Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with TCM

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue coupled with pain and sleep issues that can't be fully explained by an underlying medical condition. The fatigue is not relieved by extended rest and can worsen even with low levels of physical or mental activity. CFS can slows one's usual daily activities, and sometimes it can be hard just to get out of bed.

Some common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Problems with memory/concentration
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Body pain
  • Dizziness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety, depression
  • Extreme exhaustion after physical and mental activity

TCM treatment for Chronic Fatigue

Although CFS is seen to have no cure, TCM can assist in managing and improving symptoms so that you can continue to live the lifestyle you want without being held back by chronic fatigue. 

CFS is viewed by TCM to be caused by a significant, persisting imbalance of Yin and Yang energy in the body as well as qi deficiency (spleen/lung/kidney qi), liver stagnation, and damp heat. Thus, TCM practitioners would treat CFS with a blend of acupuncture, moxibustion and herbal medicine paired with lifestyle advice. Using these treatment methods stagnation can be released and qi flow restored through the meridians assisting in the alleviation of symptoms associated with chronic fatigue. 

In a 2018 study published by the healthcare medicine institute found that standard warm needling acupuncture produces significant clinical results in the treatment of chronic fatigue.

Download FDF – Acupuncture Found Effective for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Some of the acupuncture and moxibustion groups that your practitioner may include in treatment include:

GV20 (Baihui)
CV12 (Zhongwan)
ST25 (Tianshu)
ST36 (Zusanli)
CV6 (Qihai)
CV4 (Guanyuan)
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
LI4, LV3 (Siguan: Hegu plus Taichong)

On a biological scale, TCM treatments can assist in alleviation of symptoms through the stimulation of nerves in muscles and other tissues, which leads to the release of endorphins and changes in pain pathways reducing muscle and joint pain. Additionally, TCM can improve local microcirculation (enabling qi flow) to relieve muscle stiffness and promote joint mobility. As well as increasing melatonin secretion to improve sleep quality.

Lifestyle Advice

  • Maintaining fitness is essential to improve your overall health. Although living with CFS makes it hard to perform physical activity, low intensity exercise can help build up energy levels. However it is essential that you only perform exercise at a level you can tolerate otherwise your symptoms may worsen.
  • Diet and nutrition is essential for maintaining a steady level of blood sugar. This can be achieved through smaller but more frequent meals. Also in order to avoid significant spikes and falls in blood sugar and energy levels. If you suffer from CFS you should shy away from sugary foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
  • Relationships can greatly impact one’s mood and quality of life. Particularly for CFS sufferers it’s essential to surround yourself with good people. Not only can it assist with alleviating concurrent illnesses such as depression and anxiety. These relationships can also help you manage your symptoms and give you support when your symptoms seem to be getting the best of you.
  • Get better sleep through improving your sleep hygiene as it can help fend off fatigue. This includes avoiding using a device and exposing yourself to blue light before bed, cooling your room before sleeping as your body lowers its temperature when you fall asleep, drinking herbal tea, and starting a bedtime routine so that your brain knows when to start releasing melatonin.

If you would like to discuss how acupuncture and herbal medicine can help you improve your chronic fatigue, get in touch with our team at Aster Chinese Medicine today on 0458 186 888.