Abstract

HERBAL THERAPIES IN FIBROMYALGIA: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Girendra Kumar Gautam, Sabiya Praveen*, Atul Rana

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive dysfunction, and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It significantly affects the quality of life of patients and poses a major challenge due to its complex pathophysiology and the absence of a permanent cure. Current treatment mainly focuses on symptom management using pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. However, conventional medications often provide only partial relief and may produce undesirable side effects, encouraging many patients to explore complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as an additional or alternative treatment option. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of traditional medical systems, herbal medicines, and other complementary therapies in the management of fibromyalgia. This review summarizes the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of fibromyalgia. The literature was reviewed and categorized into four major groups based on the origin of the therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese natural harmonization therapies such as Reiki, Ayurvedic medicine, and other non-drug interventions. Various herbal medicinal products and traditional treatment approaches have been investigated for their potential to reduce pain, improve sleep quality, decrease fatigue, enhance physical function, and support mental well-being. Several studies have reported that Traditional Chinese Medicine, including herbal formulations and acupuncture, may help reduce pain intensity and improve overall quality of life. Similarly, Reiki and other mind-body therapies have shown beneficial effects in reducing stress, anxiety, and pain perception. Ayurvedic interventions, including herbal medicines, yoga, and lifestyle modifications, have also demonstrated encouraging outcomes in improving both physical and psychological symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. In addition, several herbal medicinal products possessing analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties have shown potential benefits in managing fibromyalgia and neuropathic pain. Other complementary approaches such as meditation, exercise, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral interventions have also been found to improve functional capacity and emotional health in many patients. Although many clinical studies have reported positive findings, the available evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, differences in treatment protocols, variations in study quality, and short follow-up periods. Therefore, the current evidence should be interpreted with caution. Overall, complementary and alternative medicine appears to be a promising supportive approach for the management of fibromyalgia and may improve both physical and psychological outcomes when used alongside conventional therapy. Since fibromyalgia has no definitive cure, achieving effective symptom control and improving the quality of life remain the primary goals of treatment. Further well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are required to establish the long-term safety, efficacy, and standardization of herbal medicines and other complementary therapies before they can be routinely recommended in clinical practice.

Keywords: Fibromyalgia; Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Herbal Medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ayurveda; Non-pharmacological Therapy.