Fibromylagia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome explained with some tips to help manage these conditions at home

 

Well, well, well, if it isn't Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, the dynamic duo of debilitating conditions. If you're one of the unlucky ones dealing with these pesky illnesses, then you know firsthand how frustrating and exhausting they can be. But fear not my dear, for I am here to shed some light on these conditions and give you some natural ways to help manage them.

Fibromyalgia

 

Let's start with Fibromyalgia, shall we? This sneaky condition is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localised areas. It's like having a permanent hangover without the fun of getting drunk. The causes of Fibromyalgia are still unclear, but researchers believe that it could be related to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Now onto Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. This condition is characterised by severe fatigue that doesn't go away with rest, as well as other symptoms such as:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Headaches
  
• Insomnia
• Sore throat
• Flu-like symptoms
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations
• Digestive tract issues

The exact cause of CFS is also unknown, but researchers believe it may be related to a combination of factors such as viral infections, immune system problems, and hormonal imbalances.

 

Natural tips to help manage Chronic Fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia

So, how can you manage these two conditions naturally?

Here are some tips:

Exercise

Yes, you read that right. Exercise can actually help alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and CFS. But don't go running a marathon just yet. Try starting with low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or swimming.

Graded Exercise Therapy (GET)

Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) is a treatment approach for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) sufferers, that involves gradually increasing physical activity over time. The goal of GET is to help CFS patients build up their physical stamina and tolerance to exercise, with the hope that this will improve their overall functioning and quality of life. It is important to work closely with a healthcare professional who specialises in CFS before starting an exercise program like this.

The program will typically start with very low levels of physical activity, such as gentle stretching or short walks, and gradually increase in intensity and duration over time. The healthcare professional will closely monitor the patient's progress and adjust the exercise program as needed.

The theory behind GET is that gradually increasing physical activity can help the body adapt to the demands of exercise, and that this adaptation can lead to improvements in overall physical functioning and energy levels. Proponents of GET argue that it can help CFS patients break out of the cycle of inactivity and fatigue that can often make their symptoms worse.

 

Sleep

Getting enough rest is crucial when dealing with these conditions. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and try to create a relaxing bedtime routine. Spending time during the day outside in the sun can really help the body identify day and night, helping with the release of melatonin at night time , making it easier to fall asleep. Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed, and try to create a calm and peaceful sleep environment is also very helpful. When we sleep our body works hard to reduce the stress hormones. If we don’t get enough quality sleep, these stress hormones remaining in our body will contribute to the inflammation and pain that you experience throughout. For more information on tips for a better night sleep, check out the blog. 

 

Diet

Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can worsen Fibromyalgia and CFS symptoms. Avoiding foods that have preservatives can make the world of difference to reducing inflammation within your already inflamed body. Also fatty and sugary foods, as well as animal products can ramp up the inflammation significantly too. For more information on what food to avoid, as well as what to include to reduce inflammation, click here to read a blog on this very topic and before you start reading, grab yourself some fruit or some raw veggies to nibble on while you’re reading to start the process of inflammation reduction right away.

 

 

Replenishing nutrients

Another great way to introduce nutrients into your body quickly is to take a hot SOulSoak RECOVER bath. When suffering from an ongoing condition like CFS or Fibromyalgia your body is constantly depleting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals from your storage supplies in an attempt to get your body back into balance. This constant drawing, leaves your body lacking and depleted. Soaking for 20 minutes in a hot SOulSoak RECOVER bath will be immersing your body in over 80 essential elements and minerals that are essential to the effective functioning of your body. By having the bath as hot as you can handle it, will open up your skins pores and allow those 80 elements and minerals to enter your body and build up the supplies once again.

If you struggle to get into a bath (or out of the bath more likely 😉), just place the SOulSoak minerals into a foot spa or bucket, again with hot water to open the pores in the soles of your feet, and you will get great benefits from this also. 20 minutes is all you need to plug in and recharge. Remember to continue to drink water in the bath, as the sweat response is real. This will also enable some detoxification which is essential to getting back to feeling yourself again.

 

Stress management

Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions, so finding ways to manage stress is key. Research has shown, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that inflammation and pain is increased when there is excess adrenaline and cortisol flooding through your veins. We mentioned above the importance of sleep to help reduce these hormones, but there is plenty you can do during your waking hours also to reduce stress hormones. Try meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques. Perhaps you can lay on your acupressure mat and listen to our healing relaxation meditation to encourage deep relaxation and healing within your body. We should all make time for this. Find an activity that you love to do that results in you losing track of time. When you participate in a timeless activity, stress simply melts away. Give yourself permission to do this often, don’t worry about what anybody else it doing or not doing, gift yourself this time to help get your health back on track. You deserve to be pain free, let’s help you get there.

 

Increasing blood flow

A fantastic way to promote circulation in your whole body is by lying on the acupressure mat. Not only does it provide oxygen and nutrition to the areas of your body that are in desperate need, it also helps to flush away the excess stress hormones that contribute to these two conditions. We keep getting remarkable feedback from the members of our community that have used the acupressure mats for fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. So if you already have one, but keep forgetting to use it, make a commitment to yourself and get it out from under your bed and get on it daily. The release of endorphins it provides and the increased blood flow will undeniably improve how you feel, you just have to remember to use it. 

If you don’t have an acupressure mat, check out the link here for more information. One thing I will say, and this is a common concern for Fibromyalgia sufferers and Chronic Fatigue sufferers when thinking about lying on something that looks so vicious when you are already feeling pain all over your body already. You can dull down the feeling of the spikes while you get used to it. Start with the mat on a soft surface like your bed and place a thin towel or sheet over the mat to dull down the spikes when you first use it. After a week or so, you can become more adventurous by trying to lie on the mat with your bare skin. Trust me, it is working wonders for the CFS and Fibromyalgia community.

 

Are there any other therapies that help with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

I’m so glad you asked. There has been growing evidence to suggest that the use of infrared saunas is beneficial in cases of both fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. When you hear the term sauna, many people think of a steam room or traditional dry sauna, but the infrared saunas work in a completely unique way. The infrared rays deeply penetrate your muscles, joints and surrounding tissues providing healing benefits and deep soothing warmth from the inside. Sauna’s that simply provide a hot environment make you sweat and increase your heart rate, but don’t necessarily get the deep tissue effect that an infrared sauna achieves in each session. Such a gentle way to reduce inflammation and pain and restore the body back to balance. The sauna’s that we have at Life Balance Adjustments have special setting to specifically deal with pain and inflammation, designed by scientists to turn on the different levels of sauna infrared rays, far, mid and near at different times and at different temperatures to get the most effective results possible and all you need to do is sit and relax! If you’re in the local area and want to enjoy an infrared sauna at Life Balance Adjustments here is the booking link.

 

In conclusion, Fibromyalgia and CFS can be extremely challenging to deal with, but there are natural ways to help manage the symptoms. Start small, maybe changing a few things in your diet and incorporating a SOulSoak bath once per week, and the then perhaps add a lie on the acupressure mat and a meditation once per week, perhaps the following week you could include a short walk and gradually build your way up to a health regime that is achievable and brings you more comfort and energy. Remember to take care of yourself, be kind to yourself and be patient, and seek professional help if needed. Oh and btw if anyone tries to tell you that these conditions aren't real, just smile and walk away. After all, ignorance is bliss.