acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Many people, especially women have been suffering CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), and acupuncture for CFS is a viable alternative healing method to treat and reduce the symptoms. Dr. Zhou, of Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine of Dallas, understands that the chronic fatigue, pain and other symptoms, in which you are experiencing are the result of a physical illness, not a mental one. They are real symptoms, and they have real causes. More importantly, she can help! By applying acupuncture for CFS treatment, you would activate your own inner energy and self-healing abilities. At the same time these acupuncture for CFS healing process also working with your specific symptoms. Since acupuncture for CFS is a holistic way to treat your conditions, the treatment works to greatly enhance your immune function so that you can regain vitality, have better overall health and enjoy your life more fully.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex disorder involving a number of symptoms and unidentified causes for which no specific diagnostic tests exist. Currently, conventional medicine has no successful treatment for the syndrome as a whole.
Fortunately, acupuncture and herbal medicine, taken as complementary and alternative medicine, effectively treat the various symptoms associated with chronic fatigue. In addition, Chinese medicine can explain the cause of each symptom and individual personal imbalance. Further, acupuncture and herbal medicine can treat the underlying, root causes of conditions and prevent severe diseases.
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, chronic fatigue is considered a Qi deficiency. Qi is the life force energy of the body and mind, and provides a measure of the person’s vitality. The level and quality of a person’s Qi depend on their physical, mental and emotional balance. Acupuncture works as a complement to Chinese medicine. It is, in itself, an energy medicine, acting on the body’s own subtle energy system to clear obstructions and maximize the flow of energy and blood through the healing mechanisms of the body. This includes the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, which enhance the body’s own innate healing capacity and lead to an overall increase in energy and vitality.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has mixed underlying and multiple interacting factors. It is like a domino effect, in that each problem can trigger another. Dr. Zhou’s emphasis is on determining the root cause of the condition based on an individualized assessment of the excesses and deficiencies of a person’s organs. Treatment may involve acupuncture and herbal medicine to strengthen a weakened immune function, including boosting vital energy, nourishing the blood, increasing lymph circulation and natural killer cells, promoting the proper elimination of toxins and improving deep relaxation, as well as renewing mental function and spiritual healing.
Dr. Zhou’s experience leads her to believe that most of the symptoms of CFS resemble a lingering infection; she therefore focuses her treatment on expelling pathogens (viruses, yeast and parasites) by cleansing the blood and eliminating the body’s excessive heat (toxins), thus helping patients avoid a vicious cycle. Her impression, after treating many patients, is that prolonged systemic stress diminishes immunity and obstructs energy flow; therefore, she employs treatment to support the adrenal glands and relieve adrenal exhaustion.
Dr. Zhou treats many women who have gynecologic problems, such as irregular menstrual cycles, PMS and menopausal syndrome. Studies have found that 75% of CFS sufferers are women. Therefore, Dr. Zhou designs treatments that regulate hormonal function to lower the high risk of CFS (see Women). In addition, Dr. Zhou helps her patients identify any food allergies, which can play a significant role in worsening CFS symptoms. Severe allergies show common factors, which can exacerbate and worsen CFS symptoms (see Allergies).
In many cases, treatment results have been achieved in just a few weeks. Often, within five to 10 minutes of the needles’ insertion, patients achieve a deep state of relaxation. Science has reported that such deep relaxation helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, which can reduce stress and anxiety, rebalance the immune system and expand a sense of well-being. About 80-90% of Dr. Zhou’s patients experience significant improvement within three to four months, and remain in good health. If patients live and/or work in a high-stress environment, she encourages them to persevere in treatment monthly as a preventive therapy. She also believes that continued treatment can much more quickly restore imbalances if any mild symptoms develop. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Zhou recommends regular exercise, such as stretching movements (Yoga and/or Tai Chi), as well as dietary and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Zhou carefully addresses the specific needs of those individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue, determines a treatment program that is best for each person and helps her patients start feeling more energetic so they can live life to the fullest.
Success Stories
” I believe that I would never have been able to continue have a normal life without the help of her acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbs” – Cathy W
“Acupuncture and few lifestyle changes helped us to get to where we are today… the proud parents of our precious little girl” – Robin & Clary
chinese herbal medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is a major facet of traditional Chinese medicine. The fundamental premise of Chinese medicine is that every condition is the result of energy deficiency, excess, or inactivity in our internal organs.