Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disorder which is characterised by debilitating fatigue and a variety of other associated physical, mental and emotional complaints.
The clinical manifestation of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome includes fatigue, ‘brain fog’, headaches, anxiety, depression and more. Women are twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with CFS and most patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are between 25 and 45 years old, though it can also manifest in teenagers, especially those who have previously had Glandular Fever and who have stressful exam periods or other periods of intense stress. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for teenagers can be misunderstood by those around them and can be a huge interruption in their life and in their schooling.
There are many causes of CFS. These include stress, viruses (such as Glandular Fever, Covid, tropical diseases such as Dengue Fever, etc), poor diet and vitamin/mineral deficiency. There is no laboratory test which can diagnose or measure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and historically many people report a lack of understanding and empathy from doctors.
How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understand Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
According to TCM there are many different imbalances which can cause CFS, however it is commonly an imbalance - usually a weakness or deficiency - in the Spleen system (note: the Spleen system in TCM does not equate to the spleen organ in Western Medicine). Our Spleen system in Traditional Chinese Medicine is the engine room of digestion and is responsible for extracting the nutrients our body needs from our food. It then uses these nutrients for extracting the energy (Qi) from our food and making good quality blood. A diet which helps strengthen the Spleen is therefore essential for patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
How can Acupuncture help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
Having performed a thorough TCM diagnosis, acupuncture treatments and herbs can be tailored to each individual so that the particular imbalances within their body can be treated. Treatment depends on the severity and the cause, but patients can often start to feel better even from the first treatment, especially if the cause is long-term stress and overwork. For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome caused by the body’s reaction to a virus, it depends how long it has been an issue, since it can take a few regular acupuncture treatments to start to notice an improvement. Patients may also need Chinese Herbal Therapy to deal with stubborn cases of CFS, since they may be required to nourish and build the energy within the Spleen System.
How can Chinese Herbal Medicine help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
In patients where the Spleen and Stomach (i.e. the digestive) energy is extremely weak, following a special diet to strengthen these organ systems together with regular acupuncture sessions may not be sufficient to overcome the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For these patients, Chinese Herbal Therapy is required. This consists of taking a prescription of specially formulated plant-based herbs, which will vary from patient to patient depending on their individual needs. These herbs are extremely safe, having been consumed in this way for thousands of years. They are a highly effective, yet gentle form of medicine in the true sense of the word, since they treat the underlying cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in that particular patient, rather than attempting to treat the symptoms. The prescription arrives as granules which are then mixed with hot water to form a drink which is consumed twice daily until symptoms resolve sufficiently.
How can I find out more about how acupuncture can help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
To find out more about how acupuncture can help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome call or text Katie on 07854 987806 or email acupuncturehassocks@gmail.com.
All treatments are carried out at Acupuncture Hassocks Clinic based in Hassocks, West Sussex. The clinic is near to Hassocks train station, so is easily reachable from Brighton, Burgess Hill or Haywards Heath. If you are travelling by car from Hurstpierpoint, Ditchling or surrounding areas, there is free on road parking.
