Fatigue

Low energy and constant feelings of tiredness are a frequent common complaint for many of the women I see. The causes of fatigue are often complex, and can include (but not limited to):  

-         stress 

-         depression or anxiety 

-         poor nutrition (in particular low protein intake and over consumption of fast burn carbohydrates) 

-         low blood sugar 

-         iron deficiency anaemia 

-         nutritional deficiencies including: iron, B complex, B12 

-         chronic viral infections 

-         hormonal imbalance 

-         obesity 

-         lack of exercise 

-         poor quality sleep 

-         thyroid dysfunction 

-         perimenopause or menopause 

Most commonly fatigue is a symptom occurring within a complex of co-existing health issues.  Thorough case taking often involves further medical investigation including blood tests to investigate underlying causes of the fatigue. 

TCM and fatigue 

Frequently, there are energetic causes for fatigue.  Pulse and tongue diagnosis, combined with thorough case taking reveal a clear picture of underlying meridian energetic imbalances contributing to lack of energy. 

Frequently “qi deficiency” is seen with fatigue.  The patient feels weak and tired much of the time.  The pulse is usually weak and the complexion is pale, often with shortness of breath and poor appetite. 

A combination of acupuncture and moxibustion (warming the acupuncture points with moxa) is used to treat qi deficiency.  Tonifying Chinese herbs are also used. 

Often “blood deficiency” is an underlying cause of fatigue.  Sometimes blood tests will return normal, but there is still an energetic imbalance related to blood (a Chinese medicine concept).  Blood deficiency often produces symptoms such as: fatigue, pale complexion, light or absent periods, dizziness, faintness, sensitivity to cold, floaters in the visual field. 

Acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs can effectively build and nourish blood. 

Energetic deficiency in any of the acupuncture meridians can lead to fatigue.  This is especially so when the deficiency effects the kidney, liver, spleen or heart meridians. 

Treatment

Acupuncture therapy for fatigue involves weekly visits for a minimum of six weeks.  In severe or long standing cases, the ideal treatment would involve twice weekly treatments for the first 1 – 3 weeks.  Improvement in energy levels is often experienced after as little as two treatments. 

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