In Australia, where I come from, we are now spending an estimated $2.3billion dollars a year on alternative medicine and therapies, according to a new study by the University of Adelaide. This means that Australians now spend four times as much on alternative therapies as on prescribed Pharmaceuticals. 

Yet is it not long ago that the mere mention of Complementary/Alternative  Medicine would conjure up all sorts of strange pictures in ones mind. Anything not allopathic was referred to as “New Age” and really not to be taken that seriously.

My experience with Alternative Therapies started in 1994 This was the year my husband was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and my son was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This was the year I began to learn about Complementary Therapies having become disillusioned with the medical system. Through having to find a way of bringing back to health both my husband and son, I have continued my studies on various healing modalities and now have my own practice.
  
This article is based on the Protocol I have put together myself, gained by trial and error, while helping my family to regain their health. I am now successfully using these methods to help others.

So What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue is among the most mis-diagnosed conditions. It did not "officially" exist until 1988, when it was named and defined in the United States centre for disease control (C.D.C.). 

This does not mean that it is a new ailment. The condition was first identified by doctors in the 1860’s but it still causes controversy because scientists cannot agree on a single cause. Worse, if you are a sufferer many doctors will try to persuade you that it does not exist and that your symptoms are all in your head. This is not what you want to hear when, among other debilitating problems, you are too weak to get out of bed, can barely make it to the bathroom and the pain in your body feels like you’ve been hit by a bus. 

The adrenal glands are usually compromised , these cause trouble with proper sleep so one feels constantly tied. To treat chronic fatigue – you need to unravel the chain of events that has left the person with weakened immunity, impaired digestion, food allergies and aching limbs. Prolonged stress of the adrenal glands keeps the body in a constant ‘fight-or-flight state. 

The adrenal glands sit near the top of each kidney. The inner part of the medulla secrete hormones, including adrenaline and corticosteroid, that controls blood pressure, heart rate and sweating. Under productions of any of these hormones can lead to serious illness. Keeping the body under stress lowers immunity so when a virus comes along, you are less able to resist it. Impaired immunity also adversely affects the digestive system. A viral attack can alter the balance of the microfilaria in the gut, setting up a condition called duboisia, which prevents food from being properly digested, allows fermentation and irritates the lining of the gut.

Once this starts, increased food sensitivities and even food allergies are almost inevitable. Food molecules that would not normally pass through an un-damaged gut-lining trigger an allergic react when they do penetrate. They are seen as marauding invaders by the immune system. You are then ripe for a candida infection, not just the bacteria or the yeast but the spores, which burrow down into digestive tract and cause even more damage. The upshot of all this is the utter exhaustion that typifies this condition.
Therapist who treat with natural remedies, including nutrition, homeopathy and herbalism but who avoid allopathic drugs, take the view that chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) have such similar symptoms that they will benefit from the same treatment. Here are some treatments that help with Chronic Fatigue.

Homeopathy is a most natural form of medicine. In fact, it assists and works with nature, and is most helpful in immune disorders such as C.F.S. In 1755 the founder of homeopathy, Samuel Christian Hahnemann, was born in Dresden, East Germany. While practicing as an orthodox physician of the day, he studies a treatise on herbs that said quinine could be used in the treatment of malaria. Putting his theory into practice, he dosed himself, a healthy person, and noticed that quinine would produce all the symptoms of malaria: sweating, fever, shivering, malaise. He went on to test other substances in medical use such as belladonna and arsenic, and collated all responses.

His findings were that to treat the ill, he needed to question the patients thoroughly on their symptoms, life and attitudes, and then prescribe a substance that most demonstrated their symptoms. Using the concept that mind and body are one, and that nature heals a chronic illness by using another similar one, he coined the name “homeopathy” to describe the principle. Hahnemann’s intuition told him that, in some way the body was self-steadying and that each person has the energy within to self heal. Today we know this a how a balanced immune system works.  

When we are ill, we not only suffer diagnostic symptoms but also those specific to the individual. Know this is vital in getting the correct homeopathic prescription. No one remedy will be correct for every person. Different types of people will react strongly to a certain remedy – this is known as “constitutional types”. There are many constitutional remedies that will help alleviate chronic fatigue depending on the individual type.

Some of the Homeopathic Remedies I use Include:

Kali phos is useful for fatigue with trembling, due to stress or nervous exhaustion from overwork. Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, fear of losing control and muscle fatigue upon exertion. Take the 30c strength twice daily for up to 14 days. Repeat dose if beneficial.

