Self Rehab Video Guide for Fibromyalgia

This video tutorial features approaches to self-treating Fibromyalgia and insomnia.

Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder of unknown origin that results in amplified pain perception throughout the body.  Sleep disturbance, fatigue, daily function impairment, anxiety and stress are common in people with Fibromyalgia. 

The condition leaves no measurable findings on diagnostic tests, making it difficult to treat via conventional methods. 

However, two alternative therapies can significantly reduce pain perception, sleep disturbance and anxiety in about 50% of Fibromyalgia sufferers according to recent medical studies and are therefore worth pursuing.

The first is Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, or Pulsed EMF.  Pulsed EMF augments the naturally-occurring magnetic fields produced by biological activity in the human body, which occurs in all living cells.

Pulsed EMF influences multiple cell activities such as membrane transport, protein synthesis, energy production, cell communication and inflammation reduction.  This helps the body in its attempts to recover from disease and may explain pulsed EMF’s documented health benefits of improved circulation, reduced edema, reduced blood pressure, reduced pain intensity, faster injury healing time, improved sleep and decreased anxiety.

In one study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain, 56 women with Fibromyalgia were randomly split into two groups:  one group received pulsed EMF for 30 minutes, twice a day, for 3 weeks while the other group received a sham treatment.  After 4 weeks, the pulsed EMF group showed significant improvement in Fibromyalgia symptoms, pain, depression and general function, which lasted 12 weeks later.

In another double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Pain Research and Management, the pulsed EMF group had a significant before and after benefit in reduction of pain compared to the sham treatment group.

Pulsed EMF machines vary greatly in cost and power output.  Fibromyalgia requires a machine with comparatively higher magnetic field strength in order for benefits to be realized.  One machine that is capable is the Tesla-fit.

Choose a comfortable place to lie down for 30 minutes.  Place the butterfly coil around your head and the loop coil or mat on top of your body. 

Turn on the machine, set intensity to 2, and time to 10 minute duration.  Do 3 to 4 ten-minute sessions, twice per day at level 2.  Increase the intensity each week until you reach 5, the maximum intensity.  When the timer goes off, depress the button. 

Since the magnetic fields work on the cellular level, most people will not feel anything during treatment, but some will feel a slight sensation and-or a feeling of warmth especially at the higher intensities. The warm sensation is due to improved blood circulation.

Another pulsed EMF machine capable of treating Fibromyalgia is the Almag 2, which can produce a moving magnetic field.

The device comes with three types of low-frequency emitters that enable treating several areas of the body simultaneously.  For Fibromyalgia, place the head emitters on each side of your head and the coil array underneath your upper body, covering your neck and shoulders.  Optionally, place it over your chest.

The second therapeutic product recommended for Fibromyalgia is cannabidiol oil, or CBD oil.

The human body produces molecules called endocannabinoids, which it uses for cell-signaling in certain physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood, and memory.  Binding sites to these molecules are found throughout the body; mostly in the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.  Cannabidiol, the active compound in CBD mimics natural serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feeling good, in its ability to bind to the same receptors, to improve mood and reduce anxiety and depression. 

CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant family, which includes marijuana and hemp plants.  Unlike marijuana, hemp-derived CBD oil has very little of the mind-altering compound THC.  CBD oil is available for sale without a prescription in all 50 states, as long as it contains less than point 3 percent THC.

Relief from chronic pain is by far the most common condition cited by patients for the medical use of cannabis.  A 2017 review by the National Academy of Sciences found that adult patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids were more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.  Some patients with Fibromyalgia report significant relief of symptoms using cannabis products.

CBD oil is administered sublingually.  Simply apply a few drops under the tongue.

While Fibromyalgia appears to be a disorder of the central nervous system, as in all diseases it is advisable to help the body via nutrition.  A nutritious, balanced diet gives the body the energy it needs to function optimally while minimizing the stress associated with digestion.

Make at least 80 percent of your diet naturally-occurring, unprocessed whole food.  As a guideline, a standard circular dinner plate should contain 2/3 green and colored vegetables; 1/6 protein, and 1/6 healthy fat.  Healthy fat includes nuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, eggs, avocado, coconut, and fish oil. 

Include wheat-based food such as bread and pasta sparingly, as well as sugary foods.  Only drink water with your meals; not even juice or milk.

Eliminate environmental toxins, especially tobacco and alcohol.  Eliminate processed foods, especially packaged ones with a long ingredient list, long shelf life, and unnatural colors.

Practice intermittent fasting.  Eat only between the hours of 9 am to 3 pm; or 12 pm to 6 pm.  This will give you an 18 hour fast, which leads to fat burning, improved insulin sensitivity in your cells, less oxidative stress to cells, more energy and less fatigue.

Use an infrared sauna for detoxification.  Your skin eliminates impurities through sweat.  There are portable, collapsible infrared saunas available on Amazon.

Supplements for Fibromyalgia support include high dose Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Vitamins, Magnesium, Valerian Root, Black Cohosh, Echinacea and essential oils.

Exercise regularly.  The human body is designed to be in frequent motion.  Take long walks at 1.5 times your normal speed.  Taking walks in the sunshine and exposing your arms and legs will build up your vitamin D levels, which is necessary for healthy bones, muscles and skin.

Sleep difficulty is often associated with Fibromyalgia.  Improve your sleep by avoiding caffeine at least six hours before sleep; avoiding computer and TV one hour before sleep; ensuring your bedroom is light-proof; and using a good, firm mattress and pillow. 

It is also a good idea to keep large, live plants in your sleep area, as they produce oxygen.

Lastly, if you use pulsed EMF in your Fibromyalgia home care regimen, know that pulsed EMF often results in improved, deeper sleep.  In fact, insomnia is one of the reasons people get their own pulsed EMF machine.

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial on how to treat Fibromyalgia. Since doctors have not determined the cause of this disease, current medical interventions are questionable; often involving off-label use of certain medications.   While no absolute cure has been found yet, research shows that pulsed EMF and cannabidiol can significantly reduce Fibromyalgia pain and the stress associated with it.  Try using both for maximum results.  Reducing the severity of a disease, thereby improving quality of life is the next best thing to a total cure.