Exhausted? Fighting Fatigue
Fatigue (or chronic fatigue) goes beyond light tiredness or sleepiness. People who are sleepy simply want to sleep. They feel it in the heaviness of their head; they cannot keep their eyes open or head up. After having had a good night’s sleep, they generally feel better.
Fatigue, however, can be felt in the whole body. Sufferers complain of low energy levels, muscle aches, pain, discomfort, and poor concentration. They feel frustrated when forced to do something and may feel depressed. Even in the mornings after a long, sound sleep, the person feels tired. It is hard to make it through the day.
What’s Making You So Fatigued?
Fatigue is often related to a lifestyle that includes long working hours, stress, strong emotions, poor diet and insufficient exercise. Occasional bouts of fatigue may come from jet lag and heavy travel schedules. However, sometimes fatigue can also be a symptom of psychological or physical problems. Accompanying symptoms such as lower back pain, digestive problems, acid reflux or weak knees give the doctor essential hints to the underlying reasons for the condition.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fatigue is often diagnosed as a Qi energy deficiency, a blood deficiency or both. A combination of low Qi energy in the spleen system and a deficiency of heart blood is regularly found in overworked students. When a lack of vital energy occurs in the kidneys, the TCM practitioner knows that the original energy of the body is in danger. Herbal medicine and acupuncture are used to help restore this essential energy.
Energize with These Tips
In order to balance the energy level and relieve the feeling of fatigue, the following tips can be helpful:
- Exercise and sleep regularly. The hours before midnight are the most important to help the body recover.
- Eat a balanced diet with a lot of greens, vegetables that are lightly cooked, and protein to strengthen the muscles.
- Limit your sugar and caffeine consumption.
- For students who suffer from fatigue or workers spending many hours in the office, regular time outdoors is important. Reduce time in front of the computer and TV.
- If you are suffering the symptoms of fatigue for more than a short time, consult with a doctor. There can be numerous underlying causes. Your health may continue to worsen if left untreated. Get an assessment to find solutions to better health (and more energy!).
The multidisciplinary team at Body & Soul can be an excellent resource if you are dealing with fatigue symptoms. A combination of herbal medicine and acupuncture can holistically address the root causes of your symptoms and help you regain energy. Contact us to make an appointment with one of our experts.