Fibromyalgia – the Pain Disorder

Fibromyalgia is not just a passing trend, nor is it a modern disease. Already back in the 19^th century, there were reports about a disease which was accompanied by pain and exhaustion. It was called Neurasthenia or Nervous Exhaustion.

In the course of the centuries, it was given various other descriptions, until it was eventually named Fibromyalgia or simply “pain disorder” – and that is the literal meaning of Fibromyalgia (-algia = pain of muscle fibres = fibro+my).

Whereas once there was the assumption that no more than 1 to 2 per cent of the population suffered from Fibromyalgia syndrome, there now is certainty that there are many more people (around 4 per cent) who have to live with this diffuse and often puzzling disease.

Many of those who suffer from Fibromyalgia don’t even know what they suffer from and seek help from various doctors, looking for the cause of their suffering or at least for the right diagnosis.

Although more women are affected, men and children can also be sufferers. Men often get diagnosed with “burn-out syndrome”, as Fibromyalgia is still widely regarded as a women’s disease.

In children, so-called growing-pains can, in reality, be the first signs for Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia – the symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a genuine syndrome. That means that we have to deal with a variety of symptoms:

Pains

The main symptom of Fibromyalgia is the permanent pain which spreads all through the body. Sufferers have difficulty pointing out where it hurts exactly. The pain seems to be everywhere – in the joints, in the muscles, in the organs.

It can also travel from one area to another. One day, the pain is here, a few days later the pain is somewhere else.

Of course, there are days when the patient feels relatively well. But, any major effort or exertion can bring back the pain. Also too cold or hot weather, too much work, too much stress, too much exercise or a small infection can trigger the pain.

Sensitivity to cold and warmth

Many sufferers can hardly bear cold and especially draught. In fact, they feel cold when other people still feel that the temperature around them is comfortable.

If, however, the temperature starts to rise in summer, the heat will quickly get uncomfortable, and those who suffer from Fibromyalgia soon break out in sweat and experience hot flushes.

Excessive sensitivity

Increased sensitivity is likely to develop with advanced Fibromyalgia. Noise and sounds become uncomfortable. Sufferers avoid situations where others are likely to speak at the same time (in restaurants, lunch in the staff restaurant, parties etc.) and even feel irritated by somebody else’s cutlery clattering on their plate.

Bright light may be just as uncomfortable. Wearing sunglasses each time when leaving the house seems to be the best option.

When it comes to smells, this can be a real challenge as they are hard to avoid. Sufferers can be affected not only by real stench, but also faint smells which others cannot perceive yet.

There is the constant need to let fresh air in when at home. Being in enclosed spaces together with others, especially when they are wearing perfume or deodorant, is hard to bear.

Touch can also be uncomfortable, sometimes only firm touch (pressure, massages), but sometimes even very gentle touch.

Problems with Sleep and Digestion

Fibromyalgia sufferers often don’t have problems getting to sleep, but they find it difficult to sleep through the night. Just after a few hours they wake up and can’t get back to sleep. In the morning, they feel exhausted and have little energy.

Initially, Fibromyalgia patients often get diagnosed with IBS or dyspepsia (sensitive stomach), because they present the following symptoms: stomach cramps, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation (often both).

Typical are also food intolerances such as histamine intolerance, gluten intolerance or fructose intolerance.

Depression and Anxiety

Fibromyalgia is often accompanied by fear, anxiety and depression, but it is difficult to differentiate which is caused by what. In some cases, depression was there before the pain. In other patients, anxiety and depression develop in the course of Fibromyalgia, which is not surprising, given the fact that the illness can be extremely debilitating.

Blood Sugar Imbalances

Many Fibromyalgia sufferers have problems with their blood sugar level. They seem to react much more sensitively to carbohydrates than other people. The imbalances in blood sugar levels, accompanied by debilitating periods of hypoglycaemia, can lead to dizziness, palpitations, lack of concentration, the head feels like it is stuffed with cotton, night sweats etc.

But these symptoms can have different causes, such as “only” an intolerance to gluten. Many a patient given the diagnosis “Fibromyalgia” had a go at a gluten-free diet, and suddenly their symptoms disappear.

Various Other Symptoms

Some of those affected also have breathing problems, a sensitive bladder, head and face pains, tinnitus, numbness or pins and needles in hands and feet, dry mucous membranes, dry eyes, forgetfulness, stiffness, oedema (water retentions), itching, neurodermitis, restless legs, heavy night sweats etc.

How is a patient affected if they suffer from just some of these symptoms?

Already then, they find it hard to cope with daily life, often unable to go to work, and even simple household chores seem impossible to manage. Dizziness, exhaustion, forgetfulness and lack of concentration can lead to an increased risk of accidents. Moreover, even simple – also mental – tasks can no longer be carried out.

Therefore, Fibromyalgia is a disease which cannot be ignored and which affects life in a most negative way.

Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia – Anything but Easy

Visits to the GP and specialist doctor often remain without any result. No matter which tests are carried out – if it is blood tests, X-Rays, MRT, CT, endoscopy and many other – the doctor cannot find anything.

Those affected by Fibromyalgia present a variety of symptoms. Some tend to suffer from mainly psychological problems, others experience physical pain. A different group of patients complain about a hypersensitivity to external stimuli, a further group are affected by swellings in combination with excess weight.

Some sufferers withdraw completely, other manage well to hide the illness.

