Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Tiredness

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Tiredness is one of the most common symptoms patients report to their doctor. It may simply be due to overexertion, it could be due to a medical condition or both. Any symptoms of excessive tiredness should be investigated. Experts say that 10% of us at any one time are suffering from persistent fatigue.Excessive, continuous tiredness can have a detrimental affect on your life and those around you.

Western Medicine Points of View

Chronic tiredness can have many causes. So many that it can often be difficult to uncover the root cause of the tiredness.

TCM Points of View

TCM not only heal, but also “tonify.” There are commonly three basic reasons for chronic tiredness: Deficiency, Combined condition of deficiency and Excess, such as stagnation of liver-Qi (Qi means energy), which produces a deficiency of Spleen-Qi and causes tiredness and Excess (needs to clarify). Excess can cause tiredness by stopping the movement of Qi and blood.

The root cause of tiredness can come from a variety of sources. A weak constitution, overwork, physical overexertion, poor diet, severe illness and childbirth to name a few can all cause tiredness. From TCM perspectives, it is important to find out where these causes are affecting the body and identify the root of the problem.

Treatments

Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Herbal medicine can be prescribed to naturally boost energy levels. Deficiency, Combined condition of Deficiency and Excess, and Excess can all be treated with both acupuncture and herbs. For example, depending on the details of the condition, acupuncture points and specific herbs are selected to “tonify” and nourish kidneys, liver, spleen, heart and/or stomach. The circulation of blood and Qi might also needs to be reinvigorated and an accumulation of phlegm must be resolved. A deficiency in the body’s essential warm energy (Yang) and fluids (Yin) might also be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed with acupuncture and herbs to treat the Root.

Prevention

• Self-Love/Stay away from Stress and Rest Well: You should avoid excessive mental or physical work and make sure you get adequate rest. Rest is often the only treatment necessary to treat chronic tiredness. If you do not get enough rest, this could deplete Kidney-Essence (the essential energy of kidneys), in turn shorten the Life. Too much physical activity, either at work or through sport or exercise. Too much physical activity without adequate rest will weaken the muscles and the spleen.
• Balanced Nutritious Diet: An unbalanced diet could be a major cause of chronic tiredness.
• Avoid excessive sexual activity, as this could cause a deficiency of the kidneys and effect tiredness. If pregnant, the female should make sure, that soon after childbirth, she takes adequate rest and eats well. If this advice is not taken it could lead to problems in the flow of liver-blood and therefore chronic tiredness.