Do you have fatigue that has persisted for many months? And you’ve never felt this before. Moreover, it may be disabling enough to interfere with normal activities of daily living. Resting is something you do often. However, the fatigue continues no matter how much you rest.
This blog is about Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. And Acupuncture has a remarkable good effect in relieving the symptoms of fatigue in the body. Furthermore, acupuncture helps regulate stressful emotions and sleep. It will even improve weakness in the body. Read on to find out about how acupuncture helps relieve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Causes of Fatigue
Firstly, some studies indicate as many as one out of four or five people have a complaint of constant tiredness. As a primary complaint, fatigue ranks seventh among all patient complaints. The causes of fatigue are generally divided into organic (physical) and psychogenic. Each account for up to half of all cases (20% to 45 % have an organic cause; 40% to 45 % have a psychogenic cause). Finally, in 10% to 30% of cases, however, no cause is found.
Secondly, the more common causes of tiredness and fatigue are usually easily recognized. These include strenuous activity, lack of sleep, flu, pregnancy, and overwork. Interestingly, typically patients do not associate fatigue with stress. Similarly, physiologic stress is often more acute and therefore easier to link to a specific cause. Psychologic causes are often harder to identify with a cause.
Thirdly, there is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This is a serious, long-term biological illness that causes profound, disabling fatigue and multi-system dysfunction.
Other Causes of Fatigue besides CFS:
- Acute infection influenza or hepatitis.
- Chronic infection: tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, subacute infectious hepatitis, subacute bacterial endocarditis, asymptomatic urinary tract infection, hookworm, parasitic infection
- Autoimmune condition: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
- Neurologic disorder: Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, posttraumatic syndrome
- Primary muscle disorder: polymyositis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis
- Endocrine and metabolic disease: adrenal or aldosterone insufficiency, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, hypercalcemic and hypocalcemic states, hyperaldosteronism, potassium depletion, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, hypoglycemic states, renal insufficiency.
- Anemia or blood dyscrasia (disease, disorder, or abnormal condition affecting the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic tissue)
- Nutritional deficiency
- Circulatory disorder: congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy
- Pulmonary insufficiency: emphysema, chronic bronchitis
- Neoplastic disorder: lymphomas, carcinomas, occult tumors
- Psychologic disorder: depression, anxiety
- Chronic drug intoxication
- Lack of sleep
What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
First, The CDC defines CFS as a “biological illness that affects many body parts”. CFS results in severe fatigue not improved by rest. It causes problems thinking and sleeping. Other symptoms include dizziness and pain.
Second, CFS has had many names. These include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) disease, neuromyasthenia, Myalgic encephalomyelitis, post viral fatigue syndrome, and encephalomyelitis. Also, it is often confused with fibromyalgia.
Third, there are specific criteria that may help diagnose CFS. The patient must have a “new” onset of fatigue (not lifelong). Fatigue does not appear with exertion nor is it relieved by rest. The fatigue causes a dramatic decrease in previous levels of occupational, educational, social, and personal activities. In addition, there are other factors such as short-term memory loss, post-exertion fatigue lasting more than 24 hours, sore throat, or headache persisting for 6 months or more.
Fourth, there is no single laboratory or physical examination finding by which to diagnose CFS. Research suggests a chronic immunologically mediated inflammatory process involving the central nervous system. Typically, there is overlap of symptoms with other conditions, and the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria makes it difficult to diagnose.
Fifth, CFS occurs most commonly in people in middle age but also affects kids, teens and elderly people. Among adults, women are affected more often than men. Among children, teens are more affected than younger kids.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
There is no cure or approved treatment for CFS. Nevertheless, some symptoms can be treated or managed. Acupuncture can help relieve symptoms and speed healing. A proper diet, adequate rest periods, and mild to moderate exercise along with acupuncture treatment is necessary. Cognitive behavioral therapy or counseling may also help.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-Research
In one study, 150 patients participated. They were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received 10 acupuncture sessions for 4 weeks along with “usual care”. The control group continued “usual care without acupuncture”. The outcome was a favorable outcome for the treatment (acupuncture) group.
The results of one study suggested that 4 weeks of body acupuncture therapy added to “usual care” can improve fatigue symptoms of CFS patients.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome-More Research
A total of 11 trials with 869 participants were selected. The scientist found acupuncture treatment significantly alleviated fatigue and pain. This was in comparison to the sham acupuncture treatment group. However, no conclusions about the quality of life and mood elevation was noted.
Indeed, research investigating the benefits of acupuncture is increasing. In 1998, a review analyzed the data from 9 clinical trials which included 377 patients. Twenty years later in 2018, a systematic review by Vickers et al analyzed the results of over 20,000 patients. It has shown that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain for those with chronic pain: back, neck, shoulder, osteoarthritis, tension headaches and migraines. The study also demonstrates that the benefits last for at least one year.
How Does Acupuncture Help CFS?
First, Acupuncture treatment for CFS is drawn from the traditional Chinese medicine theory of meridians. The meridians are the channels for the circulation of Qi and blood, connecting everything in the body. Basically, when “Qi and blood” are out of balance and meridians, CFS occurs. Acupuncture improves CFS symptoms by stimulating acupoints to balance meridians and harmonize qi and blood.
Second, today, scientists have revealed the underlying aspects of acupuncture in the treatment of CFS. Acupuncture stimulates the nerves which effects immunity and endocrine function. Needling at certain acupoints may help regulate inflammation and influence Immune markers such as T-lymphocytes. This helps the body fight CFS.
Third, acupuncture influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Subsequently, this helps normalize fatigue, mood and sleep. Indeed, Acupuncture helps in the function of the nervous system. This helps modulate inflammatory pathways. Lastly, acupuncture may play a therapeutic role by regulating energy and promotes gut flora. By positively targeting the gut-brain connection, digestive health is improved.
Chiropractor West Palm Beach: Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Meiri Chiropractic offers acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and many other ailments. Dr. Natalie Meiri is a chiropractic physician, board certified in acupuncture with over 20 years of experience. Call today for your acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome and many other issues at 561-253-8984.
References:
1. Thomas Souza, (2018) Differential Diagnosis and Management for the Chiropractor
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4515016/ Trials. 2015 Jul 26;16:314. doi: 10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0
Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial
- A Systematic Review of Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome https://www.e-jar.org/journal/view.html?volume=34&number=2&spage=93
The Acupuncture 2017; 34(2): 93-112 Published online May 20, 2017
4. https://acupuncture.org.uk/fact-sheets/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/ Introduction to ME/CFS evidence