The following parameters often distinguish Fibromyalgia sufferers from healthy people and can point in the direction of an effective medical therapy:

-  Serotonin: often too low in patients with Fibromyalgia (restore a healthy gut flora, beneficial fats in diet, saffron, Ashwagandha or Rhodiola Rosea supplements etc.)

-      Histamine: often too high. Histamine level must be lowered.

-      Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level): Tests to find the cause of it. Lack of cortisol due to an adrenal insufficiency or an under-active thyroid. Cortisol is a stress hormone and Fibromyalgia is a stress-related illness of some kind. It is understandable that chronic stress can impact cortisol secretion over time.

Therapy: Depending on the cause, the GP prescribes the appropriate hormones. Moreover, a diet with frequent small portions without isolated carbohydrates, to avoid additional blood sugar imbalances.

-     Insulin: Insulin-level can be raised. A healthy diet and life-style can help.

-   Gut flora: Tests for gut health and a possible Candidosis (responsible for a variety of problems, such as depression, problems with digestion etc.) are available.

-   Food intolerances: A variety of tests is available and can bring clarity.

-  Heavy-Metal contamination: Excessive levels of lead, palladium, arsenic, mercury etc.) can lead to nerve damage, increased susceptibility to stress and other symptoms which are typical for Fibromyalgia. Therapy: Metal detoxification (Dr Klinghardt, e.g.)

-  Epstein Barr Virus and Borelliosis: Both infectious diseases can cause symptoms which are typical for Fibromyalgia, but can also co-exist with the illness. Tests can rule out the infections.

-   Antioxidants: The levels of the body’s own antioxidants are low. Therapy: Take antioxidants (Astaxanthin, Saffron, Aronia juice etc.) and eat a diet rich in antioxidants.

-     Vital nutrients: Levels of minerals, trace elements, vitamins and fatty acids can indicate possible deficiencies. If blood analysis shows any deficiencies, the supply of vital substances must be optimised through diet as well as supplements.

-   Hormone levels: Analysis of hormone levels often shows imbalances. In women, for example, oestrogen may be dominant. Also cortisol level should be checked, as well as thyroid function.

-      Hyaluronic acid: About 20 years ago, Israeli scientists found that the serum level of Hyaluronic acid in Fibromyalgia patients was more than eight times higher than in healthy people, still four times higher than in rheumatism sufferers. Hyaluronic acid is an essential element of the connective tissue and the body produces it itself. Why the level is increased in Fibromyalgia sufferers is uncertain. Therapy: Administering high doses of vitamin C can lower Hyaluronic acid levels, but the process should be supervised by a therapist.

Fibromyalgia – The Possible Causes

In general, conventional medicine is flummoxed when it comes to possible causes of Fibromyalgia. The first choice of explanation is “a fault in the body’s pain processing abilities”.  With regard to the above-mentioned diagnostic criteria, one could say that the causes are obvious: the low level of Serotonin is responsible, the raised level of Histamine, low blood sugar level, faulty gut flora etc. All that is possible, of course, e.g. due to heavy metal contamination.

But, it is also possible that the imbalances are not the cause but simply the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and therefore the consequence of a very different problem.

As a matter of fact, Fibromyalgia appears to be the natural consequence of the sufferer’s experiences in life so far. If, in the course of life, the damaging influences outweigh the experiences where the individual felt safe and protected, certain individuals are likely to develop Fibromyalgia.

The inactive anti-stress gene

There is the so-called anti-stress gene. Certain factors determine if it is active or not. If the new-born baby is happy, if it feels safe and protected, the anti-stress gene becomes active. The child will grow into a relaxed adult who feels at home in the world and can cope well with many a hardship in later life.

But if the child does not experience this essential safety and security, the anti-stress gene won’t be activated. This is the case in traumatised persons, although a trauma does not necessarily equal some horrendous abuse.

In a baby, even “separation”, as practised by some parents, can cause a trauma. “Separation” means to let the new-born cry alone in its nursery, to teach it a certain timeline by not giving it the love and physical contact which the baby needs so much. Such behaviour, when repeated again and again, means only one thing for the baby: mortal danger.

A baby doesn’t know that it finds itself, in the modern world, in a safe room. It believes (by instinct) that, like in ancient times, wild animals and other dangers are out to kill it.

Being left alone means being in danger of getting eaten, but also starving to death; because being left alone in the Stone Ages only happened if something terrible had happened to the parents. And there’s the trauma.

Given a certain genetic disposition for an increased sensitivity, these children develop into highly sensitive adults who can sense possible threats all around them – even when exposed to completely harmless noises, smells, voices or temperatures.

The Nervous System is Highly Sensitive

In the presence of Fibromyalgia, the nervous system is in a state of highest alert. The nervous system has become sensitive to such an extent that the sensory perception is increased and that every-day signals and stimulations are being interpreted as potential danger.

The nervous system will react like in someone who is venturing out on a night hike through some remote jungle, completely alone. There might be a hungry jaguar or cannibal ready to pounce from behind every bush.

Every minute rustling noise in the undergrowth, every tiny smoke molecule in the air (the fire where the cannibals prepare their dinner), every slight hissing noise of predators – each of these stimuli are absorbed and regarded as a possible danger. Because overlooking even the tiniest thing can be fatal in the wilderness.

