What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ?

Do you lack energy, are always tired? Sleep but never feel rested...

A "syndrome" is a medical term to indicate a group of symptoms which consistently occur together, or a condition characterized by a set of associated symptoms. (Oxford Living Dictionary)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is also known as:

• Myalgic Encephalomyelitis,
• Tapanui Flu (within New Zealand)
• SEID (Systemic Exertion Intolerance Disease) when formally diagnosed by a Doctor.

Definition of chronic fatigue

The most widely referenced diagnostic criteria and definition of CFS for research and clinical purposes was published in 1994 by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC currently recommends the following criteria for diagnosis:

1. Significantly lowered ability to participate in activities that were routine before the onset of the condition, and persisting more than six months
2. Physical or mental activity causes worsening symptoms that would not have been problematic before the onset of the condition, (post-exertional malaise (PEM))
3. Sleep problems

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

Additionally, one of the following symptoms must be present:

• Difficulty with thinking and memory
• Worsening of problems with standing or sitting

Other common symptoms may include:

• Muscle pain, joint pain, and headache pain
• Tender lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
• Sore throat
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Night sweats
• Sensitivities to foods, odours, chemicals, or noise

Feel lacklustered after exercise, or  been diagnosed by your GP  with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and are looking at some other options to help you regain your energy?

It is estimated that 20,000 New Zealanders suffer from CFS.

The exact causes of chronic fatigue are unknown.

It is likely a combination of genes, and environmental factors, stress, nutrition, compromised Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis or compromised immune system all play a role, resulting in the inability of your cells to produce enough energy for the body to sustain everyday activity.

As symptoms worsen the lack of cellular energy begins to compromise essential bodily functions such as digestion, respiration, brain function and all number of symptoms can appear.

Upon diagnosis of SEID by a GP a typical recommendation in New Zealand will be

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy,
• Graded exercise routine,
• Antidepressants.

The study these recommendations are based has since been reviewed, and the results brought into question.

At Global Health Clinics we have the assessment tools, and recovery programs to help get you living again.

At Global Health Clinics, a chronic fatigue specialist centre in Auckland,  we aim to support the body to get back to health, to free up energy so your body can concentrate on healing and recovery.

You first have a Cell Wellbeing™ Hair Analysis, which assess 800 factors in 20 minutes. Then you are then given a comprehensive programme to address the factors that are highlighted by the assessment. This may include diet, exercise, relaxation tools, emotional therapy, supplements, and environmental and diet factors to avoid.

Finally, you have the option of support with a 3-month, 6-month or 12-month plan that includes a comprehensive range of therapies and treatments, such as our popular HOCATT™ Ozone Spa, mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT), Ajna Light™, and our Swiss Bioptron Light™. We will also support you with follow-up Health Coaching sessions to see how you are progressing, and to help you achieve your vitality goals.

Ask for help

We know what it feels like to be constantly tired, and we have found solutions that may help you. Call us today on (09) 488 0208 to find out more. Or book for a comprehensive assessment and recovery programme by clicking the button below.