
Fibromyalgia
by Dr. Jane Smolnik, Naturopath, Iridologist, Intuitive Healer and Herbalist
Disclaimer: This Information is intended to educate, and not intended to diagnosis, prescribe, treat or
cure any disease or ailment. We are not responsible for people's use of herbal products. Please educate
yourself and seek proper diagnosis and treatment when needed.
Fibromyalgia is now an epidemic that's been around since the turn of the century, as well as Chronic
Fatigue. They are similar conditions which acts in different ways. Chronic Fatigue (CF) has mental
components and affects the immune system, where Fibromyalgia (FM) has physical components and
acts as a rheumatoid problem. Both conditions burn out over time, but may take years. People DO get
better with proper care and lifestyle changes! It is a disease of the western world, mainly due to lifestyle
habits, pollutants, and toxins in our environment, water and food supply. It is a syndrome, not a disease.
These people often have a more sensitive immune system and may also have multiple allergies. (A
thorough Cleansing Program is most important!)
FM typically occurs in females 25-45 years of age. They are usually Type A personality with careers,
usually workaholics. People with FM usually have rigid thinking and control issues. They like to know
where they are going, what they are going to be doing in 1 year, 5 years, even next week. They tend to be
perfectionists and set in their ways. This rigid thinking, uptight mind, translates to rigidity in the body. It is
very important to learn to relax, let go, have fun, and learn to play! Music therapy, dance therapy, yoga, art,
poetry, anything to loosen up muscle tension is very helpful.
Diagnosis is usually determined by "trigger points" in the body. (Please consult a qualified health care
practitioner who is aware of these trigger points to determine proper diagnosis) FM patients have at
least 18 trigger points, can even have as many as 50. Six or 9 of these are "control" points, often found in
the fingers, toes, knees, etc. These trigger points are crystallized nodules in the muscles, otherwise
known as "sore spots". A build up of Uric Acid is the "seed" for these spots, where calcium builds up
around them, creating these crystallized nodules, which causes muscle pain throughout the body.
These seeds lie latent in the body. Physical trauma such as accidents or injury will trigger it, and the
psychological condition sets the stage.
According to Dr. Hulda Clark in her book The Cure for All Diseases, for the pain causing bacteria to get
all over the body, Fibromyalgia patients have microscopic hookworm larvae IN the muscles, which the
bacteria ride on. When you do a parasite cleanse to eliminate any parasites, and flush toxins from the
body, which includes the painful "seeds" in the muscles, the pain is completely relieved. (I personally
have experienced this relief after about 60 days on a very effective herbal cleanse program. I recommend
using a different product to eliminate all parasites, and to flush out toxins! Please contact us for more
information)
Sleep disturbance is also a symptom. Sleeping pills do NOT give you quality REM sleep. You will
usually wake up feeling groggy, hung over, not well rested although they made you sleep all night. Your
body needs lots of rest to heal. Use herbs like Valerian or Skullcap, which will help you to relax so you
can go to sleep, and still get good REM sleep.
Depression often sets in because of the disturbance to the lifestyle. Related conditions such as Brain
fog, memory loss, lack of concentration often occurs too. It is important to treat the whole body. Flower
Essences can be very helpful on an emotional level. I recommend a combination of 5 essences,
Cucumber, Heal-All, Zinnia, Tomato, and Pink Yarrow which help to rebalance, reattach, restores joy,
laughter, playfulness, helps you to overcome obstacles, and gives you emotional strength.
Exercise Helps FM patients! One big difference between CF and FM is that with Chronic Fatigue,
exercise will make you feel worse, while Fibromyalgia patients find great relief and always feel better
after exercise. It is important to include Yoga, Dance, Walking, Tennis, or whatever you enjoy as part of
your daily treatment.
For Pain, Black Cohosh and Wild Yam are excellent anti-inflammatories and anti-spasmodics for the
muscles, relieving spasms and tension. The Wild Yam works through cortisone stimulation and
balances progesterone. Licorice Root, Vervain, and Devils Claw are also anti-inflammatory and help to
relieve pain. Allopathic drugs do NOT make any results, they only mask symptoms. Stimulants like
coffee, or any thing with caffeine, causes more muscle pain. People often use coffee for energy and
motivation. YOU MUST AVOID IT! You will feel worse the next day. Coffee is also a highly sprayed crop
with lots of toxic residues! If it is necessary, use ONLY Decaf, Organic, swiss-water process, and only
occasionally. Use herbal teas for daily ritual.
Spasms may appear in the bowels or kidneys as well as the muscles. It is NOT an inflammatory
process! There is no heat, redness, or swelling, just pain, or the frequent need to urinate. The bowels
may spasm and cause frequent and loose bowels, which may look like irritable bowel syndrome. The
anti-spasmodic herbs may help here as well, such as Black Cohosh, Valerian, Wild Yam.
Treatments include looking at personality type and incorporating lifestyle changes needed. Exercise is
the best treatment for the most change. Include toning, conditioning, stretching regularly. Of course, if
you have an injury, you may not be able to exercise. A Physical therapist, or Sports therapist will help.
Exercise is not difficult, because you will feel better, and also feel like you have some control over the
treatment.