In the wild, this kind of heightened perception and permanent alertness is essential for survival, and therefore something good. In everyday life, in a protected civilisation, however, it is not required. Therefore, every human normally has an in-built filter. It simply filters out many external stimuli, as it rightly regards them as not dangerous and simply blanks them out, e.g. the noise from our neighbour’s children at play, the conversation of our colleagues, the humming noise from the fridge, traffic noise etc.

In Fibromyalgia patients, this filter often does not work effectively.

The nervous system behaves as if the person affected had moved for good to the far-away jungle and find themselves in permanent danger of life. It can no longer differentiate which stimuli are important and which can be blanked out.  As a result, they see danger everywhere, in an environment that can be warm, cold, humid, dry or loud, if there are any smells or faint noises. At the same time, the pain threshold recedes and Fibromyalgia pain appears. That’s when the sufferer focusses on the pain and starts to spare themselves. But this will further increase their susceptibility for pain, which does not happen overnight, of course, but over many months and years.

So, if somebody had a childhood where he had to miss out on a feeling of security and understanding, but – in the course of time – found this feeling of security which he was so painfully starved from with his granny, with friends, at work, in his relationship, in his faith or such, the anti-stress gene can be activated at any time and the patient is feeling much better, despite an adverse childhood.

Nonetheless, the anti-stress gene can also be deactivated (again) in later life, for example if struck by a severe life crisis, e.g. the loss or illness of a loved one or a child, losing a job or financial security, or even several blows of fate at once. Often, experiences like these go along with an extreme mental or physical overload which, too, can lead to the afore-mentioned permanent vigilance and hypersensitivity.

Pains and Different Kinds of Pain

Even how a person experiences pain varies. We can focus our attention on pain or we can ignore it almost entirely. It always depends on the relevant experiences and thoughts of the person concerned and on what triggers the pain.

Some people hardly acknowledge throat pain. It’s just a cold; it will pass and it typically happens once or twice each winter. Yet, another person was once told by their father: “When I had my heart attack, I was suffering with a sore throat”. As a result, this person thinks of a heart attack, every time they are coming down with a cold and therefore suffers much more severely from throat pain. Their father’s words have scared the daughter or the son hugely, so that a sore throat means a threat from that moment on.

Therefore, many Fibromyalgia patients experience strong anxiety when they begin to feel the various pains, as they suspect acute and life-threatening illnesses hidden behind them. As a result, they spend many hours in various doctors’ surgeries, expecting to hear shortly that they only have four weeks to live – but this won’t happen because we now know that the doctor can’t find anything wrong.

What remains is the haunting fear, day by day, night by night.

When Pain is Associated with Love

But there’s another important aspect, especially as far as highly sensitive people are concerned. If, as described above, they experienced, in general, only little affection in childhood, but were given much love and attention by their mother whenever they were ill, the child learnt, in the course of time, that there is only love in times of illness and suffering pain.

That doesn’t mean that Fibromyalgia sufferers wish for pain, to attract more affection and attention from their partner or other people close to them.

It just means that people who made such experiences react, naturally, to pain with much more sensitivity and perceive pain much earlier and intensely than others.

The Fibromyalgia specialist, Dr. med. Thomas Weiss, states that women who suffer from Fibromyalgia felt their best when they could share household chores with their partners. They felt worse when the partners didn’t do anything; whenever the partner didn’t assist them with difficult chores like cleaning the windows, for example. What is interesting is that they also suffered more when the partners did everything, jumped to their aid at any occasion and relieved them from even the smallest tasks.

Therefore, Fibromyalgia is not an expression of a hidden desire for not having to do anything anymore, but rather the longing for respect, understanding, support and real partnership.

Exhausted by Hypersensitivity

Those who live in a constant state of alertness, but, at the same time, hardly get any sleep, will soon decline into a state of immense exhaustion. And then, things get even worse for them: they get irritated by sounds, noise, hubbub, sounding car horns, not to speak of parties, get-togethers etc.

The susceptibility to stress increases, the pain threshold decreases even more. Efficiency is low, so is the ability to concentrate. They end up commuting between bed and sofa.

High sensitivity travels from one part of the body to the next. Understandably, a highly sensitive gut reacts with IBS symptoms, a highly sensitive bladder turns into an irritable bladder and the highly sensitive brain creates fears and depression.

So, what would really be a suitable causal therapy for Fibromyalgia? The far too low pain threshold would need to be raised; the highly sensitive nervous system needs to be calmed. And that exactly is the aim of a holistic therapy. There, a variety of methods (in particular self-help methods) are used in combination, whereas conventional medicine can be used temporarily and complementary, if needed. But what does orthodox medicine do?

Fibromyalgia – Conventional Medicine’s Approach

Unfortunately, the effectiveness of conventional medicine is in many cases unsatisfactory. Doctors prescribe medication for the symptoms only, i.e. pain killers (often several together), anti-depressives, and sometimes Pregabalin (Lyrica).

The latter is actually a drug for severe neuropathic pain (polyneuropathy), excessive fear and epileptic fits. To be effective with all these ailments, it needs to have a strongly sedative (calming) effect. And that’s what it does.

Therefore, the side effects are not surprising. They are mainly: dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness (even feeling drunk), impaired vision (blurred or double vision), oedema, erectile dysfunction, nausea, weight gain and, to top it all, it is potentially highly addictive, so that there may be severe withdrawal symptoms when patients stop taking it.

