The first is called Meditation by Walking which is very popular among monks. This activity is far different from the rest because it combines physical activity with mind conditioning in order to relieve stress immediately.

In order for this to work, you just have to find a place where you can walk like a circular path or a track. The reason why is because you want to follow a pattern in order to help your mind rest.

Of course, you will still have to breathe and walk at a slow pace. You might get distracted especially if there are other people on the track and when this happens, simply acknowledge it and continue what you are doing.

The next is called prayer meditation which is in fact the most popular form. The nice thing about this is that you do not have to go to Church or sing any hymns. You simply sit down, close your eyes and just relax.

Is meditation only for relaxing? The answer is no. Sometimes, this is used to help an athlete before a big event or by doctors to help cure patients. This is known as visualization meditation and you let your mind focus on an object or that goal which you wish to reach. This is effective when you finally settle in a very comfortable position

Another meditation method is called candle meditation. Here, you basically light a candle and then focus on the flame. For the next few minutes or so, you will block out everything else in the world and put all your concentration on the flickering flame.

Meditation on your own is not for everyone. This is why you can get guided meditation by listening to a prerecorded session. There are CD’s that play soothing music, while there are others that are narrated by a professional.

If you are not happy with your life or need time to reflect on your own, another meditation method is mirror gazing. Here, you simply gaze into your image and think about how your life is like. You can do this standing up or sitting down.

For those of you who cannot sit still, Yoga meditation may be what you are looking for. This is because aside from being an exercise designed to improve your flexibility, it can also provide relief for pain and gives the person a feeling of pleasure.

As you can see, there are many meditation methods to choose from. In fact, doctors now call this an alternative form of therapy and if this has worked for others, it could possibly do some good for you.

Which meditation method should you try? Well, why not try several, one week at a time, and see how things go. You can write in a journal what you experience and then come to the conclusion as to which has the most effective impact on you. From there, you will know which one among those mentioned may become part of your daily routine.

Understanding Chronic Fatigue
http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

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Apathy is totally different, in that one just doesn’t give a darn about anything, doesn’t care for the things around you. All three conditions are symptoms of fatigue.

Fatigue is the condition when you are tired all the time, and you lack energy. Chronic fatigue simply means that you are weary and feel exhausted almost all the time. It’s much more serious than just feeling tired.

Chronic fatigue syndrome usually requires medical attention as there can be serious health problems that will often get worse, if not attended to.

Depression is often a catalyst for CFS. Depression displays similar symptoms to CFS, such as low energy levels. Fatigue from depression can last a day or more. The symptoms are similar to chronic fatigue, which usually lasts a lot longer. Even thyroid problems can cause fatigue symptoms.

Sometimes, the symptoms of chronic fatigue are associated with other illnesses, such as diabetes, addison’s disease, arthritis, kidney disease or even renal degeneration. Other illnesses that have similar symptoms are congestive heart disease, lupus, and even cancer. Malnutrition or the opposing eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia may even contribute to your overall “I don’t care any more” attitude.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, why take a chance of getting worse. Go see your doctor or any other specialist that may help you determine your exact condition. You must do this before starting any treatments on your own. Why risk using the wrong medications or treatments.

Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome can be divided into two classes, physical or psychological, which include the following:

• Sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, or sleep-apnea
• Asthma or hay fever
• Hypothyroidism
• Anemia (tired blood)
• non-prescription drugs
• excessive alcohol use
• Never ending pain
• Depression

There are home care treatments which can help overcome many of the chronic fatigue symptoms. Again, be sure to consult your physician or CFS specialist to monitor your efforts.

Here are some things you can try:
Get adequate rest each night.

Eat balanced foods and follow a healthy diet, drink lots of water every day.

Learn to avoid a sedentary daily lifestyle, as it can surely drain the energy right out of you. Force yourself to do simple walking and jogging, as this can stop your regression. When should you walk? Probably when you least feel like it. I know it’s hard, but what the H… you have nothing to lose but your nagging feelings of fatigue.

Staying away from stressful circumstances will help you avoid too much stress. Taking vacations, dealing with relationship problems in a calmer way, taking multivitamins, and avoiding stress-triggering activities are simple yet proven ways to avoid those chronic fatigue symptoms.

