What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic and debilitating disorder that can have long-term physical and mental repercussions. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include widespread muscle pain and tenderness, fatigue, headaches, difficulty sleeping and irritable bowel syndrome. In Canada, Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2–3% of the population with women 6 to 9 times more likely to be affected than men. Fibromyalgia can affect children, teenagers, and the elderly but is seen most commonly in middle-aged women.

Causes of Fibromyalgia

The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown but it is believed to involve a combination factors, such as genetics, infections, physical or emotional trauma.

While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of medications can help control symptoms. Exercise and relaxation and stress-reduction treatments such as reflexology, yoga and tai chi can also help.

Treatment

There are many alternative holistic treatments that can help with the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but finding a treatment that works can take time. What works for one person may not work for another, so flexibility, patience and compassion are essential.

Reflexology has a proven history of improving circulation. With improved circulation, the overall pain that many fibromyalgia sufferers may decrease in intensity. Having regular reflexology treatments as part of your fibromyalgia treatment care plan may help to lower pain, improve circulation, detox, release tension, and increase energy.

Improve circulation – with improved circulation, the overall pain may decrease in intensity.

Release toxins – reflexology can help the body detox naturally, eliminate toxins and decrease inflammation.

Release muscle tension – reflexology can help with the release of muscle tension that is often associated with fibromyalgia.

Energy flow and balance – reflexology can stimulate energy and help re-establish balance to an otherwise unbalanced body system.

Fibromyalgia clients who undergo regular reflexology treatments have reported an improvement in:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Mental clarity
• Fatigue
• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Muscle pain