Chronic fatigue, also known as “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” or “CFS”, is difficult to diagnose, with over one million Americans suffering from symptoms such as extreme physical and/or mental fatigue. Often this comes on suddenly, although it has been known to develop over weeks or months. The disease resembles other diseases, and can only be diagnosed after a complete medical examination that rules out other potential conditions.
In addition to extreme fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients will likely have many of the following symptoms: feeling unwell after being active (may be up to 24 hours after), muscle pain, joint pain, headache, problems with concentration and focus, being sensitive to light, noise or emotions, confusion/brain fog, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, frequent urination, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), trouble with body temperature being too hot or too cold, feeling worse when under stress, unusual weight change.
Many chronic fatigue patients tend to experience depression as a result of their symptoms, which can actually make the symptoms worse. There is no known cure for CFS, therefore the best option is to manage symptoms beginning with the most severe ones.
The terms “complementary” and “integrative” medicine refer to conventional approaches together with non-mainstream healing modalities. CFS patients do extremely well when opting for complementary treatment.
An A-Z list of complementary health practices appears on the website of the NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health), found here: https://nccih.nih.gov/health.
Some of the more popular options include acupuncture, massage, yoga, nutrition management and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Many studies have been run to assess the value of acupuncture for CFS. Shenzhen Hospital of Chinese Medicine researchers determined that acupuncture is safe and effective for the alleviation of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Subjective documentation of symptomatic improvements and objective measurements (including IgA and IgG levels) record a 90% total effective rate and a 50% total recovery rate. The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture at the eight influential points has a definite therapeutic effect on CFS and improves the immune system function in CFS patients.” Please visit Healthcare Medicine Institute’s website for more research data: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1781-chronic-fatigue-recovery-with-acupuncture
Another activity that can help CFS is yoga. In a peer-reviewed journal research study, results showed that isometric yoga improved the fatigue and pain of patients with CFS who are resistant to conventional therapy. They implemented a daily 20 minute session of seated isometric yoga. The full study can be found here on Biomed Central: https://bpsmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13030-014-0027-8
Massage is also helpful for those with CFS. Several different massage techniques may be helpful depending on the patient. For some patients, a deep tissue massage is helpful due to the increased pressure and slower movements which stimulate the capillaries found in soft tissues and increase circulation. Massage can help improve sleep and cause an overall feeling of well being. Please visit https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/23/massage-and-chronic-fatigue for more information.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, supplements and nutritional selections are known to help people with CFS. It is best to visit a licensed specialist to review the best options.
Tai Chi Acupuncture & Wellness Center is a clinic located in North Reading, MA and Medford, MA. We are designed to bring affordable, effective acupuncture to the North Shore. The North Reading Center is located 7.8 miles from Andover, MA, 16.0 miles from Bedford, MA, 14.1 miles from Beverly, MA, 10.7 miles from Burlington, MA, 9.9 miles from Danvers, MA, 3.9 miles from Lynnfield, MA, 4.6 miles from Middleton, MA, 9.8 miles from North Andover, MA, 9.4 miles from Peabody, MA, 4.9 miles from Reading, MA, 6.0 miles from Wakefield, MA and 6.2 miles from Wilmington, MA.
The Medford, MA Center is located 2.6 miles from Arlington, MA, 14.9 miles from Bedford, MA, 5.1 miles from Belmont, MA, 5.9 miles from Boston, MA, 12.8 miles from Brookline, MA, 4.1 miles from Cambridge, MA, 4.3 miles from Everett, MA, 3.9 miles from Somerville, MA, 4.7 miles from Stoneham, MA, 7.8 miles from Waltham, MA and 2.9 miles from Winchester, MA.