Guest guest Posted July 14, 2004 Report Share Posted July 14, 2004 Here's some additional information from some of my resources Fibromyalgia Compound GL (patent) with Clematis 19 (patent): fibromyalgia (Dharmananda, 1992, p. 101) · Tang Kuei and Jujube C. (Dang Gui Si Ni Tang): Cold in the Channels with Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): cold hands and feet, fibromyalgia (Hsu, 1980, p. 321; Yeung, p. 79; Bensky and Barolet, p. 216) · Bupleurum and Cinnamon C. (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang); Bupleurum 12 (patent): Liver Qi Stagnation, weak constitution (Bupleurum and Cinnamon: Hsu, 1980, p. 117; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 134; Bensky and Barolet, p. 138; Bupleurum 12: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 39) · Ren Shen Lu Rong Wan (patent) plus Tai Pan Tang Yi Pian (Placenta Sugar Coated Tablets) (patent): Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency) (Zhu, p. 292 and 265) · Ci Wu Jia Pian (patent): Kidney Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Jing Xu (Essence Deficiency): decreased immunity (Zhu, p. 284) · Rehmannia Eight F. (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan); Quan Lu Wan (patent): Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency): low back pain, weak lower extremities, pale swollen tongue (Hsu, 1980, p. 250; Yeung, p. 138; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 173; Bensky and Barolet, p. 275; Quan Lu Wan: Zhu, p. 307) · Ling Zhi Feng Wang Jiang (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) (Zhu, p. 262) · Ginseng Nutritive C. (Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang); Tang Kuei Four C. (Si Wu Tang): Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): forgetfulness, feverishness, reduced appetite, fatigue, weight loss, dry skin, dizziness, irregular menstruation (Ginseng: Hsu, 1980, p. 239; Yeung, p. 182; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 407; Bensky and Barolet, p. 260; Tang Kuei: Hsu, 1980, p. 433; Yeung, p. 220; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 327; Bensky and Barolet, p. 248) · Ginseng and Longan C. (Gui Pi Tang): Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Heart Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency): forgetfulness, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, reduced appetite, pale tongue (Hsu, 1980, p. 425; Yeung, p. 112; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 244; Bensky and Barolet, p. 255) · Composition A (patent): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency) (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 82) · Antler 8 (patent); Gecko A (patent): Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency) (Dharmananda, 1990: Antler 8, p. 10: Gecko A, p. 17) · Ginseng 18 (patent): Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency): loose stool, low body weight (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 19) · Ganoderma 18 (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency), Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency), Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency) and Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 16) < wrote:Hi Brian, This is pretty comprehensive. However, even though fibromyalgia is considered a rheumatic condition, when I went to see a rheumatologist, he told me rheumatologists don't treat it. Also, the information I have seen states that there is no inflammation involved in fibromyalgia. Like everything else with fibrymyalgia, contradictions abound. Brian Hardy wrote: Here's additional infomation for fibromyalgia that may be helpful for you and your patients: Fibromyalgia is a soft tissue Musculoskeletal Syndrome that is similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (it differs from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in that the primary symptom of Fatigue that is experienced by CFS patients is replaced with Musculoskeletal Pain in Fibromyalgia patients). Prevalence research Fibromyalgia affects approximately 3.5% of women and 0.5% of men. Some research indicates that Fibromyalgia may affect 2% to 6% of the population. Approximately 85% of Fibromyalgia patients are young women and 90% of Fibromyalgia patients are women. Some experts claim that Fibromyalgia is the second most common rheumatic condition. Women afflicted with Fibromyalgia are usually aged 20 - 60 (most commonly 45 to 55). Although Fibromyalgia is less prevalent in men, men experience more severe symptoms of Fibromyalgia. These Substances Alleviate Fibromyalgia Alkaloids Capsaicin (applied topically) alleviates the Musculoskeletal Pain associated with Fibromyalgia. research Amino Acids 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) (50 - 300 mg per day (or night)) alleviates Fibromyalgia. research Fibromyalgia patients have significantly lower levels of Creatine than healthy people (and supplemental Creatine Monohydrate may help to restore endogenous Creatine levels to normal in Fibromyalgia patients) - studies to determine whether supplemental Creatine Monohydrate could alleviate Fibromyalgia have not yet been performed. research Fibromyalgia patients generally exhibit significantly lower plasma Histidine levels compared to normal subjects. Phenylalanine (L-Phenylalanine form) improves the condition of Fibromyalgia patients (according to anecdotal reports). research Supplemental S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) (800 mg per day or more) alleviates Fibromyalgia: research - Specific improvements in the symptoms of Fibromyalgia caused by SAM therapy include a significant reduction in the number of trigger points, reduction in Fatigue, reduction in morning stiffness and improvements in Mood. Fibromyalgia patients generally exhibit significantly