Fibromyalgia is a non-life-threatening, chronic disorder of the muscles and related soft tissue, including ligaments and tendons. Its main symptoms are muscle pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points at certain parts of the body. Many people describe Fibromyalgia as feeling like a persistent flu.
Muscle pain, either throughout the body or only at certain points, is the primary symptom. It may range from mild discomfort to pain severe enough to limit work, social activities, and everyday tasks. Pain commonly occurs in the neck, shoulders, chest, rib cage, lower back and thighs and may feel like a burning, gnawing, throbbing, stabbing, or aching sensation and may develop gradually. It usually seems worse when a person is trying to relax and is less noticeable during activity.
A related, key aspect of Fibromyalgia is the presence of “tender points,” muscles and tendons that are tender when pressed. Typically, tender points are located in the neck, back, knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip.
In conventional medicine still we do not know what causes Fibromyalgia. There are several theories about possible causes or triggers. Inadequate sleep is a possible trigger. Another is suffering an injury or physical or emotional trauma that affects the brain, spine, and nerves. Some experts believe that a viral or bacterial infection plays a part.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fibromyalgia is a type of Bi syndrome which by definition Bi means obstruction and could be caused by wind, cold and dampness. Due to the obstruction of channels (energy) Qi and Blood cannot circulate so that Painful Obstruction Syndrome will develop.
Painful Obstruction Syndrome is due to the combined invasion of Wind, Cold and Dampness, causing swelling and pain. It is due to a weak body condition and the space between skin and muscles being open, which allows the Wind to penetrate