Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

C.F.S. can be a severely disabling and chronic condition which has a devastating impact on your daily life, work and personal independence – an impact often made worse by the prejudice and disbelief which surrounds this complex disorder.

People with C.F.S. have often enjoyed good health before coming down with a range of symptoms which suggest a change in brain function. C.F.S. can cause loss of concentration and short-term memory; dyslexia, nausea, clumsiness and disturbed balance. There may also be problems with vision and sensitivity to light, as well as sensitivity to noise and misjudgement of distance. People with ME are often depressed and may suffer from mood swings. They may also have be problems with bladder control and changes in their bowel function.

No one yet knows what causes C.F.S., but it often begins at the time of an acute infection and researchers are looking into the possibility of it being linked to certain common viruses. There is also speculation that certain neurotoxins such as pesticides could trigger C.F.S., while physicians recognize that psychological and emotional states may also have an influence.

Getting over C.F.S. can be a long, slow process taking several years and involving relapses, but it is possible to recover in time. However, some people merely show some improvement while a minority never get over their symptoms and become invalids.

C.F.S. can hit at anytime, whatever your age or background, and although it most commonly starts between the ages of 20 and 40, children as young as seven can be affected.

The Orthodox Approach

Conventional medicine has no “cure” as such, although there are therapies aimed at individual symptoms, ranging from antibiotics for infection and sedative drugs for sleep disturbances, to exercises and special diets. It is important to be diagnosed as early as possible during acute states and relapses. Research suggests that a drug called nifedipine may improve mental functioning. Physicians believe that people with C.F.S. should pace their activities, gradually increasing their levels of activity while accepting that progress may be slow and erratic.

The Hale Approach

Many physicians still do not accept C.F.S. as a condition. If yours falls into this category, have no hesitation in getting a second opinion. There is a blood test called Viral Protein One which is positive in around 60 percent of people with C.F.S. symptoms and this should be checked, since C.F.S. is really a diagnosis of exclusion (i.e. one that can only be made when all other causes have been ruled out). Because of this you need to find a physician who can monitor you while you go through complementary treatments.

Choosing complementary treatment can be particularly confusing for patients suffering from C.F.S. The factors that can aggravate the illness are so very diverse (stress, poor nutrition, problems with digestion or elimination, poor posture) that is often difficult to decide which therapy or combination of therapies is the best approach.

Improving the nutrition of C.F.S. sufferers usually alleviates the condition. In a significant number of cases patients are able to resume normal life after dietary changes. Special emphasis is placed on correct digestion and elimination, two systems in which malfunction can lead to the onset of C.F.S. Removing “allergic” foods from the diet can also bring about a great improvement.

Treatments that strengthen the constitution are an important part of a campaign against C.F.S.: a patient can choose from homeopathy, acupuncture or Ayurveda.

Many C.F.S. patients have great tension round the neck and shoulder area, often caused by stress or many years spent hunched over a computer desk. This restricts blood flow to the brain, causing severe fatigue and short-term memory loss. The blood flow to the brain is greatly enhanced by bioenergetic healing. This treatment is particularly effective with C.F.S., especially long-term cases. It has even had success with patients who have been wheelchair-bound for a number of years. Alternatively, Marma massage is very effective in increasing the blood supply to the brain.

Support treatments are particularly important C.F.S. because anything a patient can do to strengthen their system will alleviate the condition.

The Buteyko breathing method will help strengthen bodily functions like digestion, elimination, hormonal activity, and respiration. The patient can also practice its techniques as a self-care tool. Likewise light therapy will help improve bodily functions and increase energy levels. Aromatherapy and Moor treatment have a generally beneficial effect. It is often difficult for C.F.S. patients to do strenuous exercise, so the gentle-but-powerful exercises of yoga and T’ai Chi can be of great assistance.

Healing

Metamorphic technique - depending on a patient’s condition and unique Life Force, ‘The Metamorphic Technique’ may be used to shift any blocks and regulate the energy balance of the body.
Debilitating patterns and other blocks are gently loosened up through a light touch on spinal reflex points.

Nutrition

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, with its capacity for strengthening the immune system by regulating the energy balance in your body, can bring improvements in the symptoms of C.F.S. A course of acupuncture and Chinese herbs may involve from 6-2- sessions with a therapist, during which you will also be offered advice about die and exercise.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda treatment for C.F.S. begins with detoxification using panchakarma techniques, which include “purification”, detoxification, massage and “rehabilitation”. The aim is to restore balance or “homeostasis” to the body. Oral medicines are prescribed to balance the doshas or forces which control the workings of the body. Harmful doshas are eliminated. Rasayana treatment may also be given while agni helps improve the appetite.

Homeopathy

C.F.S. has a wide variety of symptoms – and so a wide variety of possible homeopathic treatments. If, however, your overriding symptom is fatigue, there are four main remedies which may help.

Aconite, if used swiftly at the first signs of relapse, can help keep fatigue at bay. Vertrum Alb. may be preferable if you are fatigued to the point of collapse. Carbo animals is for general but less severe collapse. Carbo veg may be prescribed if the fatigue is accompanied by respiratory and abdominal problems.

Marma Massage

According to Ayurvedic Marma medicine, C.F.S. sets in after a serious infection or prolonged period of stress, which creates a negative environment and a lack of energy and life force. In addition to the debilitating symptoms of C.F.S., patients become prone to further infection because of a weak immune system.

Marma massage therapy helps increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, oxygen being a major source of energy. If the brain receives the maximum oxygen and blood, the mind and body are able to produce enough strength to heal the whole system. In increasing the supply of these substances to the brain, the goal of Marma massage therapy is therefore to re-establish co-ordination of mind and body, to reduce overall toxicity, to increase energy and to help the patient fight his or her way back to normal life.

Although each case is unique, improvement is likely to occur after 3-6 months of regular (weekly) Marma massage sessions.

Supportive Treatments

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and light massage help to reduce the muscle pain which so often accompanies C.F.S. It can also improve circulation, stimulate the immune system, uplift the mood, improve breathing and relaxation, counter depression and heighten self-esteem.

Treatment generally consists of one-hour sessions, involving massage with individually chosen essential oils. It is often supported by acupressure, healing, reflexology and breathing/relaxation meditation techniques to help strengthen and heal.

Remedial Yoga

Yoga encourages improvement of health on many levels, stimulating the musculature as well as circulation of the blood and lymph. Their effect is to increase energy levels, counteracting symptoms of lethargy and sluggishness. Yoga also teaches you to improve your breathing patterns.

Light Therapy

You can administer your own light therapy by sitting near a specialized light box for an hour or more each day.

Chi Kung

Chi Kung, which in Chinese means “the study of the vital force through exercises and meditation”, is a technique of fluid movements which enable us to be aware of chi (intrinsic) energy in our bodies, and to balance it. As a form of self-help it can bring an immediate sense of rejuvenation and vitality. The exercises can be learned in two or three lessons and subsequently practiced at home. For C.F.S. the exercises known as “Second Chi Kung” can be most helpful, while “Triple Heater” Chi Kung exercises are also recommended.

In addition Chi Kung supports other complementary therapies which encourage the body to heal itself.