I have received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and would like to know more about the ayurvedic approach to treating this disease? Thanks for all your help.

In our experience at the Chopra Center, fibromyalgia responds well to a holistic ayurvedic mind-body healing approach. The overarching goal is to generate more natural pain relievers in your body. In many cases, lifestyle changes not only relieve pain but also eliminate behaviors that caused it in the first place. For example, researchers have found that meditation is an effective technology in dealing with chronic pain. In one study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, chronic-pain sufferers who learned a mindfulness meditation technique experienced substantial improvements.

In addition to a regular practice of meditation, maintaining a natural sleep/waking cycle; a healthy, balanced six-taste diet; and a gentle yoga practice will all raise the body’s pain threshold.

You may also consider taking the ayurvedic herb boswellia, which has strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Many people with fibromyalgia are carrying a burden of emotional toxicity from the past. If you are coping with a painful past, a difficult relationship, or turbulent emotions, participating in a Free to Love workshop may help you achieve greater emotional freedom and relief from your symptoms.

Finally, people with fibromyalgia who participate in the Chopra Center’s ayurvedic detoxification program (which includes panchakarma cleansing and instruction in daily practices for physical and emotional wellbeing) often report feeling a great improvement in the quality of their lives.

With love,
David