Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Ayurvedic Treatment

Unexplainable fatigue for at least six months is termed as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/ Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME)/ Systemic Exertional Intolerance Disease (SEID). There may not be any disease conditions that cause fatigue. The person is extremely fatigued after physical or mental exertion. Though the exact reason is unknown, possibly CFS is caused by certain infections, hormonal imbalance, immune system disorders, emotional trauma etc.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Signs and Symptoms

They often vary from person to person. Even daily differences are there for the symptoms and their severity. The common signs/ symptoms are extreme fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, sleepiness, problems with concentration and memory, enlarged lymph nodes at neck or axilla, intolerance to physical or mental exertion, dizziness while getting up from laying or sitting posture and unsatisfactory sleep.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Ayurvedic Analysis

When there is a depletion of Rasa dhatu (the 1st tissue formed from assimilated food) it will cause dryness, giddiness, emaciation, fatigue, palpitations, intolerance to exertion and noise intolerance. This is called Rasakshaya in Ayurveda.

The factor that enables transformation of one dhatu to other is known as ‘Ojas’ and it is situated in each dhatu. Rasakshaya interrupts the process of natural formation of other dhatu (tissues) as ojas is also vitiated. Ojakshaya (reduced quality of ojas) results in anxiety, fear, weakness, increased thoughts, weakened senses etc.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Rasadhatu is reduced by intake of dry, very hot, bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes, skipping of meals, over-exertion, continuous travelling, excessive thinking, sadness/ anger/ stress etc. The quality of Ojas is reduced by excess thoughts, anger, extreme sadness; increased hunger, physical exertion etc.

Possible Complications of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disease

Long term fatiguability leads to work absence, depression, social withdrawal/ isolation etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Check whether there are any infectious diseases, hormonal imbalances, immune system disorders etc before planning treatment.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The management is focused on improving the quality of ojas and rasa dhatu. Mental health of the patient is very important to achieve the expected results. Remove any blockages in srotas (channels of nourishment) and improve agnibala (power of digestion). Internal medications should be processed with drugs having sweet and cold potency. Snehasweda (oil application and sudation therapy) followed by nasya with drugs that clears the channels of sajna (intellect), mrudu vamana (mild emetic therapy) and vasthi (with suitable decoction and oil) are provided. In order to remove mental distress, supportive treatments like yoga, meditation and psychotherapy can be incorporated.

Diet

Include more sweet/ sour tastes, cool food, fruits, vegetable soup, milk, whole grains, green vegetables etc in diet. Reduce the consumption of meat, fish, dry/ very hot food, curd, pungent/ bitter/ astringent tastes.

Exercise

Do mild to moderate exercises or yoga as per the guidance of the physician.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

As the exact reason of this condition is unknown, prevention is not very easy. Avoid mental distresses, sedentary habit, consumption of processed/ junk food. Take healthy nutritious diet and drink more water. Quit smoking and limit the intake of alcohol.

Importance of Diet

Selection of right diet is essential to tackle Rasakshaya and Ojakshaya. Food plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of good quality Rasadhatu and ojas.

Lifestyle

Avoid over thinking/ anxiety/ depression. Try to socialise, read more and indulge in creative works. Take nutritious diet. Do mild exercise regularly.