However, some doctors suggest “multimodal therapy” for their patients. That means they recommend, together with their medication:

-  At least 1 physical activity, like walking, dancing or cycling, or meditative movement therapies, such as Tai Chi or Yoga, 2 – 3 times per week for 30 minutes per session

-      And at least 1 psychotherapeutic therapy.

Nonetheless, this approach does not sound very promising and sufferers are encouraged to carry on researching what will do them good.

Therapy with Guaifenesin

Prof. St Amand – an emeritus professor for endocrinology at the University of California (UCLA) has come up with an interesting hypothesis. He believes that Fibromyalgia is a metabolic disorder.

According to him, it is the result of a genetic defect which impacts on the secretion of excessive phosphate which is dumped in the body tissues and so leads to the typical Fibromyalgia pain. Guaifenesin – which actually is a remedy for cough – can regulate phosphate metabolism and is said to heal Fibromyalgia within a manageable period of time.

In fact, Guaifenesin does help many sufferers, but not everyone. In some, the symptoms are easier to bear, but they don’t disappear altogether with Guaifenesin. Others don’t see any effects at all.

The chances are that we are simply dealing with different illnesses which manifest in similar symptoms. One of them may be caused by Dr. Amands’ defective gene; the other may be related to Dr. Weiss’ theory.

There are still too many unknown facts, so that every person affected is encouraged to find their own, personal way of healing by self-observation, experimenting and researching.

In any case, sufferers can choose to undergo a trial with Guaifenesin, under supervision by their doctor, of course, and see what happens.

The Holistic Approach

The holistic approach to Fibromyalgia aims at various factors. Let’s assume that the increased sensitivity of the nervous system is the main cause. In that case, we need to calm this hypersensitivity, to lower the pain threshold and to reduce pain perception.

But this won’t work over night.  That’s why holistic therapy, too, aims at reducing the symptoms first.

What also has to be taken into consideration is that many of the so-called symptoms are no symptoms at all, but autonomous illnesses or ailments which were able to develop because of the patient’s increased sensitivity, whereby his immune system has increasingly been weakened by chronic stress.

This may also be the reason why every affected person presents different symptoms. Ultimately, every human has different weaknesses and therefore is prone to different illnesses.

Consequently, the aim of holistic therapy for Fibromyalgia is:

-   To strengthen the body, so that it is less susceptive for (further) ailments of any kind,

-      To help with and ideally heal the various symptoms and to calm the hypersensitive nervous system long-term.

The following measures can, with a bit of patience, bring a lasting relief:

1.       Vitamin D

Most importantly, the general supply of vital substances and nutrients must be looked at, so that possible deficiencies can be corrected. A lack of nutrients and vital substances not only weakens the organism, so that more and more symptoms and ailments can develop. In many cases, deficiencies promote the onset of Fibromyalgia, as is the case with Vitamin D.

Studies revealed that the Vitamin D level in Fibromyalgia patients is much lower than in healthy individuals. In fact, it is even lower than the Vitamin D level in arthritis sufferers, where the level is already quite low.

According to a study carried out in Vienna, the Fibromyalgia pain and fatigue could be noticeably improved with Vitamin D supplementation. A study in Turkey proved that Fibromyalgia patients suffered more intense pain when their Vitamin D levels decreased.

2.       Magnesium-Malate

Magnesium is a mineral which is in many cases essential in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. As sufferers often have low energy levels, the recommendation is to prescribe magnesium in form of

magnesium-malate (http://www.prohealth.com/library/showarticle.cfm?libid=16575)

3.       Calcium, Iron & Co

Fibromyalgia patients often show a lack in other minerals, such as calcium, iron and manganese, which should be thoroughly checked.  If proven by a blood or hair analysis, or checked by a Kinesiologist, the patient can either adjust their diet accordingly or take the deficient minerals as a supplement.

4.       Vitamin B12

Vitamin B levels, in particular Vitamin B12, are important in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. B-vitamins are responsible for nerve function. Therefore, it is not surprising that a Vitamin B deficiency often results in irritability, not being able to cope well in stress situations, being extremely delicate and the tendency to depression, which are all symptoms of Fibromyalgia.

Taking a Vitamin B Complex is therefore a good idea for Fibromyalgia patients, as in many cases a lack of Vitamin B12 can be detected.

In a Swedish study in 2015, Vitamin B12 (together with Folic Acid) was given to Fibromyalgia sufferers. They reported an increased improvement of symptoms, the longer and more regularly they were taking the vitamin, the higher the doses were, the better their thyroid glands worked and the less pain killers or Pregabalin they were taking.

5.       A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. It guarantees an optimal supply of vital substances and can bring a huge relief when it comes to Fibromyalgia symptoms.

A healthy diet means a diet free of sugar which can often cause the symptoms to get worse.

However, every sufferer needs to find out for themselves what makes them feel better or worse, and then to adjust their diet.

Every Fibromyalgia patient has different needs. Some can’t deal at all with dairy products; others feel better with dairy products in their diet. Some get worse with coffee (even decaf!); others feel better with one or two cups a day. The same holds true with fructose, whole grain products etc.

Of course, it is essential to stick to a healthy diet, which means to cut out ready meals, alcohol and sugar, to drink plenty of still, clean water and to choose high-quality foods (cold-pressed oils and fats, fresh vegetables instead of tins, steaming instead of cooking etc.)

