Fibromyalgia affects approximately 2% of the population(mainly women). Here are some interesting findings that suggest a strong mind/body connection with the occurrence of fibromyalgia in this group:

·        Approximately half of the women with fibromyalgia have a history of traumatic events (in either childhood or adulthood).

·        Anxiety, depression and mood disorders are prevalent before and after the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

·        40-60% of women diagnosed with fibromyalgia reported that there was sexual abuse during childhood or adulthood.

·        70% of women with fibromyalgia report other types of physical or emotional trauma.

·        Major depression is combined with fibromyalgia in 20% of the cases studied.

·        To a lesser degree (than major depression),anxiety disorders, phobias (e.g. panic attacks) and dysthymia (another type of depression) are reported.

·        There is no “fibromyalgia personality”.

Source:  European Psychiatry, Jan. 2009 Property of Elsevier Science Publishing Company, Inc.

I am a strong believer in the mind/body connection.  My recent studies have led me to realize that our CEOs (i.e. our brains) may be injured during the course of our lives in a number of ways: physical injury, environmental injury (i.e. pollutants), nutritional (inadequate or unbalanced diet) and emotional trauma.  These injuries lead the brain to function at less than optimal levels...it is not a case of blame...anymore than you can blame yourself for spraining an ankle.

When the brain sustains any of the injuries described above it will not function at the brainwaves necessary for optimal body functioning.  This means there will be body fatigue, hormone imbalances, body aches and pains etc.

Neurofeedback has been shown to train the brain to get back on track and resolve the injury once and for all.  It is non-invasive  and it does not hurt.  It is actually interesting and even fun to participate in neurofeedback.  The only drawback is that since it is new (developing over the last 30 years) and leading edge (the knowledge base is growing rapidly), most insurance companies will not cover treatments.  However, what price can you put on your well being and quality of life?  It seems that the cost (probably equivalent to the cost of wearing dental braces) would be well worth it.

Best to you all.