What Are the Different Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia?

People with fibromyalgia tend to look for anything that can reduce their pain, because medication given by the doctor does not always work. Some turn to acupuncture, because some people believe that inserting small needles into the skin can relieve pain. Others seek help from a chiropractor or massage therapist, because both of these types of alternative treatments for fibromyalgia attempt to heal the body through touch. Another natural treatment is meditation, which may help patients relax and breathe deeply enough to control pain. Additionally, herbal medicine is often considered for this condition, and some patients find it to be more effective than standard medication.

Acupuncture is considered one of the most common alternative treatments for fibromyalgia. Patients may go to an acupuncturist, who will insert and twist tiny needles at different depths in the skin. The point of this treatment is to alter the blood flow while also changing the amount of neurotransmitters present in both the spine and the brain, which may relieve pain while increasing the patient's pain tolerance.

Some patients use other types of professionals instead, such as chiropractors, who tend to focus on improving spinal health to reduce pain in the entire body. They usually adjust the spinal cord so the body moves more easily and with less pain. Patients who do not wish to use a chiropractor to reduce the pain may opt instead for a massage therapist, because massages are considered among the most popular alternative treatments for fibromyalgia. A massage can improve circulation and release tension from the muscles, and the results may last for days or even weeks.

Meditation is sometimes the natural method of choice for some patients looking for alternative treatments for fibromyalgia. This is because those who meditate often feel calm and serene, which can relieve some of the stress from both the mind and body. Many people practice tai chi or yoga while meditating, which means they breathe deeply and stretch their bodies out slowly, often contributing to less pain and a better mood in general.

Patients tired of taking prescription medication may turn to alternative medicine supplements, such as natural herbs. For example, ginseng is known for reducing the fatigue that many patients feel, while turmeric can relieve inflammation in the body. St. John's wort is often considered nature's antidepressant, because it affects neurotransmitters, usually reducing both pain and anxiety. In addition, peppermint, lavender and chamomile are all often considered helpful alternative treatments for fibromyalgia, because they can reduce stress and pain in the joints.