Fibromyalgia

Musculo-Skeletal System

The term fibromyalgia is used to describe a condition involving pain of the muscles and fibrous connective tissue throughout the body, and also includes discomfort in the tendons and ligaments. Predisposed areas are the neck and shoulders, lower back, chest and thighs. The aching, tender muscles cause fatigue and poor sleep. It is a pain syndrome that is similar to rheumatism in its effects on the muscles and joints. There seems to be a link between fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Its true cause is still unknown, however some suggest the cause is a virus, or is the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up. Blood tests from people suffering from fibromyalgia and people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome show a presence of abnormally shaped red blood cells – probably from viral damage.

Essential Oils:

Fatigue Angelica archangelica rad. [angelica] (nervous); Cinnamomum verum cort. [cinnamon bark]; Cistus ladaniferus [labdanum] (chronic); Citrus aurantium var. amara [neroli bigarade]; Citrus paradisi [grapefruit] (exhaustion); Coriandrum sativum [coriander] (including mental); Cymbopogon nardus [citronella]; Eucalyptus radiata [black peppermint] (chronic); Eucalyptus smithii [gully gum]; Juniperus communis ram. [juniper twig]; Mentha spicata [spearmint] (mental); Pelargonium graveolens [geranium] (nervous); Pimenta dioica [allspice]; Pinus sylvestris [Scots pine]; Rosmarinus officinalis ct. cineole, ct. camphor [rosemary]; Rosmarinus officinalis ct. verbenone [rosemary]; Salvia sclarea [clary] (nervous); Satureia montana [winter savory] (mental, nervous); Syzygium aromaticum [clove bud] (mental); Thymus satureioides [Moroccan thyme]; Thymus vulgaris [thyme population]; Thymus vulgaris ct. geraniol, ct. linalool [sweet thyme]; Zingiber officinale [ginger]

Muscles, aches and pains Eucalyptus smithii [gully gum]; Lavandula angustifolia [lavender]; Matricaria recutita [German chamomile]; Leptospermum scoparium [manuka]; Myristica fragrans [nutmeg]; Origanum majorana [sweet marjoram]; Pimenta racemosa [West Indian bay]; Pinus mugo var. pumilio [dwarf pine]; rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor); Zingiber officinale [ginger]

Self Help:

• Deep breathing – is the basis of stress reduction. Deep relaxed inhalations, expanding the entire chest cavity and using the full diaphragm muscle
• Moderate aerobic exercises – cycling, swimming or walking
• Regular, gentle massage (aromatherapy)
• Lymph drainage – helps detoxify muscle and body tissue
• Saunas and warm baths
• Stretching exercises that promote flexion of affected muscles – do not stretch or overexert to the point of pain
• Epsom salt bath
• Castor oil massage – builds immune system

Reflexology areas to emphasize:

• Reflex area corresponding to sit of pain / discomfort (eg. Shoulder, neck)
• Kidneys – to flush cellular waste
• Liver – site of detoxification by filtration
• Adrenal glands – helpful
• Lymph drainage – to remove toxins