liver chi stagnation, in which the liver invades the spleen, interfering with its proper functioning. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, depression, failing memory, insomnia and muscle pain, all symptoms that are experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers. Traditional Chinese remedies for this condition include acupuncture in combination with herbal remedies called Shu Gan Wan and Xiao Yao Wan.
Look East for Relief
If you're suffering from what you believe to be the symptoms of fibromyalgia and seem to be getting no relief---or even an acknowledgement that you are sick---from your doctor, you may want to consider consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine or acupuncturist. Many Westerners have come to acknowledge that some of the techniques for the treatment of illness in the East offer viable alternatives to the brand of medicine practiced in the West. The herbal formulas cited above can be ordered online.
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