Homeopathy and Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia can present in many different ways. Every patient with fibromyalgia has their own story, their own constellation of symptoms, their own trigger factors, and their own way of coping with the illness.

This is where the homeo­pathic approach comes into its own, allowing for individualized treatment and homeopathic medicines selected based on the symptoms of the illness and on the characteristics of the patient as a whole.

Here are three homeopathic medicines that are often effective for fibromyalgia.

Rhus Toxicodendron is derived from common poison ivy. It is has strong affinity for the connective tissue where there is soreness, stiffness and a bruised sensation. These pains tend to be aggravated by dampness and cold, on beginning to move and by rest whereas continued motion and warmth are beneficial. Overall, the patient needing Rhus Tox will feel restless.

Quite opposite in nature are the symptoms of the remedy Bryonia, commonly known as Wild Hops. The Bryonia individual wants to stay as still as possible because motion, even slight motion, aggravates the pains. They feel worse by heat and dryness, better by coolness. The muscles feel hard, and patient is adverse touch. Most of all they just want to be left alone.

Arnica is useful whenever the body feels bruised and sore, especially if markedly worse after exertion. A characteristic feeling des­cribed is of “the bed feeling too hard”, in other words, soreness and bruised feeling is worse if the part is lain upon.