Lifestyle changes include needing to slow down. SCHEDULE down time, include walks, sitting in the
sun, reading books, whatever helps you relax. Many need counseling around depression and loss of
capabilities. Marital problems may arise, because you are not the same person. It can impact children
too. Involve them in the treatments. Learn to let go of control, recognize the things you have no control
over and accept them.
Nutrition is very important! Avoid Junk Food! Sugar compromises the immune system.. Protein foods
make uric acids. Vegetable proteins make minimal amounts of uric acid. Avoid all animal proteins! Fish
is O.K., but not shellfish. Salmon is best. Eat a simple, natural whole foods diet. Eat lots of dark green
foods which are high in chlorophyll (such as green leafy vegetables, nettles, spirulina), and yellow foods
such as yams, squash, carrots, pumpkins, apricots, etc. Vegetable proteins drinks help to support
nutrition. Include digestive enzymes with your meals to get the maximum nutritional value out of your
foods. I recommend a delicious herbal nutritional liquid called Pro Vitamin Complete, which is packed
full of vitamins, over 70 minerals, amino acids, live enzymes, live anti-oxidants, essential fatty acids,
green foods, fruits and vegetables, and much more so your body has everything it needs for energy and
nutritional support. It also includes Co- Enzyme Q10 which is an energy booster! It stimulates
macrophages, increases your immunity, is anti-allergic, anti-cancer, as well as eliminating bacteria and
acids. It helps you increase your exercise performance, incur less injuries, and have a faster recovery!
Calcium/Magnesium supplements often help reduce pain. Include extra magnesium for Pain.
A Cleansing Program is essential! You could drink a cleansing herbal tea everyday to help cleanse the
liver and intestines. A Liver Flush Program will help as well. Upon awakening, drink 6-8 oz. water with 2
Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lemon juice, for 1-2 weeks. For an easier and more
thorough program with lasting results, You must flush out any toxins, bacteria, and parasites that have
accumulated in the body! We find this herbal cleanse,), both easy to use and very effective! I have seen
many people have their symptoms completely be eliminated with no recurrence within a 90 day period
(Including myself!)
Herbals can be used for a variety of problems. Each person is different so there is not just one particular
formula. Include 6-10 capsules of Kelp everyday for the extra calcium and minerals. It helps regulate the
thyroid and is anti-inflammatory for joints and muscles. Diuretics for the Kidneys include Parsley, Celery
Seed, Dandelion leaf, or Horsetail. Laxatives for the bowels may include Senna, Cascara Sagrada, or
Psyllium Seed. Burdock Root, Dandelion Root or Yellow Dock Root are all useful for toning and
strengthening the liver and digestive tract.
Circulatory stimulants are often needed since FM patients often feel cold. Prickly Ash or Rosemary are
good peripheral and circulatory stimulants. Bayberry also works well and is a stimulant and astringent
for the digestive tract.
Use Immune System "Modulators", Do NOT use Immune Stimulants such as Echinacea! Astragalus is
a good deep immune enhancer. Reishi or Shittake Mushrooms are also excellent for the immune
system! Usnea is like a natural antibiotic which also helps the immune system. Poke helps reduce
lymphatic congestion in the body and will kick in the immune system.
Anti-Inflammatories can be used for pain. Black Cohosh and Wild Yam are great for the muscles. They
work through cortisone stimulation, are anti-spasmodic and balance progesterone. Licorice root, Devils
Claw, and Vervain also relieve pain and inflammation. Valerian will help relax nervous tension and ease
pain in the muscles. California Poppy has effects like codeine and morphine but is not habitual or
constipating.
Topical Pain Treatments would include using essential oils. I use a blend called 31 Herbal Oil from
Switzerland. It is like 'herbal heat' which reduces pain and inflammation right on contact. I also
recommend taking hot baths using sea salt, epsom, or mineral salts. A few drops of essential oils, such
as Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, or 31 Herbal Oil can also be added for greater results in
relieving achiness!
Fatigue and Debility can be reduced by including excellent nutritional supplements and herbs daily.
Siberian Ginseng used over long term will also help rebuild and strength the adrenal glands and
improve energy. Devil's Club is also a panacea, lowering blood sugar and regulating energy in the body.
Licorice helps to support the adrenals too. Borage Flower Essence will also lift the spirits and bring
cheerfulness. Vervain will not only relieve pain, but will also help relieve depression and relax the nerves.
It is a stimulating energy booster too. Nettles is high in minerals, iron, calcium and chloryphyll to help
build the blood and oxygenate the body.
Alternative Therapies such as Massage Therapy, Foot Reflexology, and Shiatsu are mandatory, not a
luxury! They help to reduce lactic acid build up in the muscles and promote deep relaxation. Include Yoga
which is excellent for toning and stretching as well as relaxation. Flower Essences can also be used for
any emotional problems related to this condition.
Jane Smolnik is a Naturopathic Doctor, Certified Intuitive Energy Healer, Iridologist, Herbalist, and
Nutritional Consultant with a private practice in Asheville, NC. She can be reached at 828-777-JANE.
I use several herbal formulas based on each individuals needs to help to relieve pain, inflammation and
spasms in the muscles while relaxing tension and building the immune system. Can use for
fibromyalgia symptoms, inflamed tendons, sore muscles.
Natural Preventive Healthcare