Panchkarma For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Know More!

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition where you feel extreme tiredness and it does not go away even after you rest. The fatigue associated with this condition may worsen with mental or physical activity. 

As no specific cause has been identified for CFS yet, it is difficult to diagnose. You may require multiple tests. It is most common among women in their 40s and 50s but it can affect anyone.

Causes

If you have CFS, you may be fatigued easily by routine physical activity. This might be triggered due to certain factors or a combination of the following factors:

• Some people may develop CFS after suffering from a viral infection. Some suspicious viruses include mouse leukaemia virus and Epstein-Barr virus

• You may experience abnormal secretion of hormones in the pituitary, adrenal and hypothalamus glands

• A weakened immune system is also an important factor for CFS

There are certain risk factors that may increase the chances of CFS:

• High levels of stress or difficulty in managing stress

• People between the ages of 40 and 50 have higher chances of developing CFS

• Women are more likely to get diagnosed with the condition than men

• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms 

The most common symptoms of CFS are as follows:

• Feeling tired after a night’s sleep

• Insomnia

• Reduced concentration

• Sleeping disorders

• Loss of memory

• Frequent headaches

• Orthostatic intolerance, where you might start feeling lightheaded when seated or lying down

• Muscle pain

• Joint pain without swelling

• Swollen lymph nodes in armpits and neck

• Feeling extremely exhausted lasting for more than a day after engaging in mental or physical exercise

These symptoms may suddenly disappear completely. But, they may return later. In general, if you experience excessive fatigue then you should consult a doctor.

Treatment

CFS can be treated with a special Ayurvedic treatment procedure called Panchakarma. This is a complete rejuvenation procedure that consists of steam baths, oil massages, diet purification and cleansing enemas. The aim is to detoxify your body and get rid of all impurities that may later cause illnesses such as CFS.

It is a five-step procedure consisting of the following:

• Vamana – Therapeutic vomiting

• Virechana – Purgation

• Vasti – Herbal oil enemas

• Nasya – Nasal irrigation or clearing the nasal passage from mucus 

• Raktamokshana – Bloodletting or withdrawal of blood to cure an illness

The procedure is very effective in improving your sleep patterns and reduces sleeping disorders. It improves the digestive system, reduces stress levels and relaxes the body. But you have to maintain a strict diet that consists of:

• Kitchari made of rice and lentils that are low cooked in herbal oils

• Tea but no coffee or other beverages

• No salads, smoothies, meat, bread or sugar

• No processed foods

Lifestyle changes can help you fight CFS. Reduce your daily caffeine intake to sleep better and reduce insomnia. You must avoid nicotine and alcohol too. Try to avoid taking naps during the day. Consult your doctor if you still face problems.