Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Many people suffer from fatigue, which is a normal reaction to the busy, hectic work and family commitments that we all face. However when the fatigue lasts longer than normal or when it begins to stop you from leading a normal life there might be more going on.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The Australian ME/CFS Society classify CFS in the following way:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a severe, complex, acquired illness with numerous symptoms related mainly to the dysfunction of the brain, gastro-intestinal, immune, endocrine and cardiac systems. ME has been classified as a neurological disorder in the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases since 1969 (ICD 10 G93.3).

How Can I Tell If I Have CFS?

CFS has many signs and symptoms all or some of which will appear in a person with CFS. However symptoms differ greatly between sufferers making a definite diagnosis difficult.

It is important if you suffer from extended fatigue that you be fully assessed by a health care professional as a number of illnesses can present in a similar way. However some say that it is like having the worst flu you have every had, being so tired you cannot get out of bed and not being able to think or be clear in the head.

The other frustrating symptom of CFS that is often reported is difficulty sleeping and irritable bowl syndrome.

The Australian CFS Society classify the symptoms of CFS in the following way:

  • Overwhelming post-exertional fatigue from mental or physical activity
  • Dysfunctional sleep
  • Pain
  • Problems with memory
  • Sensitivity to light, touch and sound
  • Problems with standing and balance
  • Problems with body temperature and weight
  • Recurrent flu-like symptoms; that persist for at least six months in adults; or three months in children
  • (Carruthers et al, 2003).

What Causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a topic of much research and debate. Multiple factors may be simultaneously involved. CFS may be caused by the following:

  • Glandular Fever
  • Respiratory tract Infections
  • Viral Infections
  • Exposure to Chemicals
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Heavy Metal Toxicity
  • Immunisations
  • Physical Trauma
  • Serious Accidents
  • Food Allergies and Sensitivities
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Parasitic Infections

Recent research is finding strong links with food malabsorption, food intolerance and gut dysbiosis. CFS frequently appears with other medical conditions, the most common being Fibromyalgia, a name given to a group of symptoms marked by generalised pain and muscle stiffness felt in any area of the body; and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, a name given to those whose low-level exposure to everyday chemicals (like perfumes and deodorants, cigarette smoke, car exhaust) cause headaches or trigger asthma. These conditions contribute to the deterioration of the quality of life for people with Chronic Fatigue, and contribute to severity of fatigue symptoms.

CFS affects men, women and children of all ages, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. The prevalence of CFS is also a contentious topic. In the year 2002, the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) attributed the prevalence of CFS between 0.2% and 0.7% of the Australian population which is over 180,000 people.

International studies conducted in recent years have put the prevalence of CFS between 0.4% to 2.6% of the population however varying definitions and classifications of CFS have impacted on reporting and diagnosis of the condition. As awareness about CFS among researchers, patients and health practitioners increases, prevalence statistics are also likely to be affected.

How Can a Vital Chi Practitioner Help Me?

Kinesiology takes a holistic approach to your health, assessing the ‘whole person’ using gentle muscle evaluation, Chinese medicine acupoints and holistic healing techniques.

Kinesiology helps to identify the causes and contributing factors to your condition. 

Here’s What You Can Expect

1. YourPractitioner will take a thorough case history to determine the cause and severity of your condition.

2. They may recommend tests, and other medical investigations to confirm CFS.

3. Based on this, your Kinesiologist will apply gentle healing techniques to help rebalance the body as well as advising on lifestyle adjustments, as well as referring to other practitioners in the clinic that can assist with a whole body approach to healing CFS.

Their Approach May Include:

  • Lifestyle changes
  • Balancing the body allowing it to heal itself
  • Identification and removal of toxic elements in your life
  • Clearing old beliefs, fears and habits that may be inhibiting your ability to heal
  • Positively reinforcing the body’s natural healing ability

Don’t Ignore Fatigue

Left untreated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a debilitating disease that can affect all aspects of your life. Debilitating fatigue, irritable bowl syndrome, brain fog, heart palpitations, anxiety and panic attacks and stiff sore joints.

Although not known to be life threatening, CFS may greatly reduce your quality of life.

The sooner treatment begins generally the faster the healing process. So don’t you deserve the very best health care? Make an appointment today with one of our experienced, caring Kinesiologists in Melbourne at Melbourne Wellness, and find a natural solution to your CFS. You can make an appointment online, or phone us on (03) 8528 2079. Our clinic in Blackburn, Melbourne, is open six days a week.

For further information see the ME/CFS Society website at www.mecfs.org

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