by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: August 11, 2008   Last Updated: February 21, 2012

When you have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, your whole life can be disrupted. You may no longer be able to function. Traditional medicine offers no known cure for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. In the search for relief, many people are turning to alternative treatment. While alternative medicine doesn't offer an overall cure,what it does offer is hope. When approaching this complex disorder, one option is to treat the individual symptoms. Most alternative medical treatments are of Eastern origin. This can include yoga, acupuncture, herbal therapies and therapeutic massage.

~Yoga

The practice of yoga can be traced back over 5000 years. By definition yoga is "union" and it is indeed the union of the body with the mind and the spirit. The exercises in yoga help to facilitate this union. The result is an increase in flexibility, muscle tone, an improvement in posture and a sense of well being. There is improved clarity of thought and the feeling of calm can help with pain control.

Yoga can help with the aches that accompany Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as well as the mental fatigue and lack of ability to focus and think clearly. It can also help to take the mind off the symptoms and help with the psychological symptoms. The controlled breathing of yoga and the relaxation will be a help in dealing with the sleep disturbances and the anxiety that often accompanies CFS.

~Acupuncture

This ancient Chinese practice involves the use of tiny needles which are inserted into the body at specific points. The Chinese have identified twelve spots on the body associated with all the "vital energy" that flows through the body. Acupuncture has been used to help with pain control. In the treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome it can help with the muscle and joint pain, the headaches, aching eyes and irritated bowel.

~Therapeutic Massage

The application of touch and massage can help to relieve the painful muscle associated with CFS. It also can relieve stress and help with relaxation.

~Herbal Treatments

One herb that has been used with some success is ginseng. It helps to increase energy when taken in doses of 100-300mg. twice daily. Another herb that is worth considering is Echinacea which is typically used to help prevent colds and to stimulate the immune system. The optimal dose is 200 mg twice daily.  You local herbalist will offer Echinacea  in a liquid form which is more effective.

Another option is to use essential oils, peppermint, jasmine and rosemary in a warm bath can help with relaxation.

Nutrition is  important to the treatment of CFS. Stimulants like alcohol and caffeine should be avoided along with processed foods. Eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and whole grains may help. Dairy and products that contain glutens should be limited if not totally removed from the diet until they have been ruled out as possible irritants.

Dietary supplements may also be prescribed. Some of the most popular are magnesium, fish oil, evening primrose, beta carotene, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Many of these can help with the affect of fatigue but they should not be taken in high does except under a health care providers care.

Homeopathic therapies are appropriate for treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The homeopath will consider all the factors before determining an appropriate therapy. Some of the most common choices are pulsatilla to help provide calm, gelsemium when the patient is suffering from mental exhaustion, arsenicum and sulphur to help with fatigue.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder which may require a very complex regime of treatment and going the alternative route may be one of the best options.

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