Arsenicum album is used for exhaustion accompanied by anxiety, constant feeling of cold and joint and muscle pain, aching and burning all over from stiffness, weakness with exertion, tendency to migraines, loose bowels and blurred vision. Take the 30c strength twice daily for up to 14 days. Repeat dose if beneficial.

Nux vomica is generally given for irritable fatigue cause by lack of sleep, stress or overwork. Tense muscles, feeling chilled, joint pain, and indigestion are symptoms. Take the 30c strength twice daily for up to 14 days. Repeat dose if beneficial.

Argentum nitricum is useful if you are fearful, anxiety-ridden, and secretive, with irrational motives for your acts, which are often kept hidden. Other symptoms are: headaches with coldness and trembling, poor sleep, bed dreams and losing the sense of smell. Taken one dose Argentum nitiricum 30x or 12c, three times daily, as needed for up to three days.

Phosphoricum acidum is good if you are feeling emotionally and physically drained and apathetic, perhaps due to grief. Take one dose of Phosphoricum acidum 30x or 15c three times daily, as needed for up to three days.

Picricum acidum will help if you feel terrible after the least exertion, expecially after mental exertion, and have an aversion to food. You may feel so tired that you lack will power and determination, and you frequently have headaches that are relieved by strong pressure. Take one dose of Picricum acidum 3c or 6x three times daily as needed for up to three days.

Silicea is good for headaches and exhaustion from overwork. You tend to be chilly and sensitive to cold air, and often have cramps in the calves and soles of your feet. If you are a woman, you may have a vaginal discharge. Take one dose of Silicea 30x or 15c three times a daily, as needed for up to three days.

Zincum metallicum is generally prescribed if you are forgetful and tend to repeat things. You are mentally exhausted and very sensitive to noise, grind your teeth while sleeping, and may suffer from chronic constipation. Take one dose of Zincum metallicum 30x or 15c three times daily, as needed for up to three days.

If we lived in a stress free society without pollution, exercised moderately and slept well, were never ill or took medications, ate freshly harvested food grown in perfect soil without pesticides or artificial fertilisers, we would probably never need nutritional supplements.

According to world-famous immunologist Dr Robert Good, the proper combination of nutrients and a reduced but steady calorie intake fortifies the immune system and aids in fighting disease. The challenge of infection and suppressed immune function places a greater demand on C.F.S. sufferers to increase vitamin and mineral intake

Vitamin C – tests have shown levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in white blood cells to be decreased in depressed immune systems. It is believed that vitamin C assists in fighting bacteria and viruses and helps reduce allergies. If ascorbic acid is found to be too acidic then calcium ascorbate may be used instead. Up to 6000mg to be taken daily.

Vitamin B group – Anxiety and nerve function are improved by taking B group vitamins – never separately as these work synergistically. High potency twice daily.

Vitamin E – helps in the production of red blood cells, aids in healing and in the utilization of vitamin A. Taken in the evening as well as the morning, it improves the sleep pattern. Vitamin E plus lecithin 400iu twice daily.

Lecithin – helps the body emulsify fats and contributes to healthy brain function, helping to eliminate brain fog and memory loss. Take twice daily with Vitamin E (combination).

Beta-carotene -s converted to vitamin A by the body and works as an anti-oxidant (free radical scavenger). Free radicals damage many cells in the body. Beta-carotene can also be obtained from spirulina.

Spirulina – is vegetable plankton is a natural source of protein and is high in vitamins, minerals, cell salts, enzymes and essential amino acids. It is readily absorbed by the body in an alkaline form, even by those with digestive difficulties.

Magnesium – is vital to enzyme activity and supports good sleep patterns by preventing muscle twitches and spasms. It also assists in the uptake of potassium and calcium.

Zinc – plays an essential role in alleviating cold symptoms and infections as well as in wound healing.

Chromium – is important for balancing food sugar levels and helps build muscle mass – vital when you are unable to exercise as with C.F.S.

C.F.S sufferers have mitochondrial dysfunction in the form of (1) increased oxidant exposure and damage; (2) decreased oxidative phosphorylation; (3) membrane permeability changes. The mitochondria is the main user of oxygen in the cell and generates reactive by products during the production of ATP. Because of its compromised condition in CFS, the requirements of antioxidants are increased both to quench the by-products being produced and to fight the effects of the spreading oxidative damage initiated by the causative factors. 

