Homeopathy for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Are you looking for a homeopathic cure for chronic fatigue syndrome? This article discusses the homeopathy treatment of acne along with the best homeopathic medicine for chronic fatigue syndrome treatment.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition of unknown cause, characterized by severe, sometimes disabling fatigue and many other symptoms that affect different organ systems.

Many people in the population suffer from fatigue at some time, and approximately 25% of patients seen by primary care physicians have fatigue that has lasted longer than a month.

However, only very less percentage of people meet the criteria used to define the chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis. Here myalgic refers to muscle pain and encephalomyelitis means inflammation of brain and spinal cord.

It is characterized by overwhelming fatigue that interferes with routine work. The persistent fatigue is unrelated to exertion and also not relieved by rest.

Weakness and fatigue

Weakness – weakness is often described as a loss of physical strength, with the feeling that extra effort is required to move. When due to fatigue, the weakness, is usually perceived as generalized, but the profound muscle loss that can occur in cachexia (weakness and wasting of the body due to severe chronic illness), will also cause a generalized weakness, which is invariably due to neurological lesions.

Fatigue – in contrast, fatigue is perceived by patients as more severe and persistent than tiredness. It can be accompanied by a lack of energy, exhaustion, restlessness, boredom, lack of interest in activities, weakness, dyspnoea (difficulty in breathing), pain, altered taste and itching.

The concept of fatigue seems to be a combination of physical sensations, affective sensations such as lack of interest, irritability, and cognitive sensations e.g. loss of concentration. Although fatigue is different from drowsiness or weakness, patients use fatigue and weakness interchangeably.

Homeopathy Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach.

This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering.

The aim of homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome is not only to treat chronic fatigue syndrome but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat chronic fatigue syndrome that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints.

For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome:

Acetic acid, Anacardium, Ambra gresia, Arsenic album, Ferrum met, Cimicifuga, coca, Coffea, Cocculus, sulphur, Phosphorous, Zincum met, Natrum mur, Phosphoric acid, Alumina, Camphora, Carbo veg, Stannum met, Coca, Muratic acid, Naja, Picric acid, Selenium, Secale cor, Tarantula, Formica rufa, Iodium, Cocculus ind, Acetic acid, China, Nux vomica, Chelidonium, Arnica, Psorinum and many other medicines.

Alfalfa – Alfalfa favorably influences nutrition, evidenced in “toning up” the appetite and digestion resulting in greatly improved mental and physical vigor, with gain in weight. Disorders characterized by malnutrition are mainly within its therapeutic range, for example, neurasthenia, splanchnic blues, nervousness, insomnia, nervous indigestion, etc. Acts as a fat producer, corrects tissue waste. Deficient lactation. Increases quality and quantity of milk in nursing mothers.

Flatulence with distention. Shifting, flatulent pain along colon several hours after meals. Frequent, loose, yellow, painful stools, with burning of flatulence. Slept better than usual, especially in early morning; it induces quiet, reposeful and refreshing sleep.

Acetic acid – homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome has great debility, intense thirst; great uneasiness due to ulcers in stomach.

Anacardium – great nervous debility; weakness of all senses; rapid loss of memory; loss of sleep; prostration after seminal emission.

Ambra gresia – great prostration and weakness; loss of muscular power; impaired memory; impotence; long continued fatigue after lingering fever.

See also

Homoeopathy During Pregnancy and Labour

Arnica Montana –homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome has general weakness and fatigue with sleeplessness; sore-bruised feeling all over; must lie down; slowness of thinking.

Arsenic album – great debility and prostration; patient is too weak to move; physical weakness is associated with mental restlessness; patient is very fastidious; he is so weary that he cannot even sleep.

Baptisia – weak feeling as if recovering from an illness; no desire to do anything; parts rested on feel very painful.

Calcarea carb – patient is always tired, aversion to any physical work, indolence. Feels cold. Slow recovery after flu or Mononucleosis. Despair of recovery. Slowness. Profuse, easy perspiration.

Carcinocin – chronic fatigue after infection of mononucleosis.

China – homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome has weakness and fatigue from loss of body fluids or after severe exhausting disease; paralytic weakness of the affected parts; weakness with excessive irritability and sensibility; patient is very sensitive to droughts of air.Periodicity is most marked. Sensitive to draughts. Apathetic, indifferent, disobedient, taciturn, despondent. Ideas crowd in mind; prevent sleep. Tender, cold. Vomiting of undigested food. Slow digestion. Weight after eating. Ill effects of tea. Hungry without appetite. Drowsiness. Unrefreshing or constant stupor. Wakens early. Protracted sleeplessness. Anxious, frightful dreams with confused consciousness on waking.

Carbo vegetabilis – This remedy is especially suitable for weak and delicate old people who are old dyspeptics; especially that form of debility from lactation or organic causes. Defective reaction, particularly in abdominal affections with rapid pulse and great coldness o;f the body, make the choice of the remedy clear. Fatigue after eating.

The typical Carbo patient is sluggish, fat and lazy and has a tendency to chronicity in his complaints. Blood seems to stagnate in the capillaries, causing blueness, coldness, and ecchymosis. Body becomes blue, icy-cold.

Cimicifuga – great debility between the menses; exhausted feeling in students; Atony in nervous and muscular system.

Coca – nervous depression, due to overwork, after exhausting disease; sexual excess; mental worry; find himself unable to do any exertion; ailments after abuse of tobacco; loss of energy; inclination to sleep with constant weariness.

Cocculus – Debility of cerebro-spinal system following loss of sleep. Loss of sleep causes languid and exhausted feeling. It especially suits those who are debilitated from long watching of the sick, thus combining anxiety and loss of sleep.Nausea from riding in cars, boat, etc, or looking at boat in motion; worse on becoming cold or taking cold. Nausea, with faintness and vomiting. Aversion to food, drink, tobacco. Metallic taste. Paralysis of muscles preventing deglutition.

Coffea – great mental and physical exertion; general debility; fainting from sudden emotions; patient is oversensitive to pain.

Ferrum met – homeopathic medicine chronic fatigue syndrome has great weakness and lethargy due to anemia; weakness due to faulty nutrition and assimilation; weakness of muscles or muscular system easily exhausted from slight exertion; fainting attacks due to marked debility.

Gelsemium – weakness during and after flu or influenza or Mononucleosis. Patient is always dull and drowsy with drooping of eyelids. Myalgia, Muscular weakness with complete relaxation and prostration.

Phosphorous – great prostration due to exhausted nervous system; after sudden shock or blow.

Phosphoric acid – nervous debility from loss of seminal fluid; from exhausting illness; weakness of back and lags, finds himself unable to walk; burning in spine; dizziness as if he would fall down. Suits debility of nervous or functional origin, with burning in spines or limbs. It is characterized by indifference and torpidity of body and mind, a total lack of erethism. There is failure in memory. It suits especially debility arising from sexual excesses or loses of semen. A debility that sets in after mental emotions, grief, sorrow, home-sickness or disappointments, with emaciation, night sweats, drowsiness, etc., will call for Phosphoric acid.

Picric acid – Debility from diminished nutrition; there is a lame and tired sensation all over the body; the slightest exertion brings on speedy exhaustion. Debility, especially of females, from protracted illness or defective nutrition. Debility from impaired nutrition with a diarrhea and profuse sweat; the countenance is pale and waxen and emaciated. A profound debility with a tendency death ward is often met by this remedy with its general, waxy skin, etc.

Causes of weakness and fatigue

Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Myasthenia gravis
Guillian-Barr syndrome
Impaired electrolytes balance in the body
Stroke
Anemia
Depression
Sleep disorder
Eating disorders
Fibromyalgia
Addison’s disease
Sexual excess
Abuse of alcohol or tobacco
Over exertion
Carcinoma
Infection
Overuse of certain medications
Liver disorder
Renal disorders
Constant joints pain

Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The cause of the disorder is unknown. The diagnosis can be made only after all other medical and psychiatric causes of chronic fatiguing illness have been excluded. Scientific studies have not been able to validate any pathognomic signs or diagnostic tests for this condition.

It may begin as a flu-like illness with a sudden onset, or it may occur gradually. Because of this, various infectious causes have been proposed; however, there is insufficient evidence to support such causation. Infections proposed include mononucleosis, chlamydia, HHV-6, and lyme disease. About 60% cases occur after a viral illness such as mononucleosis or gastroenteritis.

Investigations have also tried to implicate the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) as the etiological agent in chronic fatigue syndrome. EBV infection, however, is associated with specific antibodies and atypical lymphocytosis, which are absent in chronic fatigue syndrome. Results of tests for other viral agents, such as enterovirus, herpes virus, and retrovirus, have been negative.

