Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue (CFS) Therapy
NEW RESEARCH
Lymphatic Vessels Drain the Brain
So Lymphatic Drainage Can Help Fibro
Relatively recent mapping of the brain’s structures have shown that lymphatic vessels exist in the brain. These lymphatic vessels drain out old Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF), taking with it cellular waste from the brain.
What the Research Says
Lymph Functions as a Flushing Mechanism
“Studies indicate that most of the glymphatic flushing that occurs in the brain occurs during sleep – a problematic time for many people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. Then there’s Dr. Perrin who swears that his lymphatic drainage techniques help people with chronic fatigue syndrome. He believes the cognitive and other problems found in ME/CFS are due to too much sludge in the system.”
(Credit: “Medical Game-Changer” To Shed New Light on Neuroimmune Diseases”)
You can read the actual research about this process here.
Concerned Treatment Will Hurt?
What is Fibromyalgia?
Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by symptoms including distinct tender points, widespread body pain (often thought to be musculoskeletal pain), severe fatigue, and insomnia. Fibromyalgia sufferers are often irritable, have headaches and stiffness, and experience a phenomenon called “fibro fog” wherein they are often forgetful or easily confused despite being intelligent people.
Hypersensitivity is another common symptom of fibromyalgia. People with fibro can be sensitive to chemical/perfumed smells such as what one might find in air freshener or laundry detergents. Others are sensitive to touch that should not cause pain (a condition known as allodynia). Common triggers are a breeze from an overhead fan, clothing touching the skin, and pain when getting into the shower when the water hits the skin.
One recent study links the presence of silicone breast implants to CFS and fibromyalgia. While this clearly does not apply to all people suffering these conditions, it implies that toxins and foreign substances to which we are exposed may be the triggering element.
Depression and anxiety are also commonly found in fibro folks, although the link to those symptoms is unclear. As a result, many fibro patients are put on antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications by their rheumatologists when they are diagnosed. Physical trauma and emotional trauma are commonly associated with the onset of fibromyalgia, so many doctors refer fibro folks to psychologists and other mental health professionals.
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is another mysterious condition that cannot be directly diagnosed. Healthcare professionals who diagnose CFS first seek to rule out other illnesses that may be causing the symptoms.
These include sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Symptoms of CFS may also come from anemia and hypothyroidism. Circulatory and respiratory issues as well as mental health disorders like anxiety and depression can also mimic CFS.
Living with Fibromyalgia & CFS
Although there is no cure for Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, you can help manage your condition with natural treatments.
Stress reduction and relaxation techniques help to calm the nervous system. They can help reduce emotional stress which can improve sleep. This in turn reduces tiredness and waking up feeling exhausted.
Likewise, eating a balanced diet of whole plant-based foods that are not inflammatory can help reduce the constant aches that are present with fibromyalgia and provide more energy for those with CFS.
