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| Chronic Fatigue Syndrome |
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or Bala-kshaya is a disorder characterized by sudden onset of severe unexplained fatigue, which lasts for 6 months or longer rendering the signs and symptoms of continuous lethargy. Other associated symptoms includes impairment of neuro-cognitive functions, unceasing fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, pharyngitis, recurrent sore throat and swollen lymph nodes, all of which could lead to potentially fatal diseases.
Ayurveda Analysis of Chronic Fatigue syndrome
In Ayurveda CFS is believed to be caused by the accumulation of body toxins or the ama which further causes dosha imbalance particularly the Vata dosha. For this reason, balancing the Vata dosha, correcting Agni (digestive system and cellular metabolism – Dhatwagni) and strengthening Ojas are of prime importance in Ayurveda healing of Chronic fatigue syndrome. The main focus of Ayurvedic treatment will be removing the built up ama or the toxins. Ayurvedic treatments of Panchakarma which provide with thorough detoxification of the body are highly effective in treating chronic fatigue. Also, the Ayurvedic treatments that generally comprise of undertaking meditation, Ayurvedic diet, various massages, deep breathing techniques or the Pranayamas, Specific Asanas, Physiotherapy, Aquayoga and herbal therapies are offered to the patient suffering from chronic fatigue. These relaxation and rejuvenation therapies help restoring body balance, energy and vitality.
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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – it helps regulating sleep cycles, boost the immune system, reduce anxiety and depression. It also restores energy, improves the neurological and muscular functions of CFS patients.
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The roots of a plant, Rhodiola rosea, are used to restore neurological function, enhance energy, reduce fatigue, alleviate depression and restore natural sleeping patterns.
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Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) acts as a mental tonic for Alzheimer’s patients, age-related cognitive deficits, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It also enhances blood circulation, and has potential for safely enhancing cognitive performance.
Basti
This Panchakarma Ayurvedic treatment is considered as the mother of all treatments, it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha (watch video), especially Vata toxins, through the colon. Basti is also highly beneficial as a rejuvenating treatment especially in convalescent periods. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone.
Nasya
In this particular Ayurvedic treatment, there is administration of medicated oil through the nose, cleanses accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region.
Abhyanga is a synchronous full body treatment given by two therapists. Eliminates fatigue, reduces mental stress, lymphatic stimulation, enhances sleep, balances all the doshas, promotes a feeling of well-being and bliss, reduces anxiety, alleviates depression, and detoxifies the body.
Udwarthana
In this treatment, warm herbal paste made with grains, herbs, and a small amount of herbal oil is vigorously massaged onto the body by two therapists helps to balance the vitiated dosha. It is also an excellent treatment to help dislodge toxins that are embedded in the tissues as part of detoxification therapy.
Shiro Dhara
Shirodhara is a profoundly relaxing therapy which involves a medicated liquid slowly streamed onto the forehead with either organic oils that have been cooked with precious Ayurvedic herbs, warm whole organic milk, or buttermilk (takradhara).
Kshaya Seka
This deeply balancing therapy has a manifold sequence. An abhyanga massage is given prior to treatment. After abhyanga, four therapists massage and stream delicate rivers of warm herbal water over the body as shirodhara is being given.
Shastik Sala Pinda Sweda
Shastik Sala Pinda Sweda is an important treatment that is both a nourishing and detoxifying treatment. The treatment is heating to melt toxins in the body without aggravating pitta. It helps to rectify Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, muscle pain and stiffness, improves circulation, and helps with sleep. The boluses contain herbs, natural whole rice, herbal oil, and then cooked in organic milk for many hours. These boluses are then applied in a synchronous type of massage by four therapists.
Case Study 1
Another clinical case study was conducted by an Associate professor, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, Sivarama Prasad Vinjamury, MD (Ayurveda), on a 39-year-old female, software technical support Specialist. She had the predominant symptoms of fatigue, from the past 3 years. Her other symptoms were non-refreshing sleep, tiredness, neck pain, bloating, short-term memory loss, irritation of throat and associated hoarseness. She was also diagnosed with hypothyroidism 7 years ago. Ayurvedic perspective of her condition determined to have excess vata and pitta, deficiency of rasa and rakta dhatu and poor jatharagni at the physical level. At the psychological level, her rajas and lamas gunas were out of balance. She had to undergo the preliminary step of treatment i.e., the panchakarma detoxification therapies. For 2 months she was advised to take ayurvedic herbal medicines (Shankhpushpi syrup, Chyavanprash, a blend that contains Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Nardostachys jatamansi) Diet and lifestyle advice was also part of the treatment regimen. At the end of 2 months of treatment, the patient was experiencing fatigue for less than 3 hours per day along with an 8 hours refreshing sleep, and it was not interfering with any of her daily activities at home or at work.
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.