An Herbal Approach to An Herbal Approach to Fibromyalgia & Chronic FatigueFibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue

A Holistic Approach to Working WithA Holistic Approach to Working With

Chronic ConditionsChronic Conditions

Meg Turner, MH, HT, MAMeg Turner, MH, HT, MA

• Facts about Fibromyalgia:Facts about Fibromyalgia:

• It was once believed to be a “woman’s disorder” It was once believed to be a “woman’s disorder” • Difficult to explain or identify due to its Difficult to explain or identify due to its

comparison/similarity to other diseases: arthritis, comparison/similarity to other diseases: arthritis, lupus, endocrine disorders, thyroid problems, lupus, endocrine disorders, thyroid problems, infectious diseases, sleep deprivation, depression.infectious diseases, sleep deprivation, depression.

• No two sufferers are alike in their symptomsNo two sufferers are alike in their symptoms

Primary symptoms:Primary symptoms:• Generalized body painGeneralized body pain• FatigueFatigue• StiffnessStiffness• Poor/interrupted sleepPoor/interrupted sleep

“‘“‘We look like very healthy people..so we suffer in We look like very healthy people..so we suffer in silence [rather than] be labeled as hypochondriacs.’”silence [rather than] be labeled as hypochondriacs.’”

Pain Sites in the BodyPain Sites in the Body

• Most common pain sites include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic Most common pain sites include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle, and extremities.girdle, and extremities.

• Those who have Fibromyalgia experience a range of symptoms of Those who have Fibromyalgia experience a range of symptoms of varying intensities that fluctuate in intensity and degree over time.varying intensities that fluctuate in intensity and degree over time.

• Due to varying degrees and locations, it can often take an average Due to varying degrees and locations, it can often take an average of five years for an accurate diagnosis to occur. Laboratory tests of five years for an accurate diagnosis to occur. Laboratory tests (basis for most diagnoses) frequently come back negative. (basis for most diagnoses) frequently come back negative. Symptoms often mimic other diseases, making accurate diagnoses Symptoms often mimic other diseases, making accurate diagnoses difficult, especially in light of the lack of training for many doctors. difficult, especially in light of the lack of training for many doctors.

• Presence of RA or Lupus, does not rule out FM diagnosis.Presence of RA or Lupus, does not rule out FM diagnosis.

Diagnostic Symptoms of FMDiagnostic Symptoms of FM

• Multiple tender points in a constellation pattern for a minimum of Multiple tender points in a constellation pattern for a minimum of three months.three months.

• Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points when Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 tender points when pressure is applied. (Chart Diagram)pressure is applied. (Chart Diagram)

• Recent research shows FM is a disorder of neuro-endocrine Recent research shows FM is a disorder of neuro-endocrine function. Hencefunction. Hence

patient experiences increased sensitivity to pain due to hyper patient experiences increased sensitivity to pain due to hyper function of the CNS.function of the CNS.

• Specific physical abnormalities (related to CNS dysfunction) Specific physical abnormalities (related to CNS dysfunction) include: high levels of substance P in the spinal cord, low blood include: high levels of substance P in the spinal cord, low blood flow to hypothalamus, HPA axis hypo-function, low levels of flow to hypothalamus, HPA axis hypo-function, low levels of seratonin and tryptophan, and cytokine function disruption.seratonin and tryptophan, and cytokine function disruption.

PainPain

• ““I hurt all over.”I hurt all over.”

• Varies with each individual in degree or nature: may feel Varies with each individual in degree or nature: may feel nagging, pricking, deep and aching, radiating, gnawing, nagging, pricking, deep and aching, radiating, gnawing, stabbing, throbbing, burning.stabbing, throbbing, burning.

• IntensityIntensity varies from day to day, week to week, month to varies from day to day, week to week, month to month.month.

• Certain activities or factors may exacerbate the pain: Certain activities or factors may exacerbate the pain: activity, lack of exercise, extreme temperature/humidity, activity, lack of exercise, extreme temperature/humidity, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, illness.anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, illness.

FatigueFatigue

• Exhaustion that limits daily activities Exhaustion that limits daily activities “What little I do takes “What little I do takes me five times longer than most.”me five times longer than most.”

