| Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as | | | | present with symptoms similar to CFS, making it |
| chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome, is a | | | | difficult to diagnose: |
| complex disease involving multiple systems in the | | | | Myalgic encephalomyelitis |
| body. It is a condition that affects the neurological | | | | Chronic mononucleosis |
| system, immune system, and the muscular | | | | Post-viral fatigue |
| systems of the body. There is no known cause, | | | | Multiple chemical sensitivities |
| no medical test to identify it, as well as no known | | | | Fibromyalgia syndrome |
| medical treatment. CFS affects one million people | | | | Neurasthenia |
| in the United States according to the Centers for | | | | In Chinese medicine, CFS generally has a root |
| Disease control, while approximately ten million | | | | pattern of a liver-spleen disharmony. The liver |
| people have symptoms similar to chronic fatigue | | | | stagnation may be due to stress, anger, |
| but do not meet the full criteria. It is believed to | | | | insufficient blood or insufficient yang to nourish the |
| affect more women than men, although anyone | | | | liver properly. The spleen deficiency can be due to |
| can be diagnosed. Acupuncture and Chinese | | | | a poor diet, excessive taxation, excessive |
| medicine can offer relief for the symptoms of | | | | worrying, lack of physical exercise, or the liver |
| chronic fatigue syndrome and help patients return | | | | stagnation depleting the spleen's Qi. |
| to a full and balanced life. | | | | To treat CFS, there are acupuncture points on |
| To be diagnosed with CFS, a patient must have | | | | the body, arms, and legs that can help smooth |
| (according to the Centers for Disease Control): | | | | out and course the liver Qi as well as help boost |
| 1)Severe, chronic fatigue for at least six months | | | | the spleen Qi. Herbal therapy may also help as |
| and have ruled out any other possible medical | | | | there are several formulas that can treat the |
| causes of the fatigue | | | | complex pattern. Furthermore, nutritional |
| 2)At least four of the following symptoms: | | | | counseling may also be offered to help the patient |
| a decrease in short-term memory | | | | eat foods that will treat the root pattern and |
| inability to concentrate | | | | avoid fatigue. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine |
| sore throat | | | | can also help with any other symptoms that a |
| tender lymph nodes | | | | patient may experience with CFS, such as |
| muscle pain | | | | depression, insomnia, or anxiety. The treatments |
| multiple joint pain with the absence of swelling | | | | can also complement the conventional treatments |
| or redness | | | | a patient may be undergoing with their doctor. By |
| headaches | | | | using acupuncture and Chinese medicine, patients |
| poor sleep | | | | may experience more energy, which in turn can |
| malaise that becomes worse with exertion | | | | help elevate the mood, make exercise and |
| mild fever | | | | physical activity tolerable, as well as help restore |
| There are other medical conditions that may | | | | the patient to the life they desire. |