Fibromyalgia is extremely challenging for those people suffering around the world from this disease, although there is additional research into this menacing illness, a multitude of queries remain unanswered. For instance, fibromyalgia was labelled as fibrositis, (First labelled by Gowers in 1904), and later rheumatism, etc, until the American College of Rheumatology agreed in 1990 to diagnostic criteria, (11 or more specific tender points throughout the body.)
What causes Fibromyalgia?
The possible causes involve emotional or physical trauma, illness/virus, co-grisly conditions that in the end cause fibromyalgia, cervical stenosis, abnormal pain response, genetic predisposition, just to name a few. The necessity for bundles more research relating to what is fibromyalgia is overwhelming but must be completed over some time. Why are certain kids attacked by fibromyalgia? What part, if any, does our youth play in the later growth of fibromyalgia? Questions like these and many more are yet to be given a concrete answer by the global medical community.
New research and new tests/clinical trials are finally showing many links between fibromyalgia and the nervous system, the brain, and how other areas of the body are affected when abnormalities in these areas of the body are askew. In fact, through research done on autopsies of those who have passed with severe fibromyalgia researchers have now proven that indeed the brains of those with fibromyalgia show dramatic differences from a normal brain.
One frightening find through this research has shown that long- term suffering by those with fibromyalgia have a dramatic loss of grey matter in the brain. Several experts indicate that this is the trigger for fibro-fog, (short-term and long-term memory loss.) Further research, even though nowhere close to a conclusion, is also indicating a rise in dementia for fibromyalgia patients, and connections to Alzheimer's.
Importance of Alternatives.
If you suffer from Fibromyalgia, you will know that it is equally important to know about an alternative therapy that can ease your symptoms as it is to understand the best forms of medical treatment. The safest factor about alternative treatment is that unlike various drug-based therapies; they do not cause any harmful side effects. When it comes to Fibromyalgia there is relatively a great deal of alternative remedies that can aid in relieving the discomfort caused by this illness. One of the most common of these therapies is cupping therapy.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is an alternate medication that has been converted from old-fashioned Chinese medicine. It involves attaching glass 'cups' to the body to ease pain, eliminate toxins and stimulate healthy blood circulation. The cups behave as vacuums with the assistance of both heat and suction. The cups are attached at very precise spots on the body called 'triggers' like those applied in acupuncture. Usually, the cups are left in position for just about 15 minutes.
There are two popular ways of cupping usage, these are cupping massage and stationary cupping. Massage cupping includes shifting the cups on the skin to massage joints and muscles whilst stationary cupping, as the name suggests, simply involves applying the cups and leaving them be, for the period of the session.
How Are Cups Applied?
The act of using the cup is incredibly straightforward. To make the vacuum effect, a cotton ball drenched in alcohol is set on fire. The flaming ball is then kept within the glass cup to use up all the air inside. Once this has been done, the cotton ball is swiftly removed and the cup attached to the chosen spots on the body. This may sound potentially painful, but in fact, all the patient feels is a mild sucking sensation. It is routine to have red circular marks on your skin following therapy but these fade away in a few hours.
How Can This Help With Your Fibromyalgia?
After a cupping therapy session, patients are generally in a state of extreme relaxation thanks to the improved circulation and release of toxins. This allows the body to enjoy much quicker healing of muscles, tendons and ligaments. For Fibromyalgia sufferers this means relief from the stiffness often felt in muscles and tissues. Cupping benefits can include reducing the pain and improving the general flexibility of the muscles leading to an enhanced range of motion in formerly stiff joints. Many patients also report a reduction in stress, depression and anxiety levels.