acupuncture

Complementary Alternative Treatments for Pain from Fibromyalgia and Arthritis

Fibromyalgia and arthritis are medical conditions that are both associated with pain that can be chronic and debilitating. While fibromyalgia involves flu-like, muscle pain throughout the body, arthritis involves joint pain and inflammation.

Both diseases have no exact causes, and medical treatments range from palliative to preventive approaches.

Both conditions typically lead to debilitating pain and can truly affect the quality of one’s life.

Conventional Medicine versus Complementary Alternative Treatment Methods

The problem with using conventional medicine is that the effects are usually limited. Because both of these conditions are ‘incurable’, the aim of medications and treatments are often symptomatic and temporary only.

On the other hand, using alternative methods can provide long-term and reliable results – by not just addressing the symptoms but by targeting the cause – which can prevent the symptoms from reoccurring.

Addressing underlying imbalances that show up as chronic pain is possible using intuition and the Body Code to find out what is not functioning properly.  Balancing that part of the body creates a safe place for the body to begin to heal as it was designed to do.  In many cases the pain ‘miraculously’ disappears.

Typically we find that there are multiple layers of issues that have built up over time creating a weakness in a specific area. As more issues run to the point of weakness, pain becomes more evident and eventually seems to be a constant.  As we peel back the layers of the onion – the layers of pain – we get closer to the origin of the imbalance.  And we create that safe healing environment.

As we work through the layers, clients typically report that their medication needs to be changed.  We never go against medication orders, and always work with the client when physical changes might indicate that the dosage should be adjusted to provide the best benefit.  We also direct clients to check with their medical provider before beginning any energy healing modality.  It is important for each client to take personal responsibility for their own body and their health choices.

In addition to using the Body Code to explore the underlying reasons for the body’s imbalance, there are other popular alternative treatments used to relieve pain associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis that complement conventional medicine protocols.

Acupuncture

Traditionally practiced by the Chinese, this ancient method of treatment has been adapted by Western practitioners and is now a popular and widely accepted form of alternative medicine. Acupuncture is based on the concept of “chi”, which is believed to be the body’s life force.

The chi travels along the body’s natural pathways known as meridians, found throughout the body.  Any pain, discomfort or illness a person manifests is believed to be caused by blockages in the chi’s natural flow throughout the body.

The goal of acupuncture is to remove these blockages and let the chi flow freely, thereby allowing the body to heal itself from any illness or pain.

Acupuncture is done by inserting very thin needles through the skin, targeting specific “acupoints” where blockages are suspected.  Acupoints to be penetrated depend on the nature of the disease and the area where pain is felt.

Chiropractic Treatments

Chiropractic medicine is based on the concept that all body parts are aligned from one specific point- the spine.  When the spine is in its natural and correct position, the body is able to heal on its own and free itself from diseases and pain.  On the other hand, any misalignment within a specific body part can cause an imbalance with the spine and the rest of the body, causing various types of pain and maladies.

Chiropractic care typically involves spinal manipulation, in order to align the vertebrae back to their original position.  What most people do not know is that after an injury or illness, any misalignments with the bodily structures are still present, despite the symptoms disappearing.  The truth is that the symptoms may be gone temporarily but the actual problem is left unresolved.  While conventional treatment may mask the symptoms of arthritis and fibromyalgia, chiropractic can promote long-term relief for pain by restoring the spine’s natural alignment.

Massage

Therapeutic massage can provide warmth to the muscles and increase blood flow, promoting relaxation and pain relief.  It is very important, though, that an experienced therapist is utilized – one who knows which areas are affected – to avoid aggravating the condition.

Nutritional Counselling

Many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia and arthritis can be triggered by the food you eat.  The goal of nutritional counselling is to help the sufferer work out a new dietary regimen that aids in the relief of pain and progression of the disease.

For example, if you have arthritis you might be advised to avoid food that triggers inflammation, such as:

• Dairy products
• Alcoholic drinks
• Fried food
• Grilled, processed, and pasteurized food
• Food high in sugar, salt, and preservatives

Alternative medicine focuses on treatment that is non-medical and non-pharmacological.  It involves a natural approach that is meant to aid the person suffering from fibromyalgia and arthritis during a usually lifelong battle with these diseases.

Herbalism

Another natural healing method for the pain experienced from arthritis and fibromyalgia is herbalism.  There are numerous herbs that are known to be effective in helping to alleviate pain.  Make sure to take care when using herbs and consult a professional expert herbalist or a Chinese medicine doctor.