The diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is one of exclusion. It is a chronic musculoskeletal pain that involves the muscles, ligaments and tendons of the body. Chronic headache, fatigue, sleep disorders and irritable bowel problems often accompany fibromyalgia.
The stances and postures practiced in Sign Chi Do are designed to align the body properly, which not only strengthens the muscles, but also prevents injury by avoiding unnecessary strain to the joints and ligaments that support the body. Practicing Sign Chi Do helps chronic headaches and neck pain by strengthening the core muscles and improves oxygenation in the body by deep diaphragmatic breathing.
One of the biggest complaints expressed by people who have fibromyalgia is fatigue or lack of energy, which is often associated with impaired memory and concentration problems. Sign Chi Do teaches how to harmonize the mind and body through breathing, thought and movement. The frontal lobe of the brain is stimulated by having an ‘intent’ when you move rather than having just random arm movements. The intention area of the brain improves concentration.
The Sign Chi Do techniques also help to release substances in the brain called serotonin, dopamine and glutamate which can be very effective with the sleep disorders and feelings of fatigue that plague many people with fibromyalgia.
The deep belly breathing practiced in Sign Chi Do promotes digestion by causing a massaging effect on the intestines with each deep breath. This helps improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome often accompanying fibromyalgia.
The movement exercises practiced in Sign Chi Do can have a profound effect in helping to cope with the problems associated with fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome.
