Natural Health: I developed fibromyalgia during a stressful time at work

My scalp is itchy and has started to flake. Is there a natural hair tonic I could use?

Stress, trauma, anxiety, allergies, hormonal fluctuations, infection, weather change, and fever are all common triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups.

I developed fibromyalgia during a stressful time at work. The muscle spasms come and go, usually triggered by cold weather or emotional upset. I'm in my late 40s and also going through menopause. What would you advise?

Stress, trauma, anxiety, allergies, hormonal fluctuations, infection, weather change, and fever are all common triggers for fibromyalgia flare-ups. It was once thought that a bacterial or viral infection was the root cause of the condition, and while this has not been ruled out completely, it has yet to be proven conclusively.

The term fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues of the body (muscles, ligaments, and tendons). Fibromyalgia is linked to 18 key pain sites, from the base of the skull down to the knees. As part of the diagnostic process, doctors typically look for extreme tenderness at 11 or more of these points that persists for at least three months. X-rays and blood tests usually show up as normal.

The pain can appear instantly or develop slowly. It is often described as a severe ache and a stiff sensation in the muscles, characterised by shooting, throbbing, burning, or sharp pain. Most sufferers also experience extreme fatigue, lack of sleep, and brain fog.

The central nervous system (CNS) is responsible for transmitting pain signals. In people with fibromyalgia, elevated levels of cerebrospinal fluid may contribute to the reason why their bodies perceive and process pain differently. Low serotonin levels are another common marker. Whether this causes the pain or interferes with the transmission of pain messages from the body to the brain is not yet fully understood.

More than half of all individuals who develop fibromyalgia have an inflammatory bowel or gut disorder, which is why supplementation with a high-quality probiotic is a good place to start. Cutting out processed foods and choosing whole foods is key — from there, you can begin to build a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.

Magnesium and malic acid have been shown to aid in muscle relaxation and improve energy levels. Many sufferers are deficient in magnesium, while malic acid helps with absorption and also aids in fighting fatigue. The recommended dosage is 200mg of magnesium and 600mg of malic acid, twice daily.

Acupuncture has shown some promising results in treating fibromyalgia pain, reducing the number of tender points and the level of pain experienced. While it is not a cure, it can be a helpful adjunct to medications or other treatments.

Another physical therapy which shows encouraging results in treating fibromyalgia is the Bowen Technique. Bowen involves a series of gentle pressures applied to specific areas, allowing the body to self-regulate and initiate its own healing process. To find a Bowen therapist, check out the website bowenireland.com

My scalp is itchy and has started to flake. Is there a natural hair tonic you could recommend?

The most common cause of an itchy, flaky scalp is the overgrowth of the specific yeast, Pityrosporum ovale. 

Hair or skin products you are using may be the cause of the irritation. 

You can make a soothing oil to massage into your scalp and restore balance. It is worth investing in a silicone scalp massager, allowing you to gently apply scalp relief treatments without scratching the skin.

Use a base of argan, jojoba, and/or black seed (nigella sativa) oil to help condition, soothe, and balance your scalp microflora. For every 45ml of oil base, add 15ml of castor oil. Combine with five drops of tea tree essential oil, three drops each of lavender and rosemary essential oils, and one drop of peppermint essential oil.

Shake the blend together in a small jar or whisk it in a bowl. Dip the scalp massager in the oil blend so that it coats the very tips, and then use this to massage your head each evening. As the itching and flaking improve, you can apply this treatment once a week instead of nightly.

A probiotic supplement will further help balance the beneficial bacteria found in your gut and on your skin. Intestinal issues are closely linked to skin health, as well as our immune health.