Fibromyalgia and Reflexology

Your body hurts all over, you are always tired. Your doctor can’t find anything wrong with you. Researchers are not yet certain of the answer. But many believe that the pain of Fibromyalgia comes from “central sensitization.” This means that the problem might be a result of overactive nerves in the central nervous system (CNS) which can cause a more intense response to pain.

The CNS is made up of the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves that control physical activities. For Fibromyalgia patients, this possible problem in the central nervous system may lead to a greater sensitivity to pain. It’s almost as if the “volume control” for pain is turned way up.

The pain can occur anywhere in the body, and is not usually confined to just one muscle group. The pain is often continuous and sometimes worse if you sit still or lie down. Too often it disrupts sleep patterns causing the pain to worsen. It is a vicious cycle. There seems to be a connection between loss of sleep and worsening symptoms. You may be sensitive to light, heat or cold.

Moreover, anti-inflammatory medications do not help and analgesics do not help much. Fibromyalgia is not an inflammatory disease. Though some cases are mild, it can be a debilitating disease, often resulting in patients being bed ridden and unable to function in their daily lives. Medical treatment usually includes addressing life style, such as sleep patterns and exercise.

Reflexology has shown promising results for managing fibromyalgia and many other common diseases. Reflexology is the practice of applying finger pressure to areas of the feet, hands and ears. There is a map of the body on the feet, hands and ears. These reflex points correspond with all the specific body organs and body parts. Reflexology induces relaxation, improves circulation, reduces stress, and effects a physiological change of the body.

Studies show that reflexology relieves pain. In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies, chronic sinus problems, acid reflux, migraines, PMS, menopause, insomnia, diabetes type II, fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments. Reflexology can also be used on the face as well.

Reflexology is working to calm the overactive sympathetic nervous system (which accelerates heat rate, constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure - basically the “fight or flight” response) and engages the parasympathetic nervous system , another part of the central nervous system that slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and reduces muscle tension, or what could be called "rest and digest.”


How Reflexology can Help Fibromyalgia Sufferers
In one study of 10 fibromyalgia sufferers who had reflexology treatments twice weekly for five weeks, researchers found definite improvement in the symptoms of all ten of the patients, with no side-effects. FMS patients who have undergone regular reflexology treatments report an improvement in:
mental clarity
irritable bowel syndrome
fatigue
sleep
depression
myofascial pain
tender point pain

What can you do to help yourself?
Talk with your doctor for help with sleep and diet.
You could rub the tender areas of your feet and hands. It would be best to take a self-help or couples class, so that you can learn the technique.


However, a trained reflexologist might be the best option for those looking for specific types of pain relief and to obtain a more relaxing experience, especially for those who list anxiety as a symptom of their FMS. Then, for best results, you can use self-help and family help in between sessions.


       
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