Fatigue

Acupuncture for Fatigue

Fatigue can manifest in different ways depending on each patient. Similarly, symptoms can vary according to a patient’s trigger, history, duration, intensity and pulse / tongue diagnosis. This information will give your licensed Chicago acupuncturist an overall understanding of the root of the problem, meridians that are in need of balance, and whether it is from an excess or deficient source. Other natural remedies for chronic fatigue may also be recommended.

According to Western diagnostics, a patient may be diagnosed with chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue or fatigue related to medication, cancer treatment or simply not enough sleep. In Eastern Medicine we treat these symptoms but see these as imbalances in the body that may have been present for some time and continue manifesting and disrupting other body systems or functions.

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Acupuncture Treatment for Fatigue in our Lincoln Square Acupuncturist’s Office

Chinese medicine approach is unique and each patients fatigue may be treated differently depending on their signs and symptoms. An example of Chinese medical diagnosis is Lv and Sp meridian disharmony resulting from ongoing stress, anger or unfulfilled desires. The patient may have a history of an unbalanced diet, overthinking, feeling anxious, overuse of medication (especially antibiotics), environment, climate or over consuming energy. Other complaints may be abdominal or digestive distress, emotional depression, irritable, headache, PMS, dysmenorrhea, lack of strength, cold extremities, poor appetite or loose stool. If these patterns continue other systems can become damaged leading to greater fatigue. In Traditional Chinese Medicine all symptoms of fatigue are diagnosed with one or multiple diagnosis and used to establish an effective treatment plan. In addition to acupuncture, herbal remedies for fatigue can be given to patients in tablet or tea form as indicated.

Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia:

Although there is no cure for fibromyalgia and few Western treatment options exist – acupuncture can often be a safe and effective treatment. Acupuncture for fibromyalgia that includes electrical stimulation, in my experience, promotes a better reduction in pain and stiffness than needling alone and improving overall well-being, sleep and fatigue. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation, increase endorphins and calm the mind and body. These statements are supported in the Cochrane Summaries, Acupuncture for fibromyalgia published online May 2013.

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – A Natural Treatment:

Acupuncture for chronic fatigue is treated in much of the same way as described above. Taking into account the patient’s history and presenting symptoms. Acupuncture is shown to prevent fatigue and enhance athletic endurance. A study published by HealthCMi in November 2013, showed how three acupuncture points demonstrated significant improvements in the liver mitochondrial respiratory control rate and the ratio of phosphorus to oxygen in laboratory rats.

Acupuncture for Energy!

With our fast paced lifestyles, eating fast foods and consumption of energy drinks we’re experiencing more adrenal fatigue. Our adrenals are on overload, no wonder so much of us are feeling fatigue and energy crash. Acupuncture for adrenal fatigue can be improved with acupuncture but also with dietary adjustments and moderate exercise. Your acupuncturist will work to develop a treatment plan to get you in the right direction.

Acupuncture for Fatigue Related to Cancer Treatments

Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer treatment often feel fatigue during or after their treatment. Acupuncture can be an effective way to reduce fatigue, support the immune system and help with appetite. Breast cancer patients receiving acupuncture along with other recommended treatments felt a reduction in fatigue. See article published by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, June 25, 2011

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture treats most acute and chronic conditions experienced internally or externally. We get a thorough understanding of each patients history to better treat the source of each issue rather than focusing just on symptoms alone. Acupuncture treats the fatigue by reducing stress, decreasing chronic pain by releasing pain reducing endorphins and reducing inflammation, regulating sleep and supporting the immune system.

Acupuncture side effects are very minimal; it is a safe and effective treatment to use in conjunction with medications and other Western medical treatments you may be receiving.

To learn more about Acupuncture for Fatigue, our Andersonville Acupuncturist, or to schedule a consultation, please call 773.878.7330 and speak to one of our expert team members today.