Neuro-Linguistic Programming - What a mouthful! As complicated as it might sound, the concept is pretty simple.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) may help Fibromyalgia symptoms. It is a self-help approach that assists patients in understanding the way we think and feel. It is said that NLP can be a helpful fibromyalgia treatment by helping the sufferer find freedom from underlying emotional issues that contribute to chronic pain and other symptoms. NLP is described as "the study of the structure of subjective experience".
“Neuro” refers to how the brain works. “Linguistic” is defined as how language interacts with the brain. The word “Programming” describes how we use this interaction to get the results we want for ourselves and others. NLP a blend of cognitive and behavioral science.
It is said that NLP can be used to help people with quitting smoking, weight loss, performance, confidence, anxiety, anger management, stress relief, chronic pain, addiction, phobias, negative self-perception, insomnia and depression.
The basic principle of NLP is that the words we use reflect our inner, subconscious perception of our problems. If we allow our negative perceptions and words to fester, the underlying problem will continue. These negative words and attitudes can actually become who we are - even if they are inaccurate. Reality is processed by our five senses and nervous system which translates into experience. Our experience is then given meaning by language and non-verbal communication.
Looking at premise behind NLP, that language and non-verbal communication gives meaning to our experience, it does make sense that if we are made aware of our own negative communication patterns, experience can be modified into more positive ways of thinking and communicating.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming is designed to change unwanted behaviors and beliefs, to help us achieve personal acceptance and improve our lives. NLP systematically explores, illustrates, and teaches patterns of human perception and information processing, behavior, and communication. The goal is to help eliminate the things that block your abilities to function and strengthen those that help you achieve excellence and overall wellness.
Language & words have a powerful effect on altering perceptions. It is suggested that NLP offers a flexible approach which brings about positive, fast change in individuals, empowering them to adapt to an ever-shifting inner world. NLP shows us how to understand and model our own successes in a realistic way, so that we can reproduce them.
NLP experts say that positive self-talk is a must, no negatives. You do get what you focus on, so focus on what you want. Basically, its an attitude adjustment.
NLP is new to me and maybe to you as well. I have not experienced this therapy myself, but I feel it is important to present it as an option for FM and chronic pain. Since we are all so different when it comes to our pain perception, severity and emotional status, what might work for some, may not work for others. Discuss NLP with your healthcare provider to decide if NLP is worth a try.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - Change Your World! Self-Help for Fibromyalgia & Other Chronic Pain Sufferers
Fibromyalgia Syndrome FACT: Food Combining Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain!
There are a lot of diets out there that claim to help fibromyalgia syndrome sufferers. Some of them are great and some are not so great. In fact, a lot of them are pure fiction. There are people out there that try to take advantage of the fact that we’re in pain and looking for something - anything, that will help!
I am doing my best to weed through the bad to get to the good! Food Combining has been shown to truly be effective for many FM sufferers! I call it one of the “good” ones.
Everyone needs to be aware that stimulants (sugar, salt, caffeine, MSG), overcooked meats, highly processed foods, hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, food additives and preservatives, and bad food combinations fill the body with toxic substances that it has to process. Toxicity build-up can intensify fibromyalgia symptoms and even cause some of them.
Food combining is a way of eating foods so that they do not work against each other. There are three categories that food falls into when combining: proteins, neutral foods and starchy foods. Fruits are treated separately. Starchy foods and proteins cannot be eaten together, but both can be eaten with neutral foods, promoting more efficient digestion.
Combining the wrong foods can cause gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and other problems. It can even lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, arthritis, hypoglycemia, eczema, colon cancer and more.
Moderation is the key to proper digestion. Don’t overeat. You cannot avoid all bad combinations, but if the good combinations are greater than the bad ones you will see results.
Proteins can be divided into three groups: heavy proteins (beef, pork, lamb), lighter proteins (poultry, fish, shellfish, game, tofu, eggs), and other proteins (cheese, peanuts, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, peas).
Neutral and low-starch foods: all vegetables (except potatoes), salads, herbs, cold-pressed oils, mushrooms, avocados, honey, maple syrup.
Starches can be divided into two groups: slightly starchy (carrots, beets, parsnip, turnips, radishes) and high starches (potatoes, bread, wheat, oats, flour, pasta, corn, barley, rye, bananas, ripe peas, sweet grapes, peanuts, beer, dried beans).
Remember, starchy foods and protein should not be eaten together, but you can eat starchy foods with neutral and low-starch foods OR you can eat protein with neutral and low-starch foods. I repeat this only to prevent confusion.
If you just can’t take it, you can try a combination of a whole-grain like brown rice with light proteins, or whole-grain bread with eggs.
Papaya and pineapple have a plentiful amount of enzymes that aid digestion, so they can be eaten with any food group. They will especially help protein digestion. Depending on your digestive system, fruits may or may not be combined with seeds and nuts, grains or milk products. You will have to test them and see.
Do not combine raw fruit or fruit juices with slightly starchy vegetables - lemon juice is the only exception, otherwise it is best to keep to a separate meal or allow at least half an hour before eating fruit after a meal. Also, avoid combining fruits with other foods, sugary deserts after meals, melons (ferment quickly and cause gas), and milk with other foods.