lower plasma Serine levels compared to normal subjects. research Fibromyalgia patients usually exhibit decreased Tryptophan transport mechanisms and usually exhibit significantly lowered Tryptophan levels (indicating that supplemental Tryptophan may be of benefit to Fibromyalgia patients). research Auxins Ascorbigen alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Preliminary reports indicate that Indole-3-Carbinol may alleviate some of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Carbohydrates Hyaluronic Acid (consumed orally) is claimed to alleviate Fibromyalgia. Coenzymes NADH alleviates some cases of Fibromyalgia. research Growth Factors Approximately 33% of Fibromyalgia patients exhibit low levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) - this occurs most likely as a result of insufficient release of Human Growth Hormone): research Hormones DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) alleviates many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Supplemental, exogenous Human Growth Hormone (administered under professional guidance) causes significant improvement in the condition of Fibromyalgia patients. research Melatonin helps to correct the impairment of Slow Wave Sleep (deep Sleep) experienced by Fibromyalgia patients. research Progesterone alleviates many cases of Fibromyalgia (according to many anecdotal reports). research Relaxin alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and Relaxin depletion is speculated to be an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia. research One theory of the cause of Fibromyalgia states that it occurs as a result of a state of hypometabolism in the body’s Cells that can be corrected by supplementation with exogenous Triiodothyronine (T3) combined with regular Aerobic Exercise. Clinical studies have demonstrated that 75 - 150 micrograms per day of exogenous Triiodothyronine sometimes cures Fibromyalgia. research Lipids Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) alleviates the Inflammation of the Joints associated with Fibromyalgia. research Minerals Magnesium deficiency within Muscle Fibers is speculated to be a factor in the development of Fibromyalgia: research - Daily supplementation of 300 - 600 mg of Magnesium (especially from the Magnesium Malate form) has resulted in significant improvements in the number of tender points in Fibromyalgia patients. - Some researchers speculate that this improvement results from the Malic Acid content of Magnesium Malate rather than the Magnesium content, although there is also evidence that Magnesium contributes significantly to the effectiveness of Magnesium Malate. Fibromyalgia patients are generally found to have low Phosphorus (Phosphate) levels. research Neurotransmitters Insufficient production of Serotonin has been speculated to be a cause of Fibromyalgia. research Organic Acids Malic Acid ((2,400 mg per day combined with 600 mg of Magnesium) has caused significant improvement in the number of tender points in Fibromyalgia patients. research Polyphenols Oleoeuropein alleviates Fibromyalgia (according to the observations of many physicians). Smart Drugs Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) alleviates Fibromyalgia. research Sulfuric Compounds Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is speculated to be a valuable treatment for Fibromyalgia. research Vitamins Fibromyalgia patients generally have abnormally low Vitamin B12 levels (indicating that supplemental Vitamin B12 may be useful for the treatment of Fibromyalgia). research These Foods/Herbs Alleviate Fibromyalgia Algae Chlorella decreases the Pain associated with Fibromyalgia and improves the “quality of life” of Fibromyalgia patients. research Herbs Aloe vera (consumed orally) alleviates the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. research Olive Leaf alleviates many of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (primarily due to the Oleoeuropein content of Olive Leaf) (according to the observations of some physicians). research Saint John’s Wort alleviates some of the symptoms (Pain) of Fibromyalgia (primarily due to the ability of Saint John’s Wort to increase Brain Serotonin levels). research Other Factors that Treat Fibromyalgia Exercise Regular Aerobic Exercise provides positive (but short term) benefits to Fibromyalgia patients. research Physical Therapies for Fibromyalgia Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a popular means of treatment for Fibromyalgia. Orthodox Medical Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pharmaceutical Drugs Ibuprofen is sometimes prescribed to Fibromyalgia patients (although clinical studies have shown that Ibuprofen is no more effective than placebo for the treatment of Fibromyalgia). research Amitryptyline is sometimes prescribed to Fibromyalgia patients (although Amitryptyline provides some relief from Fibromyalgia symptoms, its long term use is discouraged due to the severe side effects associated with long term use of Tricyclic Antidepressants). These Substances May Cause Fibromyalgia Amino Acids Fibromyalgia patients are generally found to have elevated Homocysteine levels (suggesting that elevated Homocysteine could be a possible underlying cause of Fibromyalgia). research Hormones High levels of Reverse T3 are common in Fibromyalgia patients. research Viruses Prior infection by the Influenza Virus Type A has been speculated to predispose humans to Fibromyalgia at a later stage (i.e. after the initial Influenza caused by this Virus, Fibromyalgia may occur at a later date). research These Ailments May Cause Fibromyalgia (Underlying Cause of Fibromyalgia) Digestive System Intestinal Permeability is an underlying cause of some cases of Fibromyalgia. Immune System Overactivity of TH2 Helper T-Cells (known as