Chronic fatigue syndrome is defined as unexplained, persistent fatigue which lasts for six months or more, and exhibits at least four of the eight primary signs and symptoms. These include loss of memory or concentration, sore throat, painful and enlarged lymph nodes, muscle pain, migratory joint pain without swelling or redness, headache, sleep disturbance, and extreme exhaustion lasting more than 24 hours after physical or mental exercise. This condition is believed to be due to several causes like a compromised immune system, disturbed hormones, chronic inflammation of the nervous system or a virus infection. People in their 40s and 50s are most affected, with women more likely to be affected than men.
By Abdulmubeen Mundewadi
The diagnosis of this medical condition is more often by a process of exclusion of other known disease entities. The chronic nature of this condition results in several complications like depression, social isolation, life-style restrictions and missed work. The Ayurvedic treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome is aimed at treating the presenting signs and symptoms. Medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras and Shrung-Bhasma are used to treat depression. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated using medicines like Punarnava-Mandur and Tapyadi-Loh. Loss of memory or concentration can be treated using medicines like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus). Painful and enlarged lymph nodes are treated using medicines like Kachnaar-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu.
Pain in the muscles and joints is treated using medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras and Vat-Gajankush-Ras. Chronic, persistent headache can be treated using medicines like Godanti-Bhasma and Pathyadi-Qadha. Sleep disturbance can be treated using medicines like Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina). Herbal medicines like Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Bhumiamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) can be used to overcome the effects of viral infection.
Extreme exhaustion, which is the hallmark of this condition, can be treated using medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Suvarna-Bhasma, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Suvarna-Parpati and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow a sensible, balanced diet. It is also important to get sufficient sleep and regular exercise. Yogic asanas and pranayam can be used to reduce stress and improve the immune status of the body. In addition to other medicines, cognitive behavior therapy can also help considerably in treating this condition.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
The online clinic offers Ayurvedic treatment for all chronic and refractory health problems. Dr. A. A. Mundewadi uses high quality herbal extracts in tablet form, which are easy to take, effective and safe for long-term use.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 24 years and clinical research experience of 10 years. He has conducted extensive research in HIV infection, Schizophrenia and many other chronic diseases.
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