Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Therapy
Ancient and Modern Approaches to Managing Chronic Fatigue and an Integrative Manual Therapy Solution
Ralph Havens PT IMTC
Beyond Limits Physical Therapy
Bellingham, WA
www.RalphHavens.com
360-599-2217
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a complex, multifaceted disorder characterized by extreme, persistent fatigue that is not improved by rest and can be exacerbated by physical or mental exertion.
Despite significant research, the traditional medical system has no definitive cure, and chronic fatigue syndrome therapies focus primarily on managing symptoms. Basically just trying to make the client feel better but offering no real answers or help.
Many different modern medical approaches, alternative therapies, and ancient healing methods have been explored to try and help alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
In this post I want to give you a wide range of chronic fatigue syndrome therapies and at the end of this article offer a unique approach we use that does have good results. And by good results I mean no longer having symptoms or issues that any doctor would label as chronic fatigue syndrome…..
Feel free to skip ahead to the highlighted portion at the bottom for our answers to this seemingly unhealable condition.
First the Modern Approaches to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Therapy
Modern medicine offers several therapeutic approaches that focus merely on managing the symptoms of CFS. They don’t even try to find the reason why someone has this problem or try to heal it.
The traditional medical system would say that there is no single treatment that can cure chronic fatigue syndrome.
Traditional medical system could use a range of techniques, from cognitive therapies to medications that just try to control the individual symptoms. I will list the various medical model approaches below:
One of the most commonly recommended strategies for managing CFS is pacing, also known as energy management. Pacing helps patients manage their daily activities to avoid overexertion, which can lead to what is called post-exertional malaise (PEM)—which basically means minimal physical or mental exertion causes someone to feel bad.
Patients are encouraged to track their activity levels, stay within their “energy envelope,” and prioritize tasks to avoid overloading their energy reserves. By respecting the body’s limits, pacing aims to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes in energy levels. So basically find the amount of exercise you can do and keep it at a low level to avoid symptoms from worsening.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another approach often used to help individuals cope with the mental and emotional impact of living with a chronic illness. Although CBT does not treat the underlying physical symptoms, it can be beneficial for managing the stress, anxiety, and depression that may accompany CFS. By working with a therapist, patients can develop strategies to reduce the emotional burden of the illness, which can indirectly improve overall well-being.
Another controversial treatment is Graded Exercise Therapy (GET), a structured program that gradually increases physical activity over time. While GET was once widely recommended, many patients reported that it worsened their symptoms rather than providing relief. In response, the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) revised its guidelines in 2021, advising against the use of GET due to the potential harm it can cause patients with CFS. As a result, modern treatments are increasingly focused on patient-centered approaches like pacing rather than prescriptive exercise regimens.
Medications can also play a role in managing specific symptoms of CFS. For example, sleep aids such as melatonin or low-dose antidepressants may be prescribed to improve sleep quality, as sleep disturbances are common in people with CFS.
Pain management is another key aspect of treatment, with patients sometimes using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or medications like gabapentin to alleviate muscle pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. For those who experience depression or anxiety alongside their CFS symptoms, antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are thought by the medical system to be beneficial. However, they also state that no single medication can fully address the root causes of CFS.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Therapies
Ancient healing systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda offer valuable perspectives on managing chronic illnesses like CFS. These approaches aim to balance the body’s energies, restore vitality, and promote holistic health through the use of herbs, acupuncture, meditation, and dietary practices. This is actually a system that has been shown to be effective if delivered by a highly skilled practitioner.
Acupuncture, a key component of TCM, has been used for centuries to promote the smooth flow of Qi (life force) in the body. According to TCM theory, blockages or imbalances in the flow of Qi can lead to fatigue, pain, and other symptoms associated with CFS. By inserting fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote healing. Some studies have shown improvements in fatigue, pain, and overall well-being. I also feel this is a useful system, if delivered by a highly skilled practitioner.
Herbal medicine is another important aspect of TCM. Herbs like ginseng, licorice root, and astragalus are commonly used to boost energy, support the immune system, and enhance resilience against stress. These herbs have adaptogenic properties, meaning they help the body adapt to physical and mental stressors, making them potentially helpful for those with CFS who experience energy depletion and immune dysfunction.
