Chinese Medicine and its Role in Helping With CFS and Fibromyalgia
Do you always feel tired and fatigued even though you’re getting enough rest? Or are you experiencing widespread pain throughout your body the entire time? These symptoms may be an indication of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact causes these conditions and treatment methods may vary depending on the person’s symptoms. This has led many people seeking different forms of treatment in hopes of finding an effective cure for both CFS and fibromyalgia.
One of the most sought-after treatments for both disorders is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It’s an alternative form of medicine that incorporates holistic treatment methods for addressing a wide variety of ailments. Herbal medicine, acupuncture, and cupping therapy are some examples of TCM and its primary focus is to improve the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Today we’ll be discussing everything you need to know about CFS and fibromyalgia and how Traditional Chinese medicine can help improve your health and well-being.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disorder that’s characterised by extreme fatigue and exhaustion. The tired feeling doesn’t appear to go away no matter how much rest or sleep the patient gets. The fatigue progressively worsens with increased physical activity and mismanagement of stress levels. CFS can be quite tricky to diagnose and there’s no clear explanation on what causes the condition.
Health experts believe that CFS can be attributed to psychological stress or viral infections. Not a single test can confirm if a patient has CFS and a variety of medical exams are required to rule out other health issues that possess similar symptoms.
Common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are:
- Short-term memory loss
- Lack of concentration when performing tasks
- Lack of energy throughout the day
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain
- Feeling unrefreshed after a long night of sleep
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or neck area
- Headaches
Risk factors associated with chronic fatigue syndrome
Although the exact cause of CFS is still unknown, there are a number of risk factors that can possibly contribute to the condition. These are:
- Age
While chronic fatigue syndrome can occur at any age, people around their 40’s to 50’s are commonly affected by the condition.
- Gender
Women are diagnosed more frequently with chronic fatigue syndrome compared to men, although this can be attributed to women who are more likely to report their symptoms to a physician.
- Stress
Difficulty managing stress is linked to chronic fatigue syndrome. If the person is under constant stress, they are more likely to develop the condition regardless of their physical and/or psychological state.
How Traditional Chinese medicine can help with CFS
Traditional Chinese medicine is a popular treatment method for helping patients who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Because of its holistic approach, TCM focuses on not only treating symptoms of CFS, but also supports optimal function of the patient’s bodily systems.
There are hundreds of therapeutic points on the human body. When these areas are stimulated, it unlocks the body’s regenerative bodies and provide immediate relief from tiredness, pain, and fatigue. Acupuncture can also help reduce stress levels and provide a calming, soothing effect to relax the body and enhance recovery.
Chinese herbal medicines like licorice, cordyceps, astragalus, and ginseng promote increased energy levels and strengthen the body’s immune system. A licensed TCM practitioner will create a mix of herbs to address your specific symptoms. If you’re suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, we suggest trying out acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to facilitate recovery and boost energy production which is essential for treating the condition.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a disorder that’s closely related to chronic fatigue syndrome. It is characterised by widespread pain throughout the body that’s accompanied with tiredness and fatigue. Fibromyalgia impacts the body’s pain receptors and amplifies painful sensations caused by physical activity and psychological stress.
Common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:
- Constant, dull aches all over the body that doesn’t go away with rest and recovery.
- Feeling drained, tired, and low-energy after waking up in the morning.
- Cognitive difficulties like struggling with attention, focus, and concentration.
- Pain doesn’t go away after intense physical activity
Risk factors associated with fibromyalgia
Like chronic fatigue syndrome, health experts aren’t exactly sure what causes it. They believe it’s caused by a combination of factors such as:
- Genetics
Fibromyalgia is hereditary in nature and it’s possible that certain genetic mutations make a person more vulnerable to developing the condition.
- Infections
Infections are likely to contribute to fibromyalgia, especially on individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Physical and/or emotional trauma
Fibromyalgia can be triggered through physical or emotional trauma that puts the individual under extreme stress.
How Traditional Chinese medicine can help with fibromyalgia
Because fibromyalgia is characterised by musculoskeletal pain, it requires a different approach compared to chronic fatigue syndrome. The good news is that Traditional Chines medicine can help decrease a person’s pain sensitivity and free the body of unnecessary stress and fatigue.
Places such as TCM Centre offer cupping therapy, which works great for relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia. As the name implies, this treatment uses cups to suction air out and draw the skin and muscles inside it. This helps relieve any pressure points and pain on the patient’s body. Cupping therapy helps improve circulation which is crucial for supplying body organs and muscles with the oxygen they need to function properly.
Chinese remedial massage (also known as Tui Na) allows for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen, and crucial nutrients to the patient’s body. A variety of hand techniques are used to manipulate soft tissues across multiple areas of the body and relieve muscular tension, thus activating the body’s healing mechanisms and sooth pain and pressure. If you’re experiencing symptoms of fibromyalgia, these TCM treatments will do wonders in reducing your pain sensitivity and relieve you of widespread aches.
Baolin Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Centre
Baolin Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Centre are the leading experts of traditional Chinese medicine in Perth. Since 2003, we’ve provided patients with natural and holistic modalities that help relieve their symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Our team of TCM practitioners are highly experienced and possess the necessary qualifications to ensure you the best service possible.
If you are looking for a treatment method that effectively alleviates these disorders, then you should definitely consider Traditional Chinese medicine. Contact us today and we’ll be more than happy to accommodate you.