Once again, fibromyalgia -- also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) -- responds far better to exercise and behavioral therapy than to drugs, like the antidepressant Duloxetine, according to a study commissioned by the NHS (the UK counterpart to America's FDA).

Based on a meta-review of 70 individual studies, exercise and cognitive therapy were far more effective in reducing the physical symptoms and improving the mental functioning of adults stricken with fibromyalgia.

Most drug-based treatments -- think toxic antidepressants that can harm your immune system -- didn't work at all. What's more, the few drugs that did work (immunological and anti-viral treatments) were also associated with harmful side effects.

That's why I believe natural solutions, like the ones listed below, get to the heart of the problem more safely and effectively.

• Address the emotions that can harm your health by learning how to use the Emotional Freedom Technique, the energy psychology tool used daily in my practice.
• Eat the foods your body burns best according to your body's unique nutritional type.
• Get the right amount of exercise, taking great care to be cautious about the frequency.

Medical News Today October 1, 2006

BBC News September 29, 2006