Studies have proven that diet has a substantial influence on Fibromyalgia, like, for example, a low carb diet and gluten free diet.

6.       A Gluten Free Diet

In some of us, gluten can trigger symptoms that resemble those of Fibromyalgia. Therefore, it might be worth trying to cut out gluten completely for 1 to 3 months. In many cases, there will be an improvement – just because gluten can be hard on the bowels which are often severely affected in Fibromyalgia sufferers, anyway.

7.       Avoid Glutamate and Aspartame

Although often declared as harmless, glutamate and aspartame can severely impact on the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. In 2012, Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon carried out a study with 65 Fibromyalgia patients who also suffered from IBS. They cut out glutamate and aspartame for four weeks. Only 37 managed to strictly follow this diet. 84 per cent of those who managed to see it through reported that over 30 per cent of the symptoms were gone. The participants were then split in two groups: one group were given food containing glutamate, the others were given a placebo.

The group who ingested glutamate experienced that their symptoms which had substantially improved returned with a vengeance. The participants in the placebo group were still feeling much better.

Another study was carried out in 2001. Scientists in Florida worked with 4 Fibromyalgia patients who all had undergone various treatments which had not brought any improvement. But when those patients cut out glutamate and aspartame from their diet, they experienced a complete or at least almost complete healing of their symptoms within a few months. As soon as they started eating glutamate and aspartame again, the symptoms returned.

Glutamate can be found in many ready meals. You can find flavour enhancers on the label, beginning with E and then 6, e.g. E621 for Monosodium glutamate.

8.       Improvement With Vibration Training

Exercise plays an important role in the holistic treatment of Fibromyalgia. Vibration training might be a good option for sufferers. A pilot study carried out by Indiana University in 2014 revealed that vibration training which involves the whole body, reduced Fibromyalgia pain and improved the quality of life.

In general, however, any advice for extensive exercise proves to be difficult. Most sufferers have reduced their quota for exercise more and more, due to the pain. Yet, the less they exercise, the more their physical fitness will decrease.

Those who manage to go to the gym or invest in a home-trainer, a rowing-machine or similar, quickly get to the edge of exhaustion. As we know, their pain threshold is very low and the nervous system is highly sensitive. If the sufferer now starts to train, highly motivated, it is often too much of a good thing and severe pain kicks in. This will lead to a massive over-stimulation and, with that, the symptoms worsen. Things won’t get better, even if persevering over weeks, in the hope that the pain is just down to sore muscles. Once the sufferer gives up and decides to rest on the settee, they notice that they begin to feel much better.

But rest and avoiding any stimuli are now causing the sensitivity and pain thresholds to go down even more with time. Often, the weight will go up which also does mean that the symptoms get worse.

We see, neither activity nor rest seem to offer a solution.

Therefore, it’s now time to devote ourselves to the benefits of holistic therapy. The aim is to increase the pain threshold and to calm high nervous sensitivity.

9.       Reduce Sensitivity Threshold

To meet this target, the Fibromyalgia sufferer must learn that the stimuli which they, until now, regarded as dangerous, are in reality useful and beneficial. It is quite easy to do that with some of the stimuli, e.g. warmth (warm baths) or touch (gentle massage).

As far as other stimuli are concerned, we can work with desensitization. That means to learn to endure more and more of the respective stimulant and to get used to it, until it is no longer seen or felt as a disturbance. If trained with consequence, relaxation can kick in and constant vigilance becomes unnecessary.

Muscle Relaxation

To begin with, a certain basic state of relaxation is essential, because the more relaxed the body is, the less likely it is to experience fear, tension or depression.  Therefore, it is important to learn some kind of relaxation technique, e.g. autosuggestion. This will prepare for the next step:

Desensitisation Training

Those who suffer from sensitivity to noise are likely to love complete silence. But the more they indulge in complete silence, the more they will find even the slightest noise annoying.

That’s why it is better to deliberately expose oneself to sound, to listen to lovely music or to choose other background noise (lapping waves, a babbling brook, bird song etc.) and then increasingly visit places with the unloved noise (train station, city centre, restaurant etc.).

Those who are sensitive to heat or cold, can try hot/cold sequence showers, sauna with ensuing cold showers, or just go out in winter in thin clothes for just a few minutes and move about briskly, then return to the warmth of the house.

Other hypersensitivities can be treated in a similar way, e.g. sensitivity to smell.

10.   Relieve Pain

A holistic treatment can, with time, bring a substantial relief of pain or even cure it altogether. In warm thermal baths where the body is almost weightless and enveloped in gentle warmth, the pain will subside quickly.

Surrounded by warm water, the body will move much more easily.  Water gymnastics, aqua-jogging etc. can bring much joy and relief.

Of course, other therapies and activities can be tried and tested, simple things, such as watching a funny film, a warm shower, a nice massage, breathing exercises, meditation etc., can contribute to feeling better and to soothe pain.

(Information sourced from www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/fibromyalgie.html)

... More Foods That Can Help You Cleanse Your Body

Further to my last blog, here is the continued list of amazing foods:

15. Dandelion
Dandelion filters toxins and metabolic waste out of the blood stream and has a beneficial effect on a poorly liver. Besides, this plant is a rich source of minerals and offers a multitude of phytonutrients (plant substances): super-antioxidants which help cleansing of the digestive tract. Use young, tender dandelion leaves in a tasty, leafy mixed salad.

