Ayurveda, yoga & fibromyalgia

Here are a few recommendations I'm including in the July 2008 Shakti eNewsletter. I'm really into Ayurveda, and each month I share a few tips and recommentations.

Simple Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Do you have pain from head to toe? Are you tossing and turning each night and unable to sleep? Do you wake up to pain and a foggy brain in the morning? These are common symptoms experienced by those suffering from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Within the science of Ayurveda, it is believed that these symptoms are a result of a Vata imbalance. Vata is the main imbalance and Aggravated Vata destabilizes the nervous system and can create hypersensitivity leading to pain and tenderness. The following are Ayurvedic treatments that can bring Vata in balance, directly address of the cause of FMS/CFS and effectively treat the symptoms.

Things to eat: Vegetable juices & soups (carrot, cucumber, & beetroot), coconut water/coconut milk, cooked vegetables, spices (cumin, coriander, & ginger asafetida), green salad with a dressing of lemon juice and a little salt.

Things to avoid: Eating hot, spicy & fried foods, drinking too much tea, coffee, alcohol, sleeping during the day and staying up late at night, and of course, avoid mental tensions.

Yoga Practice: It is well documented that fibromyalgia is often worsened by heightened stress, anxiety and mental fatigue. Therefore, the practice of yoga is highly recommended. Practice meditation, yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), or study spiritual philosophy. All of these will help support personal healing and relaxation of the mind.Yoga Asana Class recommendations: Restorative Yoga (Shakti Sweetness every Sat at 4pm), Yoga Nidra (soon this will be added to the Shakti schedule), slow moving vinyasa (if it feels comfortable – pausing in child’s pose when needed).

Things you can do at home: hot baths, relaxation music, bodywork (gentle massage), energy work (Reiki), and gentle exercise at home.