If you eat your food in a systematic way, your digestive system will work more smoothly. Your food will digest in less time and absorb more nutrients. You can start with foods that digest quicker and easier and work your way up to foods that are more difficult and take longer to digest. This helps you keep the foods that digest more easily flowing through your system and prevent your digestive system from stalling. If you eat foods that take a lot of time to digest first, it slows the digestion of everything that follows.
Digestive Timing and Order: Liquids like juice and water digest the fastest (about 20-30 minutes). Soups and fruit take about 30-40 minutes to digest. Vegetables take approximately 30-45 minutes to digest. Grains and other starches can take 2-3 HOURS to make their way through the digestive tract and beans, poultry, red meat, pork and fish can take 3 or MORE hours to digest.
While you are deciding what combinations you will incorporate in your meals, you must also eat your meals in the proper order for this method to be effective. Let’s face it, this isn’t easy! It requires planning and thinking through everything you eat and drink. If is was easy, everybody would be doing it already, but it’s worth it to give it a try if it means getting some pain relief, being healthier and happier! Talk to your doctor about how this system might benefit you. What might be good for some, may not be for others, so it is always best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
I am doing my best to weed through the bad to get to the good! Food Combining has been shown to truly be effective for many FM sufferers! I call it one of the “good” ones.
Everyone needs to be aware that stimulants (sugar, salt, caffeine, MSG), overcooked meats, highly processed foods, hydrogenated fats, saturated fats, food additives and preservatives, and bad food combinations fill the body with toxic substances that it has to process. Toxicity build-up can intensify fibromyalgia symptoms and even cause some of them.
Food combining is a way of eating foods so that they do not work against each other. There are three categories that food falls into when combining: proteins, neutral foods and starchy foods. Fruits are treated separately. Starchy foods and proteins cannot be eaten together, but both can be eaten with neutral foods, promoting more efficient digestion.
Combining the wrong foods can cause gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, headaches, and other problems. It can even lead to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, arthritis, hypoglycemia, eczema, colon cancer and more.
Moderation is the key to proper digestion. Don’t overeat. You cannot avoid all bad combinations, but if the good combinations are greater than the bad ones you will see results.
Proteins can be divided into three groups: heavy proteins (beef, pork, lamb), lighter proteins (poultry, fish, shellfish, game, tofu, eggs), and other proteins (cheese, peanuts, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans, peas).
Neutral and low-starch foods: all vegetables (except potatoes), salads, herbs, cold-pressed oils, mushrooms, avocados, honey, maple syrup.
Starches can be divided into two groups: slightly starchy (carrots, beets, parsnip, turnips, radishes) and high starches (potatoes, bread, wheat, oats, flour, pasta, corn, barley, rye, bananas, ripe peas, sweet grapes, peanuts, beer, dried beans).
Remember, starchy foods and protein should not be eaten together, but you can eat starchy foods with neutral and low-starch foods OR you can eat protein with neutral and low-starch foods. I repeat this only to prevent confusion.
If you just can’t take it, you can try a combination of a whole-grain like brown rice with light proteins, or whole-grain bread with eggs.
Papaya and pineapple have a plentiful amount of enzymes that aid digestion, so they can be eaten with any food group. They will especially help protein digestion. Depending on your digestive system, fruits may or may not be combined with seeds and nuts, grains or milk products. You will have to test them and see.
Do not combine raw fruit or fruit juices with slightly starchy vegetables - lemon juice is the only exception, otherwise it is best to keep to a separate meal or allow at least half an hour before eating fruit after a meal. Also, avoid combining fruits with other foods, sugary deserts after meals, melons (ferment quickly and cause gas), and milk with other foods.
If you eat your food in a systematic way, your digestive system will work more smoothly. Your food will digest in less time and absorb more nutrients. You can start with foods that digest quicker and easier and work your way up to foods that are more difficult and take longer to digest. This helps you keep the foods that digest more easily flowing through your system and prevent your digestive system from stalling. If you eat foods that take a lot of time to digest first, it slows the digestion of everything that follows.
Digestive Timing and Order: Liquids like juice and water digest the fastest (about 20-30 minutes). Soups and fruit take about 30-40 minutes to digest. Vegetables take approximately 30-45 minutes to digest. Grains and other starches can take 2-3 HOURS to make their way through the digestive tract and beans, poultry, red meat, pork and fish can take 3 or MORE hours to digest.
While you are deciding what combinations you will incorporate in your meals, you must also eat your meals in the proper order for this method to be effective. Let’s face it, this isn’t easy! It requires planning and thinking through everything you eat and drink. If is was easy, everybody would be doing it already, but it’s worth it to give it a try if it means getting some pain relief, being healthier and happier! Talk to your doctor about how this system might benefit you. What might be good for some, may not be for others, so it is always best to discuss your options with your healthcare provider.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Stretching for Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Myofascial Pain - Do it Right!
Stretching seems like a "no-brainer" and easy to implement, but chronic pain sufferers have to be careful or we can seriously injure ourselves! This blog will teach you how to stretch in a way that is designed for people with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue & Chronic Myofascial Pain.
