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We all feel tired, even exhausted, some of the time. But for some people, the exhaustion never lets up, and it comes along with physical discomfort, sleep issues, and trouble with memory and concentration. Anywhere from about 800,000 to 2.5 million Americans may have myalgic encephalomyelitis more commonly called chronic fatigue syndrome .
Medical experts once told people these symptoms were all in their head” but they have come to accept that the suffering is real.
As one patient put it, having ME/CFS feels like permanently having the flu, a hangover, and jet lag while being continually electrocuted” ME/CFS results in nerve pain as much as it does fatigue.
Though little understood and currently without a known cure, certain natural remedies may provide some relief from the discomfort and constant fatigue.
Try Graded Exercise Therapy
Those with chronic fatigue syndrome may find that vigorous exercise makes their symptoms flare. You may experience “push-and-crash” cycles, in which you push yourself to do more on days when you feel better but soon find yourself incapacitated for a longer time. Graded exercise therapy attempts to break this cycle.
This therapy incorporates gentle stretches and exercises for just a few minutes a day!
This therapy includes a structured program of gentle moves, starting with a few minutes a day. Working with a physical therapist, you’ll practice stretching or other low-impact exercises, such as tai chi or swimming, that you can handle. Then, you’ll gradually increase how long you do them.
Symptoms Etiology And Pathogenesis
Nearly 70 types of symptoms were recorded in the chapter on âfatigue syndromeâ in Zhubing Yuanhou Lun, a famous tract about the etiology and symptoms of disease written during the Sui Dynasty. The symptoms can be categorized into two groups: somatic symptoms including fatigue, a somatic sense of heaviness, cold knees, puffiness, headaches, somatic pain and so on and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, restlessness and so on. For an explanation of TCM, the ultimate reasons for the symptoms described earlier are induced by deficiencies in five organs caused by the invasion of an exogenous pathogen, excessive physical strain , abnormal emotional states or an improper diet.
Obviously, although such symptoms do not exactly mimic the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research criteria for CFS, they are extremely similar to CFS, as Table 2 indicates. Certainly, the limitations of symptom-related records are also obvious. First, there were not criteria for the diagnosis of âfatigue syndromeâ in this text or even other ancient TCM texts. Second, the characteristics of each symptom were not clearly described. For instance, no duration, no relieving or aggravating factors and no other characteristics were recorded about the symptom of âfatigueâ. Third, some symptoms are not consistent with CFS, such as the hemorrhage of different organs.
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Talking With Your Doctor About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
If you are experiencing fatigue on an ongoing basis despite getting adequate sleep, talk to your doctor. While you could be facing chronic fatigue syndrome, many illnesses ranging from obstructive sleep apnea to iron-deficiency anemia can cause fatigue. Your doctor will need to ask questions and order tests to determine what is causing fatigue in your personal situation. Preparing for your appointment can help it go more smoothly.
Treatment Plans For Me/cfs
There’s no single way of managing ME/CFS that works for everyone, but there are a number of treatment options.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says you should be offered a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms.
Your doctor should discuss all of the options with you, and explain the benefits and risks of any treatment.
They should work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits you and takes into account your circumstances and preferences.
You may need advice about making lifestyle changes, specialist treatments, or a combination of both.
If your symptoms are severe, your doctor should ask a specialist for advice.
Your treatment plan should be reviewed regularly.
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Support Your Immune System
Chronic infections may be an underlying cause of chronic fatigue, but they are widely undiagnosed.
What to do: In addition to getting tested for underlying infections, consider blends of Siberian ginseng, samento, sarsaparilla, guaiacum, astragalus, resveratrol, and cat’s claw for their immune-strengthening properties.
Yoga For Chronic Fatigue Physical Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Yoga for chronic fatigue is also a natural Treatment for fatigue that is also effective. The benefits of yoga for chronic fatigue, in general, include loosening up muscles, joints, and connective tissues, and improving strength and balance.
Restorative yoga calms the senses, so they stop pushing the mind and nervous system to react and instead turn their attention inward, to the breath or embodied tension, for example. These poses also diminish the severity of anxiety and tranquil the fight or flight synapses, the stress-induced torrent of adrenaline and other hormones that draining the bodys systems.
Restorative yoga soothes the senses, so they stop stimulating the mind and nervous system to react and instead turn their attention inward in the breath or in the built-in tension.
