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Benefits of Massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is extreme fatigue that does not go away with rest. It is recognized as a collection of signs and symptoms that can range from being mild to completely debilitating.
Nobody knows what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it can be a combination of different factors such as viral infections that trigger the disorder, impairment of the immune system or hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome may include:
Fatigue
Memory loss or concentration
Brain Fog
Depression or mood problems
Sore throat
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
Unexplained muscle pain
Joint pain that moves from one joint to another without any swelling or redness
Unusual headache (new type, severity or pattern)
Visual disturbances (Eye pain, blurring, sensitivity to light)
Problems with sleep/non-restored sleep
Extreme exhaustion more than 24 hours after physical activity or mental exhaustion
The benefit of massage for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are that it stimulates a parasympathetic response, when exercise may be too much to handle it stimulates circulation, helps with sleep quality, lowers anxiety, relieves muscle and joint pain.
Some other massage techniques besides swedish that are popular for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are myofascial therapy, craniosacral therapy, and manual lymphatic drainage.
In manual lymphatic drainage it helps the circulation of the lymph and superficial blood, removing toxins and stagnate lymph replacing it with clean lymph. An active lymph system activates the immune system helping detect and eliminate viruses that may cause Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Massage is indicated for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The only contraindication is if a fever is present.
Western treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be a combination of immune-suppressant drugs and low dose anti-depressants.
In a Traditional Chinese Medicine point of view Chronic Fatigue Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weak and lean
fever
puffiness
night sweating
irregular chills and fever
insomnia
dream disturbed sleep
headaches
anxiety
depression
impaired digestion
muscle and joint pain
edema
irregular pulse
Treatments include prescriptions that replenish the body’s deficiencies. Formulas are used to invigorating qi and yang, nourishing yin and blood, adjust sleep and emotion and clearing heat resistant pathogens. One formula is a combination of Ginseng and Astragalus which tonifies qi and strengthens the function of the stomach and spleen.
Acupuncture is highly recommended for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, it releases endorphins which increases the body’s immunity. The combination of acupuncture and an herb remedy helps balance hormones, reduces stress and anxiety and restores immune function and promotes detoxification in the body.
References:
Werner, Ruth. A Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology. Philadelphia: 2002. Print
Chikly, Bruno. Silent Waves Theory and Practice of Lymph Drainage Therapy An Osteopathic Lymphatice Technique. Scottsdale: International Health &Healing Inc, 2004. Print
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