What is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or CFS is a disease that plagues between one and four million Americans. The exact number is difficult to determine because Chronic Fatigue is often misdiagnosed. It’s also masked by other illnesses which can mimic or parallel symptoms.

Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue symptoms can be both mysterious and debilitating. The most profound and notable symptom is fatigue. The fatigue is chronic, it’s life altering and it is worsened by both physical and mental activity. Fatigue lasts more than six months and is not attributed to another medical diagnosis.

Other symptoms of chronic fatigue include:

* Short-Term Memory Loss Or Reduction
* Difficulty Concentrating
* Sore Throat
* Tender Lymph Nodes
* General Muscle Pain;
* Multi-Joint Pain
* Headaches
* Insomnia Or Poor Sleep
* Malaise

So what causes Chronic Fatigue?

Unfortunately not much is known about the causes of Chronic Fatigue. Some researchers suspect it may be a virus and therefore contagious, however, presently there is no evidence to suggest this. They do know that it generally attacks certain types of people including:

* Women tend to get CFS more than men. (Though this may be simply because they go to the doctor for it whereas men may not be willing to see a physician because they’re tired)

* It occurs most often for people in their 40s and 50s.
The truth of the matter is that CFS can attack, men, women, adults, children and any race, income level or geographic area. Hereditary and genetic factors have yet to be found.

Chronic Fatigue Treatment

If you’ve had the above symptoms and debilitating fatigue for several weeks, particularly after any exertion, it’s important to go to the doctor to get a diagnosis. There is treatment for Chronic Fatigue. Physicians will take a combined approach and treat the symptoms as well as help sufferers with a lifestyle change. Because there is no cure for Chronic Fatigue, treatment suggestions will vary.

Common treatments include:

Counseling to develop coping skills

Treating symptoms like headache, sore throat and muscle pains

Cognitive behavior therapy to help develop habits to manage symptoms including exercise and diet.

Alternative therapies. Some patients have found relief with hands-on therapies like massage and even yoga.

If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue you know it's life altering. However, there are strategies you can use to improve your life and function at a higher level. Support groups, the medical community and lifestyle changes can all offer an improved life.

Chronic Fatigue doesn’t have to define you or your life. If you suspect you may be suffering from chronic fatigue, visit your doctor and get a diagnosis so you can start taking steps to get your life back.

Using Alternative Treatments For Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue isn't curable but there are many strategies, techiniques and therapies you can use to help aleviate symptoms. One of the biggest problems with CFS is inflammation, which can lead to an excessive amount of pain.

If you're not fond of using Western medicine which treats the ailment and not a person as a whole, you'll find these alternative treatments easy to implement.

Massage

Chronic Fatigue is both stressful and exhausting. Therapeutic massage can work wonders to reduce your stress, both physical and emotional stress.

Massage reduces pain, improves circulation and can provide a general sense of well-being. If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue consider adding at least a weekly massage to your routine.

Two or three times per week may be more beneficial, especially if you have a spouse or family member who is willing to give massages.

If you can't afford therapeutic massage, at least have your spouse or significant other do a weekly massage on you.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has a long history of success. Studies in both China and the US have shown that acupuncture can be effective to alleviate and reduce Chronic Fatigue symptoms. While an acupuncture therapist will create a specific program for each individual, common approaches are to treat:

* Stress and emotional issues related to Chronic Fatigue
* Muscle and joint aches and pains associated with CFS
* Insomnia and sleep problems, which can be affected by chronic pain
* Immune health
* And overall organ health

If you suffer from Chronic Fatigue consider visiting an acupuncturist experienced in treating Chronic Fatigue and other related diseases.

Yoga

Yoga and other gentle exercise programs like Thia Chi can produce a general feeling of well being. It is true that too physical activity can worsen symptoms, and high impact exercises should never be done if you have chronic fatigue.

However many people have found long term relief with moderate exercise programs like yoga, plus it can help keep your joints from getting stiff.

Yoga helps with regulating energy by inducing a state of well being. It also helps release negative emotions, creates a relaxing state, and improves circulation and immune health. If you have Chronic Fatigue, consider beginning a gentle yoga program. Be sure to let your instructor know you have Chronic Fatigue so they can design a program and movements specifically for you.

Nutrition and Homeopathy

You may find great relief by changing your diet and making sure your body is getting all of the nutrition it needs through various supplements. Common supplements include:
Ginseng
Coenzyme Q10
L-Carnation
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
And essential fatty acids (Omega Fatty Acids)

Additionally, homeopathy has shown some results in reducing Chronic Fatigue symptoms. Common homeopathy remedies include:

* Arsenicum
* Gelsemium
* Pulsatilla
* Sulphur

Before beginning any alternative treatments make sure you consult your physician. Also let each practicioner or therapist know what other supplements, medications and therapies you’re using to treat your Chronic Fatigue symptoms. Herbs, medicines and treatments can work well together but they can also be risky when combined. It’s important to let each physician know what you’re doing to treat Chronic Fatigue.

Keep a list of all supplements and homeopathy remedies with you at all times, so you can let each practicioner know what the others have prescribed.

While there is no known cure for Chronic Fatigue there are many powerful and natural ways to reduce your symptoms and regain control over your life. Check out the various alternative treatments mentioned above so you can start living a better life today.

Learn more about your health online when you read the rest of our information here about: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome guide and also download the free health report available there!

Warren Tattersall has been a full time nutritional consultant for over 35 years and works with people all over the world to help them improve their health, increase their personal energy levels and to use supplements to assist with diet related health issues.

Just send him a note on the form here - Contact Us - to request a personal no obligation one-on-one consultation with Warren

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