Abstract
All of us enjoy a walk in nature and get away from our daily hustle and bustle for a little while. And how nice it feels to be able to do that, right? Have you ever thought what if you couldn’t do it because you're just always tired, and for no reason? People who feel extreme fatigue and pain in their body, without any known cause, are said to have Fibromyalgia, a musculo-skeletal disorder. The musculoskeletal system forms the framework that supports and moves the human body and muscles are essential for mobility, strength, stability, and overall vitality. Extreme pain and fatigue are the major symptoms of Fibromyalgia. It significantly affects daily life because of its ongoing pain, stiffness, fatigue, and mental clouding. Routine activities such as getting out of bed, walking up stairs, or lifting objects can become exhausting. Fibromyalgia impacts approximately 0.5–2% of people in India, with women being 3 to 7 times more prone to the condition than men. Ayurveda calls it a predominantly Vata disorder and also explains how it affects people dealing with it. It offers various treatment options, which not only help in managing pain but also helps in developing overall strength and pacifies Vata dosha.
Introduction
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) cover a wide array of conditions that strike at the very framework of our body—our muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They don’t just cause pain or stiffness; they can limit movement, sap strength, and, in severe cases, disrupt everyday life, turning simple tasks into challenging feats. One such disorder is Fibromyalgia. The term “Fibromyalgia” can be broken down into its Latin and Greek roots to understand its meaning: Fibro- from fibra, meaning fibrous tissue (refers to connective tissues, like muscles and tendons); Myo- from mys, meaning muscle; Algia- from algos, meaning pain. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition marked by persistent, widespread pain in the muscles and connective tissues, along with chronic fatigue and disrupted sleep. Many individuals also experience cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as “fibro fog,” as well as emotional challenges such as anxiety and depression. It is also known as Fibrositis or Myofascial Pain Syndrome.
Types Of Fibromyalgia Pain
1. Hyperalgesia
A medical condition where individuals with fibromyalgia experience an exaggerated sensitivity to pain.
2. Generalized Muscle Pain And Fatigue
Persistent, flu-like muscle aches accompanied by tiredness are characteristic signs of fibromyalgia.
3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Discomfort
This presents as a constant dull ache that may extend to the jaw, neck, temple, ears, or around the eyes.
4. Allodynia
A heightened skin sensitivity where even gentle touch or light pressure feels painful.
5. Neuropathic Pain
Described as sensations of tingling, burning, itching, crawling, or numbness, commonly in the arms and legs.
6. Headaches
People with fibromyalgia often suffer from frequent tension-type headaches and migraines.
7. Digestive Pain
Associated with co-existing conditions like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and GERD (acid reflux), causing abdominal cramps and discomfort.
8. Pelvic Pain
Women, especially those with endometriosis, are more prone to fibromyalgia-related pelvic and abdominal pain, bladder discomfort, and frequent urination.
Causes Of Fibromyalgia
With no one exact cause, it is generally a multifactorial disease that keeps the patient in a daily discomfort. Some factors responsible are:
- Genetic disposition – In some cases it is seen to run in the family, so a genetic component is seen here.
- Environmental factors – Like physical trauma/falls, infections like Lyme disease, stress, depression, anxiety and continuously disturbed sleep for a long period of time.
- CNS changes – Impaired pain processing in the brain causes fibromyalgia.
- Autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis may be associated with fibromyalgia.
Symptoms Of Fibromyalgia
- Diffuse muscle pain
- Stiffness in muscles
- Fatigue in association with focal point tenderness
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased sensitivity to pain, touch, light, smell and noise
- Irritated easily
- Depression and anxiety may kick in
- Painful menstruation (In women)
- Impaired cognitive functions (Fibro-fog)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome suggests a strong psychosomatic component
Diagnosis
It is majorly diagnosed on the basis of symptom assessment.
- Patient History – Family history may suggest genetic disposition.
- Physical Examination – Assessing tender points.
- Blood Tests – To rule out other conditions with similar symptoms like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Imaging Tests – To rule out RA, Lupus or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.
- EEG – Some patients may have disturbance of stage-4 non-rapid eye movement sleep.
Treatment
Fibromyalgia is not something you can get rid of with just popping oral medications. Rather, it is a musculoskeletal disorder, which requires medications for pain, physical therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, stress reduction and relaxation techniques—all working simultaneously to give patients relief from symptoms and improve their life quality.