It also works if you avoid excessive nightlife activities although I doubt you feel like going out on the town in your exhausted state.

Refrain from too much consumption of nicotine, alcohol, caffeine, or drugs. But ask your doctor if stimulants like the caffeine in coffee are good to use, or not. I don’t know the answer, so ask your doctor.

Alternative and Natural Remedies

These remedies are very popular, as they are surprisingly effective. Not the same for everyone though, as some work but rarely all. There are variations for each individual case.
 
I bet you never thought of this one. There are different alternatives available such as having a reflexology massage. It is not only a good way to relax but it also helps improve your blood circulation. It’s certainly not easy to accept that nerves in your upper body are controlled from the toes of your feet. That type of association is why it’s called reflexology.

Acupuncture, made famous by the Chinese for thousands of years, is perfect for the more daring of us. It increases physical and mental strength, a very ideal way to help overcome those symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Just be careful to hire a true acupuncture technician, so they won’t leave some needles sticking out from parts of your body, just from sloppy habits. It happened to me long ago, but only once.

There are other choices that I can’t detail here, such as Meditation, which helps bring in your inner peace. Aromatherapy, is another way of obtaining inner peace.

There are numerous vitamins and supplements that are worth exploring, and are covered in other articles here. Read the following articles, and you will discover names we never heard of before, yet seem to be quite effective.

Combat Chronic Fatigue With Nutrition
http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/combat-chronic-fatigue-with-nutrition

Beat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with Natural Remedies
http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/beat-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-with-natural-remedies

Fred Farah

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It’s quite different however, for people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Extreme fatigue for them means feeling exhausted day and night and for many weeks and even months. They don’t officially get classified as having chronic fatigue until they have these symptoms for a long period of time, usually over six months and more.

Although the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is difficult to know, it is believed to be related to viral infections. People suffering from CFS frequently exhibit symptoms such as flu, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint aches, etc.

Viruses appear to be incurable, and even drugs such as antibiotics can’t cure them. Consequently, no one has yet discovered a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome.

For those suffering from viral infections, they can combat these viruses by boosting their immune system. Because chronic fatigue syndrome relates greatly to viral infection, boosting the immune system using natural remedies is an important treatment. It has been shown to relieve some of the symptoms, if not all of them.

These natural remedies are highly recommended to patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome:

1.) Exercise regularly – Adding exercises and other physical activities into your daily routine can do wonders for you. Having CFS doesn’t mean all you need to do is rest all day. People with CFS are usually lethargic and easily tired. To fight the lethargy, keeping the body active is important. Doing 15-30 minutes of mild exercise and another 30 minutes of vigorous physical activities such as aerobics, tennis, swimming and brisk walking can help your body function better and your heart healthier and stronger.

Stretching and other relaxation exercises can also help you manage stress, which intensifies chronic fatigue. However, before you start any exercise routine, consult your doctor and ask for his advice.

2.) Eat more high-quality protein foods, such as fish and soy products. Nuts and chicken are good sources of quality protein that are low in saturated fat. Chicken and fish are also good sources of omega 3, 6 and 9. All
these help maintain a good healthy body, and without any special effort.

3.) Your diet should consist of more vegetables and fruits. A nutritious and balanced diet is an excellent way to maintain health and combat illnesses. By eating more green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits, your body is nourished with vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system.

4.) Drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day helps flush out your inner system, and drinking 8-10 glasses of water helps cleanse the body and keep it hydrated.
Our body is 70% water so make sure to keep it cleansed.

5.) Do you like eating garlic and onions? I don’t like either one, especially raw onions. Yet I am in the minority, as most people love them both. Which is good, because onions and garlic are known for their virus-inhibiting abilities. They can be taken either raw or cooked.

Supplements that contain garlic and onion can also be taken as an alternative if you don’t like the taste of these two healthful bulbs. I have had the garlic pills and there is no taste to them at all.

6.) Herbal supplements are great in fighting CFS.
There are several herbal medicines you can take to help you manage chronic fatigue syndrome. Echinacea root is known as an immune system booster. It is available in available in several formats, even as tea.

Ginseng root is believed to restore vitality and increase energy. In Asian countries, it is even known as an aphrodisiac. I would believe the first part, but an “aphrodisiac”… I don’t know.

