Natural Medicine - Acupuncture
Chronic
Fatigue
By
Banita Aggarwal, B.Sc, B.HSc, Hon. D. Ac
DEFINTION
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a progressive condition that involves
fatigue which is sufficiently intense and persistent, reducing normal
daily activities by at least 50% for a minimum of six months.
ETIOLOGY
It is not conclusive, but CFS may be precipitated by infectious
agents, herpes viruses, Candida albicans, and parasitic agents.
Therefore, CFS may be a multifactorial pathologic entity with lifestyle
and constitutional/psychological makeup factor.
RISK FACTORS
-Stressed immune system caused by recent acute illness, chronic
health problems, emotional factors (anxiety, depression) or poor
nutrition
-Possibly environmental pollutants and contaminants
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
-Sudden onset of severe fatigue, developing over a few hours to
a few days and often after an acute viral illness; low grade fever
(less than 100.4°F) and chills; sore throat; myalgias and arthralgias;
headaches; sleep disturbances; decreased ability to concentrate
or remember; allergies; general muscle weakness
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Rule out conditions producing fatigue.
-Fibromyalgia
-Psychiatric: extreme anxiety, depression
-Endocrine or metabolic: hypothyroidism, diabetes, pituitary insufficiency,
hypoparathyroidism, hypercalcemia, Addison’s disease, chronic
renal failure
-Pharmacologic: sleeping pills, antihypertensives, or tranquilizers
-Infectious: subacute bacterial endocarditis, hepatitis, AIDS, syphilis,
Lyme disease, intestinal parasites, tuberculosis, cytomegalovirus,
toxoplasmosis, fungal disease
-Musculoskeletal disorders, neoplastic or hematologic conditions
-Cardiopulmonary: chronic congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive
pulmonary diseases
-Immunologic: systemic lupus erythematosus, hypogammaglobulinemia
-Toxic disorders: lead or mercury poisoning
-Inadequate sleep or sleep apnea
TREATMENT
According to Western medicine, antidepressants and other psychoactive
drugs appear to be most successful.
Acupuncture is an effective way in alleviating the debilitating
symptoms of chronic fatigue and it works to strengthen overall vitality.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views CFS very differently from
Western medicine. The condition is a breakdown of the immune system
as a result of toxicity in the body caused by one of four likely
conditions: latent heat, damp heat, blood deficiency or qi deficiency.
Once the symptoms and signs are analyzed the treatment principle
is formed with a prescription of acupuncture points according to
which syndrome you fall into.
The World Health organization lists CFS as 1 of the 40 disorders
responding favorably to acupuncture. Acupuncture offers a natural
and alternative treatment for this disorder, which has baffled western
doctors for years. By stimulating the acupuncture points, the root
of the problem is being treated. The appropriate organ systems are
stimulated to create more qi and blood in the body as well to address
specific symptoms.
TIPS
Other stress management techniques which may be helpful for people
with CFS is counseling, support groups, mediation, tai chi, qi gong,
and yoga.
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