Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome, or more recently it is being referred to as the "garbage disease". is a condition mostly affecting women between 20-50 years of age. It is characterized by chronic, widespread, severe muscular aching, pain, and stiffness accompanied by insomnia, fatigue, and depression. It is neither a rheumatic, inflammatory, progressive, or degenerative disorder. However, it is not solely a psychosomatic or psychiatric disorder.

Fibromyalgia can be differentiated from other chronic muscle-joint pain by the presence of pain or tenderness on pressure in at least 11 of 18 specific points on the body.

Because fibromyalgia involves a number of different symptoms, Western physicians try to treat this disorder by prescribing various drugs for each of the symptoms. For instance, antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat the sleep and mood issues. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are prescribed for the pain. Unfortunately, not all patients tolerate antidepressants and even NSAIDs can have their own potential for side effects. Ironically, some of these side effects include many symptoms of fibromyalgia.

According to Chinese medical theory, most people with fibromyalgia have a liver-spleen disharmony sitting at the center of their disease mechanisms. This means their liver is depressed, their Qi is stagnant, and their spleen is vacuous and weak. Based on these core disease mechanisms, individual fibromyalgia sufferers may also have malnourishment of their sinews and vessels, damp heat impediment, blood stasis, kidney yin and / or kidney yang vacuity. Because everyone with this syndrome has a slightly different pattern, each person gets an individualized program. Programs consist of specific herbal formulas and can include acupuncture treatments. Massage therapy can be an absolute puzzle piece for pain relieve and stagnant blood circulation.

Paying close attention to lifestyle, proper sleep and rest, appropriate exercise and diet works on treating not only the issues at hand but the whole person.

I myself have periods of fibromyalgia, mostly during the fall and winter when we have cold and damp weather. I use specific herbal formulas, have acupuncture treatments, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy sessions on a weekly basis. I have found this program works for me and I rarely need to take anything for pain. Although each person is different, usually some combination or variation of the program I use is extremely helpful making it through an episode.

If you have any further questions or would like to explore a Chinese herbal approach to this issue, please feel free to contact me via email at viableoptions@sbcglobal.net or call 816-283-0685.

Be well!

Dave Laskowski, Herbalist - Iridologist
Viable Options

"The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any herbal formulas or supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease."