Fibromyalgia – Ways to Balance the Body and Bring Relief
Lessons in Balanced Living
I resumed yoga classes and found the gentle stretching and breathing helped me to relax. I made prayer and meditation a higher priority in my life and explored my emotions and attitudes in greater detail. As an incest survivor, I knew childhood problems were likely contributing to my disorder. My husband David provided useful feedback about cause and effect of my behavior on my symptoms. Through time, we both concluded that fibromyalgia is a pacing disorder. This realization was a major breakthrough. It finally became obvious that I had a lifelong pattern of overdoing things. My growth process had already proven that awareness, accountability and action had improved my life in other areas. Why not apply these same principles to this disorder and expect the same positive outcome?
My next effort was to start Reiki, a powerful, non-invasive healing art that facilitates the energy flow to body tissues and promotes body/mind awareness. The sessions helped so much that I decided to become a practitioner so I could work on myself daily. To support my body between treatments, I used magnets which open capillaries and attract blood to weak or injured areas. Hot soaks in the bathtub with Epsom salts helped pull out toxins from my body. Learning to Sleep
In facing the next phase of my journey involved overcoming a lifelong pattern of insomnia which exacerbated the pain and stiffness.
A naturopath gave me Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, a herbal relaxant and a sleep-enhancing tea. He also recommended a calcium-magnesium formula with vitamin D and emphasized the importance of stress reduction. It was obvious that I had to apply the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Training my over-active brain to be quiet has been quite a challenge. I no longer allow myself to get trapped in a “busy-ness syndrome.”
It is difficult to pinpoint one specific thing that changed my condition, but if I had to pick one — deep restful sleep would be it. Being able to sleep gave me more energy and I was able to add other dimensions to my exercise program like light weights, a strength training program and freeform dance.
Supplements and Diet
When I discovered that antioxidants help fibromyalgia, I increased the amount of vitamin E and C and included grape seed extract as well. A combination of ginkgo balboa and hawthorn helped clear the fibro-fog and improved my concentration. The herbs eyebright and bilberry improved my vision. MSN, glucosamine (GLH) and chondroitin have all but eliminated pain and inflammation, and improved the strength and flexibility of my muscles and ligaments.
