Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a name given to any condition which results in chronic tiredness where the precise cause is often unknown. Common symptoms seen in CFS can be muscular pain and aches, generalised fatigue to complete exhaustion, poor memory, lack of concentration, depression, persistent flu-like or gastric symptoms and a reduced ability to work.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory there are many underlying conditions which cause chronic fatigue symptoms.

Stress - Long term stress and/or sudden traumatic events, such as a death, divorce, difficult work environments, etc. Stress strongly affects the flow of Liver energy in the body and can cause different Liver energy disorders, such as Liver Qi stagnation. The Liver ensures the smooth flow of energy to all parts of the body and organs. If this becomes impaired it is easy to see how tiredness would be the end result. Examples of Liver symptoms are irritability/tearfulness, sighing and menstruation problems.

Bad flu and colds, known in TCM as external pathogens, can attack the body once or often two or three times. If the body is not strong enough it will not be unable to expel these pathogens. When external pathogenic factors attack the body and are not successfully expelled, they can travel deeper into the body. They travel into the body through the defensive Qi (energy) by the factor of Wind and travel into the body as either Heat or Damp-Heat. This can lead to internal fluids being dried or not properly transformed, and transformation into internal Dampness. Damp tends to injure the Yang energy of the body; it is sticky, very difficult to get rid of, heavy and slows things down.

Again, when external pathogenic factors attack and enter the body (in this case without initial symptoms), they can remain in the body turning into Heat. Eventually, this Heat will surface giving symptoms of irritability, thirst and sensation of heat. This Heat can damage the body fluids and Yin; it can also damage Kidney Qi. Kidney Qi combines with Lung Qi to produce defensive energy for the body.

Deficiency of internal organs can be caused by the above conditions, specifically of the Lungs, Spleen and Kidneys. These deficiencies can lead to the above mentioned symptoms. Kidney deficiency is particularly important, as the Kidneys support all the other organs. Overwork, excessive physical and sexual activity can seriously deplete Kidney energy, giving symptoms such as lower back ache and lack of will power.

An improper diet, such as cold, spicy, greasy foods can seriously affect the Spleen and Stomach energies. This in turn can lead to Spleen deficiency and/or the production of Damp. Spleen deficiency or Damp will lead to significant digestive problems such as burping, bloating, difficulty digesting food and heaviness in the body.

With chronic tiredness/fatigue it is important to get a correct diagnosis in order to assist in recovery from the underlying cause. Acupuncture and herbs can help recreate balance in the body and help the individual return to health.

Chronic fatigue is often a difficult condition to balance and the length of recovery relies on the underlying condition and response to acupuncture and herbs.

I myself suffered for three years with chronic fatigue until I met Ping, I was very consistent with my regime and my recovery took about a year. Chronic fatigue can often last between 2-7 years if not longer.