• May appear as decreased muscle enduranceMay appear as decreased muscle endurance

• May appear as totally drained of all energyMay appear as totally drained of all energy

Sleep deprivationSleep deprivation

• Lack of deep, delta sleep (REM sleep) that allows for Lack of deep, delta sleep (REM sleep) that allows for dreams to occur, and during which time the body is able to dreams to occur, and during which time the body is able to physically rebuild and restore itself. Thus, waking feeling physically rebuild and restore itself. Thus, waking feeling more tired than when going to bed.more tired than when going to bed.

• Sleep apnea resulting in difficulty maintaining regular Sleep apnea resulting in difficulty maintaining regular breathing habits during sleep. May be life threatening when breathing habits during sleep. May be life threatening when severe.severe.

• Restless leg syndrome: the “creepy crawlies” in the legs Restless leg syndrome: the “creepy crawlies” in the legs while trying to rest, creating the desire to get up and walk while trying to rest, creating the desire to get up and walk around or move.around or move.

• Note: the recent medication is one that has been derived Note: the recent medication is one that has been derived for treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, that blocks beta for treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, that blocks beta messages being sent from the brain~not necessarily the messages being sent from the brain~not necessarily the issue.issue.

Associated SymptomsAssociated Symptoms

• ““Fibro-fogFibro-fog” Inability to think clearly. Varies in degree and ” Inability to think clearly. Varies in degree and intensity from day to day. Effects short-term memory and intensity from day to day. Effects short-term memory and ability to maintain attention and focus.ability to maintain attention and focus.

• Believed to be related to rising/falling levels of hormones Believed to be related to rising/falling levels of hormones (particularly in women)(particularly in women)

• Occurs in women (predominantly) from age 25-40, especially Occurs in women (predominantly) from age 25-40, especially when those women have early onset of menopause.when those women have early onset of menopause.

• Not limited to women alone, now research shows it is occurring Not limited to women alone, now research shows it is occurring with men 30% (currently) as well.with men 30% (currently) as well.

• Irritable Bowel SyndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome: crampy diarrhea, : crampy diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea.constipation, abdominal pain, abdominal gas, and nausea.

• Depression:Depression: emotional history of depression before CFS, emotional history of depression before CFS, though not the cause of it, as previously believed.though not the cause of it, as previously believed.

FM and DepressionFM and Depression

• Both FM and depression are linked to dysregulation of Both FM and depression are linked to dysregulation of neurotransmitters in the brain and CNS. neurotransmitters in the brain and CNS.

• Too much Substance P, and too little seratonin.Too much Substance P, and too little seratonin.

• Disorders of the endocrine system (thyroid, pancreas, and Disorders of the endocrine system (thyroid, pancreas, and adrenals) lead to neurotransmitter disregulation and adrenals) lead to neurotransmitter disregulation and depression. depression.

• Glutamate and GABA control general sensitivity of CNS, and Glutamate and GABA control general sensitivity of CNS, and controlling these two substances in the body may also help controlling these two substances in the body may also help with sleeping, pain relief, and muscle spasms. with sleeping, pain relief, and muscle spasms.

Other related symptomsOther related symptoms• AllergiesAllergies• AnxietyAnxiety• Bladder spasmsBladder spasms• Blurred visionBlurred vision• Carpal tunnel syndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome• Chemical sensitivitiesChemical sensitivities• Cognitive impairmentCognitive impairment• Coldness of extremitiesColdness of extremities• Cramps in abdomen or pelvic painCramps in abdomen or pelvic pain• Depression Depression • DizzinessDizziness• Dry eyes and mouthDry eyes and mouth• Feeling of swollen extremitiesFeeling of swollen extremities• Fluid retentionFluid retention• Frequent eyeglass prescription changesFrequent eyeglass prescription changes• GI disturbancesGI disturbances• HeadachesHeadaches• Impaired coordinationImpaired coordination• Intermittent hearing problemsIntermittent hearing problems• Irritable bladderIrritable bladder• Joint swellingJoint swelling• Memory impairmentMemory impairment• HivesHives• TMJ painTMJ pain

TMJ and FibromyalgiaTMJ and Fibromyalgia

• Studies appear to link both TMJ and FM together, with a Studies appear to link both TMJ and FM together, with a wide occurrence of common symptoms to both. wide occurrence of common symptoms to both.

• Reactions to those who have TMJ often are the same as Reactions to those who have TMJ often are the same as those with FM: “You look just fine.”those with FM: “You look just fine.”

