Everyone feels a little sleepy now and then, but feeling constantly fatigued can make life miserable. You may be unable to enjoy the activities you once loved. Luckily, acupuncture may be a safe alternative for treatment. If you would like to know more about chronic fatigue and how acupuncture may be able to help, keep reading.
What Is Chronic Fatigue?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome, affects many Americans. It can develop at any age, but it is more common among people aged 40 to 60. It’s expected that about 90 percent of people suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome haven’t even been diagnosed. Ultimately, chronic fatigue makes it difficult to live your life the way you did before you became ill. Both physical and mental activity can cause severe fatigue.
What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Chronic Fatigue?
There are many symptoms of chronic fatigue, but as the name suggests, the leading symptom is fatigue. However, you may also experience unrefreshing sleep and extreme exhaustion after physical or mental activity. Other people may have physical pain like sore throat, headaches, enlarged lymph nodes, and joint pain. Because of sleep issues, you may also have problems with memory and concentration.
In severe cases, people with chronic fatigue can’t even get out of bed. They may have to quit their job or be unable to fully care for themselves.
Unfortunately, the underlying cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is not understood. However, there are some potential triggers. Some viruses may trigger the condition, such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Similarly, if you have immune problems, you may also be at a higher risk. Hormonal imbalances and physical or emotional trauma can also cause the onset of the condition.
How Can Acupuncture Help Fight Fatigue?
Chronic fatigue syndrome is hard to fight, so many people turn to alternative medicines like acupuncture for relief. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
In addition, it can fight depression, which can worsen the feelings of many conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome. Some acupuncturists may also suggest herbal or nutritional supplements, which may also help, especially if you are lacking magnesium or omega-3.
Overall, acupuncture helps treat your body by improving blood flow, which also triggers your body’s natural healing abilities. This has been shown to help people with chronic pain. In some cases, fighting the chronic pain alone could drastically improve your condition by improving your overall mood. In addition, acupuncture can give many people more energy.
How Should You Prepare for Your Acupuncture Visit?
Before your acupuncture visit, you should make a list of your symptoms. Don’t just include what you are feeling — include how often you feel it, how long you’ve been suffering from fatigue, how it affects your daily life, and how it affects your family. This will better help you and your acupuncturist possibly identify some triggers or even the main cause so that you can avoid it.
During treatment, don’t be surprised if your practitioner puts needles in areas that seem unrelated. Acupuncture is a holistic medicine, which means it treats the body as a whole. Keep in mind that the needles are small, so they don’t damage skin while penetrating.
Acupuncture is an old medicine, but it is still a popular choice because it is a safe alternative to prescription medications like pain and sleeping medicines. If you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome, stop fighting alone and consider acupuncture treatments. If you would like to know more or if you want to schedule an appointment, contact us at Acupuncture and Holistic Health Associates today.
