Discover How Acupuncture Can Transform Your Battle with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in 2024
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) affects millions of people worldwide, leaving them trapped in a cycle of overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest. CFS is characterised by chronic fatigue and a series of atypical symptoms, such as muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, emotional stress, digestive disorders, depression, and injured immune function. As we advance through 2024, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are emerging as powerful, evidence-based solutions for restoring energy and vitality to those suffering from this debilitating condition.
Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for a long time and doesn’t alleviate with rest. The number of the cases has been increasing during the era of COVID-19 pandemic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, CFS is viewed as a complex imbalance in the body’s energy systems, where the pathogenesis of CFS in traditional Chinese medicine is the deficiency of qi, blood, and yin and yang, accompanied by the stagnation of qi, fire, phlegm, and blood.
From a TCM perspective, chronic fatigue typically results from several key imbalances: Qi is the body’s life force. When it’s weak, you may feel tired, breathless, and easily fatigued. Additionally, A common factor is a weakness in the Spleen system which is deeply involved in making energy for the body to use on a daily basis. Other contributing factors include blood deficiency, which can lead to brain fog and muscle weakness, and kidney deficiencies that affect the body’s fundamental energy reserves.
The Science Behind Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Recent research in 2024 has provided compelling evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating CFS. A recent meta-analysis on the effects of acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) featured recently in the peer reviewed journal Biomed Central. The study looks at 31 clinical trials, and concludes that a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion* treatments may have a ‘better effect than other treatments’.
The mechanisms behind acupuncture’s success are multifaceted. Although the mechanisms of acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are still unclear, researchers saw changes in the immune system’s functioning after treatment. The changes suggest that acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome regulates the immune system, calms inflammatory responses and boosts anti-inflammatory responses.
Advanced neuroimaging studies have revealed how acupuncture works at the brain level. With magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, it was shown that the partial brain of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome had morphological changes with diminished grey matter and white; changes in cerebral blood flow velocity caused by decreased perfusion and functional activity with abnormal connectivity in brain were detected. In addition, there was significant decrease in glucose metabolism accompanied with neuroinflammatory response; metabolic disorders of serotonergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid energy neurotransmitters were also discovered.
How Acupuncture Restores Energy and Vitality
Acupuncture works by targeting specific meridian points to restore the flow of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body. The results showed that both acupuncture and moxibustion can effectively alleviate fatigue symptoms in patients suffering from CFS, with combined acupuncture and moxibustion demonstrating greater effectiveness. Acupuncture excelled in regulating the immediate effects of HRV, while moxibustion excelled in regulating long-term effects.
The treatment approach focuses on addressing the root causes rather than just symptoms. The treatment is focused on tonifying deficiencies and relieving bruising. CHM such as Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., and Astragalus mongholicus Bunge can nourish deficiency and improve fatigue and lengthy malaise after exertion in CFS patients, whereas Bupleurum falcatum L. and Citrus × aurantium L., among others, can resolve stagnation and relieve pain, insomnia, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms. Therefore, CHM can not only improve the main symptoms, but also relieve the accompanying symptoms in CFS.
The Holistic Approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine
What sets TCM apart is its comprehensive approach to healing. Additionally, methodologies such as acupuncture point injections (Fang and Li, 2017), Chinese herbal wax therapy (Zhao et al., 2007), integrated acupuncture therapy (Li et al., 2022), Mongolian medicine silver needle therapy (Cao, 2021), and bee sting therapy (Cui et al., 2022), coupled with other distinctive external treatment modalities within traditional Chinese medicine, have yielded promising outcomes in the treatment of CFS. These interventions operate through the harmonization of Yin and Yang, the fortification of the body’s vital energy, culminating in the reduction of pain and fatigue symptoms, the alleviation of anxiety and tension, and the enhancement of overall well-being.
The beauty of moxibustion, often combined with acupuncture, lies in its ability to warm and invigorate the body’s meridians. The excerpt articulates: “When conventional medicine is inadequate and acupuncture is lacking, moxibustion becomes an indispensable measure.” Renowned for its efficacy in warming and invigorating the body’s meridians, moxibustion is instrumental in modulating the circulation of Qi and blood, nurturing the kidneys, bolstering the spleen, and reinforcing the body’s intrinsic vitality.
Finding Expert Care on Long Island
For those seeking professional acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome on Long Island, Acupuncture Bethpage represents the gold standard in Traditional Chinese Medicine care. Think Acupuncture blends ancient traditional wisdom and modern scientific research to provide the highest level of clinical care possible. We’re committed to helping you achieve your best health. With convenient locations in Huntington and Ronkonkoma, we’re dedicated to offering safe, drug-free solutions to address a variety of health concerns.
The team at Think Acupuncture brings exceptional qualifications to their practice. Our Long Island Acupuncture team is comprised of New York State Licensed Acupuncturists holding the highest training in the state. Additionally, our acupuncturists are nationally board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese Herbology. Specializing in pain management, and fertility applications, our team is versatile and ready to tailor to your needs.
What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment
Modern acupuncture treatment for CFS follows evidence-based protocols while maintaining the individualized approach that makes TCM so effective. Finally, some clinical trials allow the acupuncturist to select points as they would in normal practice. This is known as ‘individualised’ acupuncture. Clinical trials that use fixed point protocols are less like acupuncture in the real world than those that use ‘individualised’ acupuncture.
The treatment approach recognizes that Traditional Chinese and Japanese acupuncture recognizes that many times aches, pains and other discomforts are only symptoms of a deeper underlying health problem. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnosis is complied, which takes into account the individual’s body, mind, and spirit. The theory behind this healing approach is known as “Root-Branch Philosophy”. The “branch” is the symptom that the patient is experiencing and the “root” is the cause of the manifestation of that symptom.
The Future of CFS Treatment
As we progress through 2024, the evidence continues to mount for acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating chronic fatigue syndrome. Our network meta-analysis results of existing clinical trials show that acupuncture and moxibustion are particularly effective and safe. However, considering the quality of the research, our results should be treated with caution. Combining safety, effectiveness and difficulty of operation, moxibustion and acupuncture are the most recommended therapies.
As an alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has provided some evidences based upon ancient texts and recent studies, not only to offer clinical benefit but also offer insights into their mechanisms of action. It has perceived advantages such as being natural, effective and safe to ameliorate symptoms of CFS such as fatigue, disordered sleep, cognitive handicaps and other complex complaints, although there are some limitations regarding the diagnostic standards and methodology in related clinical or experimental studies.
For those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, acupuncture offers hope for genuine recovery rather than just symptom management. By addressing the root causes of energy depletion and working to restore the body’s natural balance, Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a path toward renewed vitality and improved quality of life. With qualified practitioners and evidence-based approaches now more accessible than ever, 2024 represents an ideal time to explore how acupuncture can transform your experience with chronic fatigue syndrome.