• Ways to cope with TMJ and FM:Ways to cope with TMJ and FM:

• Education, networking, change perspective, record pain as Education, networking, change perspective, record pain as it occurs, try to keep your mind off the pain, bodywork, it occurs, try to keep your mind off the pain, bodywork, alternative therapies such as biofeedback, cranio-electrical alternative therapies such as biofeedback, cranio-electrical stimulation therapy (relaxes hypothalamus), meditation, stimulation therapy (relaxes hypothalamus), meditation, electronic acupuncture, infrared therapy, etc.electronic acupuncture, infrared therapy, etc.

• Keep trying different modalities until you find something Keep trying different modalities until you find something that works!!that works!!

Our bodies are complexOur bodies are complex

• Expanded holistic model (diagram)Expanded holistic model (diagram)

STRESSSTRESS

Physical:Gardening

Walking, swimmingYoga

Ecstatic dance, musicAccupuncture

EFTherbs

Mental:BiofeedbackJournaling

Support groupMeditationEFT, music

herbs

Emotional:Support groupPsychotherapy

AffirmationsHerbs

Yoga, musicEcstatic dance

journalingSpiritual:

MeditationPrayer, music

Reiki, ecstatic danceConventional/unconventional

Religious groupsherbs

Body changes

Environmental factors

Psychological Issues

Chronic Conditions are Chronic Conditions are systemic systemic • Pain receptors throughout the body are Pain receptors throughout the body are

active simultaneously.active simultaneously.

• ““Whole body” response(s)Whole body” response(s)

• Requires a “holistic approach” to improve Requires a “holistic approach” to improve severity of symptoms, and manage severity of symptoms, and manage condition.condition.

• Rising numbers of chronic conditions Rising numbers of chronic conditions suggest 1:2 by 2030 will have at least one.suggest 1:2 by 2030 will have at least one.©©

Che Parker, AHA NewsChe Parker, AHA News

Why adaptogenic herbs?Why adaptogenic herbs?

• Siberian Ginseng is special because it balances all the many different types of cells in the body and Siberian Ginseng is special because it balances all the many different types of cells in the body and therefore has an impressively wide and diverse range of positive effects on the body and its' well therefore has an impressively wide and diverse range of positive effects on the body and its' well being.For this reason it is known as an 'adaptogen' because it heals and energises the whole body being.For this reason it is known as an 'adaptogen' because it heals and energises the whole body without any unpleasant side effects. without any unpleasant side effects. The term was introduced (because of this herb and subsequently others) by the Russian Professor A. P. The term was introduced (because of this herb and subsequently others) by the Russian Professor A. P. Golikov.He suggested that an adaptogenic herb should meet three criteria, and cited Siberian Ginseng Golikov.He suggested that an adaptogenic herb should meet three criteria, and cited Siberian Ginseng to set the standard because it:to set the standard because it:

• Produces an overall normalising action on the body, irrespective of any particular illness or unbalanced Produces an overall normalising action on the body, irrespective of any particular illness or unbalanced state.state.

• Produces a non-specific but positive action that ultimately increases resistance to a range of potentially Produces a non-specific but positive action that ultimately increases resistance to a range of potentially adverse influences, whether these are of a physical, chemical or biochemical nature.adverse influences, whether these are of a physical, chemical or biochemical nature.

• Causes no side effects - or at least only minimal disorder - in the physiological functioning of a human Causes no side effects - or at least only minimal disorder - in the physiological functioning of a human being or animal.being or animal.

• The claims for Siberian Ginseng are not exaggerated- this herb really is known as the 'King' of The claims for Siberian Ginseng are not exaggerated- this herb really is known as the 'King' of Adaptogens'. But it is usually seen more in terms of background support and is often added to patients Adaptogens'. But it is usually seen more in terms of background support and is often added to patients herb programs, especially if they show signs of tiredness, immune system deficiency, hormonal herb programs, especially if they show signs of tiredness, immune system deficiency, hormonal complications, nervous system weakness or stress. Siberian Ginseng is the perfect tonic to help all of complications, nervous system weakness or stress. Siberian Ginseng is the perfect tonic to help all of us in today's hectic world and can be complemented by other good food and helpful herbs.us in today's hectic world and can be complemented by other good food and helpful herbs.

  Siberian Ginseng increases resistance to any negative, stress-induced reactions - physically, chemically, Siberian Ginseng increases resistance to any negative, stress-induced reactions - physically, chemically, biologically and psychologically. It reduces irritability, aids work capacity, lessons neurotic behaviour biologically and psychologically. It reduces irritability, aids work capacity, lessons neurotic behaviour and alleviates general anxiety. and alleviates general anxiety.

Siberian Ginseng increases anabolic activity and carbohydrate and protein metabolism, producing an Siberian Ginseng increases anabolic activity and carbohydrate and protein metabolism, producing an increase in strength and endurance and providing protection against extreme external factors, e.g. increase in strength and endurance and providing protection against extreme external factors, e.g. heat and cold excesses, lack oxygen etc. heat and cold excesses, lack oxygen etc.

Why Adaptogens (con’t.)?Why Adaptogens (con’t.)?

• The glycosides - each of them individual in its behaviour - dominate the chemistry of Siberian The glycosides - each of them individual in its behaviour - dominate the chemistry of Siberian Ginseng. Among many other functions, they help hormone and immune activity, pain control, Ginseng. Among many other functions, they help hormone and immune activity, pain control, inflammation processes, prevent damage by free radicals and aid the reduction of excess water in inflammation processes, prevent damage by free radicals and aid the reduction of excess water in the body. Part of their role is to give the adrenal glands extra fuel to work with when in crisis, and the body. Part of their role is to give the adrenal glands extra fuel to work with when in crisis, and then to prevent them from using up any more once the crisis, and then to prevent them from using then to prevent them from using up any more once the crisis, and then to prevent them from using up any more once the crisis is over. They enforce energy conservation, and the adrenal glands thus up any more once the crisis is over. They enforce energy conservation, and the adrenal glands thus manufacture less energy, producing the same amount for better results.manufacture less energy, producing the same amount for better results.

• The saponins (and other chemical components) affect the pituitary gland and will therefore balance The saponins (and other chemical components) affect the pituitary gland and will therefore balance all the hormonal functions of the human body in both males and females.all the hormonal functions of the human body in both males and females.

• The steroid constituents of the glycosides provide vital components. They have pain killing The steroid constituents of the glycosides provide vital components. They have pain killing capabilities, help endurance and enhance the ability of the human body to cope with difficult capabilities, help endurance and enhance the ability of the human body to cope with difficult situations.situations.

• Everyday use - The adult standard dose is 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily, diluted in water or fruit juice. Everyday use - The adult standard dose is 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily, diluted in water or fruit juice. When you re trying to resolve a situation rapidly, use a total of 4-8tsp (20-40ml) per day. This can When you re trying to resolve a situation rapidly, use a total of 4-8tsp (20-40ml) per day. This can be reduced to 1tsp (5ml) 3 times daily, a total of 3tsp (15ml) per day once the condition is calmer be reduced to 1tsp (5ml) 3 times daily, a total of 3tsp (15ml) per day once the condition is calmer and symptoms are less severe. Long-term support is then the aim.and symptoms are less severe. Long-term support is then the aim.

• Long-term use - Adults can take 1-2tsp (5-10ml) daily for 6-9 months and it will continue to exert its' Long-term use - Adults can take 1-2tsp (5-10ml) daily for 6-9 months and it will continue to exert its' beneficial effects for a few months after this point. It may be necessary to begin use again after a beneficial effects for a few months after this point. It may be necessary to begin use again after a break, should stress levels remain high, perhaps over years rather than months. Resuming in this break, should stress levels remain high, perhaps over years rather than months. Resuming in this way is perfectly acceptable and can protect the body from long-term damage and stress.way is perfectly acceptable and can protect the body from long-term damage and stress.

• Children's dosages - Over 12 years, 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily; 9-12 years, 30 drops 1-3 times Children's dosages - Over 12 years, 1-2tsp (5-10ml) twice daily; 9-12 years, 30 drops 1-3 times daily; 1-9 years, 5 drops 2-3 times daily, younger than 1, 2 drops twice daily.daily; 1-9 years, 5 drops 2-3 times daily, younger than 1, 2 drops twice daily.

Why adaptogens? (con’t.)Why adaptogens? (con’t.)

• EffectsEffects• Increases the body's ability to resist infection.Increases the body's ability to resist infection.• Helps to prevent cardiac pains and pains in and around the neck and head such as headache.Helps to prevent cardiac pains and pains in and around the neck and head such as headache.• Improves cerebral corticoid (steroid hormone) function and the speed of the brain.Improves cerebral corticoid (steroid hormone) function and the speed of the brain.• Alleviates neurodynamic disturbance and neurological movement and growth by helping Alleviates neurodynamic disturbance and neurological movement and growth by helping

neurotransmitters to function efficiently.neurotransmitters to function efficiently.• Enhances liver protection and lessens liver cell degeneration.Enhances liver protection and lessens liver cell degeneration.• Increases semen output and heightens both male and female fertility.Increases semen output and heightens both male and female fertility.• Increases oxygen consumption and improves respiratory effectiveness.Increases oxygen consumption and improves respiratory effectiveness.• Breaks down and clears the body of drug residues.Breaks down and clears the body of drug residues.• Helps the body resist and may even prevent tuberculosis.Helps the body resist and may even prevent tuberculosis.• Assists the body to maintain cellular homeostasis.Assists the body to maintain cellular homeostasis.• Helps the treatment of skin inflammations, dandruff, acne, hair falling out and all general hair and Helps the treatment of skin inflammations, dandruff, acne, hair falling out and all general hair and

skin problems.skin problems.• • Aids the brain by helping neurological pathways to work better; useful for dyslexia, autism, cranial Aids the brain by helping neurological pathways to work better; useful for dyslexia, autism, cranial

cerebral injury, fits, epilepsy and general memory retention. Also aids nerve centres and message cerebral injury, fits, epilepsy and general memory retention. Also aids nerve centres and message conduction to the brain in general.conduction to the brain in general.

• Improves hearing and sight.Improves hearing and sight.• Helps prevent aging.Helps prevent aging.

Herbs that help Herbs that help FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia

• Immunoenhancers: Adaptogenic herbs that support the Immunoenhancers: Adaptogenic herbs that support the body when under stress: ginseng, (Siberian/American), body when under stress: ginseng, (Siberian/American), Ashwaganda, Licorice, Reishi mushrooms, Cordyceps Ashwaganda, Licorice, Reishi mushrooms, Cordyceps sinensis, Shitake mushroomssinensis, Shitake mushrooms

• Nervines (to help relax the body and promote deep, restful Nervines (to help relax the body and promote deep, restful sleep): Hops, passion flower, valerian, kava kava, catnip, sleep): Hops, passion flower, valerian, kava kava, catnip, lemon balm.lemon balm.

• Goldenseal, Motherwort, Black Cohash: anti-inflammatoryGoldenseal, Motherwort, Black Cohash: anti-inflammatory

/antispasmodic (muscle cramps)/antispasmodic (muscle cramps)

• St. John’s Wort (Anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory, St. John’s Wort (Anti-depressants, anti-inflammatory, seratonin-uptake inhibitor~allowing more gentle, restful seratonin-uptake inhibitor~allowing more gentle, restful sleep)sleep)

Why anti-inflammatories?Why anti-inflammatories?

• it is concluded that I. it is concluded that I. racemosa protects heart from racemosa protects heart from isoproterenol-induced isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by reducing myocardial injury by reducing oxidative stress and oxidative stress and modulating hemodynamic and modulating hemodynamic and ventricular functions of the ventricular functions of the heart. Present study findings heart. Present study findings demonstrate the demonstrate the cardioprotective effect of I. cardioprotective effect of I. racemosa and support the racemosa and support the pharmacological relevance of pharmacological relevance of its use and cardioprotection its use and cardioprotection mechanism in ischemic heart mechanism in ischemic heart disease as well as disease as well as substantiate its traditional substantiate its traditional claim.claim.

•

it is concluded that I. racemosa protects heart from isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury by reducing oxidative stress and modulating hemodynamic and ventricular functions of the heart. Present study findings demonstrate the cardioprotective effect of I. racemosa and support the pharmacological relevance of its use and cardioprotection mechanism in ischemic heart disease as well as substantiate its traditional claim.

Herbs (con’t.)Herbs (con’t.)

• Feverfew (Migraines/headaches)Feverfew (Migraines/headaches)• Flax Seed Oil: helps relieve inflammation, Flax Seed Oil: helps relieve inflammation,

nourish circulatory system, and support or nourish circulatory system, and support or safeguard body against nutritional safeguard body against nutritional deficiencies that may be a factor in deficiencies that may be a factor in depression.depression.

• Ginko biloba: helps increase circulation to Ginko biloba: helps increase circulation to the brain, allowing for optimal brain function; the brain, allowing for optimal brain function; additional clinical research in AHG journal additional clinical research in AHG journal indicates it may also decrease cancer cell T-indicates it may also decrease cancer cell T-cell growth in colon and bladder.cell growth in colon and bladder.

Why Ginko biloba?Why Ginko biloba?

• Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Ginkgo BilobaTherapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Ginkgo Biloba• Ginkgo is most commonly used to improve memory, reduce vertigo, and stop tinnitus Ginkgo is most commonly used to improve memory, reduce vertigo, and stop tinnitus

(ear-ringing) through its effects on the vascular system.(ear-ringing) through its effects on the vascular system.• It increases blood flow to the brain, and other organs of the body.It increases blood flow to the brain, and other organs of the body.

Ginkgo Biloba Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo Biloba)(Ginkgo Biloba)

• Ginkgo reduces the platelet activity factor (PAF) in the blood, similar to the action of Ginkgo reduces the platelet activity factor (PAF) in the blood, similar to the action of aspirin on blood thinning. Excessive PAF has been linked to cardiovascular disease, aspirin on blood thinning. Excessive PAF has been linked to cardiovascular disease, brain damage, hearing disorders and other immune and inflammatory diseases.brain damage, hearing disorders and other immune and inflammatory diseases.

• It may also increase metabolism, regulate neurotransmitters, and boost oxygen It may also increase metabolism, regulate neurotransmitters, and boost oxygen transport to the brain.transport to the brain.

• Ginkgo has potential antioxidant properties reducing oxidative cell damage andGinkgo has potential antioxidant properties reducing oxidative cell damage andnaturallynaturally slowing the aging effects slowing the aging effects ..

• Clinical trials have been promsing to test the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba as Clinical trials have been promsing to test the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba as a a medicinal herb for treating Alzheimer’s diseasemedicinal herb for treating Alzheimer’s disease..

• It was originally used in ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for It was originally used in ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for asthmaasthma..• Ginkgo has been reported to improve short- and long-term memory. It increases Ginkgo has been reported to improve short- and long-term memory. It increases

mental clarity and focus which explains it´s uses as amental clarity and focus which explains it´s uses as amedicinal herb for ADHD and medicinal herb for ADHD and ADDADD..

• It may also relax constricted blood vessels and inhibit the transformation of It may also relax constricted blood vessels and inhibit the transformation of cholesterol to plaque in the arteries.cholesterol to plaque in the arteries.

• Ginkgo has also been used to fight the gradual loss of energy brought on by aging.Ginkgo has also been used to fight the gradual loss of energy brought on by aging.

Why Ginko biloba?Why Ginko biloba?• Ginkgo has potential antioxidant properties reducing oxidative cell damage andGinkgo has potential antioxidant properties reducing oxidative cell damage andnaturally naturally

slowing the aging effectsslowing the aging effects..• Clinical trials have been promsing to test the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba as a Clinical trials have been promsing to test the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba as a medicinal medicinal

herb for treating Alzheimer’s diseaseherb for treating Alzheimer’s disease..• It was originally used in ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for It was originally used in ancient Chinese medicine as a treatment for asthmaasthma..• Ginkgo has been reported to improve short- and long-term memory. It increases mental Ginkgo has been reported to improve short- and long-term memory. It increases mental

clarity and focus which explains it´s uses as aclarity and focus which explains it´s uses as amedicinal herb for ADHD and ADDmedicinal herb for ADHD and ADD..• It may also relax constricted blood vessels and inhibit the transformation of cholesterol to It may also relax constricted blood vessels and inhibit the transformation of cholesterol to

plaque in the arteries.plaque in the arteries.• Ginkgo has also been used to fight the gradual loss of energy brought on by aging.Ginkgo has also been used to fight the gradual loss of energy brought on by aging.

• When using the seeds as a method of treatment, it is When using the seeds as a method of treatment, it is important not to exceed recommended dailyimportant not to exceed recommended daily allowances allowances and doses because this could lead to the and doses because this could lead to the development of skin disorders and development of skin disorders and headaches. When making your own home headaches. When making your own home remedies, it is important to avoid skin contact remedies, it is important to avoid skin contact with the fruit pulp because it has been known with the fruit pulp because it has been known to create dermatitis. Using ginkgo biloba to create dermatitis. Using ginkgo biloba excessively or for a long time may possibly excessively or for a long time may possibly create spontaneous hemorrhaging, as well as create spontaneous hemorrhaging, as well as increased bleeding times.increased bleeding times.

