Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Western Vs. Eastern View

The cause of CFS is unknown. Some research shows that something, possibly a virus, puts the immune system into overdrive, and for unknown reasons the immune system stays at a heightened level. This puts a great deal of stress on the body which causes indescribable fatigue, along with a number of other depilating symptoms. And, there are no specific Western treatments to cure this syndrome.

According to theCenter for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The cause or causes of CFS remain unknown, despite a vigorous search. While a single cause for CFS may yet be identified, another possibility is that CFS represents a common endpoint of disease resulting from multiple precipitating causes. [...] Conditions that have been proposed to trigger the development of CFS include virus infection or other transient traumatic conditions, stress, and toxins.

Since there is no known cure for CFS, treatment is aimed at symptom relief and improved function. A combination of drug and nondrug therapies is usually recommended.

Now, on to the Eastern View of CFS:

According to Dr. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee, a NYS Licensed acupuncturist and NCCA DPL Herbalist, there are four causes of CFS. The first in the list below is the most common cause and the fourth is the least common.

1. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is commonly associated with diabetes. However, a wide variety of conditions, many of them rare, can cause low blood sugar in people without diabetes.

2. Epstein-Barr virus is one of the most common human viruses. In adulthood it can cause infectious mononucleosis. The symptoms are the same as CFS: fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue.

3. Depression is a chemical imbalance. Research suggests that depression may be linked to changes in the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

4. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain important hormones. Hypothyroidism upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in your body. It seldom causes symptoms in the early stages, but over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, including heart disease.

Dr. Lee explains that by following the symptoms of the patient, the particular cause can be determined and then a specific treatment protocol can be prepared. That is the key, finding which of the four causes is creating the CFS in a particular patient and treating that underlying cause.

He goes on to clarify that as with any type of medicine, different practitioners have different views of causes and methods of treatments. Through years of study and 31years of practice Dr. Lee has devised his own unique understanding of this illness.

Along with Dr. Lee's treatment of acupuncture and individualized herbs, the patient should avoid sugar and processed foods. The patient should also exercise; the most important exercise is mediation. This protocol can eliminate the immune system disorder and increase energy in the kidney system.

Dr. Lee also has degrees in Eastern medicine from Traditional Chinese Medical College, and in Western medicine from the Beijing Medical College

If you decide to give acupuncture or any alternative treatment a try, please be sure to discuss it with your medical doctor first.

You can also learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/

CFIDS Association of America
http://www.cfids.org/about-cfids/default.asp

Dr. Henry Zhen-Hong Lee
http://www.EWNaturalHealing.com

Karen Cioffi is a freelance writer. You can read more about Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Anxiety, and Depression at Nothing Ventured Nothing Gained (http://nothingventurednothinggained.org). This site also offers information and self-help tools related to these health issues.