In addition to the many antioxidants mentioned above the following additional supplements should also be considered –

Evening Primrose – omega –3 fatty acids – Research has shown many viruses, including Epstein Barr (often results in C.F.S.), close down the first step of essential fatty acid metabolism in the body. An extra intake of vitamin C is also needed to stimulate the EFA metabolism. Increase your EFAs by taking 4 evening primrose capsules twice a day (up to 4800mg) – this seems to be the optimum level to take and should be continued for at least 15 weeks.

Amino acids – In a 1993/94 C.F.S. study by Hugh Dunstan at the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, it was found there were changes in the neurotransmitter amino precursors in the urine samples of C.F.S. subjects. These changes were associated with such symptoms as fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, dizziness and sore throat. All pure amino acids must be taken on an empty stomach (l hour before meals) to by-pass the blood brain barrier, and must be taken in conjunction with high levels of vitamin C and B6. It’s important to drink plenty of water, at least half glass for every table. Take spirulina to prevent an imbalance of other amino acids while using singe amino acids.

Tyrosine – is able to build several compounds that are important as neurotransmitters –chemicals that carry messages between the neuron and the brain. Tyrosine, in its free form, can be converted into noradrenaline, which produces increased energy levels. As brain dysfunction is one of the classic symptoms of CFS, taking 500mg of L-tyrosine one hour before breakfast and one hour before lunch.Tyrosine is also important in the synthesis of the hormone thyroxine as an air in preventing hypothyroidism.
  
Phenylalanine – this amino acid is noted for its ability to alleviate pain – arthritis and migraine headaches – and depression.  

L-Glutamine – Research shows L-glutamine acts as a high – energy brain fuel that banishes fatigue, improves intelligence, helps control alcoholism and the craving for sweets and can even detoxify the body of ammonia. L-glutamine works via the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls temperature regulation, sleep rhythm, blood sugar and the autonomic nervous system – these are all affected in C.F.S..  

Herbalism is the most ancient system of medicine, still used extensively today. It comes exclusively from plants and plant products.

The World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) estimates that 80% of the world’s population use herbal medicine as their primary form of treatment and therefore supports its use. Although herbalism is the oldest system of medicine, it also has a valid scientific basis for its effectiveness. Herbalism acknowledges and seeks to understand the active chemistry of a plant, however the basic philosophy of Herbalism is that these plant chemicals should be used in their crude, most natural form. There is an enormous body of modern scientific data on medicinal plants to support the use of Herbalism as an effective treatment, either as an alternative or to complement allopathic drugs.

A major aspect of the philosophy of Herbal Medicine is the treatment of the person as a whole, rather than treating only symptoms. The Herbalist seeks to treat the underlying cause of disease or ill health. Fundamental to Herbalism is the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself therefore treatment should enhance this quality.

Herbal therapy can be used to treat most ailments and is particularly well suited to chronic problems. Herbal treatments are extremely safe and effective. No poisonous plants are used in Western Herbal Therapy. Reactions rarely occur when the herbs are prescribed correctly.
Although there are many more herbs than those listed, the following are particularly helpful with C.F.S. symptoms. All are available in either dried herb or tablet and tinctures. Best to choose liquids or tinctures where possible as they assimilate in the blood stream faster.

Asian Angelica (Dong quai) – is useful as an anti-allergen and an immune enhancer. Because it contains plant estrogens, it is helpful in blocking PMT symptoms.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - grown during the warm seasons, is a common culinary herb used in pesto sauce and pasta dishes. Utilized fresh, it is useful for fatigue, nausea, poor digestion, headaches and anxiety.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is generally used for the prevention and treatment of eye disorders because it strengthens the capillaries that feed the eye muscle and nerves. It is also useful for inflamed joints and for stabilizing collagen (connective tissue). Available in 400mg tablets. 

Celery seed (Apium graveolens) is very strong and therapeutic. Commonly used for joint, muscle and arthritic pain, celery seed complex (often mixed with juniper and parsley) needs to be taken for a period of a few months (1 tablet, about 1g, taken 3 times a day). Ordinary celery is useful juiced and mixed with carrot juice.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is anti-inflammatory and sedative, making it useful for gastric problems, insomnia and menstrual cramps. Drink 2 cups of tea a day (can be mixed with a little ginger also). Lukewarm tea is useful as a gargle for sore throat and as a mouthwash for inflamed gums.

Cleaver (Galium aparine) is a lymphatic tonic and blood purifier mostly prescribed for swollen glands.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) is a wonderful healer of nerve pain, gout, bruises and itchy, inflamed skin. It is also anti-fungal. Use as an ointment.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is a wonderful liver and gall bladder tonic and has a milder effect on the whole gastric system. While suffering from C.F.S., the liver is particularly sensitive, due to the number of toxins having to be expelled. Use fresh dandelion leaves in salads and drink up to 3 cups of dandelion roof coffee a day.

