Clinical Benefits Of Tcm In The Treatment Of Cfs Patients Nowadays
Two kinds of therapeutic methods are often applied in a TCM clinic. One is treatment for the symptoms and the other is for the TCM pathogenesis. The former is called âBianbing Lunzhiâ. The latter is named âBianzheng Lunzhiâ which the treatment is based on the TCM pathogenesis summarized from the systemic symptoms and signs. In the CFS clinic, the two methods are widely utilized.
Alternative Or Complementary Medicine
Since there is no standard treatment for CFS/ME, people often consider alternatives to traditional medicine or use non-traditional treatments to complement their other medications. Commonly used alternative and complementary treatments include:
- Mind-body treatments, like qigong, tai chi, and meditation
- Trigger point therapy, called myofascial release
- Chiropractic treatments
Complementary therapies have received mixed results when scientifically studied. Before beginning an alternative or complementary treatment, talk with your doctor to ensure that you arent trying something potentially dangerous.
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Sleep Suggestions For Fighting Fatigue
A common cause of fatigue is not enough sleep, or poor quality sleep. Suggestions include:
- Get enough sleep two-thirds of us suffer from sleep problems, and many people dont get the sleep they need to stay alert through the day. Some recommendations on getting a good nights sleep include: go to bed and get up in the morning at the same time every day, avoid naps through the day, and have a warm bath or shower before bed.
- Limit caffeine too much caffeine, particularly in the evening, can cause insomnia. Limit caffeinated drinks to five or less per day, and avoid these types of drinks after dinner.
- Learn how to relax a common cause of insomnia is fretting about problems while lying in bed. Experiment with different relaxation techniques until you find one or two that work for you for example, you could think of a restful scene, focus on your breathing, or silently repeat a calming mantra or phrase.
- Avoid sleeping pills sleeping pills are not a long-term solution because they dont address the causes of insomnia.
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What Factors Pose A Risk
Are there really any heightened risk factors for people to constantly be more tired than others? Unfortunately, the short answer is YES! There are actually two main factors to take into consideration when looking deeper into CFS.
Unfortunately, the following two factors cant really be controlled.
Most women never stop, and thus, they are more likely to be diagnosed with this type of medical dilemma and appear more tired than men. However, it is also speculated that women tend to be better communicators and might just be reporting these symptoms more than men. Therefore, CFS patients could be pretty equal in terms of prevalence between genders.
Of course, CFS can happen at any age, but its especially common in individuals who are middle-aged. As you get older, its harder to sustain your energy as in your younger years.
Do you find that you fall into both categories and that its harder to feel refreshed after a good nights sleep? These factors may be the reason why youre more susceptible to tiredness and feel like you cant escape your feelings of exhaustion.
Plus, as our bodies grow and change, theres the heightened possibility that people will experience more fatigue as they age. However, there are some clear signs that indicate that there is more of a problem than the regular signs of aging or gender.
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S To Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a chronic illness characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for more than six months. This fatigue cannot be explained away by an underlying medical condition. In fact, one of the diseases principle challenges is that its impossible to diagnose with laboratory tests. However, some professionals believe it is closely related to adrenal fatigue or system wide inflammation of the body.
The process for diagnosis usually begins with ruling out possible underlying diseases and chronic conditions until the only choice left is chronic fatigue syndrome. Left untreated, it decreases stamina, memory and concentration.
Chronic fatigue syndrome can result in strained relationships with friends and family, especially when it remain undiagnosed and/or untreated. Guilt, anxiety and anger are all common emotional responses for those fighting chronic fatigue.
Currently, over 1 million Americans are suffering from this debilitating illness that manifests with a lack of energy and motivation, and women are 24 times more likely than men to be diagnosed.
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How Can An Osteopath Help My Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There are a few treatment options for CFS. Alternative medicine to treat CFS can be to see an osteopath. Research has shown an established a link between poor lymphatic drainage and chronic fatigue syndrome. Indeed recent investigations have led to a probable cause of the nervous system being overloaded resulting in a build-up of toxins in the fluid around the brain and the spinal cord.
An osteopath will focus on increasing the potential of lymphatic drainage throughout the whole body. They manually stimulate the fluid motion around the brain and spinal cord. Massage soft tissues in the head, neck, back, and chest to direct all of the toxins out of the lymphatic system and into the blood. They are then eventually detoxified by the liver.
Once the nervous system is free of toxins it begins to function more normally. Providing the patient doesnt overdo it, their symptoms should gradually improve.
When blood and lymphatics flow freely, the tissues can perform their functions without impedance. With the occurrence of trauma , the tissues contract, twist, and compress. The fluid flow becomes obstructed. Micro-climates of under perfusion result, and are considered to be a significant contributor to the onset of disease. Osteopathic manipulation restores freedom in the tissues, normalizes fluid flow and thus inherent physiologic function follows.
