This is a series of articles involving past clients who, with their names changed, are happy for me to tell their story in the hope it will help other people.
In this case my client, whom I shall call Susan, had been back and forth to the doctors for several years with a collection of issues. Each time whichever doctor she saw picked one symptom to deal with and told her they could tackle another later on.
This was despite the fact that she had told them all these symptoms come on at the same time and go at the same time, were they part of one condition. No! the answer she got each time.
Finally, she saw a new doctor and straight away she was told it could well be Fibromyalgia, although test would have to be done to rule out any other illnesses. Sadly, there is no test for FM, it is a case of when all else is ruled out then it must be FM.
You may be wondering what on earth is FM? It is a condition which affects mainly women, although men can get it too. It typically develops between the ages of 25 to 55, although young and elderly can also get it. It is a long-term chronic condition with a range of symptoms along with pain in many parts of the body. It can also cause headaches and IBS type symptoms.
As you can see in this image there are a lot of possible symptoms and it can vary in each person. So, the approach of treating each symptom at a time can mean reaching a diagnosis of FM is a long journey.
It is thought that there are at least 1.5 to 2 million suffers in the UK alone. Although, the figure is probably higher as many have not been diagnosed.
Just as there is no definitive test for Fm, equally there is no treatment. It is about making changes to your lifestyle, treatments for several of the symptoms and the use of anti-depressants.
Susan wasn’t keen to take any drugs until she really had to, so she looked at complimentary solutions. That was when a friend of hers, and a former client of mine recommended me. I too have been this road and have the same condition which I control nature and some complementary practices when needed.
I won’t go heavy on what happens when we spend time in nature, however the short answer is…
It lowers cortisol & blood pressure which enables the body to deal better with pain and improves physical function. The gentle movement of Shinrin Yoku doesn’t cause overexertion which will trigger a flare up
Boosts the immune system which helps us to fight illness.
Improves sleep which helps to fight the fatigue of Fm.
Improves your mood and how well you cope with your condition.
Helps you get a different perspective on life and your problems.
In my way of the Tree, I also teach meditation, breathwork, mindfulness and some Japanese philosophies. All of which works well to get the most out of the Shinrin Yoku sessions. I aim to teach people how they can do this for themselves, but in the knowledge, they can come back to me at any time if needed.
Susan enjoyed her sessions and soon began to feel the difference; she began to see how the different practices and Japanese philosophies I taught her could help her mentally and physically.
I am pleased to report Susan has been able to greatly reduce the number of flare ups in a year and how bad they were. She has a positive, hope filled outlook that with practice she will become even better at her practices and her Fm will be even less of a bother.
If you or someone you know suffers from Fibromyalgia or is not being the best version of themselves, struggling with life, wants to change aspects of their lives, in short to be happy.
Join me next month for another case file, perhaps this might sound like you.
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