What role does mental stress play in fibromyalgia? Can stress management programs relieve symptoms?
Fibromyalgia often begins after some mental, physical or emotional trauma. Also many individuals experience their symptoms worsen when they come under extra stress. The body has a very powerful neuroendocrine response to perceived challenge, which is well documented to exacerbate many disorders. Since life by nature will always have some level of challenge, it is important to be able to help the body quickly return to its neuroendocrine baseline after stressful experience. In fact, stress isn’t necessarily bad for the physiology, unless the body is unable to restore biochemical balance after the experience of challenge. We recommend the Transcendental Meditation® program, since there are over 600 studies showing the benefit of the practice, many published in highly regarded scientific journals. Practicing a mental stress management program like the TM technique is an essential part of a natural approach to fibromyalgia.
