Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue

Relieving Chronic Fatigue with CAM Treatments

If you have been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, or you always feel fatigued despite getting enough sleep, several complementary therapies may be helpful for relieving your fatigue and helping you cope with the symptoms of your condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder with an unknown cause, although some medical professionals suspect it may be linked to stress or viral infections. In people with this syndrome, fatigue does not improve with rest.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

The hallmark of chronic fatigue syndrome is fatigue that does not go away even after you sleep or take time to rest. Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome also experience the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle pain
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Joint pain
  • Extreme exhaustion after exercise
  • Headaches

Potential Causes

Some people develop chronic fatigue after they are ill with a viral infection. This syndrome has been linked to human herpesvirus 6 and Epstein-Barr virus, although there is no definitive proof that either type of infection causes chronic fatigue syndrome. In some people with chronic fatigue syndrome, it seems that the immune system does not function properly. This impairment may contribute to the disorder, but scientists are not sure if it actually causes the disorder. Hormonal imbalances may also play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Lifestyle Changes

Making some changes to your lifestyle may help improve the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Reducing stress is especially helpful, because putting less stress on the body gives it time to rest. Establishing a sleep schedule is also an important part of managing this condition. You should wake up and go to sleep at the same time each day. If possible, limit the number of naps you take during the day, as they can disrupt your nighttime sleep. Do not smoke or consume excessive amounts of caffeine. You may need to say no if someone asks you for help running errands or participating in a school fundraiser. This will give your body more time to rest.

Complementary Therapies

Some people with chronic fatigue find acupuncture very beneficial. Multiple scientific studies back up their claims. In fact, acupuncture is also used to help people with conditions similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Acupuncture is very helpful for treating the stress associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. The tiny needles stimulate the release of mood-lifting chemicals that relieve stress and give you a sense of peace and wellbeing. Herbal medicines may also be used to relieve stress or help you get more restful sleep.

Partnering with You for Health

At Acupuncture Balanced Health, we are concerned about improving your mental and physical health, not just treating the symptoms of one disease or disorder. When you schedule an evaluation, you will meet with a skilled practitioner to discuss your symptoms and provide some background information on your medical history. Using this information, we will customize a treatment plan according to your specific needs. If you have chronic fatigue syndrome or another disorder, contact us today to schedule an appointment.