Treatments for Fibromyalgia with Shiatsu

Fibromyalgia is one of the most common generalised pain disorders with symptoms of muscle pain and tenderness in multiple joints or areas of the body, accompanied by fatigue, poor sleep, poor memory and mood swings. Over 85% of fibromyalgia clients are women, and most suffer from chronic fatigue, IBS, anxiety and or depression, an accumulation of stress and a diet lacking in nutrients.

Research shows fibromyalgia can either be genetic or due to an emotional or physical trauma. This correlates with Traditional Chinese Medicine which defines the causes as emotions, weak Essence/Jing, trauma and stress! 

How Shiatsu and Energy work helps alleviate symptoms
In my personal experience of working with fibromyalgia clients, I've noticed there is a link to those working in a caring profession such as nursing, social work etc or are taking care of family members. There is a natural wanting to help and give of themselves and do everything for everyone but this depletes their own energy, which leads to increased fatigue and can lead to burn out.

In our sessions, I work with clients to bring back a balance of giving and receiving by letting go of the patterns causing the imbalance and teaching techniques of self care and how to look after their own energy. Also learning more serving ways of helping others without draining themselves.

How many treatments are needed
The general recommendation for shiatsu begins with one treatment per week for 6 weeks. Shiatsu is cumulative, so the idea is that the client should feel a little bit better, for a little bit longer, after each treatment. Then we can start spacing the treatments out (for example, 2 or 3 weeks between treatments) to see if the client still feels good.

Ultimately, I recommend a maintenance treatment once a month for fibromyalgia clients, because it’s a chronic condition. Regular treatments help manage symptoms and prevent flares much more effectively than waiting for a flare up to come in for treatment.

Diet and fibromyalgia symptoms
When we feel depleted or have no energy, we eat or drink foods that will give us an energy boost such as highly processed foods, sugar, carbohydrates, sugary drinks etc. In a recent report researchers revealed that people with fibromyalgia are significantly more likely to struggle with insulin and glucose control and you may be suffering with 'insulin resistance'.
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Insulin resistance is such a big subject to talk about here but you can learn more about it below.
https://www.ion.ac.uk/news/insulin-resistance-the-hidden-epidemic-driving-modern-day-disease
Another useful study about insulin resistance associated with central pain in patients with fibromyalgia
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33740353/

A personal case study and success story
My partner had been experiencing low energy, fatigue, was overweight and in pain for many years. He was told by doctors he had a fatty liver and that he should stop drinking alcohol even though he hadn’t had a drink in 6 months. He suffered with sleep deprivation and eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates, grains, energy drinks and sugar.

During lockdown, he had time to research liver and insulin resistance and realised most of his symptoms could be reversed by going on a low carb, no sugar diet but eating more protein and fat (the opposite to what we are told to do to lose weight). Within 6 months he had lost half his body weight, had more energy, no pain, didn’t crave sugar or carbs. He is able to exercise again and can work more days. It has made a huge difference to his life and of course needing a new wardrobe of clothes! 
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This is a wonderful example of how changing the food you eat and combining shiatsu and energy work can make a big difference to your energy levels, mood, health and well-being. By Learning how to take charge of your own health is empowering knowing that you can change your life for the better.

If you're fed up with being in pain then I am here to support you through your journey back to good health and happiness in your life that you deserve. 

Contact Sarah