Gentle stretching can be performed by physical therapists and/or practiced by patients at home. Several programs have been fashioned for Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients for this purpose. Stretching is important because it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasm. In difficult-to-treat areas, "spray and stretch" techniques can be used by applying a spray coolant to sore muscles, which deadens pain while the muscles are stretched. Many therapists prefer to ice the muscle, since the spray is a prescription, is flammable, and causes pollution. Ice works just as effectively.
Stretching, as it relates to physical health and fitness, is the process of placing particular parts of the body into a position that will lengthen the muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to minimize muscle and joint soreness in FM and other musculoskeletal conditions.
There is a right way to stretch and a wrong way to stretch. So, you must be careful. Stretching can be damaging if done incorrectly. You don’t want to do more harm than good! It is important that the following guidelines be followed, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.
The most important things you need to know about stretching:
Warm up the muscles FIRST: Cold muscles can injure very easily and so it is very important to warm up the body before any significant stretching or exercise. The body's core temperature needs to be brought up during your warm-up. This will increase the temperature of the muscles, making them more pliable and loose. A warm-up will also increase the heart rate, blood flow and nutrients getting to the muscles. As your breathing rate increases, the amount of essential oxygen reaching the muscles rises. A safe warm-up for a FM, CMP or CFS patient might be a brisk walk or a short swim. The warm up should not last more than 10 minutes and it shouldn't be too taxing. If your level of fitness is somewhat low or severe pain is experienced, you need to ease up.
Stretch slowly and gently: Slow gentle stretching helps to relax the muscles of the body. FM & other chronic pain sufferers who use sudden or jerky movements or over-stretch can find themselves in increased pain, muscle strain and even muscle tears. All stretches should be done as if in slow motion and as smoothly as possible.
Don‘t stretch further than is comfortable: Over-stretching is one of the main causes of muscle strains and tears and so it is important that each muscle is only stretched as far as is comfortable. If you overdo it you can cause the tendons and ligaments attached to the muscle to spontaneously contract which can be painful, to say the least and can cause permanent damage. Stretching should never be painful.
Practice breath control while stretching: Many people tend to hold their breath when stretching and don't even realize it. Holding your breath can cause the muscles to tense and stretching a tight muscle can lead to injury, especially in FM, CMP & CFS sufferers who already have tense and painful muscles. The amount of oxygen and nutrients needed will be greatly depleted if you hold your breath and the muscles will develop excessive lactic acid which is very painful. So make sure you BREATHE!
Doing it Right: Each stretch should be held for around 30 seconds for the maximum effect. Anything less than this will not provide a sufficient length of time for the muscle to relax and lengthen. Each muscle group needs to be stretched a minimum of two or three times in rotation as well. Chronic pain sufferers may have trouble stretching to this extent in the beginning. You should only stretch until you start to feel uncomfortable. Even if you can only handle a few minutes at first, it will be worth it. You will gradually be able to increase the time and hopefully even the rotations. Do a LITTLE every day so you don’t end up in so much pain, you that you can’t stretch the next day.
I believe you will be amazed at the benefits of stretching when done properly! I sure was! I can do more and I feel better after a good stretch in the morning. It also helps me relax at night.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Gentle stretching can be performed by physical therapists and/or practiced by patients at home. Several programs have been fashioned for Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP), and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) patients for this purpose. Stretching is important because it helps to relieve muscle tension and spasm. In difficult-to-treat areas, "spray and stretch" techniques can be used by applying a spray coolant to sore muscles, which deadens pain while the muscles are stretched. Many therapists prefer to ice the muscle, since the spray is a prescription, is flammable, and causes pollution. Ice works just as effectively.
Stretching, as it relates to physical health and fitness, is the process of placing particular parts of the body into a position that will lengthen the muscles and associated soft tissues. Stretching is a simple and effective activity that helps to minimize muscle and joint soreness in FM and other musculoskeletal conditions.
There is a right way to stretch and a wrong way to stretch. So, you must be careful. Stretching can be damaging if done incorrectly. You don’t want to do more harm than good! It is important that the following guidelines be followed, both for safety and for maximizing the potential benefits of stretching.
The most important things you need to know about stretching:
Warm up the muscles FIRST: Cold muscles can injure very easily and so it is very important to warm up the body before any significant stretching or exercise. The body's core temperature needs to be brought up during your warm-up. This will increase the temperature of the muscles, making them more pliable and loose. A warm-up will also increase the heart rate, blood flow and nutrients getting to the muscles. As your breathing rate increases, the amount of essential oxygen reaching the muscles rises. A safe warm-up for a FM, CMP or CFS patient might be a brisk walk or a short swim. The warm up should not last more than 10 minutes and it shouldn't be too taxing. If your level of fitness is somewhat low or severe pain is experienced, you need to ease up.
Stretch slowly and gently: Slow gentle stretching helps to relax the muscles of the body. FM & other chronic pain sufferers who use sudden or jerky movements or over-stretch can find themselves in increased pain, muscle strain and even muscle tears. All stretches should be done as if in slow motion and as smoothly as possible.
