CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME AND HOMEOPATHY By Neepa Sevak Do you feel like you are sneaking through the dark with an elephant on your back? Do you feel that every thing you do, or every moment is a struggle and requires massive effort? We all get exhausted at some point, its part of our fast paced life. However, there is a difference between experiencing just normal fatigue versus weariness due to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The term Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), refers to a disorder depicted by overwhelming fatigue with normal activities, that comes on suddenly with no apparent cause. CFS can distress a dynamic individual, and deprive them of their ability to work, exercise, think clearly and feel healthy. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a serious, life changing, frustrating, chronic ailment. CFS is also known as Myalgic encephalomyelitis, Post viral fatigue syndrome, Chronic fatigue and Immune dysfunction syndrome. For many people, CFS initiates after an attack of Cold, Bronchitis, Hepatitis, an intestinal bug, Infectious mononucleosis, or during a stressful period. In others, CFS evolves with no apparent illness. CFS is diagnosed two to four times more often in women than in men, possibly because of biological, psychological, and social influences. Although, CFS is most common in people 25 to 45 years old, it can affect people of all ages. Symptoms of CFS are similar to those of flu and other common viral infections. CFS can have traumatic ramification on a person’s daily activities, can seriously jeopardize work or school performance, can affect a person’s independence, livelihood and economic security, can alter relationships with family and friends. All these shortcomings can transpire feelings of guilt, anger, anxiety, isolation and abandonment. Causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Unknown. Prolonged stress. Nutritional deficiency. Iron deficiency anemia. Low blood pressure (Hypotension). Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia). Allergies. Yeast infection (Candidiasis). Infections such as mononucleosis. Dysfunction in the immune system. Hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Extreme exhaustion. Weakness. Lack of energy. Headache. Low grade fever. Sore throat. Muscle and joint pains that radiate without swelling or redness. Painful menstrual periods. Inability to concentrate. Forgetfulness or transient loss of memory. Confusion. Irritability. Work inefficiency. Social isolation. Depression. Visual disturbances. Painful and mildly enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits. Sleep disturbances. Night sweats. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Chronic immobility. Homeopathic approach to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Homeopathic medicines treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome not by annihilating viruses, but by strengthening the vital force, which is an unintelligible, zestful, spiritual, and instinctive force that vitalizes our body, that balances many functions and provides protection from illness. In case of an illness, the symptoms are the signals or the outcry of the Vital Force, asking for help. Homeopathic medicines have shown an overwhelming positive response in treating CFS by producing the best results. Based on the hypothesis of "like cures like" and a deep emphasis on the principles of holistic medicine (treat the whole person), Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body's own healing power by introducing tiny doses of natural substances that enhances a person's immune system and defense system to heal itself naturally. Due to the individualized approach of Homeopathy a remedy which matches all of your symptoms will stimulate your vital force to restore balance and health. The appropriate Homeopathic treatment for CFS depends on the individual's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. During a Homeopathic evaluation, all of these above factors are assessed when determining the most appropriate remedy for each individual. Below, I have noted some important Homeopathic remedies which can be used for treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome under the supervision of an experienced Homeopath. These remedies are just a few of the commonly used Homeopathic remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of Homeopathic medicines in CFS. It is not advisable to resort to self medication for any disease. Homeopathic remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Arsenicum: This is a profoundly acting remedy on every organ and tissue. These patients are restless and fatigued with constant chilliness and burning pains all over that are worse at night. Their thirst is unquenchable. They complain of weakness and exhaustion from slightest exertion, headache with fever, sore, tired eyes, blurred vision, and insomnia. They get panic attacks with great anxiety and depression with fainting in the morning. They also have a poor memory. Gelsemium: This is an outstanding remedy for general prostration, mental exhaustion, including drowsiness and indifference. Their physical weakness is so profound that they have difficulty lifting their limbs and eyelids. They complain of dizziness, drowsiness, dullness, trembling and lack muscular coordination. They get delirious on failing to sleep. They desire to be left alone and are apathetic towards their illness. Muriatic Acid: This is a brilliant remedy for great prostration and low fevers. The patient becomes so weak that they slide off the bed. They get very restless, are sad, irritable and suffer in silence. They complain of heavy, painful and weak extremities, and have a tottering gait. Picric Acid: This remedy works well on muscular debility with heavy tired feeling and brainfag. The patient complains of prostration with weakness and pain in back, pins and needle sensation in extremities. They have a lack of will power, are disinclined to work, have dementia with prostration, sit still and listless. Their symptoms are worse from slightest mental exertion, in wet weather, and after sleep. Kali phos: This remedy is indicated for young individuals with hopelessness, anxiety, fearfulness, weak memory, mental and physical exhaustion, hysteria, insomnia, night terrors, irritability, nervousness, depression, brain-fag, delirium tremens, epileptic fits, and paralysis. The patients are weak, tired and prostrated. Their symptoms trigger from excitement, overwork, worry, mental and physical exertion. These patients are depressed and avoid meeting people. Slightest labor seems like a heavy task for them. Self help along with Homeopathic treatment: Along with Constitutional Homeopathic treatment learning how to manage your fatigue may help you maintain good health: Stay well hydrated. Eat a healthy diet. Avoid refined foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, saturated fats. Avoid mental and physical exertion during an acute illness. Get adequate rest. Deep breathing and walking in fresh air can increase the energy levels. Exercising regularly but without causing more fatigue. Lifestyle changes - you can slow down and avoid excessive physical and psychological stress. This may save your energy for essential activities at home or work and help you cut back on less important activities. Emotional support can help you and your loved ones deal with the uncertain outlook and the ups and downs of this illness. Hence, eliminate all types of pathogens, strengthen your immune system, increase energy and combat fatigue with the help of Homeopathy. _____________________________________________________________________________ About the author: Neepa Sevak (DHMS, DHom, DIHom, DHM, CCH, RSHom (NA), HMA) is experienced and registered with the Arizona Homeopathic Board of Medical Examiners, and certified by the Council of Homeopathic certification. She is currently practicing Classical Homeopathy, is a Supervisor, Clinical Faculty and is on the Board of International Affairs at the American Medical College of Homeopathy. She also coaches students with clinical cases at the Teleosis School of Homeopathy in North America. Neepa is also serving as a specialist at ACA (Autism Community of Africa, an organization that is helping heal Autistic children in Africa, with the help of Homeopathic remedies). Her mission is to “Promote Health through Homeopathy with a Holistic, Totalistic, and Individualistic approach”. Phone: (480) 363 0758 Email: homeopathiccure@cox.net Website: www.homeopathic-cure.com