Natural treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may address concerns over the side effects of pharmaceutical medications, but it must be borne in mind that something even as simple as a lifestyle change can be stressful to a CFS patient. And it must be emphasized that these treatments do not replace conventional medication; rather, they compliment treatments that your doctor has prescribed.
People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome must collaborate with a health care provider or professional and take note of even minor signs of a setback. Planning regular exercises or activities must be constantly adjusted to the progress of the individual by choosing the most suitable exercise and environment.
Here are some strategies that may improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms whilst at the same time creating a greater outlook on life:
1) Stress management/reduction techniques help to prevent the downward spiral caused by stress and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms feeding off one another.
2) A healthy and balanced diet, great for minimizing distressing symptoms and producing good energy. However, as with most things associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, each diet must be tailored to suit the individual patient and can take some experimenting to get right.
3) Complementary therapies (Acupuncture, Massage, Stretching, yoga and tai chi) can also minimize symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. However, there is little clinical evidence that can confirm this, so the mainstream medical professionals are only just recognizing the possible benefits. As with all treatments, not all therapies are necessarily correct for every patient. Time must be spent and patience exercised before the best balance of therapies is arrived at.
4) Support Groups. There are times when anyone suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome feels as if they are battling their condition on their own. This is where family and friends come in to the equation by offering support and encouragement and to help lift the mood. Also, there are support groups in most areas where other sufferers and their supporters are on hand to help.
Search in your area for groups such as these:
http://www.cfsknowledgecenter.com/support-groups.php
http://www.meassociation.org.uk/?page_id=1111
5) Herbal treatments (examples are Echinacea, St John’s Wort and Ginseng) can help to enhance the immune system and may help increase energy levels. It is still extremely important to inform your heath care professional as some of these remedies can be toxic if taken in excessive amounts, or may interact with other medications that have been prescribed.
6) Aromatherapy, when used correctly, provides a stimulating effect and thereby increases energy levels as well as reinforcing the immune system. When the correct oils are used, they can also help with relaxation, reducing muscle strain, improving your mood and in getting a better night’s sleep. Aromatherapy oils can be used both for massage or added as drops to bath water.
7) Some people claim that homeopathic treatments have helped them address their Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms. However, due to a lack of any proven scientific evidence, homeopathy is not regarded favourably by the medical profession.
Many sufferers try homeopathy as a last resort and, with the help of a qualified homeopath, a large proportion find that their symptoms ease. One major problem with homeopathic remedies is that, initially, the symptoms they are treating become worse – in some cases far worse – and so this must be taken into consideration.
Natural treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers, in combination with pharmaceutical medications can provide an excellent route to managing the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome – but only with the aid of qualified and supportive practitioners.