It is only in the last six years that western medicine practitioners in the United Kingdom have given recognition to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) — also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and postviral fatigue syndrome (PVFS). In the United States and Canada, many allopathic medicine practitioners feel the cause for this syndrome is not clear. They implicate chronic stress, viruses, allergies, and hormonal imbalances as cause. Further, this condition is easily confused with AIDS, mononucleosis, and other ailments. In the search for a specific cause of CFS, many western practitioners believed it to be a legacy of viral infections. Hence, PVFS. However, this is simply not the case; CFS can occur with no previous or obvious illness preceding it. Related ArticlesFrequently these symptoms worsen with the slightest exertion. Further, it is important to differentiate CFS from the persistent fatigue that is felt by 20-50 percent of the population, in association with an unbalanced lifestyle or stress. CFS TREATMENTChronic Fatigue Syndrome is a problem better treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) than by either allopathic or holistic practitioners. TCM practitioners believe that qi deficiency (low energy) may trigger CFS, while low energy can be caused by energy stagnation. Further, its cause may come from internal injury (which I describe as “emotional distress), from the seven emotions, or an unhealthy lifestyle. I use acupuncture and Chinese herbs to treat this disease, and with some success. There is, however, no standard formula. The formulas listed below are primarily for the use of Chinese herbal doctors, or someone with experience in using the formulas, because the symptoms can change and each individual’s condition is different. We need to accommodate the symptoms and each person we treat. Sometimes the dosage can be heavy, sometimes light. It is not a simple process. There are also some people who think all herbs are natural and have no side effects, which is a mistake, because if the wrong formula is applied to the wrong situation, it will affect the disease and may even damage the patient’s health. In TCM, the victims of CFS present the following imbalances, individually or in combination. For example, kidney yin deficiency can also combine with spleen deficiency. The formula for lung yin deficiency is also based on the Six Taste Formula with three extra herbs: Ningpo Figwort Root 5%, Fritillaria Cirrhosa D.Don 8 and Baical Skullcap Root 5%. The acupuncture point is the same as used in kidney yang deficiency, plus Xiabai lung 4X2 needles, using the tonification method. Here we would use Four Gentlemen Formula, which contains Radix Ginseng 30%, Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf 20%, Atractylodes macrocephala koidz. 30%, Radix Glycyrrhizae (Licorice root) 20%. The acupuncture points are Yinlingquan spleen 9X2 needles, and Taichong liver 3X2 needles, using the tonification method. THE BIG PICTUREOur modern, industrialized and commercialized society creates great mental pressure with little or no physical movement. It is up to each one of us to live life based on holistic concepts. Think of the big picture, and differentiate between essential things to be accomplished and release the non-essentials. Go forward with stable, steady steps — achievement cannot be rushed, while excessive stress can create imbalances leading to health problems. Seek simplicity within a balanced lifestyle. As an individual does well, more people will become well, and then society as a whole will be well. References |
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