FIBROMYALGIA & CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME:
A WELLNESS PLAN ©
by Carolanne Kennedy & Tira Brandon-Evans
Legal Disclaimer
The information in this article is based entirely upon the research and experiences of the authors. None of this information is intended as a substitute for or should be substituted for consultation with your medical doctor or other qualified professional health care providers. None of the alternative treatments described should be used in place of medications or treatments prescribed by your medical doctor or other qualified professional health care provider. Neither the publisher nor the authors are responsible for any adverse effects or consequences whatsoever arising or resulting from using any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures herein described or discussed.
Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) are all terms used to describe a strange, painful, and debilitating condition. The most common symptoms are muscle, joint, or bone pain and fatigue. Even the most moderate and mild exercise may cause weakness and muscle fatigue. People with FM often experience periods of asphysia or brain fog, during which they cannot think clearly and have trouble remembering the names of common things such as tablecloths or bedspreads. Digestive problems, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, may be among the constellation of symptoms.
Although there are many theories regarding the cause of Fibromyalgia, no one is really sure what triggers this condition in some people while others do not get it. There does seem to be a commonality among those who do contract this disease. Although children may sometimes develop Fibromyalgia, it usually appears in people between the ages of 20 and 50. These people are generally very active prior to the onset of the disease. It used to be called the Yuppie Disease because it was most often found in young to middle-aged over-achievers who worked hard and played harder.
One of the major challenges faced by those who have Fibromyalgia is that, even though it is now recognized as a disorder by most medical associations in North America and Europe, many individual doctors do not consider it to be a disease with an underlying physical cause. Patients are told their debilitating and extremely painful illness is psychosomatic. This is very depressing. It is hard enough to be so sick one cannot work, look after one's family, or engage in any normal activities without being told it is all in one's mind. Fibromyalgia is often called the invisible disease because we can't see pain. The person with Fibromyalgia has no broken bones, no scars, and no apparent disability. It is hard for family and friends to understand why someone who is active and full of life one day is unable to rise from their bed without groaning the next.
For this reason it is very important for people with Fibromyalgia to be involved in support groups, either locally in person, or on the Internet. Being able to speak with others who understand what one is going through is a huge help in bearing and overcoming this truly horrible disease. Yes, we can overcome Fibromyalgia. For one thing, after a few years the condition often goes into spontaneous remission. There may be flare-ups lasting anywhere from a few days to a few months, but they do pass.
Furthermore, there are things one may do to help in recovery by reducing both the initial phase of Fibromyalgia and the frequency and duration of flare-ups.
Most of the medical journals today agree Fibromyalgia is a complex condition and many factors are involved in why one contracts the disease and what remedies and protocols are most likely to help control the condition. Among the known or suspected 'triggers' are food allergies, low tolerance to environmental toxins, lack of REM or deep sleep, and psychosocial stress.
Because the disease is complex there is no 'silver bullet'; no pill effects a miraculous cure. The patient has to change their lifestyle and make the healthy choices that will lead to eventually controlling Fibromyalgia. This takes patience and perserverance, and a hard-headed—even selfish—attitude that one is going to do the things necessary to be well, no matter what.
The program proposed here is one that worked for me and for my co-author Carolanne Kennedy. For the full story of my struggle with Fibromyalgia and how I eventually recovered click here. I do want to stress that no one should pursue this treatment plan without first consulting with their doctor. Neither Carolanne nor I are medical professionals. This treatment program is what worked for us. We do not claim it will work for anyone else. Please, consult with your doctor before undertaking this regimen.
A FIBROMYALGIA PROGRAM
There are three main components to our program. These are: diet, exercise, and alternative health care treatments.
Diet
- Water – drink 8 glasses of pure, non-chlorinated water daily.
- Herbal Tea – Chamomile, Yarrow, St John's Wort and Vervain. Buy loose herbs and make a pot of tea in the morning, you will need to drink 4 cups during the day. These four cups of may tea count as 4 of your 8 glasses of water. Simmer the Vervain on low heat for 5 minutes, and then add the liquid to the teapot. The other herbs go directly in the pot. Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep for 5 minutes. Drink 4 cups a day, warm with a bit of honey. Take one cup after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, before bed at night. *
- Food – Rice, green peas and mushrooms for one week. Begin adding new foods, one at a time. Wait three days before adding another new food. If a food you have added to the basic triad of rice, peas, and mushrooms seems to make your condition worse, remove that food from your menu. This is the basic allergy diet. When adding new foods consider your choices carefully. Eat organic as much as possible. Avoid tomatoes and potatoes, don't go near these for six weeks.
- FloradixTM – 3 times daily. FloradixTM is a natural, herbal tonic and vitamin supplement. It nourishes and supports the body while you heal. Because FloradixTM contains iron it should not be taken by people who cannot take iron supplements. Consult with your doctor before taking any iron supplements.
Exercise
(Yes, we know how impossible exercise of any sort seems right now. That is the fatigue, pain, and weakness talking. Even though you feel you are dragging yourself through thigh deep sand now, if you stick with one of the exercise plans below you will feel better, stronger, and enjoy more mobility within a week or two.)
