There has been much speculation recently as to the status of the National Fibromyalgia Association due to their recent staff layoffs and cutbacks on major programs and services. Many of us have been left frustrated with their silence as to the state of things. For me, I was most concerned that the FM community would lose its most visible non-profit voice. Despite its recent struggles, the NFA has been the leader in bringing focus, awareness, and understanding to fibromyalgia. We have all benefited, if even indirectly, from their efforts. If there is one constant in life - it is change. And … [Read more...]
My Journey in Healing: The Efforts and the Rewards
It has been nearly two months since I started my yoga teacher training program and I have learned so much. The Benefits: Yoga heals. A recent study on yoga for fibromyalgia conducted at Oregon Health & Science University confirms what I have been experiencing since beginning my yoga practice 18 months ago - "yoga appears to assist in combating a number of serious fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, fatigue, stiffness, poor sleep, depression, poor memory, anxiety and poor balance. All of these improvements were shown to be not only statistically but also clinically significant, meaning … [Read more...]
Brain Connectivity in Fibromyalgia Associated With Chronic Pain Intensity
A new study published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism finds that Fibromyalgia patients have greater connectivity in regions of the brain known to process evoked pain. Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on 36 female subjects - 18 fibromyalgia patients and 18 healthy subjects - to obtain their newly published results: Our results clearly show that individuals with FM have greater connectivity between multiple brain networks and the insular cortex, which is a brain region previously linked with evoked pain processing and hyperexcitability in FM," … [Read more...]
Learning to Be Mindful Through Meditation
Book Review and Giveaway Last May I challenged myself to a 30 day writing project. My thought being, it takes roughly 30 days to develop a habit, so for each day in May I wrote a blog post. It was a success on some levels, but I failed at making writing a daily habit. Writing is a form of meditation for me. I write more than what you see here on my blog. I do not always enjoy the process of writing, but I enjoy it most when I am singularly focused on it and my only purpose is on finishing my current sentence and thought. I love those moments when I am completely absorbed in the act of … [Read more...]
Do This Don’t Do That
There is a lot of Fibromyalgia information on the web. In the same day - same hour really - you can read seven "expert" and yet conflicting articles. One blog (maybe mine) will tell you to try yoga, while the next will tell you to avoid all types of exercise. One expert will tell you the condition is rheumatological, and the next will tell you it is neurological. One article will tell you your symptoms will never go away completely, the next will say you can heal completely if you do this, and don't do that. And some articles simply take all the conflicting information out there and … [Read more...]