The complexity of fibromyalgia does not allow this disease to be treated well in the 8 to 15 minute visits as this time does not cover all the dysfunctions this disease causes.
It is not easy to diagnose such affection as there is no specific test for fibromyalgia yet. Most doctors are using the family history and the presence of at least 11 tender points in the patient in order to diagnose fibromyalgia.
Until now the causes of fibromyalgia are not completely known. It seems that the central nervous system is responsible for the pain sensitivity and response and that a traumatic illness or injury might trigger this affection. Researchers are trying to see if genetics, autoimmune dysfunction or the environment can cause fibromyalgia too.
The pain in not every day of the same intensity, it is variable. Sometimes there can be only mild muscle stiffness and sometimes the pain can be so intense that the patient can not perform its simple daily activities.
There is no cure for fibromyalgia. The treatment is trying to bring the patient in a stage it can manage the symptoms by it own. As the symptoms vary from patient to patient, the treatment is prescribed in a certain way for each of the patients. This kind of treatment is made on a long term and needs a lot of patient and dedication. The treatment program consists out of lifestyle changes, diet changes, stress management, exercising, massage and acupuncture. There are specialized centers which deal with fibromyalgia and can help a patient to adopt a certain treatment easier.
Other symptoms of fibromyalgia are: exhaustion, body pain which resembles to that caused by the flu; the presence of tender points, body aches, insomnia and depression (which is not caused by traumatic events but by chronic discomfort); some might complain about irritable bowel syndrome, others about headaches which are reoccurring periodically; in some cases the patients present reoccurring infections and cognitive problems.
In dealing with fibromyalgia it is important for the patient to have the family and friends around, to know that they support him and are ready to help in difficult moments.
The Plant
The eucalyptus has leaves that are leathery in texture hanging obliquely or vertically from its stem. These leaves contain various glands that secret fragrant volatile oil which can be used for various medicinal purposes.
The eucalyptus has flowers, which when in bud are covered with a cup-like membrane, hence the name which means "well-covered". When the flower expands and comes into full bloom, the bud membranes are thrown off as a lid. The eucalyptus fruit is surrounded by a woody, cup-shaped receptacle, containing numerous tiny seeds.
Eucalyptus trees grow quickly. Many of its species grow to a height of 480 feet, exceeding even that of the California giant sequoia. Eucalyptus trees yield timber but they are all the more valuable for the oil they produce. The oils derived from Eucalyptus leaves are roughly divided into three classes of commercial importance, the medicinal oils, the industrial oils, and the aromatic oils.
Medicinal Oil
Oil is extracted from Eucalyptus leaves by aqueous distillation. It is a colorless or straw-colored liquid substance with a characteristic odor and taste and soluble in its own weight of alcohol. Probably the most powerful antiseptic of its class, Eucalyptus oil has decided disinfectant action. It is most effective when its old and it can destroy the lower forms of life.
The most important constituent of Eucalyptus oil is eucalyptol. E. globulus species contains up to 70 per cent of eucalyptol, making it an effective disinfectant.
Internally, Eucalyptus oil acts like a typical volatile oil to a marked degree. It is a stimulant and can be used as an antiseptic gargle. If locally applied, Eucalyptus oil can impair sensibility and increase cardiac action. With its antiseptic properties, the oil from this plant may have some action against malaria but its not as powerful as the more traditional anti-malarial remedy, Cinchona.
Two of the major effects of Eucalyptus are its role in balancing and stimulation. Its middle note aroma, reminiscent of camphorous or woody scents make it an important ingredient in aroma therapy and as a nasal inhalant. Eucalyptus has many medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antiviral, and stimulant.
Eucalyptus can be used as an air disinfectant and a decongestant. It is used to fight asthma, bronchitis, treat burns, cuts, flue, and headaches. The strong aroma of eucalyptus acts as an effective insect repellant. It can treat muscle aches, rheumatism, sinusitis, skin ulcers, urinary infections, and wounds.
How to do a Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation allows hot, moist air to enter the respiratory tract. Eucalyptus is known for its decongestant properties. By using the oil as a steam inhalation, your nasal passages and sinuses can be cleared.
To prepare a Eucalyptus steam inhalation, you need the following materials: kettle with boiling water, oil (E. globulus), sheet or large towel, and large bowl or container.
Once you have all these, carefully pour about 4-6 cubs of boiling water from the kettle into the large bowl. Then, add three drops of oil. Hold your head over the bowl, eyes looking down on it. Next, cover your head with the sheet or towel. Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply. Do this for about 15 minutes until your nasal passages are cleared.
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