A Naturopathic Approach to Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) presents with a wide array of symptoms:

  • Generalised pain
  • Increased frequency in fatigue
  • Non-restorative sleep
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Headache
  • Impaired cognition and mood
  • Many more symptoms

Risk factors

  • There is often an increased incidence of adverse life events and psychological distress. (Domestic violence, abuse, emotional trauma)
  • More prevalent in females compared to males 9:1
  • Genetics
  • Poor support
  • Many more risk factors

How can a Naturopath support someone with FM?

  • Lifestyle education
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Exercise/Movement
  • Rest/quality time
  • Sunshine
  • Diet

Physical recommendations

Dietary & nutritional advice

  •  Correct nutritional deficiencies
  •  Correct biochemical imbalances
  •  Reduce foods that may be exacerbating symptoms and creating inflammation

Mind/body techniques

  •   Meditation
  •   Mindfulness

Pain management

  • Herbal medicine
  • Acupuncture
  • Natural supplements

Immune regulation (can contribute to IBS, migraines, sensory alterations, widespread pain)

  • Reduce allergies
  • Support immune function

Address underlying issues

  • Neuroendocrine (certain cells release hormones into the blood in response to stimulation of the nervous system)
  • Hypothalamus-pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis (contributes to non-restorative sleep, low energy, heightened pain perception and more)
  • Toxicity (environment, diet, lifestyle etc)
  • Gastrointestinal dysbiosis and permeability (gut health and function)

A Naturopathic approach is different for each person as everyone is unique.

During an initial appointment I will spend an hour with you asking questions and identifying signs and symptoms from the body not just to reduce symptoms but to address the underlying dis-ease within the body. If the underlying issue is not addressed dis-ease can always flare back up in the body.

If you would like personalised care to reduce pain and fatigue and increase your energy and overall well-being, book a naturopathic appointment at Embrace Life by calling 3491 6533 or book online.

Source: Clinical Naturopathy An evidenced-based guide to practice by Jerome Sarris & Jon Wardle