Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
From a Western medical perspective, chronic fatigue syndrome is a relatively new disease. It is not clear what the causative agent might be. Current research shows that the syndrome may be caused by a virus and may be related to the Epstein-Barr virus.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome appear either gradually or insidiously without an apparent infection, or after an acute infection. The main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are muscle fatigue and ache, poor memory and concentration, exhaustion and a persistent, intermittent, generally flu-like feeling.
After an acute infection the patient will make an apparent recovery from the initial symptoms, however he or she will start to feel unwell again and various symptoms will persist, or it will appear suddenly, usually after long periods of overwork and stress.
Acupuncture is aimed at expelling the pathogen and strengthening the body. If the latent pathogen is moving from the interior to the exterior then it is important to promote this movement and help the body expel it. When the pathogen surfaces the symptoms are acute and there will be a worsening before getting better.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture can offer a lot in the management and treatment of this illness.