In Ayurvedic medicine, chronic fatigue is viewed as an imbalance of the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), which represent different aspects of body and mind. Adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and shatavari are often prescribed to strengthen the body’s resistance to stress, improve energy levels, and promote restorative sleep. Panchakarma, a detoxification and rejuvenation process in Ayurveda, uses herbal oils, massage, and dietary changes to remove toxins from the body and restore vitality. These therapies have been used for centuries to treat fatigue and stress-related conditions.
Indigenous Healing Practices and Energy Medicine
Many indigenous cultures have a deep understanding of energy balance and holistic healing, which can offer additional therapeutic options for managing CFS. Energy healing practices, such as those used by indigenous shamans, focus on clearing blockages in the body’s energy fields to restore balance and vitality. Techniques such as Reiki or Qigong (a form of energy-based movement and meditation) are believed to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. These practices are increasingly being used as complementary therapies for CFS.
In indigenous traditions, plants and herbs are also used for their healing properties. For example, maca root from the Andes is believed to enhance stamina and reduce fatigue, while yerba maté, a South American herb, is known for its stimulating effects and ability to fight exhaustion. Similarly, ginseng, used in Native American and Asian healing traditions, is valued for its adaptogenic properties that support energy and immune function.
Breathing techniques, such as Pranayama from the yogic tradition, offer another ancient method for managing CFS symptoms. Pranayama involves regulating the breath to improve the flow of prana (vital energy) in the body, which can reduce stress, enhance mental clarity, and restore energy levels. Practices such as alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) and deep abdominal breathing have been used for centuries to balance the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Conclusion and an Integrative Manual Therapy solution
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a complex and debilitating condition, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Modern therapies like pacing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications can help manage symptoms, but do not address the root causes of this condition, so many people also seek relief through ancient healing practices. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, indigenous healing practices, and mind-body techniques like yoga and meditation offer holistic approaches that focus on restoring balance, energy, and overall health.
While the medical system believes these ancient methods do not cure CFS, they do see that they provide valuable tools for improving the quality of life and managing the many challenges of living with chronic fatigue.
So now the important part… An Integrative Manual Therapy Solution
If you have chronic pain, chronic fatigue and haven’t found your answer, what can you do to actually get to the root causes, clear them and heal so you can live your life the way you want to live?
The key is to find the root cause. This concept is simple enough and makes sense. With modern medical models and even with the ancient healing models if the therapist or doctor is just trying to decrease symptoms but not addressing the cause the results will not last and the client will just be managing symptoms.
With Integrative Manual Therapy (also called integrative physical therapy) we have a diagnostic process called myofascial mapping. This involves a hands-on manual therapy approach to find the primary physical root causes and also the primary non-physical mental, emotional, spiritual root causes and determine what is overall primary.
The story is written in the body and mapping allows us to find the primary area. Because then we can do specific healing work. Are there root causes in the detox system? The liver, kidneys, bladder, colon?…
Are there root causes in the Gut, Liver, Pancreas and Spleen or in the Heart and Lungs.
The body, your body will do what it needs to do to protect you. And if there are restrictions in and around vital organs or arteries or veins the body can “clamp down” and the symptoms can then range from headaches to fatigue or pains or swelling.
The key is to know where the root causes are and what structures are involved. And is it a physical or non-physical issue? With IMT we have whole course books on the Liver for example or the Gut or the Heart or Lungs and by knowing exactly what is going on we can do specific manual therapy hands on techniques.
When we clear these root causes people can see immediate changes in how they move, walk and function.
And over the days and weeks between sessions you can continue to improve because once cleared the body no longer has to protect you and you heal naturally.
Reach out to me if you are dealing with a chronic health challenge like chronic fatigue, pain or a diagnosis doctors don’t have answers for. We can do a mapping assessment and get your plan to heal and get your health and life back.
Here’s my personal email and phone number to do this.
To your health and healing,
Ralph Havens PT IMTC
