Naturopathic Treatment of Chronic Fatigue
Energy, good health and vitality have many facets. Five pillars of it include relationship to food/nutrition, exercise/movement, rest/sleep, stress reduction, and connectedness to self and others.
As a naturopathic doctor who is sensitive to listening to my patients, I have found that besides a history and workup of various medical conditions, it is important to do a holistic assessment of these five pillars and potential areas where someone’s energy is getting drained. Chronic fatigue can contribute to brain fog, affect proper decision making and interfere with the ability to have a fulfilling livelihood and social life.
The field of psychoneuroimmunology has found that our stress state, nervous system and immune systems are inextricably combined.
Through counseling, we will discuss the situations/ people where you feel particularly drained including work, relationships, and your own psychological issues or blocks that may be addressed with acupuncture or referrals to the right psychotherapist for you.
In a medical workup, it is important to rule out:
- Anemia
- Autoimmune issues such as lupus or Hashimoto’s autoimmune hypothyroid
- Celiac disease
- Hypothyroid
- Mononucleosis
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome from Epstein Barr Virus infection
- Depression and PTSD
- Other Undiagnosed medical conditions
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Pain
- Food allergies
- Adrenal Deficiency
- Lymphoma
- Improper diet—too much sugar and refined food
- Sugar Addiction
I usually start the journey of a patient’s chronic fatigue with a comprehensive workup, and assessment. I find that acupuncture helps to create better health care choices and encourage the five pillars of health. The journey back to health and vitality is process. I encourage you to start it!