Share What Alternative Therapies You Have Tried

What alternative therapies have you tried?

The main alternative therapy that I have had the most success with is the essential oils.

When I talk to a lot of mainstream doctors about this therapy, they usually discount it as just aromatherapy. It is a lot more than that and I am usually surprised at their misunderstanding. Since the oils are absorbed through the skin they can treat and relieve a lot of symptoms, pain included. Doctors should know this since many medicines are prescribed and applied this way.

I use a special Fibro Blend on my chest and spine that relieves many of my symptoms. Lately I have found that a new symptom of chest pain and shortness of breath is relieved when my husband massages my ribs, sternum and vertebrae with the blend. I also find a lot of blends that relieve congestion and help with breathing.

There are essential oils that can be taken internally to help with digestion, inflammation, constipation, pain, etc. But be careful, because many oils cannot and should never be taken internally. Most can be diffused or inhaled and most can be topically applied. But again check first. Especially if you intend to use the oil on or near eyes, nose, ears, mouth, or genitals. Oils that may be fine elsewhere may not be in these areas. Children and pets can benefit from certain oils, too. But again the oils may be limited or may need to be diluted.

I have also used foam rolling, physical therapy, stretching, massage, myofascial release, dry sauna, diet changes, and probably some others that I am forgetting. I really enjoy Tai Chi and Yoga but am severely limited to availability of services in my area and transportation.

What results were you looking for and what was the outcome?

I was and still am looking for improved health.

The outcome of the alternative treatments was good for the most part. I keep having setbacks though. A new symptom occurs, like this latest one. My doctor, rightfully so, wanted me checked out at the ER for a pulmonary embolism. Show up at an ER with chest pain and shortness of breath and they immediately check you for a heart attack. I spent over 24 hours between the ER and being admitted for a battery of tests. Which were all negative. Those doctors had no answers even though I had told them I had Fibro. The result was a setback of weakness and having to find out what worked for me without the 'experts' help. Now after about 2 weeks I feel like I am back to start again.

How open is your medical team to your integration of alternative therapies?

I really do not have a team. My primary care doctor though is very open to talking with me and listening to what I am trying and doing. He also has fibro and is interested to know if the alternative treatments are working for me. He does seem to understand that what works for me may not work for him. He even has told me before that if I find a different doctor to work with he would understand.

What therapies are interested in trying?

I would be interested in trying acupuncture. But it would have to be with a licensed, certified, experienced doctor or clinician.

I am not sure there are any within my area. I do know of some but I do not know their credentials.