Some investigations have found nonspecific markers of immune abnormalities in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome; for example, reduced proliferation responses of peripheral blood lymphocytes, but these responses are similar to those detected in some patients with major depression.

Several reports have shown disruption in the hypothalamic pituitary –axis in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, with mild hypothyroidism. Because of this, exogenous cortisol has been used to reduce fatigue but with equivocal results.

Chronic fatigue syndrome may be familial. In one study, the correlation within pairs of monozygotic twins was more than 2.5 times greater than the correlation for dizygotic twins.

Other Causes of Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

Immune system disorder
Certain viral infection
Malignancy
Liver disorder
Thyroid disorders
Kidney disease
Adrenal insufficiency
Anaemia
Low blood sugar levels
Low blood pressure
Low socio economic status
Women between 40 -50 years of age

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms

Persistent fatigue, not caused by exertion, not relieved by rest
Memory weakness
Poor concentration
Unfreshing sleep
Muscular pains
Joint pains
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Chest pain
Chronic cough
Dizziness
Ear ache
Anxiety
Depression
Weight loss
Weight gain
Diarrhea
Mighty sweat
Jaw pain
Allergies to food, medicines, smell, chemical.
Dry eye
Blurring of vision
Tender lymph nodes of neck and armpit
Fluctuation in appetite
These symptoms last for at least six months.

Associated sign and symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome

In addition to the primary symptoms mentioned above, up to 50% of people with fibromyalgia develop associated symptoms which may include:

Abdominal pain
Irregular heart beats
Diarrhea
Chronic cough
Dizziness
Anxiety/panic attacks
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath
Nausea
Stiffness in joints
Weight loss

Diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, established in 1994 by the U.S Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention, are as follows:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – COMPLICATIONS

Since the complaint is chronic in nature, depression, work inefficiency can occur.
Many patients become chronically disabled.
Social isolation due to ill-health.
Life style restrictions.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – WHAT TO DIFFERENTIATE FROM?

Although there is no any laboratory test for diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Diagnosis is done when other possibilities are ruled out. Following medical condition should be ruled out as fatigue is also a clinical symptom is these diseases.

Hypothyroidism
Anemia
Coeliac disease
Diabetes
Infectious diseases (such as Epstein–Barr virus, influenza, HIV infection, tuberculosis, Lyme disease), neuroendocrine diseases (such as thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s disease)
Hematologic diseases (such as occult malignancy, lymphoma)
Rheumatologic diseases (such as fibromyalgia, polymyalgia rheumatica, Sjögren’s syndrome, giant-cell arteritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis)
Psychiatric diseases (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, dementia, anorexia/bulimia nervosa),
Neuropsychologic diseases (such as obstructive sleep apnea, parkinsonism, multiple sclerosis)
Allergies
Sinusitis
Autoimmune diseases some chronic illness,
Alcohol or substance abuse
Heavy metal exposure and toxicity

Treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms entirely depends upon underlying cause and condition.

Adequate sleep, rest, healthy diet, supplements should be taken. Psychological counseling should be given if there is any psychological cause. Cognitive behavioral therapy and Exercise therapy are also used to manage the symptoms.

Note: The above homeopathy medicines are just an indicator of how we can treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with homeopathy. Please consult a qualified homeopath in person for a full case analysis and to find the best homeopathy remedy for your individual case.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Deep breathing and walking in fresh air can increase the energy levels.
A well balanced nutritious diet with ample fluids should be taken.
Avoid mental and physical exertion during an acute illness. Try to take proper rest. DO NOT ‘ pop-a-pill and go-to work’ if you are not feeling very well.

WHERE ELSE TO FIND MORE INFO? INTERNET RESOURCES

REFERENCE WORKS

Davidson’s Principles and Practise of Medicine, 17th ed, 1996, Churchill Livingstone
New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory, William Boericke, 2nd revised ed., 2001, B. Jain
Select Your remedy, Rai Bahdur Bishambhar Das, 19th ed, 1999, Bishambar Free Homeo Dispensary
A Concise Repertory of Homeopathic Medicines, S.R.Phatak, 3rd ed, B. Jain
Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics, Dewey, reprint ed, 1993, B.Jain