- Walking – half an hour daily. Walk no more than half an hour for one week. Gradually increase your walking time in five or ten-minute increments until you have worked up to forty-five minutes or an hour. If you have no where to walk, get a stationary bicycle and ride it for half an hour for the first week, working up to a full forty-five minutes or an hour over several months.
- Yoga – if walking or bicycling is out of the question for you, do five minutes of yoga every other day for the first week, gradually working up to half an hour a day. Yoga in the evening before bed is very relaxing and helps you sleep. There are many good yoga DVD's and books. Do not get involved in 'power yoga' or any form of yoga that stresses competition and/or cardio. You want to do traditional yoga without all the Western bells and whistles. Do only the most gentle and easy postures at first. Be gentle with yourself. As you get stronger and begin to return to your normal life you may wish to join a yoga class or group.
- Tai Chi – may be an alternative to walking or yoga. Join a local class and do what you can or get one of the many DVD's available today. Again, start out slowly with a few minutes each day, gradually working up to half and hour or an hour over time. As you get stronger and begin to return to your normal life you may wish to join a Tai Chi class or group.
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Alternative Health Care Treatments
- Reiki – is a Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation, and the promotion of healing. It is administered by laying on of hands during which the Reiki practioner transfers or channels healing light into the patient's body. Be sure your Reiki practioner is of the Usui Ryo tradition, which is the original and genuine tradition.
- Acupressure or Acupuncture – once a week, depending on which one your body can best tolerate. Once the severe pain is under control this can be done once monthly as a maintenance measure.
- Voice Activation or Voice Repatterning – a vocalization system that reframes negative thought processes. These negative thought processes have created self-limiting behaviors in our bodies and minds. We can change our behaviors but unless we change the underlying self-limiting beliefs our efforts at change will always be temporary.
- Bach Flower Remedies – similar to homeopathic remedies. Bach Flower Rememdies are derived from living flowers and herbs and are a gentle but effective way of healing deep spiritual and emotional ills.
Understanding the nature of Fibromyalgia/CFS and the body’s need for food, water, air and a healthy environment is an important part of the recovery process. We need good simple food, chlorine free water, clean air and kind supportive people around us. These create wellness and are essential to our existence. Anything less creates illness.
People with Fibromyalgia are sensitive to many things that have no ill effects on others. To heal, cure, or overcome Fibromyalgia, CFS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or related nervous disorders – and all the pain and suffering that comes with them – all toxic substances and thoughts must be replaced with healthy ones.
That is why the "water and tea cure" works. It gives the body everything in a healthy way that flows through every cell and creates wellness. That is why replacing toxic thoughts with healthy ones, through Voice Repatterning, is important. Walking brings the very life force of the earth up through our feet with every step taken. This life force feeds the cells and fibers of the body with energy from the core of the earth. Acupuncture/acupressure and Reiki uses the body’s own energy and releases this energy from 'toxic wells' of stagnation. Once this energy is flowing again it radiates health through every cell of the body.
Finally, you need to know and be aware of your connection to the Sacred Divine, the Center, the Web, the Love connecting everything. We must be healthy within ourselves. It doesn't work in reverse. Trying to be strong in spirit and energy alone only goes so far; the body has to be able to properly process energy and adjust to the spiritual shifts we bring to it. Those of us with Fibromyalgia must be determined to only allow healthy water, food, air and people into our lives and environment.
You did not make yourself ill but, through understanding your condition, you may make yourself well.
RESOURCES
HEALTH WARNINGS:
- People who are allergic to ragweed should consult with their doctor before taking Chamomile.
- People who are taking anti-depressants should consult with their doctor before taking St. John's Wort.
- Vervain and Chamomile are both herbal sleep aides. Until you know how these two herbs will affect you, do not drive an automobile or operate machinery after drinking your tea.
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Carolanne Kennedy was born eldest of seven children in a fishing village on the Avalon Peninsula off the Island of Newfoundland. From a young age she experienced a deep connection to the land and sea. She first learned of the Faery Folk from her Grandmother. When she was a teenager her family moved to Ontario.
She completed a diploma in Business in June 2000 and earns her living working in accounting. She received her certificate as a Faery Shaman from Society of Celtic Shamans in July 2000 and has walked with the Ancients ever since. She is also a Certified N.L.P. Practitioner. She is enrolled in studies with the University of Celtic Wisdom and is a Third Grade Bard.
Throughout the year she holds Celtic Shaman workshops and on occasion does individual counseling sessions. She loves all things Celtic.
Anyone wishing to contact Carolanne can do so at her email address lorracc42@yahoo.com Or visit her at: The Wisdom Tree - Celtic Learning Center
Tira Brandon-Evans is the Founder and Moderator of the Society of Celtic Shamans, editor of Earthsongs: Journal of the Society of Celtic Shamans, and is, herself, a Faery Shaman. Her books, The Green and Burning Tree: A Faery Shaman's Handbook, Portals of the Seasons: A Celtic Wheel of the Year, Through the Unremembered Gate: Journeys of Initiation, The Labyrinthine Way: Walking Ancient Paths in a Modern World, and Healing Waters, are all published by Elder Grove Press. She is presently writing a book about the Ogham. You may contact Tira by email at info@faeryshaman.org.
Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Wellness Plan copyright © 2007 by Carolanne Kennedy and Tira Brandon-Evans, all
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