Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is usually triggered by a stressful event e.g. a past trauma. At Brooks-Carter Clinic we encourage people to try Emotional Freedom Technique and Matrix Reimprinting to reduce the stress, associated with past traumas, that is stored in our memory field. This affects our energy levels dramatically. The work is gentle and done at your own pace with you in charge. It is exciting and life changing.
The problem with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is that it has not been taken seriously by the medical profession and was classed as ‘yuppie flu’. The main symptoms are debilitating fatigue, muscle pain, and mental fogginess. The cause of chronic fatigue cannot be explained by other conditions, such as depression, and it does not improve substantially after periods of rest. There are many cases where the illness lasts three to six years, although some recover sooner and others never get better. Some people suffer recurrent bouts of ME.
Some patients also have difficulty in concentrating, short-term memory impairment, sore throats, headaches and insomnia. Some people have such severe symptoms that they are confined to bed while others only suffer fatigue when they come up against stressful situations. The relative role of psychological and biological factors remains a source of controversy!
There is no known cause of ME, but scientists are investigating whether it is related to a ‘virus’, stress, pollution, changes in the nervous system, or is a genetic disorder.The main findings are changes in the function of the nervous system and stress hormones similar to those found in depression and anxiety disorders. Gabor Mate, Peter Levine and others have linked past traumas to chronic conditions such as ME and articles and video clips are available on line.
Around 75% of ME sufferers are women, but some experts say this proportion is in line with other immune-related disorders. People on higher incomes are more likely to be recorded as having ME than low earners, but doctors believe this may be because they are more persistent in getting their condition diagnosed.
Massage Therapy and Reflexology certainly can help ease insomnia if that is a problem. This can help bring balance back but can also be very tiring so short treatments are in order.
Dietary advice to include encouraging eating fresh foods and keeping a food diary where the effects of certain foods can be monitored is a good idea. Stress Management is important as is trying to gauge what amount of exercise can help and not overtire.
Working the thoracic spine to include MET to balance as well as mobilisations has been found to help in ME/CFS.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) presents itself in many different ways but the symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Intense lethargy
- Muscular pains
- Disturbed sleep
- Mental confusion
- General weakness
All sufferers of this unbearable illness appear to have upper back stiffness, either through chronic postural strain or a previous injury.
We must remember that muscles are not only involved with movement of the body but they control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Muscles not working properly have far reaching implications so it is no surprise that their failure to work as they should, causes various kinds of symptoms.
It has been suggested that this chronic stiffness leads to irritation of certain closely linked nerves known as the ‘sympathetic nervous system’ and the lymphatic vessels, which are part of the body’s natural waste disposal system.
As the body’s waste, or toxins, are not being flushed away efficiently, the M.E. sufferer is left with a clogged and toxic lymphatic system which leads to many of the symptoms described above, as well as muscular tension patterns over the upper back and a poor breathing mechanism from the chronic stiffness.
Osteopathy alone cannot ‘cure’ M.E. but it can reduce the symptoms and help to speed up recovery. No two M.E. sufferers are the same and treatment programmes have to be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Recovery takes time with such a chronic condition.
TREATING THE WHOLE PERSON
Sometimes it can be difficult to make time for taking care of yourself. Ongoing massage therapy promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness, which reinforces a positive attitude.
Reserving some specific time for a massage, customised to address your personal needs, makes it easier to remember that you deserve to feel good and that you’re taking important steps to make it happen. You may need help with insomnia, headaches, migraine, back pain and more. Reducing these signs and symptoms should help your mood reducing your need for drugs and their side effects. We don’t advise stopping your medication, but telling your doctor that you are having physical therapy will allow him or her to monitor your needs.
Spinal health is important for all your body as the nerves from the spinal cord go everywhere including being linked to the electricals to your organs. Osteopathic adjustments help to release hormones including oxytocin (the social boding hormone).
Naturopathy and lifestyle advice may be necessary. A healthy diet is important for all. Fresh unprocessed foods are recommended and checking to see if you have sensitivities to certain foods can make a huge difference to mood and your fatigue.
More and more people are working with talking and energy therapies. Here at BCC we have EFT and Matrix Reimprinting to help.
Touch is essential for life so there is a direct link to that ‘feel better response’ to massage. Relaxation effects are so important for everyone but especially for anyone with chronic fatigue.
SHIATSU
- Similar to acupuncture, Shiatsu works to regulate the flow of energy or ‘qi’ thus maintaining health in all ages. Qi is the vital energy in the body that underlies all functions.
- Qi flows in specific pathways known as meridians
- Shiatsu practitioners can detect which meridians are too energised and those which are lacking in energy. Either imbalance can lead to blocks to healing and also to what we call disease.
- Specific points relative to the presenting pain are pressed on the major meridians of the body to cause energy to flow more easily. This combined with acupressure, trigger points and Thai style stretching makes this a is very effective treatment.
- This explains why so many are delighted with the improvement in constipation, painful arthritic joints, headaches, overwhelm, anxiety, obsessing about work, memory problems, period pain, nausea, asthma and so on.
THERAPY OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THIS CONDITION AT BROOKS-CARTER CLINIC
- Osteopathy
- Naturopathy
- Advanced Remedial Massage
- Remedial & Sports Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Relaxation and Relaxation Massage
- Working with Children
- On-Site Massage
- Indian Head Massage
- Aroma Facial Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Baby Massage
- Reflexology
- Shiatsu
- Hot Stone Massage
- Pregnancy Massage
- Dry Needling
- Chinese Cupping
- Hopi Ear Candling
- Sports Event Massage
- Meta Kinetics
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Matrix Reimprinting
- Matrix Birth Reimprinting
- Breathing Techniques
- Qi Gong
- Gift Vouchers
Suite 5 Braehead Way Shopping Centre, Bridge of Don,
Aberdeen AB22 8RR
01224 822960, 01224 822956
info@brookscarterclinic.co.uk