16. Fennel
This bulbous vegetable is rich in fibre and can help maintain a healthy bowel. The fennel bulb's fibrous tissue bind toxins and fatty substances in the bowel and so help with the detox process. Moreover, fennel is a good source of folic acid.

17. Linseed
Linseed has extremely high contents of vitamins and minerals. The seeds are rich in vitamins A, B, C, D and E and also contain potassium, phosphor, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. Far more remarkable is their content of Omega 3, an essential fatty acid which has a healing effect on our body. It optimises the level of blood fats and protects the vascular walls from calcification. Linseed has anti-inflammatory properties, aids brain function, and eating them regularly helps with digestion problems. It can also be used for poultices on inflamed skin.

18. Garlic
Garlic contains a variety of sulphuric compounds which help flush out excess acids from food as well as metabolic acids. This relative of the onion contains Allicin and Selenium, two powerful nutrients which are known to protect the liver from acid damage and help the organ to rid the body of toxins.

19. Ginger
is a great support for digestion, detoxes the body and rejuvenates (ginger is an antioxidant). Its active natural ingredients are said to have similar effects as painkilling tablets. Ginger has antibiotic properties and stimulates the immune system. It is also an excellent tonic and pick-me-up.

20. Goji Berries
Goji berries contain more vitamin C than oranges and more beta carotene than carrots. Vitamin C can help to flush out waste substances from the body, while beta carotene improves liver function. Goji berries contain more iron than spinach; 50 grams of dried Goji berries provide us with the minimum daily requirement of iron.

21. Grapefruit
Grapefruit are high in natural vitamin C and antioxidants, two powerful liver-cleansers. Like garlic, this fruit contains composites which buffer excess acids. It also contains a certain flavonoid compound, known as Naringenin, which stimulates the liver into absorbing acids and to eliminate them, instead of depositing them in the body's fatty tissues.

22. Green Tea
Among the most effective substances contained in green tea are poly-phenols which are known as powerful free-radical neutralisers. These are substances which are able to intercept free radicals and neutralise their damaging impact on our health. Poly-phenol is even stronger than vitamins C and F. Ongoing research indicates that it can offer smokers protection against skin-, bowel and lung cancer.

23. Hemp
Hemp contains Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA) which boosts metabolism big time. This fatty acid takes care that fat deposits can be used for the generation of energy so that fat can be reduced quicker. Furthermore, GLA plays an important part in the effective functioning of the cellular energy supply system called sodium-potassium-pump which provides body cells with nutrients and, at the same time, removes toxic waste from the cells. If the sodium-potassium-pump doesn't work efficiently, toxins will be deposited in the cells, the cell function will be disrupted and the entire metabolism slows down more and more. For that reason, hemp plays an important role in the process of toxin elimination.

24. Curly Kale
is on top of all other varieties of fruit and vegetables when it comes to diversity. When it comes to vitamin A content, kale beats any record - 4 times higher than broccoli, 40 times higher than celeriac; kale contains all of the B vitamins. Just one portion of curly kale covers the entire daily dose of vitamin C. It provides us with as much calcium as 2 glasses of milk. Those who suffer from osteoporosis should eat kale on a regular basis. And hardly any other vegetable has more vitamin E which effectively protects body cells against free radicals and slows down the ageing process. Curly kale cleanses the intestines and removes blockages, helps damaged intestinal mucous membrane to restore more quickly and strengthens the body's mucous tissue. It has a vitalising effect and helps to lower cholesterol and fat concentration in the blood. After eating kale, its slurry remains stick to the intestinal walls for quite a long time and so help maintain a health gut flora.

25. Lemon Grass
Lemon grass supports the cleansing of the liver, kidneys, bladder and the entire intestinal tract. Drinking lemon grass tea improves blood circulation and digestion. Tea made with lemon grass is often used for detoxing.

26. Lemons
The vitamin C in lemons is an anti-oxidant and helps to cleanse the blood by eliminating harmful toxins and other radicals. Lemon juice can be seen as a filter for the body. Fresh lemon juice contains more than 20 anti-cancer-compounds and helps to balance the body's pH balance.

27. Olive Oil
An oil-pulling-cure is beneficial for healthy teeth and a healthy mouth. It helps to prevent bleeding gums and bad breath, loose teeth, plaque, caries and stained teeth (A general oil pulling technique involves swishing around 1 tbsp. of cold-pressed, organic oil in the mouth for approximately 10-15 minutes. Following this, the oil should then be spat out and the mouth rinsed with clean, fresh water. It is believed that the toxins in the mouth are pulled into the oil during the swishing process, and spitting it out results in the removal these toxic compounds.)

28. Onions
Onions are rich in anti-oxidants, support the body to ward off cancer and diabetes, dilute the blood, help to lose weight and fight infections and inflammation.

29. Parsley
Parsley has high levels of beta carotene, vitamins A, C and K which help protect the bladder and kidneys. Parsley contains a variety of beneficial substances which promote health in many respects. That's why parsley is regarded as a detoxing herb.

30. Pineapple
This tropical fruit contains Bromelain, a digestive enzyme which has cleansing properties and improves digestion. Bromelain reduces inflammation, the formation of blood clots and certain kinds of tumours. Besides, pineapples have a particularly high content of dietary fibre, that's why they are perfect when it comes to cleansing the intestinal tract. Pineapple helps to remove waste material that got stuck in the intestinal tract and stimulates digestion.