1. Medications
- NSAIDs – Ibuprofen, naproxen may ease pain but aren’t ideal for long-term use.
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) – Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline to help with pain and also sleep disturbances.
- Anticonvulsants – Pregabalin, Milnacipran to reduce pain and improve sleep.
2. Physical Therapy
To improve flexibility, strength and stamina.
3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
To help cope with stress, pain, anxiety and depression.
4. Breathing Exercises
To combat stress and improve mental well-being.
Ayurvedic Overview
Fibromyalgia in Ayurveda can be considered a Vata dominant vyadhi (Disease), specifically Mamsadhatugata Vata (Vata affecting Muscle tissue) and Mamsavrut Vata (Vata occluded by muscle tissue). Acharya Charaka has explained a bit about Mamsadhatugata (in muscle tissue) and also Medodhatugata (in fat tissue) Vata in the following shloka (Sanskrit text)-
गुर्वङ्गं तुद्यतेऽत्यर्थं दण्डमुष्टिहतं तथा |
सरुक् श्रमितमत्यर्थं मांसमेदोगतेऽनिले ||
This means when vitiated Vata reaches Mamsa (muscle tissue) and Medo (Fat tissue), it may present as a feeling of heaviness in the body, sharp or pricking pains, sensations of being struck by a strong rod or fist, along with severe, painful fatigue.
If we talk about Mamsavrut Vata (Vata occluded by muscle tissue), we get the following shloka (Sanskrit text)-
कठिनाश्च विवर्णाश्च पिडकाः श्वयथुस्तथा ||
हर्षः पिपीलिकानां च सञ्चार इव मांसगे |
It means, there is a formation of hard, discolored boils and swellings in the flesh. Horripilation and tingling sensation is also felt in the body.
A disturbance in Vata dosha is responsible for this. Causes for Vata aggravation are eating light, dry and cold foods. Taking improperly less amounts of food, Ratrijagaran (Not sleeping at night), Atimaithun (Overindulgence in coitus), Vegadharan (Suppression of natural urges like urination etc.), Atichintan (Overthinking), Atiraktasrava (Excessive blood letting/loss of blood), presence of any other chronic diseases also causes aggravation of Vata dosha. Due to these causes, Vata dosha gets aggravated and then finds Ashraya (place to reside) in Mamsa dhatu (Muscle tissue). Hallmark of Vata dosha aggravation is pain, the major symptom found in cases of Fibromyalgia. Patients complain of Atishoola (Excessive pain), Shrama (Fatigue), Nidranaash (Insomnia) and are often in a state of Avsaad (Anxiety/depression).
In Ayurveda, the basic line of treatment for Vata disorders are Swedana (Sudation therapy), Abhyanga (Therapeutic massage), use of Mamsarasa (Decoction made using muscle tissue of animals) and milk, ghee and oils in diet. Virechan (Therapeutic purgation) is also beneficial. Eranda taila mixed in warm milk can be consumed for Virechan (Therapeutic purgation). Niruhabasti (Enema using herbal decoction) is especially beneficial as Basti (Enema therapy) is said to be the Ardhachikitsa of Vata disorders. Abhyanga (Therapeutic massage) using Nirgundi Taila, Rasna Taila, Panchmool Taila should be done to relieve symptoms of pain. Using Bala taila, pacifies Vata and also provides strength. Consumption of Baladi Ghrita, Dashmooladi Ghrita also helps in managing disorders from Vata aggravation, As patients of Fibromyalgia usually deal with sleep disturbances, stress and anxiety. Shirodhara (Therapeutic Oil Pouring on head) with Brahmi Taila can help them greatly in regulating their mood, feel easy and get a good night's sleep.
Dietary Habits and Lifestyle Modifications
- Follow diet- Light, warm, and easily digestible meals. Vata-pacifying diet that includes ghee. Use anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric (Haridra), ginger (Shunthi), cumin, and ajwain. Include milk, almonds, dates, and fresh fruits for strength and nourishment.
- Avoid diet- Avoid cold, stale, and fermented foods, as they increase stiffness and pain. Avoid heavy, oily, fried, and junk foods that aggravate Ama (toxins).
