Alternative Treatments for Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome » (Second Edition)

Mainstream medicine, however useful in other areas of healing, has failed to effectively treat the complexities of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. This useful book focuses on alternative therapies for these prevalent diseases. Patients from around the world describe their experiences and coping strategies, while dozens of experts in fields ranging from naturopathy, ayurveda, and reflexology, to guided imagery, hypnosis, and guaifenesin therapy, share their knowledge. With 70 percent new material, this guide offers both insight and inspiration for those dealing with these challenging conditions.

Contents

Foreword....................xi
Acknowledgments....................xiii
Chapter 1 * Beginnings....................1
Chapter 2 * Understanding Fibromyalgia....................10
Chapter 3 * Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome....................26
Chapter 4 * Conditions That May Accompany FM and CFS....................44
Chapter 5 * Healing Begins with You....................67
Chapter 6 * Family and Friends....................78
Chapter 7 * Conventional Therapies....................88
Chapter 8 * Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Bodywork....................111
Chapter 9 * Exercise....................126
Chapter 10 * Eastern Medicine and Healing Arts....................134
Chapter 11 * Energetic Healing....................154
Chapter 12 * Nutrition, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, and Aromatherapy....................169
Chapter 13 * Mind, Emotions, and Spirit....................188
Chapter 14 * The Guaifenesin Protocol, Mirapex, Medical Marijuana, and Magnet Therapy....................213
Chapter 15 * Work and Legal Considerations....................230
Chapter 16 * The Future of FM and CFS....................249
Chapter 17 * Tips from People with FM/CFS....................258
Epilogue * Living As If You Are Well....................267
Appendix A * Medications and Supplements for FM and CFS....................268
Appendix B * Tests You Can Do for Yourself....................275
Bibliography....................276
Resources and Recommended Reading....................279
Index....................295