31. Seaweed
Algae are often underrated, although they can bind radioactive waste in the body and help to excrete it. Algae and seaweed can also bind heavy metals and remove them from the body. Furthermore, they are a powerhouse full with minerals and trace elements. Algae extracts can be of great help when it comes to losing weight, i.e. body fat.

32. Curcuma
This yellow spice contains Curcumin which is regarded as an anti-oxidant that protects the liver. Therefore, curcuma is among the spices which are ideal to use in cooking during detoxing. To boost the beneficial properties of curcuma, combine it with black pepper extract as a supplement to speed up the detoxification process.

33. Watercress
contains minerals, trace elements, tannins and bitter substances as well as vitamins. Watercress improves the efficiency of the excretory organs. It supports the liver, gallbladder, bladder and kidneys and has a beneficial effect on the entire metabolism. Eating watercress on a regular basis can reduce the risk of breast cancer.

34. Wheat Grass
Wheat grass is perfect to detox the body. It is full of chlorophyll which draws toxins from the body tissue. Many of us show a high level of heavy metal in our bodies. Most of us are unaware that these heavy metals remain in the body and can eventually lead to serious diseases like diabetes or cancer. Wheat grass is one of the best nutriments to eliminate heavy metals and other toxins from the body.

... and, last but not least: fresh, clean spring water
The human body consists of approximately 70 - 80 % of water. Adequate hydration is of utmost importance in all our bodies' processes and functions. Water helps us mainly with the elimination of toxins from our bodies. Therefore, any measures of detoxification are of little use, unless the body has enough water to work with.

Please note that if you are aware of any allergies or averse reactions to any of the above-mentioned ingredients, please refrain from ingesting them.

(Source: Daniel Schroeder www.wachaufmenschheit.de, Wikipedia)

Foods That Can Help You Cleanse Your Body

Eating healthily can help you to cleanse your body from inside. A healthy diet aids the detox process and thus help us maintain a good state of health. The following foods are particularly suited as they boost metabolism, aid digestion and strengthen the immune system:

1. Artichokes
Artichokes support liver function. The liver is mostly responsible for cleansing the blood, like a kind of sewage treatment plant, it rids the body of harmful substances and toxins. Artichokes stimulate the gall bladder to produce bile fluid and so help maintain liver function.

2. Apples
Apples are full of wonderful nutrients. They are most powerful when it comes to breaking down harmful substances and, at the same time, supply the body with more than 300 different biological substances. Their vitamin C content is good for the nerves, the heart and the immune system. Eating 2 organic apples a day is enough to detox the body with turbo speed.

3. Almonds
Almonds are regarded as the best source of Vitamin E, as they contain alpha-Tocopherol (a form of vitamin E which is preferentially absorbed and accumulated in humans). Alpha-Tocopherol is the only form of vitamin E to circulate in the blood and so is able to reach all organs. That's why almonds can offer, apart from dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium and protein, protection against cancer, diabetes and heart- and circulation problems. Therefore, it may be worthwhile nibbling a handful of almonds every day.

4. Asparagus
This vegetable is also optimal in detoxing the body, because asparagus increases the body's own glutathione level. Glutathione is an antioxidant produced naturally in the body, which effectively fights cancer cells and has also shown a positive effect in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, glutathione supports the liver in all detox processes, thus supporting the recuperation progress. People suffering from gout should not eat asparagus, though ...

5. Avocados
Avocados are also rich in glutathione-producing compounds which promote a healthy liver, as they protect it from a toxic excess of acidic substances. Studies have revealed that eating 1-2 avocados per day, for at least 30 days, can help repair a damaged liver. The recommendation is to enjoy one avocado per day.

6. Basil
This herb has antibacterial properties and is full of antioxidants which protect the liver. Basil is immensely powerful when it comes to detoxing the digestive system and also supports kidney function. Basil has antibacterial properties, thus protecting us against germs and pathogenic bacteria (also harmful yeast bacteria), fungi and mould. Basil seeds can also be used against constipation.

7. Beetroot
Munching on beetroot on a regular basis stimulates liver cell function, strengthens the gall bladder and cleanses the bile ducts. This ensures a trouble-free digestion and also helps the body to get rid of metabolic waste and toxins quickly and thoroughly.

8. Berries
Blueberries are regarded as a natural aspirin. They reduce the cell-damaging effects of chronic inflammation and help to reduce pain. A helping of just 300 grams of blueberries can protect from DNA damage. Blueberries have antiviral properties and are a powerful detoxicant.

9. Brazil Nuts
contain a high level of the trace element selenium which binds heavy metals and so help the body with the detox process. Because selenium also is an antioxidant, it protects us from diseases of the heart and circulation system and can help prevent cancer. As selenium attaches to protein, it plays an important role in the activation of thyroid hormones. Brazil nuts contain minerals, such as phosphor, magnesium and calcium.

10. Broccoli
This vegetable helps the body to get rid of excess fluid. That's why it is highly recommended against high blood pressure and fluid retention. However, it is important to use very little or no salt to cook it. Broccoli is good for stressed fellow humans due to its high content of the anti-stress mineral magnesium. Other benefits of feasting on those green mini-trees are strengthening the body's connective tissue and activating fat metabolism.