Don‘t stretch further than is comfortable: Over-stretching is one of the main causes of muscle strains and tears and so it is important that each muscle is only stretched as far as is comfortable. If you overdo it you can cause the tendons and ligaments attached to the muscle to spontaneously contract which can be painful, to say the least and can cause permanent damage. Stretching should never be painful.
Practice breath control while stretching: Many people tend to hold their breath when stretching and don't even realize it. Holding your breath can cause the muscles to tense and stretching a tight muscle can lead to injury, especially in FM, CMP & CFS sufferers who already have tense and painful muscles. The amount of oxygen and nutrients needed will be greatly depleted if you hold your breath and the muscles will develop excessive lactic acid which is very painful. So make sure you BREATHE!
Doing it Right: Each stretch should be held for around 30 seconds for the maximum effect. Anything less than this will not provide a sufficient length of time for the muscle to relax and lengthen. Each muscle group needs to be stretched a minimum of two or three times in rotation as well. Chronic pain sufferers may have trouble stretching to this extent in the beginning. You should only stretch until you start to feel uncomfortable. Even if you can only handle a few minutes at first, it will be worth it. You will gradually be able to increase the time and hopefully even the rotations. Do a LITTLE every day so you don’t end up in so much pain, you that you can’t stretch the next day.
I believe you will be amazed at the benefits of stretching when done properly! I sure was! I can do more and I feel better after a good stretch in the morning. It also helps me relax at night.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Stressed Out and Depressed! Counseling Can Help You Cope With Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain
Stress, anxiety and depression plague sufferers of chronic pain and fatigue! We can get help in managing the mental and emotional issues that make our pain worse. All it takes is the willingness to take first step and ask for help!
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the right coping skills and help in order to keep from giving up or giving in. People with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) and any other chronic pain conditions, can benefit from counseling by a certified therapist for: stressful life conditions, depression and/or anxiety, abuse histories, adjustment issue to chronic illness, poor support system and many other challenges we face.
There is a connection between FM, CMP and depression. The stress from constant pain and fatigue can cause anxiety, depression, inactivity and social isolation. It is also possible that anxiety and depression are part of FM and CMP, just like the pain. Depression and chronic pain can greatly interfere with the way you cope with activities at home or at work. As a sufferer myself, I know exactly what that’s like.
Chronic pain sufferers most often need a combination of medications (I am on an anti-depressant and several other meds), alternative therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a change in lifestyle habits. So it is important to openly discuss any symptoms of depression you have with our doctors. Medication is not enough by itself and some prescription drugs make our depression and anxiety worse.
Some people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain may be aware they are depressed. Others may not realize they are depressed, but they know something is just is not right.
Researchers have found that fibromyalgia patients have an inability to process and handle stress. Studies have shown that the breakdown in the adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid glands play a key role in FM patients’ lack of coping mechanisms. Not only does chronic pain cause enormous stress in our lives, but we are unable to manage it.
All people have stress in their lives which may be unavoidable. FM and other chronic pain sufferers have even more. Counseling and/or stress management can help us cope with our symptoms and improve our overall reactions to stress.
I have been seeing a certified therapist that has really helped me discover some of the issues that may contribute to my pain. It’s also not just about the here and now, but past experiences that we think are in the past, are really still simmering in our sub-conscious, affecting our emotional state and our inability to cope with the stress that’s right in front of us. I resisted therapy for years! I did not want to go to yet another doctor that I would have to convince that my pain is real and not “all in my head”. It took seeing several different counselors before I found one that REALLY GOT IT! It feels like a GREAT weigh has been lifted off my shoulders. My stress and anxiety are becoming manageable and I feel less and less depressed.
Counselors trained in treating FM and other chronic pain patients can be very helpful, but we have to put in some work ourselves. Its not easy to make the changes required to make therapy successful, but we need to correct the self-defeating thoughts and actions that have led us to seek help from a professional in the first place.
Research shows that a combined multidisciplinary treatment approach is the most effective way to achieve symptom relief. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there is hope if we seek and get the right help! Counseling can really make a difference along with the other treatments you may be receiving!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
I cannot stress enough how important it is to get the right coping skills and help in order to keep from giving up or giving in. People with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) and any other chronic pain conditions, can benefit from counseling by a certified therapist for: stressful life conditions, depression and/or anxiety, abuse histories, adjustment issue to chronic illness, poor support system and many other challenges we face.
There is a connection between FM, CMP and depression. The stress from constant pain and fatigue can cause anxiety, depression, inactivity and social isolation. It is also possible that anxiety and depression are part of FM and CMP, just like the pain. Depression and chronic pain can greatly interfere with the way you cope with activities at home or at work. As a sufferer myself, I know exactly what that’s like.
Chronic pain sufferers most often need a combination of medications (I am on an anti-depressant and several other meds), alternative therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a change in lifestyle habits. So it is important to openly discuss any symptoms of depression you have with our doctors. Medication is not enough by itself and some prescription drugs make our depression and anxiety worse.
Some people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain may be aware they are depressed. Others may not realize they are depressed, but they know something is just is not right.
