Think of the last time you missed out on good quality sleep. Feeling tired, weak and drained as a result can throw off your day and make it much harder to be effective and present in your life.
Now imagine if you had this feeling constantly – that’s called fatigue.
Fatigue is a common complaint which can have serious effects on daily life for sufferers. It’s not the same as just being tired – it’s a persistent feeling of being drained and exhausted, whether physically, mentally or both, to a point that disrupts normal life.
If fatigue is something you’re dealing with, adding acupuncture to your wellness plan can make a big difference to your quality of life. Read on to find out more.
Symptoms of fatigue
The main symptom of fatigue is the constant feeling of exhaustion. This may be accompanied by symptoms including:
Feelings of anxiety or depression
Muscle weakness or difficulty completing physical tasks
Dizziness
Poor concentration and memory
General irritability, moodiness and low motivation
Reduced immunity
These symptoms mean that fatigue can make everyday life a challenge. It can also be dangerous – for example, fatigue is a known risk factor for workplace accidents and car accidents (BetterHealth Channel, 2015).
What causes fatigue
Fatigue can be caused and worsened by a wide range of lifestyle factors and other medical conditions. These include (BetterHealth Channel, 2015):
Negative emotional states, including stress or boredom. This can be brought about by major life changes such as divorce, death, moving home or a serious injury.
Changes in the seasons and weather
Poor sleep for a prolonged period or serious sleep disorders
A hormone imbalance or overactive thyroid
Some chronic pain conditions
Certain drugs and medications
When fatigue lasts more than 6 months, it is known as chronic fatigue. Chronic fatigue without an identifiable medical cause is known as chronic fatigue syndrome or idiopathic chronic fatigue (Kim et al., 2015).
Yin and Yang: what effect do they have on fatigue levels?
You’ve probably heard of Yin and Yang. These are two prominent pillars of traditional Chinese medicine that describe opposite but complementary forces that are active in all parts of life – hot and cold, winter and summer, light and dark.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi, the energy that flows through your body, is key to wellness and health. Yin and Yang in your body are manifestations of Qi and it’s believed that when they are unbalanced, it can result in fatigue (Joyre TCMedi Spa, 2023).
Treating fatigue with acupuncture
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use the concepts of yin and yang to create an unrestricted flow of Qi, restore balance and address a range of different ailments, including fatigue. One of the tools used to do this is acupuncture, which is believed to unblock Qi and boost energy.
Studies have suggested that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of fatigue (British Acupuncture Council, 2023), relieving both physical and mental symptoms (Wang et al., 2009) and improving quality of life (Wang et al., 2009) in a safe way (Yiu et al., 2007). It has also been shown to have a positive effect on symptoms and conditions related to fatigue, such as insomnia, amnesia and general pain (Huang et al., 2008).
Research also shows that even people with chronic fatigue syndrome may find effective relief through adding acupuncture to their routine (GUO, 2007; Yiu et al., 2007).
Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Get in touch today and book an appointment to see our friendly, expert acupuncturist to get started.
Sources
Joyre TCMediSpa, What Is Yin & Yang In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?, 2023
British Acupuncture Council, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, 2023
Wang JJ et al., Randomized controlled study on influence of acupuncture for life quality of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, Zhongguo Zhenjiu, 2009
Wang JJ et al., Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, Chen Tzu Yen Chiu Acupuncture Research, 2009
Yiu YM et al., A clinical trial of acupuncture for treating chronic fatigue syndrome in Hong Kong, Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2007
Huang Y et al., Clinical observation on the effects of Bo’s abdominal acupuncture in 40 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2008
BetterHealth Channel, Fatigue, 2015
JE Kim, BK Seo, JB Choi, HJ Kim, TH Kim, MH Lee, KW Kang, JH Kim, KM Shin, S Lee, SY Jung, AR Kim, MS Shin, HJ Jung, HJ Park, SP Kim, YH Baek, KE Hong, and SM Choi., Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial, Trials, 2015
YM Yiu, SM Ng, YL Tsui, YL Chan., A clinical trial of acupuncture for treating chronic fatigue syndrome in Hong Kong, Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao, 2007