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is used to boost the immune system because of its interferon-like action, which activates the T-cells, especially NK (natural killer) cells. It also purifies the blood, helps preserve connective tissue and has antibiotic properties. It is readily available in table and liquid form – follow the dosage requirements listed.

Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) used as an alternative to aspirin for the relief of migraine, muscle pain and arthritis. It can reduce fever as well as calm the body. 

Garlic (Allium sativum) is anti viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant and also assists in thinning the blood. Garlic has been proven to stimulate the NK (natural killer) cells of the immune system.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) preferable used fresh. It stimulates the circulatory and digestive systems, is useful for nausea and motion sickness, is anti-inflammatory, aids sore throat and is a mild tonic for the heart.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) improves blood circulation, improves brain function, treats memory loss, leg cramps, tinnitus and assists in the functioning of nervous tissue.

Ginseng, Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus)  great benefit for C.F.S. It enhances hormonal activity, and is an anti-stress tonic.

Hawthorn (Craftaegus oxyacenthoides)  used for heart and circulatory disorders, is useful for stress and insomnia and lowers blood pressure.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) useful as an adrenal tonic and so provides energy. It also is immune enhancing, anti viral and a mild expectorant and laxative.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a liver protector. Useful against toxic damage, it restores the liver and gall bladder.

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa)  is an important herb for CFS because it is a precursor for cortisol, which is made in the adrenal glands, as well as for testosterone for men and progesterone and oestrogen for women. It is suspect that hormone imbalance occurs with CFS sufferers.

CONCLUSION
  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex problem manifesting biochemical individuality in those who suffer from it. It is this author’s opinion that a complementary approach including optimal diet, micronutrient support, stress control, and support from family and friends are all necessary components of a successful treatment program. Massage, meditation, aromatherapy, soft tissue therapy can all be beneficial.

CASE HISTORY (1) - Mark Cumbers

Life changes dramatically for Mark 8 years ago. He was a normal fun loving teenager attending computer training college. Mark returned home from college one day in May and fell on his bed, he became very upset He felt as if his body had suddenly gone into complete shut down mode. He was not able to get out of bed for the next two weeks.

Two weeks later Mark was finally able to drag himself out of bed long enough to be taken to his doctor who told him it’s all in his mind and was probably depressed. Anti-depressants we prescribed. The anti-depressants caused a major adverse reaction, plunging Mark even deeper into this mystery illness. He was unable to walk, talk clearly or bath himself. He also lost a lot of weight and suffered thinning of his hair. There was extreme pain in the joints, with extremely cold extremities. Mark becomes allergic to odors, many foods, gluten intolerant, lactose intolerant and much other sensitivity.

Mark was finally diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 6 months latter by a Homeopath. Mark had suffered Epstein Barr Virus as a child and this Homeopath using the Electro Dermal Testing devise was able to test him for his allergies, virus etc.

Once diagnosed and with the use of Homeopathic remedies, nutrition and herbal remedies together with various other healing modalities. Mark was finally able to get on top of his illness. Mark is today a Personal Trainer and Fashion Model. He is also very aware of his health and keeping his immune system functioning properly.

CASE HISTORY (2) - Clifford Cumbers - 56 years old. 

Cliff was born with mild hemophilia. In 1983 he had a work injury and was given an injection of a blood-clotting agent. This blood was contaminated and Clifford contracted Hepatitis Non A Non B. After a long period of illness Cliff managed to come through this infection and return to work. 

In 1993 Clifford was told that the Hepatitis that he had 10 years earlier was now called Hepatitis C and that he was approved to attend a new program that would perhaps cure the virus. He was feeling quite healing at this time and wondered why he needed to have therapy. The treatment was still experimental and the hospital needed volunteers.

The drug Interferon was injected into his system three times a week for nearly a year. Rather than boost the immune system this drug suppressed his system, depleting the body a many nutrients. The Interferon drug also caused dramatic sometimes-violent mood swings, depression, fatigue and suicidal thoughts.
Rather than cure his Hepatitis, Clifford was plunged back into another bout of illness but this time worse that his first infection. Because this time, his immune system had been compromised.

Clifford symptoms become very much like C.F.S with constant fatigue, allergies, muscle pain, depression etc. His healing started when he rejected the medical system and turned to alternative. Homeopathy, nutrition and herbs together with various hands on healing modalities finally restored Clifford’s health.  
  