Researchers have found that fibromyalgia patients have an inability to process and handle stress. Studies have shown that the breakdown in the adrenals, hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid glands play a key role in FM patients’ lack of coping mechanisms. Not only does chronic pain cause enormous stress in our lives, but we are unable to manage it.
All people have stress in their lives which may be unavoidable. FM and other chronic pain sufferers have even more. Counseling and/or stress management can help us cope with our symptoms and improve our overall reactions to stress.
I have been seeing a certified therapist that has really helped me discover some of the issues that may contribute to my pain. It’s also not just about the here and now, but past experiences that we think are in the past, are really still simmering in our sub-conscious, affecting our emotional state and our inability to cope with the stress that’s right in front of us. I resisted therapy for years! I did not want to go to yet another doctor that I would have to convince that my pain is real and not “all in my head”. It took seeing several different counselors before I found one that REALLY GOT IT! It feels like a GREAT weigh has been lifted off my shoulders. My stress and anxiety are becoming manageable and I feel less and less depressed.
Counselors trained in treating FM and other chronic pain patients can be very helpful, but we have to put in some work ourselves. Its not easy to make the changes required to make therapy successful, but we need to correct the self-defeating thoughts and actions that have led us to seek help from a professional in the first place.
Research shows that a combined multidisciplinary treatment approach is the most effective way to achieve symptom relief. There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but there is hope if we seek and get the right help! Counseling can really make a difference along with the other treatments you may be receiving!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Hypnosis: Control Your Fibromyalgia Pain Instead of it Controlling You!
Are you a skeptic? I was, but the truth is many FM patients are turning to hynosis to gain control of their pain and its working! It can also help sufferers of Chronic Myofascial Pain, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Restless Legs Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & more!
Hypnosis is emerging as a fibromyalgia (FM) treatment. Some FM sufferers use hypnosis to master their minds, and their debilitating chronic pain. Hypnosis, according to research on hypnotherapy for FM, has been proven to be a successful new treatment for pain management. Measurable psychological and physiological changes can occur in hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a method by which any person may be guided into a state of receptiveness. It focuses on psychological and physical changes that are normally outside our conscious natural ability. In other words, hypnotic trance is basically a state of hyper-suggestibility. Anyone can be hypnotized, if you can relax and follow simple instructions you can enjoy hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is basically any therapy done in conjunction with hypnosis. It is often classed as a form of complementary medicine (CAM).
The hypnosis results and experience is different for each individual, but it is typically associated with a pleasant state of deep inner calm and physical relaxation. Deep hypnotic relaxation is similar in some ways to yoga or meditation done by true experts.
There is speculation that the body's production of stress hormones make fibromyalgia pain worse since cortisol (a stress hormone) can increase sensitivity to pain. The deep relaxation felt during hypnosis is said to help in decreasing your body's pain and raising overall levels of comfort in your body.
Since the 1850’s hypnosis has been used to generate anesthesia. It is said that the mind is capable of blocking pain sufficiently to allow complex surgical procedures. It was once even used for amputations. This skill offers many opportunities to improve the control of many forms of pain.
The European Journal of Pain (July 2008 issue) details a study which involved hypnosis and pain management in fibromyalgia patients. Using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), the researchers compared two groups of FM sufferers. One group was hypnotized and the other was not.
Then researchers did brain scans on each group, and asked each group about their levels of pain. Both groups reported less pain after suggestion, but those who had been hypnotized reported more feelings of personal control of their pain. They felt more empowered to manage their pain levels. The brain scans in the hypnotized group showed more activity compared to the non-hypnotized group.
Based on this, the researchers concluded that hypnosis intensifies the efficiency of fibromyalgia pain management. It is said that hypnosis can be an important element for people who are looking for alternative methods for managing FM pain.
The idea is that with hypnosis, chronic pain sufferers’ quality of life can be bettered. Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia are two examples of common, chronic conditions that respond very well to hypnosis.
Many people, including me, have a pre-conceived notion about hypnosis and the idea of “letting someone into your head” can be a little scary. The fact is, no one is actually taking control of your conscious state, the therapist is actually empowering you to take control! If other methods of treatment have failed, one might consider this alternative therapy. It can’t hurt and you may gain some freedom from your pain! To me, that’s a plus!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Hypnosis is emerging as a fibromyalgia (FM) treatment. Some FM sufferers use hypnosis to master their minds, and their debilitating chronic pain. Hypnosis, according to research on hypnotherapy for FM, has been proven to be a successful new treatment for pain management. Measurable psychological and physiological changes can occur in hypnosis.
Hypnosis is a method by which any person may be guided into a state of receptiveness. It focuses on psychological and physical changes that are normally outside our conscious natural ability. In other words, hypnotic trance is basically a state of hyper-suggestibility. Anyone can be hypnotized, if you can relax and follow simple instructions you can enjoy hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is basically any therapy done in conjunction with hypnosis. It is often classed as a form of complementary medicine (CAM).
The hypnosis results and experience is different for each individual, but it is typically associated with a pleasant state of deep inner calm and physical relaxation. Deep hypnotic relaxation is similar in some ways to yoga or meditation done by true experts.
