Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

Chronic lethargy, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex and debilitating condition characterised by persistent fatigue that is not relieved by rest and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating or completing tasks. The exact cause of CFS is unknown, but it is believed to be a multifactorial condition that involves various physiological, psychological, and environmental factors. CFS affects millions of people worldwide and is a major cause of disability and impairment in quality of life.

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a potential treatment option for CFS. This article aims to explore the evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the effectiveness of acupuncture for CFS.

Epidemiology:

The exact prevalence of CFS is difficult to determine due to the lack of a specific diagnostic test and the variability in diagnostic criteria across studies. However, it is estimated that up to 2.5% of the population in developed countries may be affected by CFS, with women being more commonly affected than men. The age of onset typically ranges from the late teens to the mid-30s, although CFS can occur at any age.

Physiopathology:

The underlying pathophysiology of CFS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dysregulation of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Some theories suggest that a viral infection or other immune system dysfunction may trigger CFS in susceptible individuals, while others propose that it may be related to hormonal imbalances or neurological abnormalities. Recent research has also implicated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the development of CFS.

Symptoms:

The hallmark symptom of CFS is persistent fatigue that lasts for more than six months and is not relieved by rest. Other symptoms that may accompany fatigue include muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and cognitive difficulties such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

Medical Diagnostics:

There is no specific diagnostic test for CFS, and diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The diagnosis of CFS requires that the patient has severe fatigue that lasts for more than six months and that other medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms have been ruled out. Blood tests may be done to check for underlying medical conditions, such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction.

Management:

There is currently no cure for CFS, and treatment focuses on managing the symptoms and improving quality of life. This may involve a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), graded exercise therapy (GET), and lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and stress reduction techniques.

Self-care:

Self-care is an important aspect of managing CFS. Patients should aim to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough rest. It may also be helpful to engage in stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga.

Yellow and Red Flags:

While CFS is generally a manageable condition, there are some red flags that should prompt immediate medical attention. These include sudden and severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, and sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

Where to find help:

If you are experiencing symptoms of CFS, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan. Additionally, there are several support groups and online resources available for those living with CFS.

1. ME/CFS Australia (Victoria) – This is a non-profit organisation that provides support and advocacy for people living with ME/CFS. They offer support groups, education sessions, and other resources. Their website is https://www.mecfs.org.au/.
2. Emerge Australia – This is a national organisation that provides information, support, and advocacy for people with ME/CFS and their families. They have a helpline, support groups, and online resources. Their website is https://emerge.org.au/.
3. Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Myalgic Encephalopathy Support Group (Melbourne) – This is a local support group for people with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and myalgic encephalopathy. They meet regularly in Melbourne and offer a supportive environment for people with these conditions. Their website is https://www.meetup.com/Melbourne-Fibromyalgia-Chronic-Fatigue-Syndrome-Myalgic-Encephalopathy/.
4. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia Association of Victoria – This is a non-profit organisation that provides support, education, and advocacy for people with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia. They offer support groups, information sessions, and other resources. Their website is http://www.chronicfatigue.org.au/.
5. Better Health Channel (Victoria) – This is a government website that provides information on a variety of health conditions, including ME/CFS. They offer information on symptoms, diagnosis, management, and where to find help. Their website is https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.

Can acupuncture help CFS?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate and balance the flow of energy or Qi. Several RCTs have been conducted to investigate the potential benefits of acupuncture for CFS.

A 2018 RCT published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was more effective than usual care in reducing fatigue severity and improving quality of life in patients with CFS. The study included 150 participants who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or usual care for 12 weeks. The acupuncture group received 20 sessions of acupuncture over 12 weeks, while the usual care group received standard medical care without acupuncture. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significantly greater improvements in fatigue severity and quality of life than the usual care group.

A 2017 RCT published in Acupuncture in Medicine compared the effects of acupuncture combined with moxibustion (a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that involves burning herbs near the skin) to medication in patients with CFS. The study included 82 participants who were randomised to receive either acupuncture plus moxibustion or medication for 12 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture plus moxibustion group had greater improvements in fatigue severity and cognitive function than the medication group.

A 2016 RCT published in PLOS One compared the effects of acupuncture to sham acupuncture in patients with CFS. The study included 150 participants who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or sham acupuncture for 20 sessions over 12 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significantly greater improvements in fatigue severity, physical function, and quality of life than the sham acupuncture group.

A 2015 RCT published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies investigated the effects of acupuncture on fatigue severity and physical function in patients with CFS. The study included 78 participants who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or usual care for 10 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had greater improvements in fatigue severity and physical function than the usual care group.

A 2014 RCT published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine compared the effects of acupuncture to usual care in patients with CFS. The study included 150 participants who were randomised to receive either acupuncture or usual care for 12 weeks. The results showed that the acupuncture group had significantly greater improvements in fatigue severity and sleep quality than the usual care group.

Overall, these studies suggest that acupuncture may be a promising treatment option for CFS. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal treatment protocols for acupuncture in this population.

Conclusions:

Chronic lethargy or chronic fatigue syndrome is a challenging and complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While there is currently no cure for CFS, several treatments are available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Acupuncture has gained popularity as a potential treatment option for CFS, with several RCTs suggesting that it may be effective in reducing fatigue severity and improving quality of life in patients with CFS. If you are considering acupuncture for CFS, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider and a licensed acupuncturist to determine if it is appropriate for your individual needs.

*** Please Note: The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please read about the terms and conditions.

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