fibromyalgia: a naturopathic approach
by louise bahnson, ND and tiffany middendorf, ND

Fibromyalgia is an elusive condition that afflicts millions of American women.
It is characterized by endless bouts of fatigue, generalized muscle pain, and loss of sleep. For the women living with fibromyalgia, there is little solace when the diagnosis comes. To date, modern medicine can offer no definitive cure for the condition, nor can it explain the cause. Women are left to navigate the sea of conventional and alternative treatments in order to manage their symptoms and take control of their lives.

Fibromyalgia is primarily a condition of reproductive-age women, effecting roughly 3-10% of women in America. The main symptoms of this condition are muscle pain and stiffness, with the severity of muscle pain ranging from mild to debilitating. Recent studies suggest that fibromyalgia patients experience pain at lower levels of stimulation. This may be due to a three-fold excess in chemicals that effect the body’s pain response.

In addition to increased pain, over 90% also experience fatigue and poor sleep. Studies indicate that patients with fibromyalgia do not enter the deeper stages of sleep where healing and restoration occur. It is thought that this lack of sleep may actually contribute to the development of this condition. However, there are many other theories and possible causes to be considered.

A diagnosis of fibromyalgia is made based on symptoms and the presence of tender points in specific areas of the body. These points are located around the back of the head, neck, shoulders, buttocks, hips, elbows, knees and along the spine. Prior to making a diagnosis, it is important to exclude other disorders that can cause similar symptoms. In addition, patients with fibromyalgia frequently have other conditions that need to be managed, such as irritable bowel, depression, restless legs and TMJ.

The conventional medical approach to treating fibromyalgia often includes the use of certain types of anti-depressants. These drugs can help induce deeper stages of sleep by altering serotonin levels in the brain. Other treatments include pain management using prescription and over the counter drugs, as well as light stretching and gentle exercise routines.

Although these treatments can manage symptoms, many women are dissatisfied with conventional approaches alone. There are numerous alternative therapies available that can offer relief to patients with this condition. These include acupuncture, massage, counseling, hypnotherapy, homeopathy and naturopathy, to name a few. These therapies have become increasingly popular in helping women maintain health and balance in their lives.

Naturopathy is one approach that can be particularly helpful for women with fibromyalgia. It involves identifying underlying imbalances and removing obstacles to cure. Together, a naturopathic doctor and a woman can identify things in her life that may be adversely affecting her health and work to eliminate them while strengthening her system. This fundamental approach to chronic disease includes exploring the foundations of health with an emphasis placed on diet, exercise, stress management, emotional and spiritual well-being. In addition to lifestyle modifications, naturopathy emphasizes treatments that work to tonify the system, such as homeopathy, craniosacral, hydrotherapy, nutritional supplements and herbs. These treatments help to restore balance and encourage the body’s natural healing processes.

With the vast array of treatments available for fibromyalgia, it is important to work closely with your healthcare practitioner to find a treatment that works best for you. There is no specific treatment approach for each patient, therefore, an individualized plan is the most effective. Naturopaths encourage women to take an active role in their healing process through patient education and personal empowerment.

As with any chronic disease, fibromyalgia represents a healing journey. It touches every part of a woman’s life and requires a re-evaluation of what it means to be well. Wellness encompasses learning to recognize not only the needs of the body, but also the mind and the spirit. Understanding these needs is the first step toward healing

Tiffany Middendorf, ND earned her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from Bastyr University. She is currently practicing at Asheville Natural Health and Homeopathy, with special interest in the areas of women’s health and pediatrics.

Louise Bahnson, ND is a naturopath practicing at Asheville Natural Health and Homeopathy. She earned her doctrate at Bastyr University’s School of Naturopathic Medicine. She emphasizes women’s health, chronic conditions and her role as a teacher in her practice.