Fibromyalgia managed with Ayurveda intervention: A Case report

Abstract

The rheumatologic condition known as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by a dysregulation of neurophysiological processes that results in increased pain sensitivity, sleep disturbance, exhaustion, and stiffness and tenderness of the joints, muscles, and tendons. In Ayurveda there is no mention of this condition but it can be treated with consideration of pacifying Vata dosha and balancing Mamsa, Meda, and Majja dhatu dushti and is mainly caused by Vata with the participation of Manasika bhavas (mental elements such as stress, worry, and depression). In this case study a 48-year-old housewife suffering from Fibromyalgia for 8 months was treated with Nirgundi patra swarasa, Eranda taila and Brahmi Vati for 30 days. Assessment was done using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, widespread pain and symptom severity (WPI, SSS) scale and PSQI scale for improvement in sleep disturbance. Improvement was observed in all assessment parameters.   Shoolhar, Medhya, and Rasayana properties of these formulations help in improving the symptoms. Hence it can be concluded that Fibromyalgia symptoms can be reduced by using Ayurveda measures. This is a single case study so to prove the efficacy the study can be conducted on a large number of cases.