There is speculation that the body's production of stress hormones make fibromyalgia pain worse since cortisol (a stress hormone) can increase sensitivity to pain. The deep relaxation felt during hypnosis is said to help in decreasing your body's pain and raising overall levels of comfort in your body.
Since the 1850’s hypnosis has been used to generate anesthesia. It is said that the mind is capable of blocking pain sufficiently to allow complex surgical procedures. It was once even used for amputations. This skill offers many opportunities to improve the control of many forms of pain.
The European Journal of Pain (July 2008 issue) details a study which involved hypnosis and pain management in fibromyalgia patients. Using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), the researchers compared two groups of FM sufferers. One group was hypnotized and the other was not.
Then researchers did brain scans on each group, and asked each group about their levels of pain. Both groups reported less pain after suggestion, but those who had been hypnotized reported more feelings of personal control of their pain. They felt more empowered to manage their pain levels. The brain scans in the hypnotized group showed more activity compared to the non-hypnotized group.
Based on this, the researchers concluded that hypnosis intensifies the efficiency of fibromyalgia pain management. It is said that hypnosis can be an important element for people who are looking for alternative methods for managing FM pain.
The idea is that with hypnosis, chronic pain sufferers’ quality of life can be bettered. Irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia are two examples of common, chronic conditions that respond very well to hypnosis.
Many people, including me, have a pre-conceived notion about hypnosis and the idea of “letting someone into your head” can be a little scary. The fact is, no one is actually taking control of your conscious state, the therapist is actually empowering you to take control! If other methods of treatment have failed, one might consider this alternative therapy. It can’t hurt and you may gain some freedom from your pain! To me, that’s a plus!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Food and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: It's Time To Help Ourselves!
Give up my carbs? Are you kidding me? That was my first response when I started researching diets that can benefit fibromyalgia patients! I decided that I had to get over it and take control of what I put in my mouth in order to be healthier and feel better! Yes, you can even reduce your pain! Nutrition is vitally important to chronic pain sufferers, even more than you probably think.
Nutritional therapy for Fibromyalgia can help reduce stress, free the body of toxins, and restore nutrients which have been stripped away. Supplements can be helpful, but right now, I want to focus on diet.
FM patients need to watch what we eat because there are many foods that exacerbate our symptoms. I know how hard it is - especially in the carbohydrate category, because I LOVE pasta, potatoes and chocolate. Unfortunately, one of the first things recommended in a nutrition program for FM sufferers is reduction of carbohydrates and adding more protein. I can handle adding protein, but take away my carbs? UGH! Maybe you can identify. The fact is, if we want to feel better and restore our mental and physical function, it is a necessity.
Since we (FM sufferers) already have a compromised immune system, a diet that includes the list of “no-no’s” can cause your body even more suffering. Also, certain foods have been found to cause fatigue. So, to avoid further destruction we need to follow the “fibro nutrition rules”.
Some Fibromyalgia sufferers have a low carbohydrate tolerance or reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that strikes after eating carbs. This can cause problems with carbohydrate metabolism, which in turn creates the inability to lose weight, fatigue, worsening symptoms and carbohydrate cravings. Carbohydrates stimulate insulin production. Excess insulin can cause an increased absorption of sugar into our muscles and liver, which can be stored as fatty acids in fat cells, and prevent carbs from being metabolized.
We need to lessen our consumption of unsaturated fats. It is recommended that we increase our intake of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and essential fatty acids found in cold-water fish, nuts and seeds.
Saturated fats should be reduced. You can do this by choosing fat-free dairy products, increasing vegetables or trying soy products. Also, red meat, in particular, is hard to digest and increases cholesterol. So, we should exercise caution when it comes to the amount of red meat we consume.
It is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and limit our sugar, salt, fat and the intake of specific additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E may be used to combat stress and support the immune system. Foods rich in magnesium help support your muscles and vitamin B-rich foods can help with stress, energy/metabolism and mental clarity. The best food sources of magnesium are legumes, tofu, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Some “fibromytes” find that foods high in acids like citric acid, trigger more muscle pain. Some examples are tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, red meat, cow milk products, brown and white wheat flour products, sugary foods, coffee, and yes, chocolate.
Acidophilus and associated "good" bacteria can help balance the flora in your intestine. Some plain yogurts have active cultures that can help. You can also find other sources of "good" bacteria at health food stores like Kefir.
Fibromyalgia patients are more sensitive to food, drugs, chemicals and pollutants. With the myriad of common issues such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues and migraines we tend to have, there are foods that can trigger these symptoms or make them worse. It might require a little detective work to figure out what foods are a problem for you.
Use the process of elimination when you suspect that a certain food might be a triggering factor for you. Remove it from your diet for a couple of weeks and see if you start to feel better or the frequency of your negative responses decrease. Known foods that aggravate FM symptoms are the same as listed above but we need to also consider processed foods, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, bottled juices and diet soda. Processed foods are full of additives, preservatives, colorings, salt and sugar. These foods are what I like to call a “death trap”. I know, it sounds over-dramatic, but if we can think of them this way, we might be able to train our brains to reject them. We know our bodies already do because of the pain, fatigue and unhappiness that comes with a bad diet.
