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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Acupuncture

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) is a long-term, often chronic condition characterized by debilitating fatigue, even after sufficient sleep. Extreme tiredness can result from normal or even minor physical or mental exertion and last days or weeks. In addition to fatigue, symptoms can include disturbed sleep, lightheadedness, poor short-term memory and concentration, and in some cases, headaches, joint and muscles pain, chronic sore throat, temperature dysregulation, gastrointestinal issues and lymph node tenderness. These symptoms severely restrict everyday functioning.

Fibromyalgia and CFS are classified as two different disorders, however, there are several overlapping symptoms. With Fibromyalgia, the primary symptom is musculoskeletal pain and tenderness in at least seven areas of the body. While fatigue is common, it’s a secondary symptom. Other symptoms include disturbed sleep, headaches and migraines, head cloudiness (brain fog), depression, anxiety, numbness or tingling in the limbs, dry eyes, breathlessness, difficulty swallowing and irregular heartbeat.

In some cases, CFS has been linked to the Epstein Barr virus and the infection mononucleosis that a person may have contracted at some point in their past, or it may appear after a recent virus, including the Covid strain. However, there are cases that have not been directly linked to any virus.

"I've lived with anxiety and depression for many years. It's difficult to feel motivated, even to do the things I love. I also have Fibromyalgia which exacerbates the problem causing aches, foggy head and fatigue. There are times when I can't get out of bed. I've tried many anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, but still didn’t feel as good as I know I could. I was skeptical that acupuncture would help. After my first treatment, I felt relaxed and less anxious. After several weeks of treatment, I am sleeping better, have more energy and I'm now working. Acupuncture has made a big difference in my life. Linda has been a great help to me, making me feel relaxed and comfortable to receive treatment. I look forward to continued treatments and starting herbs." -F.E.

Standard Treatment

There is no diagnostic test for Fibromyalgia or CFS/ME. A diagnosis is based on primary and accompanying symptoms that persist beyond three months (for Fibromyalgia) and beyond six months (for CFS) and only after other potential conditions have been ruled out. It is possible to be diagnosed with both conditions.

There is no cure nor treatment protocol that consistently works for either condition because both can have varying symptoms to varying degrees. Standard medical practice is to treat each symptom individually with visits to specialists for pain, sleep, fatigue, etc. Each will often prescribe a medication or procedure to treat symptoms. Anti-inflammatories, steroids, and pain medications for pain, antidepressants and anxiety drugs for mental health, routine intravenous supplementation for energy, anticonvulsant (off-label) for neurological pain, sleep medications, physical therapy and psychotherapy.

Fibromyalgia, and more often, chronic fatigue syndrome are conditions I see often in my Scottsdale and Paradise Valley patients. Patients come in after they have seen several specialists and have been prescribed several medications and may only feel mildly better or not improved at all. I treat my patients with a whole body or system approach. The symptoms are dependent on all aspects of the body returning to health and cannot be fixed piecemeal or with Band-Aid approaches. These are illnesses that require time to heal and commitment to treatment and lifestyle changes. Proper treatment with acupuncture and herbal medicine can heal every aspect of the patient’s mental and physical health.

Alternative Holistic Treatment for CFS and Fibromyalgia

I am a recovered Fibromyalgia patient myself, and have achieved complete remission and live a full, productive, pain free life with the help of acupuncture and herbal medicine. And I’ve helped others do the same.

To treat Fibromyalgia and CFS, Chinese medicine looks at symptom relationships to diagnose the underlying patterns that need addressing. By focusing on resolving underlying patterns, body systems balance, strengthen and return to homeostasis which, in turn, eliminates symptoms. Just focusing on reducing symptoms does not heal the body and therefore results are limited and temporary. Like symptoms, the Chinese medicine patterns overlap significantly. Treatment will primarily be focused on nourishing deficiency and dispersing stagnation in mostly the Kidney, Liver and Spleen organ systems.

For CFS, the focus would be to strengthen the immune system, increase vital energy, nourish blood, increase blood and lymph circulation, and calm the mind and heart.

For Fibromyalgia, the focus would be to disperse stagnant blood and qi, smooth emotions, balance hormones and fortify deficiencies.

I have lived for the past 20 years outside of the shadow of Fibromyalgia, despite my poor prognosis. I know firsthand it works. If you want more information about how acupuncture and herbs can heal you, call today for a free consultation.