11. Broccoli Sprouts (brassica oleracea)
contain important secondary plant compounds which come into effect when being chopped up, chewed, fermented or digested. These substances, which are released in the process, split into disease-fighting compounds which also aid the detox process. Scientists have also found that concoctions with brassica oleracea support the anti-inflammatory enzymes in the respiratory tract.

12. Cabbage
Cabbage is rich in sulphur which is necessary to help the body degrade harmful chemicals. It is also a source of indole-3 carbinol, a compound which aids the DNA repair in body cells and can block the growth of cancer cells.

13. Coriander
Also known as Chinese parsley and Dhania, contains lots of antioxidants. This herb helps to flush out mercury and other metals from body tissue and helps to strengthen and tauten it at the same time. Coriander also contains an antibacterial substance called Dodecanal which is used to kill Salmonella.

14. Cinnamon
is a very effective natural remedy. Cinnamon is able to lower blood sugar  and cholesterol levels. At the same time, this warming spice boosts metabolism (which is helpful if you want to lose weight). Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which is known for its positive effects on blood platelets and prevents a dangerous formation of blood clots.

... to be continued.

Please note that if you are aware of any allergies or averse reactions to any of the above-mentioned ingredients, please refrain from ingesting them.

(Source: Daniel Schroeder www.wachaufmenschheit.de, Wikipedia)

Big Toe Problems ...

A lady in her early 50s consulted me because of "problems with her left big toe". Her GP's diagnose was "Hallux Rigidus", i.e. pain and stiffness in the joint of the big toe (more info at
http://www.foothealthfacts.org/footankleinfo/hallux-rigidus.htm)
She was very unhappy because she couldn't wear her high heels, and the GP told her that there was no alternative but to operate on the joint to alleviate the stiffness.
We began the treatment session with 20 minutes acupuncture of the affected joint, followed by gentle manipulation and massage to free up the joint. At the end of the hour the big toe had re-gained almost full movement.
She couldn't believe that we could achieve this kind of success within only 1 hour and was close to tears, in anticipation of being able to wear her heels again.
Always happy to please :)

A Grandmother's Wise Words ...

Browsing through Facebook, I came across a page with amazing words of wisdom. I read this and felt that there is so much truth in there. Here goes:

'A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her – her husband had cheated on her and she was devastated. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as soon as one problem was solved, a new one arose. Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she asked, ‘Tell me what you see.’ ‘Carrots, eggs, and coffee,’ she replied. Her grandmother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The grandmother then asked the granddaughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg. Finally, the grandmother asked the granddaughter to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked, ‘What does it mean, grandmother?’ Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

“Which are you?” she asked her granddaughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity? Do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavour. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest, do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean? May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy. The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can’t go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches. When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so, at the end, you’re the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be like the COFFEE.'

(Source: The Open Mind)

Oh I do like a good coffee :)

From Nature's Pharmacy: Curcuma - More Than Just A Spice

In Ayurvedic medicine, curcuma has been an essential remedy for many years. In Indian cuisine, this spice is used often and in larger quantities. It gives the dish its bright yellow colour and is said to aid digestion, as it helps the liver to metabolise fats.
At the moment, various scientific studies are carried out, to find out what else curcuma can do for us.
Apart from protecting and helping the liver to regenerate, curcuma also helps to detox the body from mercury and fluorides; it can protect the brain from damages caused by alcohol abuse.
Cooking with curcuma more often can also prevent gall stones and help with the symptoms of IBS.
(http://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/curcuma-anwendung-ia.html#ixzz3jocH0A00)

Lovely Review From a Client

Yesterday, I received an e-mail from a client I saw about 2 years ago. Reading it, I felt honoured and grateful that I chose such a wonderful vocation.
That's what they wrote:

'Hi Monica,
I spoke to you some time ago about a client of mine, as I am a support worker, and told you how much I had appreciated your help on a visit to you in the past (...)
I came to see you because I was feeling low and depressed, and we had one therapy session.  During the session you made me feel very relaxed, and simply suggested to me that I imagine myself in a beautiful meadow.  There must have been something about it that got my own imagination going and I was able to visualise a really inspiring story.  I realised that my depression was connected to my grief at losing my parents.  I had a wonderful inspiration and saw myself climbing out of a deep hold into a bright sunny meadow.  Then, strange as it may seem, the hole simply became a large dark circle on the ground.  I rolled it up like a mat, and put it in my backpack.  I walked on through the meadow, enjoying the bright sunshine and flowers, and the birdsong.  After I while I stopped and took off my backpack and sat down for a rest.  Then, remarkably, I took the mat out of my backpack, shook it out and placed it on the ground.  Magically, it grew and turned into a lovely round swimming pool, full of warm, clear water.   I got in for a swim and relaxed in the sun feeling really contented.  

I realised the meaning of the story.  It meant that I didn't have to be overwhelmed by my grief, but I didn't have to leave my feelings for my parents behind either.  Instead, I could carry them with me, and take out my memories and simply bathe in the love that my parents gave me whenever I wanted to.

It was a wonderful inspiration and came to me so naturally and beautifully.  It's like a joy that was inside me, and your therapy released it in me.  You didn't put ideas in my head or try to tell me what to think - you simply managed to release what was already there in a really gentle way. 

That was a couple of years ago now,  and though life continues to have its ups and downs, like everybody's does, I remember that vision clearly and go back to that meadow when I can to find peace and inspiration. 

Thank you so much for giving me this beautiful experience.  You really do have a special gift.'