Clifford is now working in the natural health industry and was recently diagnosed as being free from the Hep C virus. Proof that the body will heal itself given the right circumstances.

CASE HISTORY (3) - Angela (35years old) personal assistant to Manager of large corporation.

Angela describes herself as always being “hyper”, never one to do things in half measures.  So when she came down with C.F.S. it was like had changes over night – though not to the outside world. “I managed to hide the pain I was going through,” she says. Nevertheless, she gradually withdrew into herself and threw herself mainly into work-related activities.  The relationship she was in disintegrated because “he didn’t understand”. Added to the pain was the plain ignorance and insensitivity of the medical profession. “They’d do all the tests and say I’m healthy. The implication was that it was all in the mind”. Angela says it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what precipitated her illness, but believes it stemmed from the time in the early 80’s when she came down with “glandular fever”. 

Her health seemed to have deteriorated from then on, though she soldiered on and go her University Degree. An additional complication occurred in the 80’s when she worked for a short time fruit picking on orchards. Here she was exposed to a range of pesticides and herbicides, including DDT and Round Up. “I was beginning to believe it was all psychological, but the more I read and pieced together, the more I was convinced that I had C.F.S. 

It was when I found Teresa that I was finally able to confirm that I did in fact have C.F.S”. When Angela first visited me in my clinic she was a desperate state. Not only did she have the typical pain and fatigue associated with C.F.S but the level of depression was extreme. She had been everywhere and was not able to get to the bother of her illness.

I was able to check her system with the use of a homeopathic based computerized diagnostic machine (QXCI). My machine is able to detect viruses, bacteria, infections, vitamin-mineral deficiency etc etc. Using my experience with C.F.S etc I was able to finally give her and answer.

We then followed up with Homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplements and herbs. She found significant change to her body within 3 weeks of commencing treatment. Six months later she is in a new relationship, started a new job and is managing her C.F.S with daily improvement.

CASE HISTORY (4) - Tony (26 years old) personal trainer, bodybuilder with own Gym.

To look at Tony with his physique and ‘six-pack abs”, he could easily pass for a male model: healthy, fit and vibrant. After all, he owns his own Gym, where he trains others in fitness. And you’d assume life would be a ball. Wrong. Life is a struggle for Tony. This struggle began three years ago when Tony was at a bar having a (non) alcoholic drink and chat with friends. Suddenly, he felt as it he was paralyzed. “ I tried to push it out of my mind, but all I could do was remain in my chair. I couldn’t get up or move. I had t be helped by my mates and brought home.” 

Tony lay in bed for two weeks. Slowly he recovered, but these “attacks” would recur often. Each time, he would feel more and more anxious. After all, as a professional athlete, he needed to be fighting fit at all times. “I saw twenty-five doctors in one year. They could give me no reason. They thought it was a mental thing. That really upset me.” Tony Says. Friends also began staying away. Tony thought he was going out of his mind. By the time Tony came to see me he was quite desperate. His business was flagging. Needless to say his body and health are is business, so how can you sell yourself when you’re feeling so down. Once we were able to establish that CFS, Tony felt relieved, he was finally able to come to grips that this was real and not in him mind. Again using my therapy that I have put together through trial and error over the last 8-10 years. We were able to get Tony onto the homeopathic remedies, supplements etc. His own experience with health and fitness has been a great help for him to get himself back on his feet.

Tony still gets bouts of fatigue now a gain but is now able to tune in on the problem and with follow-up treatment etc. keeps everything going well. Through his experiences he has also been able to help his own clients on the road to recovery and has been able to teach them how to keep in tune with their bodies.

REFERENCES : 
  
1. MacLennan A,Wilson D,Taylor A. Prevalence and cost of alternative medicine in Australia Lancet 1996; 347:569-573
  
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian social trend 1998. Canberra:
ABS, 1998 (catalogue No. 4102.0)
  
3. University of Adelaide/ Media Releases 2002 Professor A. MacLennon 
  
4. www. Healthypages.net/forums (internet)
  
5. Cheny P. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as a Metabolic Disorder. The CFIDS Chronicle. 1993.
  
6. Atkins R. Super Energy in a World of Chronic Fatigue. Wellness Communications, Inc. Alexandria VA 1994.
  
7. www.chiroweb.com/archives G. Douglas Anderson DC
  
8. Chronic Fatigue Busters Chrystina O’Brien Millenium Books.

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome