Woman doing Qi Gong
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by pain and increased sensitivity and discomfort when pressure is applied to the body.
There are other symptoms including tiredness, insomnia, joint stiffness, numbness and mental symptoms including depression. It affects more women than men. There can also be muscle spasms, muscle weakness and muscle twitching.
There is no known biomedical cause of the problem and no effective treatment. Some researchers have suggested that a serotonin and dopamine imbalance may contribute to the problem.
Do environmental toxins play a role in fibromyalgia?
Other authorities believe that environmental toxins are the cause but this does not explain the higher incidence in females as both males and females would be exposed to the same amount of toxins.
In Chinese medicine there are specific meridians that are called the 8 extra ordinary meridians and have a function to store pathogens or toxins. There are also meridians that are more specific to be used for females.
Qi gong has been used to treat many conditions in China including fibromyalgia. Qi Gong is a type of Chinese exercise that incorporates meditation with gentle movements. Classic Chinese medicine texts also state that specific meridians are stimulated during qi gong exercise.
Listen to Heiko Lade talk about Fibromyalgia on Radio Kidnappers and YouTube.
Swedish researchers, in a randomized controlled study, found that 7 weeks of qi gong exercise undertaken by fibromyalgia patients and positive and reliable effects and even after a 4 month follow up were still feeling the benefit.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have also been used to successfully address the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
To learn Qi Gong in Napier contact Cory Lee Waterreus.
