Some fibromyalgia patients are now turning to acupressure to ease some of the symptoms of fibro. Acupressure is an ancient healing technique where physical pressure is put on certain points of the body. This pressure then boosts the blood circulation around the area and encourages the body to release endorphins which then help relieve some of your pain.
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles, pressure is applied with a finger, thumb or device to specific points on the body. Acupressure has been studied and found to be beneficial in people with cancer-related conditions, osteoarthritis pain, fibromyalgia, postoperative pain, and headaches.
I personally do find release with acupressure but unfortunately, find it difficult to reach some of the points to help with the release. However, I do use an acupressure mat which can also work like this (see below).
For best self-acupressure results, apply gentle yet firm pressure from your middle finger as you make tiny circular motions, while you are breathing deeply. This may be done as little as once a day or as much as once every hour. Speak to your GP before you embark on any acupressure on yourself or have your first treatment done by a professional who can then show you where to apply your pressure.
Magnet therapy (aka magnetic therapy) has also been used for centuries to relieve pain through the healing power of magnets. When placed on the skin (as close to the source of pain as possible), magnets not only improve peripheral blood circulation but also reduce inflammation. This can be really helpful in releasing some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The Chinese use magnets, as well as acupuncture, and say the difference is just that needles work faster, but that magnets applied correctly are just as effective for some complaints. You might wear a magnetic bracelet or other magnetized jewellery. It could be a bandage with a magnet in it, or you may wear a magnet as a shoe insole. You could also sleep on a special mattress pad with a magnet in it.
The thought behind magnetic field therapy is that certain problems happen because your magnetic fields are out of balance. If you put a magnetic field near your body, it is thought to stimulate the body’s ‘chi’ to promote healing. Apparently, Cleopatra is said to have worn a polished lodestone on her 3rd eye to maintain her beauty!
Although magnets became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, the medical profession was against the use of them, but since then, magnets and magnetic products have become more and more popular with an increase in scientific studies showing their effectiveness of them.
A company that deals in magnets Synergy For Life say that ‘Therapeutic magnets deliver results – quickly, quietly, and inexpensively. Our products may be used over and over again by every member of your family.’ They have magnetic applications for every joint and muscle, as well as magnetic sleep and seating systems. As we enter a new era in self-managed health care, “soft” medical alternatives are preferred over drugs and surgery. Biomagnetic and electro-medical therapies are among the fastest-growing “soft” modalities.
Acupressure mats are another way of pressure reaching the correct points. I have one I used regularly which was sent from EcoYoke Acupressure Mat & Pillow from Yoke Wellness. It was designed on the premise that ‘Self Care us Soul Care’ and is made of 100% biodegradable packaging. It has eco-friendly coconut fibre filling and the mat has 7000 ergonomic spikes for activating tension release and to help you unwind and release any body tension.
It’s a natural, drug-free and holistic self-care package that will not only ease your pain but have you feeling more charged up for the day. They suggest only 10 minutes a day is all it takes which is perfect for me to use when I go for my afternoon rest.
You can stand on it for energising power, sit on it during relaxation ( I am sitting on the pillow right now) or lie on it to feel a full-body release. You will then soon feel the muscle tension melt away and is a great product for headaches, stiff neck, back pain, fibromyalgia and insomnia. So, a real all-rounder.
It comes with a self-explanatory leaflet inside which makes you feel you are a very special person to receive this Eco Yoke Acupressure Mat & Pillow. It explains what to expect when you use your mat and how things change in seconds and then minutes into using it. It does exactly what it says on the leaflet and I was quite shocked when it does give a feeling of warmth after 1-3 minutes. It does say that bare skin is best but I was a bit apprehensive about that I am not saying I won’t try it that way in the future as I can tell this will be well used.
The Pure Calm YokeMat – Eco Acupressure Mat & Pillow Bundle is available from Yoke Wellness
Source: Synergy for Life Yoke Wellness, Web MD
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