What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) marked by severe fatigue that does not improve with rest and is often accompanied by symptoms such as muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, and cognitive difficulties. The exact cause of CFS remains unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of physical, psychological, and environmental factors.
Acupuncture as a treatment for CFS
Acupuncture is one of Chinese medicine therapies that involves inserting disposable ultra-fine needles at selected points on the body. Recent research has examined its potential to alleviate symptoms of CFS.
Evidence from research studies
Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing CFS and related fatigue conditions:
Comparison with usual care (Kim et al., 2015)
This randomised controlled trial included participants diagnosed with CFS or idiopathic (unknown-cause) chronic fatigue. The study compared acupuncture with usual medical care over a 12-week period. Participants in the acupuncture group demonstrated significant reductions in fatigue severity and improvements in their quality of life compared to those receiving usual care.
Acupuncture combined with moxibustion (Fang et al., 2022)
A systematic review and network meta-analysis explored the combined effects of acupuncture and moxibustion for managing CFS. Moxibustion, a therapy that involves burning herbs near the skin, was found to enhance the benefits of acupuncture. Compared to medication, the combination of acupuncture and moxibustion led to greater reductions in fatigue severity and improved cognitive function.
Real Versus sham acupuncture (Fang et al., 2022)
Another trial compared the effects of real acupuncture with sham acupuncture in people with CFS. After 20 sessions over 12 weeks, those receiving real acupuncture experienced significant improvements in fatigue severity, physical function, and overall quality of life compared to the sham group. This study highlights the specific effects of acupuncture beyond placebo.
Post-Stroke Fatigue (Jianyu et al., 2023)
Although not specific to CFS, a systematic review examined the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke fatigue. The findings suggested that acupuncture reduced fatigue severity in stroke survivors and contributed to better physical recovery. While the underlying causes of post-stroke fatigue differ, this evidence supports the broader application of acupuncture in managing chronic fatigue conditions.
Treatment protocols in the studies
From the research findings, the following treatment patterns were observed:
- Frequency: Acupuncture sessions were typically conducted 1–2 times per week.
- Duration: Treatment courses generally lasted 8–12 weeks.
- Combination Therapies: The addition of moxibustion enhanced the effectiveness of acupuncture in some cases.
Considerations for acupuncture treating CFS
- Medical Evaluation First: It is essential to consult a medical doctor to rule out other potential causes of fatigue, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, or other medical conditions, before considering acupuncture.
- Role of Acupuncture: While studies suggest acupuncture can alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life in CFS, further research is needed to confirm optimal treatment protocols and long-term effects.
- Safety: The studies reviewed reported minimal adverse effects, indicating acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a trained practitioner.
In short…
The available evidence suggests that acupuncture may be a beneficial therapy for managing chronic fatigue syndrome. It has been shown to reduce fatigue severity, enhance physical function, and improve cognitive performance in multiple studies. However, it is important to consult with your medical doctor before starting acupuncture to ensure other underlying conditions are addressed. Further research is required to refine treatment protocols and better understand the mechanisms behind acupuncture’s effects on fatigue.
*** 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.
Reference list
Fang, Y., Yue, B. W., Ma, H. B., & Yuan, Y. P. (2022). Acupuncture and moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine, 101(31), e29310. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000029310
Jianyu, Y., Haiyan, L. I., Dingyi, X., Mingren, C., & Rixin, C. (2023). Efficacy of acupuncture therapy for post-stroke fatigue: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan, 43(1), 27–33. https://doi.org/10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20221006.003
Kim, J. E., Seo, B. K., Choi, J. B., Kim, H. J., Kim, T. H., Lee, M. H., Kang, K. W., Kim, J. H., Shin, K. M., Lee, S., Jung, S. Y., Kim, A. R., Shin, M. S., Jung, H. J., Park, H. J., Kim, S. P., Baek, Y. H., Hong, K. E., & Choi, S. M. (2015). Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial. Trials, 16, 314. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0