Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue from a Macrobiotic standpoint –
In today’s times; our stress levels have grown immensely. Coming from a Macrobiotic perspective, we deplete energy of the adrenal glands and kidneys over time and this leads to chronic fatigue syndrome. We are all born with a certain kidney essence ‘jing’ (traditional Chinese Medicine perspective; and as a counsellor in the field of Macrobiotic way, it is our constant endeavour to replenish and strengthen this ‘jing’ essence, to tackle chronic fatigue treatment.‘Jing’ is the primal force of all living beings. If we have it in abundance, we are strong, resilient, and have abundant energy. Our ‘jing’ leaves us with aging, stress and any health conditions(specially inflammation, as it depletes ‘jing’). So, diet, bodywork, lifestyle, herbs, adaptogens all come into play to re-build it.
What makes you get chronic fatigue?
Fatigue over a long period of time, leads to a condition called chronic fatigue syndrome. One reaches a point where recovery needs to be sort through a sound food plan, and a change in lifestyle; adding bodywork and mind-related therapies. Any prolonged stress-factor could lead to chronic fatigue: your work-life, a nutritionally deficient diet (eating disorders), too much travel, long-term stress, a prolonged health condition (specially a weak gut microbiome, asthma, pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease), hormonal and endocrine issues, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disease, obesity, low firing of neurotransmitters), sleep disorders,over-working outand over-use of stimulants like: alcohol, coffee, Indian tea (caffeinated), drugs, use of antidepressants over a long period of time.
Symptoms of chronic fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Sleeping during the day (odd hours)
- Sleep issues
- Headaches.
- Gut issues
- Insulin sensitivity
- Flu-like condition
- Nausea
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle and joint pain
- Dark colouring under the eyes (dark circles)
There are no tests that will diagnose you with this condition; the doctor or your health practitioner will arrive at a diagnosis after an evaluation of your symptoms and routine blood tests.It helps to keep a diary to record your symptoms.
Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome
- Diet for chronic fatigue: On a food-front, your diet has to be set up with the right foods to bring in grounding energy and stabilizing your mind. A diet that will avoid sugars; dairy; refined flour; processed/packages foods with additives; stimulants: like alcohol, coffee, Indian tea, anything with caffeine-colas, sodas as well; antibiotics and pain medication (unless absolutely necessary) -will serve you better. The diet must include foods closer to nature like whole grains; legumes/lentils/whole beans or good quality lean protein (if you are a non-vegetarian); vegetables (emphasis on leafy greens); good fats from foods and cold-pressed oils, nuts and seeds; fruit; rock/sea/Himalayan pink salt; fermented foods and beverages. Focus on all 3 meals, and giving the digestive system a rest in between meals.
- Movement: There must be some form of exercise be it cardiovascular combined with strength training (like Pilates, yoga, weight training).
- Stress reduction: Via pranayama (yogic breathing of the right kind, not bhastrika); meditation.
- Bodywork: Via acupuncture; acupressure; craniosacral therapy; massage (lymphatic drainage); body scrubs (as highlighted by me in my books and IGTV on Instagram).
- Seeking help of a psychologist: Cognitive behavioural therapy.
- Ayurvedic panchakarma for 3 weeks minimum, under the supervision of a good doctor and space.
- Avoid the over-use of gadgets like computer, television, phones, microwave.
- Aim for regularity in meal and sleep timings.
- Use of adpatogens under the supervision of a health practitioner helps: like Ashwagandha, astragalus (combats fatigue), eleuthero root (boosts stamina), holy basil (stress-related anxiety) and many more such adaptogens; but please consult whoever is advising you on them before using.
