Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic
encephalomyelitis, is characterized by long-term disabling tiredness, often
accompanied with muscle pain, joint pain, headache, impaired concentration and
sleep disturbance. People with CFS often feel so tired they can’t do even half
of their normal daily activities and the feeling does not go away, even with
more rest. CFS affects more women than men and is the most common in young and
mid-aged adults. CFS can affects children as well, usually between the ages of
13 and 15. CFS may last from a few months to many years. Symptoms sometimes may
come and go. The cause of CFS is not clear, but immune system response, viral
infection, hormone imbalance and psychiatric problems may be responsible. There
is no specific medication for CFS and antidepressant is prescribed for some
cases. The prevalent treatments include changes in lifestyle, psychiatric therapy,
and activity management.
Acupuncture is the most recommended alternative therapy for
CFS. Acupuncture invigorates body’s energy, qi and rebalances body’s systems
including immune system. A clinical study of 80 patients with CFS in China
reported that stimulation at acupoints Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Hegu (LI
4), Taichong (LR 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once daily, ten-day
as a session and two sessions in total, invigorated energy qi and significantly
improved CFS symptoms. This is accompanied by improving immune function via the
regulation of the ratios of among CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Reference:
Ling JY et
al., Impacts on chronic fatigue syndrome of qi deficiency syndrome and T cell
subgroups in patients treated with acupuncture at selective time. Zhongguo Zhen
Jiu. 2013 Dec;33(12):1061-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24617226
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