Get The Right Help Naturally
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a collection of symptoms with no single identifiable cause. Therefore, there is no single drug that can be used as a cure for this illness. My belief is, that had I started taking any form of pharmaceutical medication to alleviate my symptoms it could have potentially created even further stress on my already weakened system.
It did take me quite some time to find the fantastically caring and knowledgeable naturopath who finally got me well. There were a couple of wrong turns I took along the way.
I previously tried a couple of naturopaths who unfortunately couldnt offer any lasting help. Whilst I followed their protocols to the letter, they simply werent the right protocols for me.
In simple terms, the naturopaths lacking experience in treating this illness, failed to carry out adequate testing to get to the root cause of my chronic fatigue syndrome.
Finding a naturopath/functional medicine practitioner who has experience treating chronic fatigue syndrome is VERY important.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is tricky to treat as there can be so many different causes of the illness. There is no specific chronic fatigue syndrome test. Each person with chronic fatigue syndrome has their own individual form of the illness. And it takes someone with special knowledge to know what to look for and which tests to perform for each patient.
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Hydrogen Peroxide Inhalation Method
Sent to us by Bill Munro of Michigan, one of the most promising remedies we have heard about for CFS consists of inhaling hydrogen peroxide from a nasal pump 6 times a day. Click here to read up more on this important cure. Bill believes the peroxide has cured him of prostate cancer and also prevented him from getting a cold or flu for the past 13 years.
Natural Treatment For Chronic Fatigue
Lifestyle Changes
Certain changes in lifestyle will have to be incorporated to minimize the severity of the symptoms. These changes focus on diet and exercise. An exercise reduction plan is often chalked out for patients. The patient has to refrain from intense exercise, which would otherwise leave him/her exhausted.
At the same time, mild exercise is required to prevent muscle degeneration. This can be taken up in the form of yoga and short walks, which do not tire you out excessively.The diet will have to be closely managed and monitored. It will need a host of essential nutrients and vitamins like protein and the crucial B vitamins, which help to energize the body.
Apart from these, an intake of a healthy and nourishing diet is necessary. This includes fruits, vegetables, fibre and grains, which fuel energy levels and prevent you from getting dips in the blood sugar levels.
Antibiotics
Certain antibiotics like amoxicillin may be given. This is because patients suffering from chronic fatigue show a likelihood of developing virulent strains of pneumonic infections. Taking antibiotics may reduce the chances and severity of developing an infection.
Meditation
Calcium And Magnesium
These two important minerals strengthen the bones, reduce muscular cramps and help patients to sleep easy at night. A condition called as restless legs is very common in people suffering from chronic fatigue. This can be curbed and controlled with an adequate intake of calcium.
Ginseng
Drug Therapy
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Build Peace And Relax
CFS can be debilitating both physically and mentally. Suffering from persistent exhaustion, reduced brain cognition, chronic muscle and joint pain, stress, and even guilt takes a toll on the body, and psyche.
Long-term stress control and relaxation must be a vital portion of any protocol used to overcome chronic fatigue syndrome. While seemingly impossible, its imperative that sufferers of CFS do their best to effectively manage stress, and rest.
The Power of Rest
Rest means more than just sleep. Dedicate one day per week when you dont have any responsibilities or commitments. Truly commit to a full day of rest. This gives your body and mind a much-needed respite helping to fight stress, anxiety and exhaustion. Its also important during the week, if you are having a particularly difficult day, to not overtax yourself.
While regular exercise supports wellness and helps to diminish stress, individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome need to exercise at a controlled intensity. High-intensity workouts can leave you drained for several days.
Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy has been shown to help with fatigue, mental clarity and depression in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. According to a study released in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, individuals with CFS were recommended to perform aerobic activities, at the clinic twice per month, in combination with at-home exercises for roughly 5-15 minutes in duration, five days per week.
Sleep
What Nutrients May Benefit Cfs
- Roburin-rich French oak wood extract: In an open-label controlled trial that evaluated patients with CFS, roburin-rich French oak wood extract was demonstrated to relieve a wide range of CFS symptoms.
- L-carnitine: A study of CFS subjects compared the FDA-approved antiviral drug amantadine with L-carnitine authors concluded L-carnitine was better tolerated and produced significantly greater clinical improvement.
- D-ribose: Ribose is critical to the synthesis of important biological compounds as well as many compounds involved in cellular energy production and transfer, and low levels of ATP generation are considered one possible underlying mechanism for fatigue upon minimal exertion in CFS.
- Probiotics:Several studies have found that probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium may decrease symptoms of CFS.
- B vitamins: B vitamin-related enzyme activity has been found to be lower in patients with CFS, and women receiving a daily low potency multivitamin/mineral supplement containing B vitamins had significantly less fatigue, better sleep, and fewer and less intense headaches.
- Adaptogenic herbs: Adaptogenic herbs are of particular interest in CFS due to their reputation for boosting energy as well as their possible effects on the HPA-axis and on supporting healthy immune system function. Some adaptogens considered promising for CFS include Rhodiola rosea , Panax ginseng, and Ashwagandha.