If your detective work doesn’t provide results, you might want to try a hypoallergenic or gluten-free diet. With a hypoallergenic diet, you eliminate one food group at a time. You can start with removing a single item each week and see how you feel. If nothing happens, remove another food the next week.
A gluten-free diet isn’t easy because it requires you to completely eliminate all wheat products. Since wheat is so common in a variety of foods, you will have to plan your diet it and follow it carefully. You can find wheat replacement products at health food stores. It is suggested that you don’t drink any liquids with your meals, avoid smoking, and avoid long periods of direct sun. You need to drink eight glasses of water each day between meals.
Just like medications and therapies, each FM sufferer will respond differently to specific foods than another. Some have certain food allergies that others do not. Food allergies can interfere with your nutrient intake. It is recommended that we keep a food diary to help identify our triggers. Write down everything you eat and at the same time track your FM pain. Comparing the two might help you determine what foods may trigger allergies or pain.
There is another diet method that has proved helpful for FM patients called Food Combining. The theory is that certain foods should not be combined because they work against each other. This diet is definitely worth looking into!
It is my hope that by changing our nutritional life-style, we can begin to feel better and regain as much of our mental, emotional and physical function as possible.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
Nutritional therapy for Fibromyalgia can help reduce stress, free the body of toxins, and restore nutrients which have been stripped away. Supplements can be helpful, but right now, I want to focus on diet.
FM patients need to watch what we eat because there are many foods that exacerbate our symptoms. I know how hard it is - especially in the carbohydrate category, because I LOVE pasta, potatoes and chocolate. Unfortunately, one of the first things recommended in a nutrition program for FM sufferers is reduction of carbohydrates and adding more protein. I can handle adding protein, but take away my carbs? UGH! Maybe you can identify. The fact is, if we want to feel better and restore our mental and physical function, it is a necessity.
Since we (FM sufferers) already have a compromised immune system, a diet that includes the list of “no-no’s” can cause your body even more suffering. Also, certain foods have been found to cause fatigue. So, to avoid further destruction we need to follow the “fibro nutrition rules”.
Some Fibromyalgia sufferers have a low carbohydrate tolerance or reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that strikes after eating carbs. This can cause problems with carbohydrate metabolism, which in turn creates the inability to lose weight, fatigue, worsening symptoms and carbohydrate cravings. Carbohydrates stimulate insulin production. Excess insulin can cause an increased absorption of sugar into our muscles and liver, which can be stored as fatty acids in fat cells, and prevent carbs from being metabolized.
We need to lessen our consumption of unsaturated fats. It is recommended that we increase our intake of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and essential fatty acids found in cold-water fish, nuts and seeds.
Saturated fats should be reduced. You can do this by choosing fat-free dairy products, increasing vegetables or trying soy products. Also, red meat, in particular, is hard to digest and increases cholesterol. So, we should exercise caution when it comes to the amount of red meat we consume.
It is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and limit our sugar, salt, fat and the intake of specific additives like monosodium glutamate (MSG).
Eating foods rich in antioxidants like vitamins A, C, E may be used to combat stress and support the immune system. Foods rich in magnesium help support your muscles and vitamin B-rich foods can help with stress, energy/metabolism and mental clarity. The best food sources of magnesium are legumes, tofu, seeds, nuts, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
Some “fibromytes” find that foods high in acids like citric acid, trigger more muscle pain. Some examples are tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant, red meat, cow milk products, brown and white wheat flour products, sugary foods, coffee, and yes, chocolate.
Acidophilus and associated "good" bacteria can help balance the flora in your intestine. Some plain yogurts have active cultures that can help. You can also find other sources of "good" bacteria at health food stores like Kefir.
Fibromyalgia patients are more sensitive to food, drugs, chemicals and pollutants. With the myriad of common issues such as allergies, gastrointestinal issues and migraines we tend to have, there are foods that can trigger these symptoms or make them worse. It might require a little detective work to figure out what foods are a problem for you.
Use the process of elimination when you suspect that a certain food might be a triggering factor for you. Remove it from your diet for a couple of weeks and see if you start to feel better or the frequency of your negative responses decrease. Known foods that aggravate FM symptoms are the same as listed above but we need to also consider processed foods, fried foods, artificial sweeteners, bottled juices and diet soda. Processed foods are full of additives, preservatives, colorings, salt and sugar. These foods are what I like to call a “death trap”. I know, it sounds over-dramatic, but if we can think of them this way, we might be able to train our brains to reject them. We know our bodies already do because of the pain, fatigue and unhappiness that comes with a bad diet.
If your detective work doesn’t provide results, you might want to try a hypoallergenic or gluten-free diet. With a hypoallergenic diet, you eliminate one food group at a time. You can start with removing a single item each week and see how you feel. If nothing happens, remove another food the next week.
A gluten-free diet isn’t easy because it requires you to completely eliminate all wheat products. Since wheat is so common in a variety of foods, you will have to plan your diet it and follow it carefully. You can find wheat replacement products at health food stores. It is suggested that you don’t drink any liquids with your meals, avoid smoking, and avoid long periods of direct sun. You need to drink eight glasses of water each day between meals.
