New hope for relief from fibromyalgia with yoga & meditation
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic widespread joint and muscle pain. Imagine living with the constant fear of not being able to sleep at night, or feeling afraid of experiencing a long lasting pain because of a casual bumping into someone in a large crowd. Patients with fibromyalgia live with these anxieties and pains on a daily basis. Even though many researchers believe that fibromyalgia patients have altered pain perception and no physical inflammation, it still feels as if somebody is hitting their joints with a hammer. Moreover, many patients also suffer from depression, anxiety attacks, and post traumatic stress disorder. A lack of emotional support from loved ones and the community aggravates the symptoms of fibromyalgia can also lead to increased pain sensitivity, which is the reason why pain related to fibromyalgia fluctuates in a person's life.
One day you can wake up and be able to make breakfast and do the dishes. The next day, you may wake up with morning stiffness and not be able to get out of bed till someone physically helps you. It is all a combination of physical and emotional well being at the end of the day.
Stress & trauma cause a high pain & stress response.
Many other conditions mimic fibromyalgia, such as fatigue, depression, headaches, and problems with thinking and memory. Doctors and researchers now say fibromyalgia is not merely a physical inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but rather in the part of the brain dealing with pain perception. There is no clinically identified cause for fibromyalgia at this time, however, researchers continue to look for the root cause. The possible causes for fibromyalgia typically fall under post-traumatic stress disorder, stress and anxiety, or traumatic events such as a car accident or the loss of a loved one. According to the National Institute of Health, newfound research has also found possible causes lying in gene expression (NIH.gov).
Yoga & meditation soothes the nervous system, reduces pain.
While there are only three FDA approved medications to reduce symptoms of fibromyalgia, there are various ways to help reduce those same symptoms through a more holistic approach: yoga and meditation. For many people with mild symptoms, drugs completely alleviate their symptoms; however, temporarily suppressing these symptoms with daily doses of medication can only go so far. Since fibromyalgia is much more than physical pain, we must address the root cause: a hyperactive nervous system.
Research supports that yoga reduces pain, improves positive outlook.
Yoga combined with meditation gives a comprehensive cleanse to your body, mind, and soul. Certain movements, breathing, and asanas (poses) have been clinically proven to stimulate the pre-frontal cortex part of the brain, which houses wisdom, reason, and logic. It also stimulates brain activity in the amygdala, the hub for all emotional responses and behaviors. Through a gentle, regular guided practice, a decrease in pain sensitivity and an increase in mental health can be achieved. Gentle yoga, Healing flow yoga, and Restorative Yoga classes are ideal for patients with fibromyalgia or anyone who seeks to improve mental or physical pain, with no side effects.
Positive outlook for for a peaceful mind & body
Fibromyalgia is not the end of the world. Consider it a blessing from which one can find a new perspective on living a healthier lifestyle, physically and mentally. Perhaps there are some lifestyle habits that you would like to change for the better? Allow fibromyalgia to guide you to that healthier life!
Full Circle Yoga & Healing Arts
714-404-2576
www.fullcircleyogaoc.com
Full Circle Yoga & Healing Arts welcomes people with fibromyalgia to their gentle/beginners, healing flow, and meditation classes. See the class schedule at www.fullcircleyogaoc.com or call to make an appointment for a private session. 714-404-2576.