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Tcm Approach To Chronic Fatigue
Most of the therapies above are based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional medicine sees chronic fatigue quite differently. An understanding of the deeper elements of the person notably the mind-body-spirit connection is something that traditional medicines have utilized for centuries to treat billions of people.
Traditional Chinese Medicine sees chronic fatigue syndrome from a deeper level. The translation of the definition of the condition most closely resembles the word melancholia alluding to the connection with the deeper person within.
Energy from a metabolic level is invigorated through the flow of Yang Qi according to TCM. Qi is the flow of the life force within the body. For this reason, chronic fatigue is typically designated as a Yang/Qi deficiency. The herbs, music, and forms of acupuncture described above are aimed at increasing the Yang/Qi energy within the body according to TCM experts.
Another TCM herb that is often prescribed by Chinese doctors for Yang/Qi deficiency is Schisandra chinensis.
Identify Treatments Youve Tried
In addition to tracking the symptoms you have experienced, keep a list of treatments you have tried. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a medications and supplements list you can use to track your medications, their dosage, how well they help, and if you experienced side effects. Write a separate list of other treatments you have tried beyond medications and supplements, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, acupuncture, or meditation.
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Acupuncture For Adrenal Fatigue Ancient Chinese Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Acupuncture for adrenal fatigue is one of the treatment options for adrenal fatigue that is effective and has no side effects because of its natural nature.
Acupuncture ensures the Qi flows freely through the body and the yin and yang are balanced. In Western terms, acupuncture helps restore homeostasis. Because the adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses the kidney meridian as a starting point.
Acupuncture uses fine needles that are placed at specific locations throughout the body to rebalance yin and yang. Acupuncture for adrenal fatigue stimulates the points associated with the kidneys to boost adrenal functions, promote healthy cortisol levels and increase the production of dopamine and serotonin to lower stress.
If you want an effective alternative treatment, acupuncture for fatigue is an excellent option. This ancient Chinese technique by placing very thin needles in specific points of your body stimulates your nervous system and releases neurotransmitters. This can minimize sensitivity to stress and pain as well as promote relaxation. Acupuncture is very effective in relieving fatigue symptoms such as depression, tiredness, insomnia, headache, as well as musculoskeletal pain.
Even for chronic pain and fatigue, research has shown promising results for acupuncture. It also promotes the overall well-being of the individual.
Living With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Although experts have not yet found a cure for CFS/ME, many people who have the illness are able to make lifestyle changes and find treatments that allow them to reduce or manage their symptoms. Improvement is possible by living within your limits and working with a doctor to find treatments that help you. There are also many CFS/ME support groups both online and in-person. Meeting with such a group might prove to be helpful.
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Establishing Your Unique Treatment Plan
Although each patients treatment plan will be different there are some common approaches that can be discussed. In order to restore and rejuvenate the vital force within the body, a multi-factor approach must be taken.The main treatments addressed by Dr. Nirvana for Chronic Fatigue can include:
Increase Your Vitamin B Intake
According to a study published in the Journal of Royal Society of Medicine, researchers found a direct link between reduced vitamin B levels and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Vitamin B6
The study focused on B-6, riboflavin and thiamine, and researchers believe that B6 is particularly important. Vitamin B6 rich foods include wild tuna and salmon, bananas, grass-fed beef, sweet potatoes, turkey, hazelnuts, garlic and cooked spinach.
Vitamin B6 helps to prevent and relieve fatigue, and it supports a healthy immune system. As stated above, some researchers believe that certain viruses play a role in CFS, therefore increasing B6 levels can be a helpful treatment. B6 helps supports T-cell functioning, allowing them to more adeptly fight infections.
Importance of Methylation
Methylation is the term given to the process in the body where methyl compounds are used in the critical functions of the body immune function, energy production, mood, inflammation, nerve function, detoxification, and even DNA all of which are challenges in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
Methylation helps you process toxins, make hormones, and even helps in the production of neurotransmitters such as melatonin. How well your body can methylate effects all of these important areas. Poor methylation can lead to a variety of chronic conditions including certain types of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, digestive upset, mood and psychiatric disorders, and chronic fatigue.
