Chronic Fatigue

Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Fatigue

Find more energy with acupuncture. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder characterized mainly by extreme fatigue but also includes symptoms such as muscle pain or flu like symptoms, headaches, and enlarged lymph nodes, and difficulty concentrating and memory loss.  The fatigue may worsen with physical or mental activity and does not improve with rest and adequate sleep. The cause of chronic fatigue is unknown but several theories exist as to why people develop the disorder. A few of the theories include history of viral infections like Epstein-Barr and some leukemia viruses. Other possible causes are deficient immune systems or abnormal hormone levels in the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands.

Acupuncture and herbal therapies can be very effective at treating CFS and minimizing the severity of symptoms. Using acupuncture can help boost and strengthen the immune system as well as reduce inflammation, relieve body pains and keep flu like symptoms from recurring. When working with CFS patients its important to support both the adrenal (endocrine) system and the immune system with herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Ashwaganda. Dietary and nutritional changes can also play an important role when treating CFS.