ACUPUNCTURE AND CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
- Posted on: Jun 4 2019
Over one million Americans live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS, a complicated, frustrating disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can worsen with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest.
The cause of CFS has not been identified but factors such as hormones, viruses (EBV) , elevated stress or a compromised immune system are thought to be contributors. Despite no cure acupuncture can give sufferers the relief they need to improve their quality of life. Treatments can help you avoid getting sick as often, reduce recovery time, improve your energy and stamina, soothe emotions, and enliven the mind.
According to Acupuncture and Oriental medicine, a condition known as damp heat may be the culprit. Symptoms of damp heat include: fatigue, a general feeling of heaviness throughout the body, sore throat, dull headache, decline in mental acuity, and thirst.
An unhealthy Spleen produces excess dampness that disrupts the proper metabolism of fluids and stops vital nutrients from entering the cells. The condition known as dampness is highly viscous (thick) and as it clumps together heat tends to build up. Treatment typically includes points on the Large Intestine, Stomach, and Spleen meridians that will clear heat and tonify the Spleen.
For the acupuncture treatment itself you will be lying supine on a massage table listening to relaxing music while the acupuncturist will insert needles into your arms, legs, torso, and head where they will remain for the next half hour.
Once the Spleen starts functioning properly, it naturally clears dampness from the body, ensuring the proper flow of Qi (chee) to the head, which clears up muddled thinking and brings clarity to the mind. Limbs feel more fluid and easier to move without dampness obstructing their movements. As food metabolism improves and the cells become stronger, fatigue lessens and the quality of sleep improves. As heat leaves, symptoms such as sore throat and muscle pain subside.
If you feel fatigued without an obvious reason, or have been diagnosed with CFS, contact the office today to schedule an appointment with an acupuncturist.
For research on CFS see Kim HG, Ryoo DW, Jeong SM, et al (2017) A systematic Review of Acupuncture for CFS. Journal of Acupuncture Research.
Posted in: Acupuncture
