Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, CFIDS)   FAQ's  What role might acupuncture play in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome? Acupuncture addresses a wide range of complaints associated with CFS by helping to raise the overall level of wellbeing in the body. It focuses on the underlying, energetic pathways in the body while supporting all of the physiological systems which are involved with the production of cellular energy. Can acupuncture help you?  Call us today at 413 528-5055 for a free, telephone consultation. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians How do I know if I might have chronic fatigue syndrome? If you answer yes to any of the questions listed below, you may have chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which is also called chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS). Have you been tired (fatigued) for a long time--more than 6 months--even though you are getting enough rest and are not working too hard? Has your doctor been unable to find illnesses that could explain your symptoms? Are you able to do less than half of what you used to do because you feel tired? Have you had problems that keep coming back or don't go away for 6 months or more with four or more of the following signs and symptoms? Sore throat Tender or painful lymph nodes in neck or armpits Unexplained muscle soreness Pain that moves from joint to joint but doesn't include redness or swelling Headaches that are different from the kind you usually get or headaches that make your whole head hurt Trouble with short-term memory or concentration Feeling tired for more than 24 hours after exercise that didn't bother you before Trouble sleeping People with CFS may have other symptoms as well. What causes chronic fatigue syndrome? No one is certain about what causes CFS. The symptoms may be caused by an immune system that isn't working well. Or they may be caused by some kind of virus. Researchers are looking for the cause of CFS. How is chronic fatigue syndrome treated? The first step is to see if there is a medical cause for your fatigue. Your doctor will probably want to review your symptoms and medical history, and give you a physical exam. Your doctor may also want to do some blood tests, but lab testing is not often helpful. Some of the symptoms, such as muscle aches, sleep problems, anxiety and depression, can be treated with medicine. The medicine can only reduce your symptoms and allow you to be more active, not cure the fatigue. So far, there is no medicine that cures the entire syndrome. Most symptoms improve with time. How can I help myself? Keep a daily diary to identify times when you have the most energy. Plan your activities for these times. Keep up some level of activity and exercise, within your abilities. Your doctor can help you plan an exercise program to maintain your strength at whatever level is possible. Exercise can help your body and mind. Give yourself permission to recognize and express your feelings, such as sadness, anger and frustration. You need to grieve for the energy you have lost. Ask for support from family and friends. Look for support groups or counseling in your community. Your doctor is another important source of help. Emotional support is important in coping with a chronic health problem. If your memory and concentration are affected by chronic fatigue, keep lists and make notes to remind yourself of important things. Also, give yourself more time for activities that take concentration. Medicine may also help you sleep better, which might improve your memory and concentration. Scientific References for CFS/FM National Library of Medicine: A comprehensive list of references for these conditions can be obtained by searching MEDLINE, the official online archives of the National Library of Medicine. This website is freely accessible by all users. Go to www.pubmed.gov, the online home of MEDLINE. In the "search for" box, enter FATIGUE SYNDROME, CHRONIC and click the "go" key. For fibromyalgia information, enter FIBROMYALGIA instead. As of early 2004, almost 2500 references are available for CFS and 3000 references for fibromyalgia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention The CDC provides considerable information about CFS on their website. Go to their CFS home page at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cfs/index.htm.