• If you are taking a blood thinner, such as If you are taking a blood thinner, such as Warfarin, you may want to consult your Warfarin, you may want to consult your physician before adding a ginkgo biloba physician before adding a ginkgo biloba supplement to your diet. Aspirin may also supplement to your diet. Aspirin may also interact with ginkgo biloba. It is also interact with ginkgo biloba. It is also important not to utilize any unprocessed form important not to utilize any unprocessed form of the ginkgo biloba tree leaves. For some, of the ginkgo biloba tree leaves. For some, they could trigger major allergy attacks [3].they could trigger major allergy attacks [3].

Recognizing “What is” is the Recognizing “What is” is the first step towards a new first step towards a new lifestyle:lifestyle:• Habits, lifestyle behaviors that no Habits, lifestyle behaviors that no

longer worklonger work

• STRESS as change agentSTRESS as change agent

• What works for me now?What works for me now?

• How can I make the changes I need How can I make the changes I need in my life?in my life?

Psychological SupportPsychological Support

• Helps face the Helps face the emotional challenges emotional challenges of dealing with FM day of dealing with FM day to day.to day.

• Increase Increase communication communication between family and between family and friends. friends.

• Find a support group in Find a support group in your area if possible, or your area if possible, or start your own.start your own.

• Trained counselor or Trained counselor or therapist who can help therapist who can help improve healthy improve healthy communication communication between family between family and/friends.and/friends.

Complimentary TherapiesComplimentary Therapies• May include any of the following:May include any of the following:• Physical therapyPhysical therapy• Therapeutic massageTherapeutic massage• Myofascial release therapyMyofascial release therapy• HydrotherapyHydrotherapy• Light aerobicsLight aerobics• AcupressureAcupressure• Application of heat and coldApplication of heat and cold• AcupunctureAcupuncture• YogaYoga• Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, Relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, aromatherapy,

cognitive therapy, biofeedbackcognitive therapy, biofeedback• Nutritional supplements/herbsNutritional supplements/herbs• Osteopathic/chiropractic manipulationOsteopathic/chiropractic manipulation

Reiki Therapy and FibromyalgiaReiki Therapy and Fibromyalgia

• A form of energy transfer via hands-on from the practitioner A form of energy transfer via hands-on from the practitioner to the client.to the client.

• Hands are placed over the body’s seven major chakras Hands are placed over the body’s seven major chakras (energy sites) on the body, and energy is transmitted from (energy sites) on the body, and energy is transmitted from the practitioner to the client through the chakras.the practitioner to the client through the chakras.

• Enhanced reception of life-force “prana”/”chi” leads to Enhanced reception of life-force “prana”/”chi” leads to enhanced ability of the body to respond naturally to disease enhanced ability of the body to respond naturally to disease and illness.and illness.

• Chakras are centers of organization for the reception, Chakras are centers of organization for the reception, assimilation, and expression of life-force energy.assimilation, and expression of life-force energy.

• Reiki is non-invasive and gentle, leading to total relaxation, Reiki is non-invasive and gentle, leading to total relaxation, less tense muscles, and improved ROM.less tense muscles, and improved ROM.

Bowen Therapy and FMBowen Therapy and FM

Neuromuscular re-patterning that creates new neural pathways for Neuromuscular re-patterning that creates new neural pathways for messages sent from the brain to the pain receptors in the body.messages sent from the brain to the pain receptors in the body.

• Non-invasive, gentle, and allows for complete body relaxation, Non-invasive, gentle, and allows for complete body relaxation, lymphatic drainage, and muscle loosening/softening.lymphatic drainage, and muscle loosening/softening.

• Gentle rolling motions that “vibrate” the muscles tissue, allowing Gentle rolling motions that “vibrate” the muscles tissue, allowing it to relax independently at specific receptor sites in the body.it to relax independently at specific receptor sites in the body.

• Helps improve ROM, decrease pain levels, and improve circulation Helps improve ROM, decrease pain levels, and improve circulation (both lymphatic and blood) in the entire body.(both lymphatic and blood) in the entire body.

• Improves the body’s ability to sleep, and helps regulate normal Improves the body’s ability to sleep, and helps regulate normal body function.body function.

• Decreases headaches, and pain sensitivity throughout the body.Decreases headaches, and pain sensitivity throughout the body.