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Form Healthy Sleeping Habits
Good sleep habits are especially important for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time in the morning. Create a quiet, dark, comfortable haven in your bedroom that you use only for sleep do not use phones or computers or watch TV in this space. Also, avoid using electronics close to bedtime.
Pro tip: Create your own comfortable haven in your bedroom by reducing electronics and noise while also keeping your room dark and cool.
Eat your last meal several hours ahead of when you turn in for the night. Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening. If you can tolerate exercise, do it in the early part of the day to help you drift off faster at night. Together, these ideas will improve your ability to fall and stay asleep. For more ideas, check out our Canât Sleep? Causes and Natural Solution article.
Get Plenty Of Exercises
Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Exercise is essential for keeping your muscles and joints healthy, which also helps to stave off chronic fatigue syndrome. If exercising every day is not ideal for your situation, then try for 30 minutes at least three times weekly.
Most people assume that going to the gym is the only way to hit their exercise quota. However, this is not so. There are plenty of other ways to get your recommended daily activities, such as:
- Integrating a brisk walk into your daily routine
- Using the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible
- Instead of walking your dog, jog with your dog instead
- Do abdominal crunches and triceps dips while watching television
- Be creative. Pump up the music and dance while cleaning your home
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Seek The Correct Diagnosis
An astounding 84 to 91 percent of people with CFS have yet to receive a correct diagnosis, according to a February 2015 paper by the Committee on the Diagnostic Criteria for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Most often, if doctors do not know what is wrong with a patient, they consider it to be depression or anxiety, which implies to family members that this is not a real illness, notes Dr. Teitelbaum. As a result, the insurance companies use that as an excuse not to pay your disability benefits or cover your health insurance costs.
In addition, its helpful for your treatment to get a diagnosis from a physician. If you suspect you have CFS but havent gotten a diagnosis, look for a doctor who specializes in the condition.
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Increase Potassium And Magnesium Intake
Research shows that both potassium and magnesium can help improve the symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Magnesium
In a study published in the UK medical journal The Lancet, chronic fatigue syndrome patients were found to have low magnesium levels that accounted for a low red blood cell count.
In this study, patients that were treated with magnesium supplements self-reported improved energy levels, a more balanced emotional state and less pain. At the end of the six-week study, all patients that were given magnesium had their red cell magnesium levels return to normal.
If you have chronic fatigue syndrome, consider adding these magnesiumrich foods to add to your diet: spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt and kefir, almonds, black beans, avocados, figs, dark chocolate and bananas.
These delicious foods can help you overcome chronic fatigue, one of the symptoms of a magnesium deficiency, and support healthy nerve function, healthy blood sugar levels, blood pressure regulation, and much more. Its estimated that nearly 80 percent of Americans are currently deficient in this essential mineral.
Potassium
Potassium is responsible for proper electrolyte balance in the body. Potassium-rich foods include avocados, spinach, sweet potatoes, coconut water, kefir and yogurt, white beans, bananas, acorn squash, dried apricots and mushrooms.
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Summary Of The Evidence
A total of 84 RCTs, including 6,944 individuals, were identified for analysis. The findings demonstrated that CHM as adjuvant therapy or monotherapy for CFS could decrease the FS-14, FAI, SCL-90, SAS, SDS, and clinical symptom scores and improve IGA, IGG, IGM, and the effective rate.
Two internationally recognized scales were used to quantitatively assess fatigue. The FS-14 developed by Trudie Chalde et al. in 1993 consists of 14 items, each of which is a fatigue-related question, and it mainly reflects the changes in fatigue symptoms from two different perspectives , thus reflecting the real level of fatigue of patients in a more comprehensive way. The FAI includes 27 fatigue-related questions. Subjects rate each item based on their own performance over the previous 2 weeks, which can accurately and quantitatively evaluate the degree and characteristics of fatigue. In this study, CHM treatment significantly reduced FS-14 and FAI scores, indicating that it improved fatigue symptoms.
Patients with CFS commonly suffer from negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The degree of negative emotions is mainly assessed by professional mental status assessment scales such as SCL-90, SAS, and SDS. The present meta-analysis shows that CHM treatment can relatively improve negative emotions in patients with chronic fatigue.
A Reboot For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research
Name a remedy, and chances are that Elizabeth Allen has tried it: acupuncture, antibiotics, antivirals, Chinese herbs, cognitive behavioural therapy and at least two dozen more. She hates dabbling in so many treatments, but does so because she longs for the healthy days of her past. The 34-year-old lawyer was a competitive swimmer at an Ivy-league university when she first fell ill with chronic fatigue syndrome, 14 years ago. Her meticulous records demonstrate that this elusive malady is much worse than ordinary exhaustion. Last year, I went to 117 doctor appointments and I paid $18,000 in out-of-pocket expenses, she says.
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