TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
September 23rd, 2008
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by debilitating fatigue and a variety of associated physical, constitutional and neuropsychological symptoms. Symptoms include unexplained prolonged fatigue lasting six months or longer, muscle and joint pain, headaches, cognitive impairment, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, post-exertional fatigue, and unrefreshing sleep.
Up to 80 percent of people with chronic fatigue do not know they have it. Women are four times as likely to be affected as men, commonly within the age group between 40 and 59 years of age, according to the CDC.
Because there is no known cure, there is no defined therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. No two CFS patients have the exactly the same symptom set. Allopathic medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the symptoms of fatigue, including diffuse pain and feverishness. However, these medications do not address the root cause of the condition.
CFS shares symptoms with many other diseases, and diagnosis must be made on an exclusionary basis, first ruling out diseases with similar symptoms, including fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, lupus, multiple sclerosis, primary sleep disorders, and chronic mononucleosis.
Chronic fatigue syndrome may be due to environmental causes such as improper diet and inadequate rest or may result from health conditions such as low blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, anemia, and viral and bacterial infections, among others.
Treatment for chronic fatigue may incorporate overexertion prevention, reduced stress, dietary restrictions, stretching, and nutritional supplementation. Acupuncture, as well as other traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies, can work in conjunction with allopathic medications by improving mood and stabilizing disordered sleep cycles.
TCM utilizes a combination of modalities to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, such as acupuncture, moxibustion (burning mugwort or other medicinal herbs on selected acupuncture points), massage therapy, dietary modification, stretching and movement therapies (Tai Chi, yoga), and Chinese herbal formulas.
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue can treat many of the root origins of fatigue, including stress, insomnia and depression. Symptoms of chronic fatigue that can be treated with acupuncture range from dry skin and anemia to concentration difficulties, muscle cramps, weight loss, low energy, and hair loss.
Various malfunctions in the endocrine, cardiovascular and digestive body systems that cause chronic fatigue can also be treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture for CFS effectively re-harmonizes a disturbed sleep-wake cycle, improves sleeping patterns and decreases pain that can cause sleep difficulties.
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue can correct imbalances causing insomnia without creating side effects and increases serotonin levels, a chemical that aids sleep. Additionally, acupuncture can enhance vital energy, nourish blood, and increase lymph circulation. Acupuncture points selected during treatment address the root of the problem, such as chi blockage or deficiency, while other selected points reduce occurrence of specific symptoms, such as headache. Benefits of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic fatigue may include: Less pain, relaxation, improved overall health, and strengthening of the immune system.
For more information about acupuncture and other TCM modalities for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome call Dr. Richard Browne, Acupuncture Physician, at (305) 595-9500.
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