- Water intake- Warm water is preferred over cold, as it supports digestion (Agni) and prevents Vata aggravation. Daily intake of 1.5–2.5 liters is recommended.
- Yogasana and Physical exercises- Practice Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Setubandhasana (Bridge pose), Bhramari (Humming bee breath) and other mild stretching and relaxation exercises.
Herbal Remedies For Fibromyalgia By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a reputed global brand known for its pure, natural, and authentic Ayurvedic products. All formulations are prepared in GMP-certified facilities, ensuring safety, quality, and effectiveness. With a focus on transparency and doctor-formulated remedies, Planet Ayurveda has become a trusted name for managing chronic health conditions and supporting holistic wellness. For fibromyalgia, we have a Fibromyalgia Care Pack containing 5 potent medicines. They are-
Fibromyalgia Care Pack
- Joint Aid Plus
- Aamvatantak Churna
- Stress Support
- Boswellia+Curcumin
- Shatavari Ghrit
Product Description
1. Joint Aid Plus
These capsules contain key ingredients like Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Shallaki (Boswellia serrate). This combination pacifies Vata and Kapha, while slightly increasing the Pitta element. They help in reducing pain, swelling and also relieves muscle spasms.
Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
2. Aamvatantak Churna
This herbal powder is made from key ingredients like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum). This balances all Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This powder is anti-inflammatory and also helps as a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and gives strength.
Dosage - 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water.
3. Stress Support
These capsules contain Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana wallichii) and Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). These mainly balance Vata and Kapha. Along with this, this helps in bringing mental clarity, reduces stress and helps in relaxation.
Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily with warm water.
4. Boswellia+Curcumin
These capsules are made from Shallaki (Boswellia serrate) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). This works in overall balancing of doshas in our body. Due to its anti-inflammatory action, it helps with muscle tenderness.
Dosage - 2 capsules twice daily with warm water.
5. Shatavari Ghrit
This ghrit/ghee is a classical Ayurvedic formulation with Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as its main ingredient. It is valued for its adaptogenic and vitality-enhancing property and it also helps with building strength, and provides relief from muscle fatigue and general weakness.
Dosage - 1/2 teaspoon twice daily with warm water.
Conclusion
Fibromyalgia is a complex musculoskeletal disorder marked by chronic, widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive disturbances. Conventional management focuses on pain relief, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications, but long-term relief remains challenging. From an Ayurvedic perspective, fibromyalgia is primarily a Vata-dominant disorder affecting muscle and fat tissues (Mamsadhatugata Vata and Mamsavrut Vata), manifesting as pain, stiffness, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety. Ayurvedic management aims at pacifying aggravated Vata through therapies like Swedana, Abhyanga, Basti, Virechan, and Shirodhara, along with herbal preparations, ghee, milk, and nourishing oils. These interventions not only relieve pain and stiffness but also restore muscle strength, improve sleep, and promote emotional well-being. Planet Ayurveda offers natural, herbal solutions to help manage Fibromyalgia. Their formulations focus on reducing chronic pain, fatigue, stiffness, and stress, while improving muscle strength, sleep quality, and overall vitality and improving quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Live A Normal Life With Fibromyalgia
Living with fibromyalgia requires adapting daily activities, from work and parenting to household tasks and leisure. Actively managing the condition can enhance your sense of control, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
2. What Virus Causes Fibromyalgia
Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is unclear, certain viruses may worsen it, including Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and potentially COVID-19.
3. Is Fibromyalgia Neurological
Fibromyalgia, while not solely neurological, involves significant central nervous system contributions. It causes widespread pain and fatigue influenced by nervous system dysfunction.
4. Does Fibromyalgia Cause Weight Gain
Fibromyalgia may indirectly contribute to weight gain, as chronic pain and fatigue often reduce physical activity. This sedentary lifestyle can make maintaining a healthy weight more challenging.
5. Is Fibromyalgia An Autoimmune Thing
Fibromyalgia is not an autoimmune disease. Although it shares symptoms like widespread pain and fatigue, it does not involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues.
6. How Long Can People Live With Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is not life-threatening and does not reduce life expectancy. While it causes chronic pain and other symptoms, it does not affect major organs or shorten lifespan.
7. Does Fibromyalgia Cause Dizziness
Yes, fibromyalgia can lead to dizziness and balance issues, often occurring alongside fatigue and chronic pain.
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