Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

IMMUNE SYSTEM• 205CHRONIC FATIGUESYNDROME (CFS)Also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and postviral syndrome, CFS wasfirst recognized as a condition in conventional medical circles in the 1990s. Itssymptoms mimic many other illnesses. It has been described as a physical illnessbrought on by stress. Three times more women than men are affected in thedeveloped world.Symptoms• Identifiable fatigue that is present for50 percent of the time and for at least sixmonths, severely affecting physical andmental functioning.• Muscular pain, weight fluctuation, andsleep disturbance.• Possible abnormal temperature regulation,recurrent sore throat, swelling of the lymphglands, and depression.CausesCFS often follows a viral infection of theupper respiratory or digestive tract. It is notknown why some people do not recover fully.It may be due to malfunctions of the immuneor metabolic system, stress, overwork,overuse of antibiotics, dysfunctionalproduction of the hormone melatonin,the effects on neurotransmitters in the brainof chemicals leaking out of the digestive tract,pollution or toxicity, or even geopathic stress(disruptions in radiation emitted by the Earth).Conventional careThere is no single diagnostic test for CFS,and the nature of the condition makes it verydifficult to conduct conventional research. Adetailed medical history is required, togetherwith a physical examination that concentrateson the body’s neurological system. Thereis no conventional treatment as such. Antidepressantdrugs may be prescribed for sleepdisturbances, but lifestyle guidelines form thebasis of conventional care.Homeopathic medicineAs a result of the large range of possiblephysical and mental symptoms, CFS istreated constitutionally. Psychological andenvironmental factors are studied in particular,together with the person’s dietary history. Thechoice of remedy is determined largely by anindividual’s symptoms (see page 18). Phosphoricac. is prescribed for weakness in the spinal cordand associated nerves; Nat. mur. is effective forfatigue—affecting the knees, ankles, and dorsalspine in particular—caused by mental exertion.Calc. carb. is used to treat fatigue, particularly ofthe thigh muscles, caused by walking; andArsen. alb. is given for fatigue, especially of thechest muscles, caused by walking.Remedies for localized, specific symptomsinclude Belladonna, when there are swollenglands in the neck and groin, muscular andjoint pains, aches and burning pains all over thebody, and a constant sore throat; and Causticum,when there is permanent chilliness, stiffness andpain in the joints and muscles, and weaknessafter the slightest exertion. Kali carb. may begiven for swollen glands in the neck and groin,joint pains, numbness in the throat, panicattacks, and permanent chilliness; Carbo veg.for aches and burning pains all over the body,confusion, bloating and great flatulence, andfaintness in the morning; and China for bloating,anxiety, sleeplessness, and a feeling of weaknessafter the slightest exertion.LifestyleThe key to recovery from CFS is rest. Inplanning a strategy for recuperation, it is helpfulto imagine the energy of the body as if it werebeing supplied from checking and savings bankaccounts. CFS occurs if the savings account hasbeen seriously depleted over a lengthy period.In order to recover, the savings account needsreimbursing from the checking account. Inpractical terms, this means that any activityshould leave in reserve 25 percent of the energynormally used when 100 percent is what can beachieved without tiring. So, if someone canwalk 100 yards (meters) without getting tired,they should only walk 75 yards (meters). A dietlow in refined carbohydrates, with vitamin andmineral supplements, is beneficial. Recreationaldrug-taking and smoking are inadvisable, andalcohol intake should be reduced.CASE HISTORYTommy was 43, with a 20-year history ofdepression and CFS, which had startedfollowing an attack of pneumonia. Tommywas constantly tired; he would wake at4 a.m. or 5 a.m. in an anxious state. Hisbody felt cold, and he had stiff, painfulmuscles, indigestion, flatulence, and afeeling of imminent collapse.PERSONAL DETAILSAn only child, Tommy lost his father whenhe was nine. He was extremely ambitiousand had risen to a high rank in the civilservice. His job involved public speaking,which he found increasingly daunting. Heworried about his responsibilities, but wasbetter for working. He awoke unrefreshedfrom sleep.FOOD PREFERENCESTommy had a strong craving for sweet andwarm foods. He particularly hated coldmeats, but also disliked bread, onions, andfermentable foods such as cabbage, whichincreased his flatulence. He was oftenravenously hungry but would feel full aftereating only a few mouthfuls of food.GENERAL DETAILSTommy felt worse between 4 p.m. and8 p.m., and in wet and stormy weather.Tight clothes made him uncomfortable.He felt better after midnight and for walks.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPTommy was advised to pace himself (seeLifestyle, left), and prescribed Lycopodium.One month later, he was less depressedbut still sleeping badly. He incorporatedmore vegetables and fish into his diet,with less meat and coffee, fewer dairyproducts, and no refined carbohydrates.Over the next few months, with mineraland vitamin supplements and differentpotencies of Lycopodium, some ofTommy’s physical symptoms abated,although he still felt tired and his sleepwas disturbed. He was better able to copementally with stress. Gradually, his energylevels rose, especially after he wasprescribed antidepressants by his doctorto help him sleep. After taking moreLycopodium, he was able to give up theantidepressants, and felt fit, positive, andable to cope with life.