Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a mysterious condition. There is no known cause. While the symptoms can be debilitating, there is no test to diagnosis it. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with CFS. And most sufferers are between 25 and 45 years old, although there are cases in childhood and middle age.
Some people with CFS live active lives while 25% of the cases are disabled. Sometimes the disease is persistent and other times there is a pattern of relapse and remission. No one knows how many cases there are of CFS because The CFIDS Association of America estimates that fewer than 20 percent of CFS patients in the United States have been properly diagnosed.
CFS has several names. It is called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), chronic fatigue and chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). No matter what it is called, the most effective way to manage chronic fatigue is with alternative treatments.
Chronic Fatigue and Alternative Treatments
The most successful way to manage fatigue is with alternative treatments. This includes everything from lifestyle changes to yoga to acupuncture. It is likely that you will need to experiment to find which ones work best for you. Chronic fatigue varies greatly from one sufferer to the next. Each person needs an individualized plan.
Lifestyle changes
Successful management of chronic fatigue requires a healthy lifestyle—basically everything you probably already know you should be doing. Taking care of yourself is the first step to reducing your symptoms.
- Pace yourself. Avoid packing too much into your day. Keep an even, moderate pace to your daily activities.
- Eat well. Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and saturated fats. Eat fresh vegetables,healthy protein and essential fatty acids (nuts, seeds and cold water fish).
- Take supplements. It should not be necessary to take multivitamins or supplements indefinitely, or in replacement a good diet, however, certain nutrient deficiencies can lead to chronic fatigue. Consult with your healthcare practitioner about how to best support your body.
- A MicroNutrient Test is a good overall picture of what nutrient you are deficient in and is a test your physician perform.
- A MicroNutrient Test is a good overall picture of what nutrient you are deficient in and is a test your physician perform.
- Sleep well. Get plenty of rest every day; consider regular naps or resting times.
- Reduce stress.
- Exercise regularly.
Yoga and Meditation
Many people find relief from their symptoms with a regular yoga or meditation routine. Yoga and meditation help reduce stress and some of the discomfort from your symptoms. A wonderful Yoga studio in the Clearwater area is Kapok Pilates and Wellness.
Finding a good yoga practitioner is just as important as finding a good physician. You want to ensure you are taking good care of your body.
Herbs
There are many herbs that might help manage chronic fatigue and reduce the symptoms.
I highly recommend that you get herbal recommendations specific to your constitution from a board certified herbalist or practitioner. There are many Chinese formulas that address not only the symptoms, but the imbalances that are causing your condition. The beauty of Chinese Medicine is in treating the underlying problems and not masking the symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractic visit can relieve the muscle and joint pain. If your body is misaligned you are stressing your system unnecessarily. Dr. Giovatto is a wonderful chiropractor in the Tampa Bay and Clearwater areas. He has been practicing since 2001 and specializes in offering individualized treatments that are always hands-on.
Massage
Massage is a great alternative treatment for chronic fatigue. It helps you reenergize and cope with depression and relieves your pain. There are many different styles of massage and finding the right fit for your body is important. Jerry’s Massage Therapy specializes in “Bhakti massage” that many patients find quite relaxing.
Support Groups/Counseling
I highly recommend getting emotional support for chronic fatigue. Not only are you in 
extreme discomfort, but your condition can seem invisible to people around you. They may not know how to support you and may even question if you are sick. Barb Hennessy, with The Joy Within, has worked successfully with her patients in resolving chronic pain, insomnia, panic attacks, depression,
Acupressure
There are several acupressure points that may help relieve your symptoms and your acupuncturist should be able to guide you to appropriate acupuncture points you can apply pressure to on your own to alleviate symptoms.
Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands illnesses as patterns of imbalance. Because of this, chronic fatigue is not understood as a single disease. Instead, the symptoms of CF are the result of several different patterns of disharmony.
Your treatment is unique to you and your body. Taking a good health history, exploring past treatments, current medications, and present symptoms all play a role in finding the root cause to Chronic Fatigue. Acupuncture can help relieve your symptoms and, even more importantly, build your health. Call me today so you can start to feel alive again.
To schedule a FREE consultation call 727-216-6929
Photo: By frank wouters from antwerpen, belgium , België , Belgique (uil) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