Vitamin B12
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Healing The Gut In Chronic Fatigue
Intestinal permeability occurs when the lining of the digestive tract becomes permeable to toxins that cause chronic inflammation. Intestinal permeability allows toxins to leak out of the digestive tract and into the bloodstream. This triggers an autoimmune reaction that can create pain and inflammation in any of the bodys tissues. The use of medicaitons such as steroids, antibiotics, antihistamines, caffeine, alcohol, and other prescription and nonprescription drugs renders the intestinal mucosa permeable to toxins and undigested food particles which becomes fuel for the fire of the person suffering from Chronic Fatigue. Most individuals with Chronic Fatige are plagued with intestinal permeability. A treatment program designed to pinpoint the allergenic foods to heal the gut and detoxification can help to heal those suffering with CFS.
Address Gut Microbiome Changes
Many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome also have irritable bowel syndrome. It is a good idea to keep a food symptom journal and know the details of when and how your stomach or gut reacts to food or other changes. Talk to your provider about a possible food sensitivity test or an elimination diet to find dietary triggers. Prebiotics, probiotics, nutritional changes, and even some gut-repairing nutrients can help manage irritable bowel disease. You’ll want to talk with your practitioner about your specific needs.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments
Medical scientists have not yet uncovered a clear cause of chronic fatigue syndrome although a few theories exist. There is currently no known cure. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, often through lifestyle changes and complementary and alternative medicine techniques.
Since there isn’t a cure for CFS, experts recommend finding symptoms that bother you and fixing those first.
Experts recommend you identify which symptoms bother you the most and find what helps you feel better. Try a combination of things what helps one person may not help another. Also, what helps may vary day to day, so try different approaches at different times.
Make sure your professional team has experience working with people who have chronic fatigue syndrome. Below, I list some of the top suggestions that may help deal with day-to-day symptoms.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, typically, there are three primary “core” symptoms required and one additional symptom as listed below .
Three core symptoms:
In addition to the core symptoms, one of the following is required for diagnosis:
- Problems with thinking and memory: CFS patients often describe “brain fog” and not being able to think clearly
- Worsening of symptoms while standing or sitting up is known as orthostatic intolerance.
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Summary And Quick Facts For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated condition characterized in part by profound fatigue that persists for more than six months. Between 836,000 and 2.5 million people in the United States are believed to have CFS.
- In this protocol you will learn about the complex nature of CFS and several factors that may contribute to its onset. You will also learn about the treatment approach typically taken by conventional physicians and how a more comprehensive, integrative approach may be necessary for optimum management of CFS symptoms.
- Once a diagnosis has been established, an effective treatment strategy must take into consideration the medical, nutritional, physical, psychological, and social needs of each patient. Emerging research has led to the development of several novel treatment strategies that may benefit those with CFS.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complicated condition characterized in part by profound fatigue that persists for more than six months. Other features can include cognitive difficulties, muscle and joint pain, depression, poor sleep quality, or other nonspecific symptoms. Many people with CFS have difficulty working, attending school, exercising, and carrying out daily activities. Sadly, conventional physicians often overlook this condition, and as many as 80% of individuals suffering with CFS may not receive an accurate diagnosis. The illness follows a variable course and is associated with significant quality of life issues.
Conventional Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Conventional treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome focuses on the symptoms since the cause is unknown. Depression is a common symptom of CFS, so many providers will prescribe anti-depressants to help with depression and sometimes sleep problems. Many people with CFS have symptoms of orthostatic intolerance , so providers will put them on blood pressure or heart rhythm medications. Pain is a significant symptom of CFS, and medications that improve pain in fibromyalgia patients may help with pain from chronic fatigue syndrome. Some people also benefit from counseling, treating sleep problems like sleep apnea with a CPAP , and low-intensity exercise .
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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.
Home Remedies And Lifestyle
Making lifestyle changes may greatly impact how you feel, and the specific changes you need can depend on the severity of your illness and whether certain activities exacerbate your symptoms. While some people may see the tremendous benefit just from making changes to the way they eat, for example, others may find that more sweeping changessuch as a job changemay be necessary.
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Adjusting The Immune Dysfunction Of Cfs By Tcm Drugs
Immune system dysfunction and its close interactions with the nervous and endocrine systems have been clearly reported in recent years as playing a role in the development of CFS . Hence, maintaining an efficient and equilibrated immune system is a reasonable approach to prevent certain chronic illnesses.
