Fibromyalgia
This
painful condition often occurs in younger (18-38) patients, partially
as a response to stress in an inherently “nervous” constitution,
and partially as an autoimmune and adrenal imbalance. The presenting
symptoms are diffuse, moving, often very debilitating pain, fatigue,
and inflammation that may or may not be accompanied by swelling.
Affected tissues seem to be more muscular than joint or bone related.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Reduce inflammation, adjust immune function, tonify adrenal
function and stress response.
Primary
Treatment:
· Actaea racemosa (Black Cohosh) as a primary anti-inflammatory.
To this can be added Salix alba (White willow) and/or Filipendula
ulmaria (Meadowsweet).
· Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) also provides anti-inflammatory
support and adrenal tonification.
· Avena sativa (Oats) as a nervous system restorative and
calmative.
Supportive Treatment:
· Convalescence is important especially in the acute phase,
to prevent relapse.
· Consider additional adrenal support.
· Use appropriate nervines to calm the constitution if necessary.
· Use liver support especially in the case of sluggish digestion.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· This condition can be related to a variety of potentially
dangerous inflammatory conditions (linked to tumors, adrenal disease,
drug abuse for example). Referral to a qualified care provider for
an accurate diagnosis (which usually comes when everything else
is ruled out) is probably indicated.