TH2 Helper T-Cells Dominance) is one of the features of Fibromyalgia. Metabolism A decrease in Energy available for Muscle contractions and an inability of the Muscles to relax after contraction has occurred is presently believed to be the underlying cause of Fibromyalgia. With time the plasma membrane (Sarcolemma) that surrounds groups of Muscle Fibers becomes tight and thick, causing further Muscle Pain. Hypothyroidism is a possible precipitating factor (and possibly a direct cause) of Fibromyalgia. research Symptoms of Fibromyalgia A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia requires fulfillment of the following major criteria and four or more minor criteria: MAJOR CRITERIA Cells Fibromyalgia patients have been found to have a high incidence of damage to the Mitochondria of their Cells. research Musculoskeletal System The primary symptom of Fibromyalgia is chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (particlarly Muscle Pain) characterized by: peer-reviewed research - Generalized Pain or stiffness of at least three anatomic sites for at least three months. - 11 or more typical, reproducible Tender Points (the American College of Rheumatology describes 18 points over Muscles and Tendons). - Exclusion of other ailments that can cause similar symptoms. - A feeling that the Muscles and/or Joints are being “glued down”, gelling when the body is in one position for any period of time. - This Musculoskeletal Pain is often at its worst first thing in the morning (and is therefore known as Morning Stiffness) and usually lasts for more than thirty minutes. MINOR CRITERIA Digestive System Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 70% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome which is characterized by alternating Diarrhea and Constipation, Intestinal Cramps, Flatulence and Nausea. research Metabolism Generalized Fatigue (similar to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. 85% of Fibromyalgia patients experience overwhelming tiredness accompanied by an inability to perform physical tasks. This Fatigue occurs without any precipitating events. research Musculoskeletal System Joint and other soft tissues Inflammation (swelling) is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Nervous System Anxiety is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia - 62% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Anxiety, Irritability and overconcern without any specific precipitating events causing these feelings. Depression is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Chronic Headache or Migraine is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia - approximately 70% of Fibromyalgia patients experience Headaches or Migraines. Insomnia and other Sleep Disorders are one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia (and are speculated to be the underlying primary cause of Fibromyalgia): research - 80% of Fibromyalgia patients have severely disrupted and insufficient quantities of Slow-Wave Sleep. Fibromyalgia patients’ Slow-Wave Sleep is often of the type known as Alpha/Delta Sleep (characterized by a mixture of Delta Waves and Alpha Waves instead of purely Delta Waves). research - It often takes Fibromyalgia patients one or two hours to fall asleep and any noise, smell or other sensory stimuli may arouse them. - Fibromyalgia patients generally sleep restlessly, waking 2 - 29 times per night and they awaken feeling stiff, sore and fatigued. - Muscles usually maintain a high level during rest and breathing continues shallow and erratic. Numbness is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Variation in symptoms associated with activity, Stress and weather changes is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Vertigo is one of the minor symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia Increases the Risk of these Ailments Musculoskeletal System Fibromyalgia patients have a greater risk of Osteoporosis. research Mis-Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia? Some experts believe that some cases of Fibromyalgia have been mis-diagnosed and that many people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are actually afflicted with Osteomalacia. references Forms of Fibromyalgia The symptoms of both forms of Fibromyalgia are identical. Primary Fibromyalgia is Fibromyalgia where the origin is uncertain. Post-Traumatic Fibromyalgia occurs as a result of a physical injury such as a fall or whiplash. In-Tele-Health © 2002 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM) krhkempo wrote: Could anyone tell me whether they have had a similar experience: I have a couple of diagnosed fybromyalgia patients, each of whom are reporting the experience of regressing through their illness after 4 treatments. They initially feel better and then get worse. One actually reported that she felt as if she were back at the time of the onset of her illness which began after 2 consecutive car accidents. They have made no other change in their routines nor medication. It is very disconcerting yet seems almost appropriate to their initial presentation. However, I don't want to arrogantly ignore this progression. I have been using shallow needling with a minimum of small gauge needles. I have avoided herbs due to their apparent intense response to gentle treatment. Has anyone had this experience and if so how have you seen it progress?What treatment methods have you employed?Anything out of the ordinary? Ken Hoffman, D.Ac, L.Ac, CCH Arcadia Health Center 499 Federal Rd Brookfield, CT 06804 203-740-9300 Chinese Herbal Medicine offers various professional services, including board approved continuing education classes, an annual conference and a free discussion forum in Chinese Herbal Medicine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.