Finding Balance: Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture
for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex and debilitating condition characterised by profound fatigue that is not improved by rest. It can significantly impact daily life, affecting everything from work and social activities to basic self-care. While conventional medicine offers some symptom management, many people seek complementary and alternative therapies, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Understanding CFS from a TCM Perspective:
In TCM, CFS is often viewed as a disruption of the body’s vital energy, or qi, and an imbalance within the organ systems. Unlike the Western medical focus on specific pathogens or physiological abnormalities, TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit.
Common TCM patterns associated with CFS include:
- Spleen Qi Deficiency: The spleen is responsible for transforming food into qi and blood. When deficient, it leads to fatigue, poor appetite, bloating, and loose stools.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Stress, frustration, and emotional imbalances can lead to liver qi stagnation, resulting in fatigue, irritability, headaches, and muscle tension.
- Kidney Yin Deficiency: The kidneys are the foundation of yin and yang, the body’s fundamental energies. Yin deficiency can manifest as fatigue, night sweats, low back pain, and insomnia.
- Heart Blood Deficiency: The heart governs blood and houses the shen (spirit). Blood deficiency can cause fatigue, palpitations, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Dampness: Alongside the common TCM patterns above, dampness is often part of the picture too. Dampness causes symptoms such as fatigue with a feeling of heaviness, brain fog and poor concentration.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: Restoring Balance:
Chinese herbal formulas are tailored to address the individual presentation of your identified TCM patterns. To get the best results from Chinese herbal medicine, both tongue and pulse diagnosis are especially important.
Common herbal formulas used in CFS management include:
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle Qi Decoction): This formula strengthens spleen qi and is often used for fatigue, poor appetite, and digestive issues.
- Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder): This formula soothes liver qi stagnation and is helpful for fatigue, irritability, and stress-related symptoms.
- Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pills): This formula nourishes kidney yin and is used for fatigue, night sweats, and low back pain. • Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction): This formula tonifies heart blood and spleen qi and is used for fatigue, palpitations, and insomnia related to blood deficiency.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a valuable tool in managing CFS symptoms.
Acupuncture can:
- Increase energy levels by promoting the circulation of qi and blood. • Reduce pain and muscle tension.
- Improve sleep quality.
- Reduce stress and anxiety.
- Support the function of the spleen, liver, and kidney organ systems. Common acupuncture points used in CFS treatment include:
- ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens spleen and stomach Qi.
- LV3 (Taichong): Soothes liver qi stagnation.
- KI3 (Taixi): Nourishes kidney yin.
- HT7 (Shenmen): Calms the shen (spirit).
Acupuncture treatments are typically performed in a series of sessions, with the frequency and duration determined by your individual condition.
Combining Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture:
The combined use of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can offer a synergistic approach to managing CFS. Herbs address the underlying imbalances, while acupuncture provides immediate symptom relief and supports the body’s natural healing process.
Lifestyle Recommendations:
In addition to herbal medicine and acupuncture, TCM emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications to support healing and prevent recurrence. These include:
- Diet: Eating a balanced diet of whole foods, avoiding processed foods, and incorporating warming and nourishing foods.
- Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, Tai Chi, or Qigong.
- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Gentle Exercise: Engaging in light, restorative exercises such as walking, yoga, or stretching, as tolerated.
- Emotional Well-being: Addressing emotional imbalances and seeking support when needed.
Conclusion:
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture offer a holistic and individualized approach to managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. By addressing the underlying imbalances and supporting the body’s natural healing abilities, TCM can help people suffering with CFS regain energy, improve quality of life, and find balance.
At the Jade Centre we see many patients each year to help them to manage their health. Contact us now and book an appointment to get the support you need,