Just like medications and therapies, each FM sufferer will respond differently to specific foods than another. Some have certain food allergies that others do not. Food allergies can interfere with your nutrient intake. It is recommended that we keep a food diary to help identify our triggers. Write down everything you eat and at the same time track your FM pain. Comparing the two might help you determine what foods may trigger allergies or pain.
There is another diet method that has proved helpful for FM patients called Food Combining. The theory is that certain foods should not be combined because they work against each other. This diet is definitely worth looking into!
It is my hope that by changing our nutritional life-style, we can begin to feel better and regain as much of our mental, emotional and physical function as possible.
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
What In The World Is Physiatry? - A Guide To Physiatry & How It Can Help Fibromyalgia & Chronic Myofascial Pain Sufferers
As an FM & CMP sufferer myself, I thought I knew just about all there was about alternative therapies for my chronic pain, but I had never heard of physiatry!
What in the world is physiatry? Simply put, it is a specialized therapy that involves physical medicine and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. This is why fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and other chronic pain sufferers can benefit from this therapy. The focus of physiatry is on restoring function to patients.
Physiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. They work to restore function lost due to injury, illness or a disabling condition and provide non-surgical treatments and prevention. Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone specialists who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. They have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is characterized by tight, tender muscles, usually sore points in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, knees and hips. Insomnia, depression, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mitral valve prolapse, cognitive dysfunction and more, are often associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is chronic. Myofascial pain, though somewhat different, often accompanies FM. Myofascial trigger points are taut bands or knots in the fascia that surrounds the muscle and every organ of the body. Chronic myofascial pain is a debilitating disease (once also identified as a syndrome).
Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or devices, such as a brace. They also use a variety of therapies such as heat and cold, biofeedback, electrotherapies, trigger point injections, massage, traction, and therapeutic exercise. Physiatrists do not perform surgery.
The Physical Medicine, Physiatrist, or Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation specialist’s goal is to arm the patient with techniques to improve their quality of life, even if the condition is chronic. Each patient needs distinctive care and each patient needs to identify their own specific rehabilitation treatment goals.
Physiatrists use a combination treatment methods that are individualized for every patient. A treatment plan will most likely include several of the following: education on fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain; medication; nutritional supplements; a pain management program (i.e., moist heat, bioelectric therapy, ultrasound, and more); exercise (only after pain is decreased) which consists of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, and toning exercises; manual therapy which includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and adjustments; relaxation (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, Yoga, Tai Chi); home program - once what works best is discovered, the patient will need to follow through with a home program on a regular basis.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new therapy or treatment regimen! Together, you can decide what will work best for you. Ask your primary caregiver about physiatry and how it might benefit you! It’s time to start feeling better and living again!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
What in the world is physiatry? Simply put, it is a specialized therapy that involves physical medicine and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. This is why fibromyalgia syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, and other chronic pain sufferers can benefit from this therapy. The focus of physiatry is on restoring function to patients.
Physiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. They work to restore function lost due to injury, illness or a disabling condition and provide non-surgical treatments and prevention. Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone specialists who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. They have completed training in the medical specialty physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).
Fibromyalgia Syndrome is characterized by tight, tender muscles, usually sore points in the neck, shoulders, chest, back, knees and hips. Insomnia, depression, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, restless legs syndrome, interstitial cystitis, mitral valve prolapse, cognitive dysfunction and more, are often associated with this condition. Fibromyalgia is chronic. Myofascial pain, though somewhat different, often accompanies FM. Myofascial trigger points are taut bands or knots in the fascia that surrounds the muscle and every organ of the body. Chronic myofascial pain is a debilitating disease (once also identified as a syndrome).
Physiatrists may prescribe drugs or devices, such as a brace. They also use a variety of therapies such as heat and cold, biofeedback, electrotherapies, trigger point injections, massage, traction, and therapeutic exercise. Physiatrists do not perform surgery.
The Physical Medicine, Physiatrist, or Fibromyalgia Rehabilitation specialist’s goal is to arm the patient with techniques to improve their quality of life, even if the condition is chronic. Each patient needs distinctive care and each patient needs to identify their own specific rehabilitation treatment goals.
Physiatrists use a combination treatment methods that are individualized for every patient. A treatment plan will most likely include several of the following: education on fibromyalgia and/or chronic myofascial pain; medication; nutritional supplements; a pain management program (i.e., moist heat, bioelectric therapy, ultrasound, and more); exercise (only after pain is decreased) which consists of postural stretches, light aerobic conditioning, and toning exercises; manual therapy which includes therapeutic massage, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, and adjustments; relaxation (deep breathing exercises, guided imagery, biofeedback, Yoga, Tai Chi); home program - once what works best is discovered, the patient will need to follow through with a home program on a regular basis.
Always talk to your doctor before starting a new therapy or treatment regimen! Together, you can decide what will work best for you. Ask your primary caregiver about physiatry and how it might benefit you! It’s time to start feeling better and living again!
Fibromyalgia Help 4 Us
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