What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a condition that presents intense, chronic muscle pain in various or all areas of the body at the same time.
There are other symptoms which include:
· sleep disturbance
· IBS
· depression
· headaches
· lethargy
· inability to move
· mental fatigue ('fibro fog')
There is very often no knowing when a flare-up will occur which can make it very difficult to plan your life around feeling well. Winter is often worse due to the cold making muscles more tense than everyday with fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because the exact cause is unknown and there is no specific test. Diagnosis usually follows negative blood tests for other conditions with similar symptoms.
Fibromyalgia is thought to relate to abnormal levels of certain chemicals in the brain, which results in changes to the way that the central nervous system processes pain messages that are carried around the body.
Fibromyalgia is thought to be triggered by a life event such as major surgery, injury, break-up or loss of a loved one. It is more common in later life however sufferers can be of a much younger age.
I understand your pain!
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2011 after 4 years of suffering symptoms and trying to get to the bottom of what was wrong with me. Does this ring any bells for you?
I experienced the classic tender points that help define the syndrome and unexplained arthritis type pain in my neck, hands, arms, and legs. My muscles, and bones hurt and a hug could be very painful. I seemed to be extra sensitive to noise and suffered from what is referred to as 'fibro fog'.
However bad the symptoms were, they were compounded by a feeling of hopelessness. I felt like I was suddenly bypassing a chunk of my life and being propelled into old age, finding my ability to continue life as I knew it impossible.
I spent hours crying over things that I thought I would never be able to do again and felt trapped in a body that hurt too much to live life as I had.
I managed to continue working but driving to work left me stiff and in pain before I had even started my day’s work and by the end of my working week, I was exhausted, spending two days (much of it in bed) recharging batteries for the week ahead.
I was on medication which although it helped alleviate some of the pain, left me feeling spaced out and it caused side effects. I felt depressed and found that once diagnosed, apart from a yearly medication review, I was given very little support.
I was angry at the hand life had dealt me because after everything I had been through, I had recently met my new partner, but I was too tired and in too much pain to really enjoy our relationship properly.
How is fibromyalgia traditionally treated?
As a fibromyalgia sufferer you will know, it is very difficult to treat and those with a diagnosis often feel that nothing works despite being prescribed painkillers, being told to increase exercise, eat healthily, lessen stress and anxiety levels and perhaps counselling.
How I manage fibromyalgia and how I can help you?
Luckily for me, my partner purchased a voucher for a Reiki treatment back in 2014, to see if it would help with my symptoms and there began my journey with Reiki. It wasn't long before my symptoms started to let up.
Bit by bit over time, I kept getting better. I found I no longer needed to take any of my prescribed medication, and only now use CBD oil (not prescribed by a GP) if I have a flare up, although these are rare and only now last 24 hours.
My passion for Reiki led me to train as a Usui Reiki Master/Crystal Reiki Master.
My therapy room in Sudbury, Suffolk is on the ground floor which enables my clients with fibromyalgia to have easy access, as climbing stairs with little energy and pain can be a challenge.
For those of you who are not able to travel to my reiki practice, I do offer distant reiki which is equally as effective.
Please click here to find out more about distant reiki.
How could Reiki benefit your fibromyalgia symptoms?
The benefits of Reiki for you include:
· Non-invasive and "hands-off" treatment, so no pressure on your pain areas.
· A natural pain reliever.
· Promotes a restful night's sleep.
· Regular Reiki will help to re-balance your irregular sleeping patterns.
· Relieves the stress and anxiety you may be experiencing.
· A natural mood lifter/enhancer.
· Reiki can encourage better circulation and elimination of toxins.
· Help with depression.
· Improves mental clarity.
· Helps with muscle stiffness.
· Some Reiki practitioners (myself included) use crystals that can be very beneficial when used with Reiki as it will amplify the results.
As your fibromyalgia symptoms are an ongoing condition, regular sessions are recommended as the results are cumulative. Using Reiki as a holistic fibromyalgia treatment can lower the sensation of pain so that everything is not so heightened.
How do I book a Reiki Session?
If you would like to start your Reiki journey, click on the button below.
Simply add your telephone number on the message form at the bottom of the Booking and Fees Page and Lorna will call you to arrange a convenient appointment for you.
Reiki blessings x
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