Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is currently used in the Ireland to describe a disabling and poorly understood multi-system illness. This syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or post-viral fatigue, is a constellation of neurological, neuromuscular, and immunological abnormalities combined with cognitive impairments, disabling fatigue, and recurrent bouts of flu-like illness which can be either short and mild or prolonged and extremely debilitating.

While its etiology is unknown, viral infection is strongly suspected, with 85% of sufferers experiencing an initial acute onset of flu-like symptoms, such as mild fever, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, and chills, accompanied by extreme fatigue after minimal exertion. Other complaints include muscle fatigue, worsening PMS, blurred vision, tachycardia, paresthesias, dry eyes, dry mouth, cough, night sweats, skin rashes, and decreased sexual desire.

While the incidence of the above symptoms vary from patient to patient, the incidence of severe, disabling fatigue is 100%. In addition, patients with this condition often have a history of multiple allergies. Early studies indicated that this disease affected a predominance of women. However, recent studies suggest this may not be the case. Most patients are between 25-40 years of age.

In terms of Western medical diagnosis, there are no absolute clinical indicators or laboratory tests confirming this diagnosis. It is diagnosed mainly by the patient’s presenting symptoms and history and by ruling out all other conditions with similar constellations of signs and symptoms.

By realigning the body structurally and with the use of acupuncture we provide relief from the often debilitating symptoms while we rebalance the digestive system ensuring there is sufficient nourishment available for the body to begin replenishing all its tissues and organs. Most people with CFS also have a history of one or more allergies, hypoglycemia, and candidiasis. Therefore, we will provide dietary therapy as this is extremely important when treating this condition.

Other aspects of lifestyle also need to be considered, such as stress reduction, exercise, and routines which promote nourishing and replenishing sleep. The amount of exercise needs to be carefully regulated, however, so that the net result is more energy and feeling of dynamic well-being as opposed to further exhaustion and fatigue. Acupuncture is also recommended.