Licorice, pokeroot and golden seal are also helpful in combating chronic fatigue syndrome.

These supplements are covered more fully in another blog post “Herbal Remedies for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. You can find it at http://understandingchronicfatigue.com/herbal-remedies-for-chronic-fatigue-syndrome

Work with your doctor and specialist to evaluate which
of these herbs could work for you. You have nothing to lose except excessive fatigue.

Fred Farah

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Other symptoms include muscle pains, tenderness and swelling in the joints, recurring sore throat, impaired concentration and short term memory, severe headaches and un-refreshing sleep. Wow, that’s a mouthful… Just trying to make the point that it’s not only suffering from unexplained fatigue even with minimal physical activity.

It’s sad to say it, but the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is not yet known. This makes CFS very difficult to manage, as there are no known cures for it yet.

Some patients are able to relieve the symptoms of CFS by using prescription drugs as well as some over the counter medications. However, these medications have varying degrees of success. Sometimes, they have little positive effect at all. Still, there are several holistic and alternative treatments that provide CFS patients with options to combat this debilitating disorder.

Since symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are so similar to flu like infections, doctors and specialists recommend treatments that strengthen the immune system. Receiving proper nutrition is well recognized as an excellent way to boost the immune system, improve the body’s functions and increase the patient’s energy levels. It has been shown to be quite effective in overcoming the “I don’t care any more” feelings that comes with a CFS attack.

Here are the vitamins and minerals that help boost the immune system:

• B Vitamins – Vitamin B-12 is one of the most important vitamins. It helps in the production of red blood cells as well as DNA and the myelin sheath that surround nerve cells. Receiving the proper amounts of Vitamin B-12 helps in maintaining the body’s energy level as well as keeping the central nervous, gastrointestinal, immune and cardiovascular systems healthy.

People with vitamin B-12 deficiency suffer from reduced energy levels, impaired memory and concentration, as well as several gastrointestinal problems. These are also symptoms that appear during an attack of chronic fatigue syndrome.  The B Vitamins folic acid and pantothenic acid are known to help treat fatigue. Increasing the intake of these vitamins can have beneficial effects for chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids are very essential to health. Unfortunately, the human body does not produce it naturally. Taking Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help reduce blood pressure, decrease triglyceride levels, reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias, and stem the growth of plaque in the walls of the arteries. Again, the symptoms of Omega-3 deficiency are closely related to symptoms of CFS: fatigue, poor memory, depression, heart problems and poor circulation.

• Sodium – This mineral is necessary to keep the body’s fluid balances. People suffering from CFS may actually have very low levels of sodium in their bodies. Having the right amount of sodium can have beneficial effects for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, patients must consult their doctors first to have their sodium levels tested, as there are some situations where sodium levels are intentionally reduced. 

• Other Minerals – There are several minerals that are beneficial as well, such as Chromium which helps patients manage their blood sugar. Magnesium and potassium aspartates are known to help decrease fatigue in various clinical studies.

Magnesium deficiency interferes with the Krebs cycle, which is responsible for transforming nutrients to energy.  So ensuring the proper supply of magnesium in the body is a good way to combat the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Magnesium is also prescribed by doctors to patients taking a lot of calcium to prevent or stabilize osteoporosis.

So there you have it. Speak to your doctor, or specialist that is following your treatment attempts and decide which are suitable for you to take.

Fred Farah

More information about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at Understanding Chronic Fatigue Blog  http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com

Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Successfully Using Natural Medicine at  http://fredfarah.com/pro/chronicfatigue.htm

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Believe it or not, most of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome are also symptoms found in various viral infections such as flu. These symptoms include extreme exhaustion, muscle pains, tenderness in the joints, severe headache and the worst of all, lack of energy.

Thus, to help combat the symptoms of CFS, it is important to stop the progress of these viruses and keep the immune system strong to help prevent future viral infections.

When it comes to boosting the immune system, one of the best ways is to go natural – meaning, to turn to natural alternative remedies such as herbs. Aside from Korean ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, echinacea and licorice root, there are several other herbal remedies that individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome can try.

Most of these herbal remedies are easily available. Here are some of them:

Siberian ginseng

 – This herb increases the body’s resistance to stress and fatigue as well as several diseases. It is also widely praised for its efficacy in increasing mental alertness. It also has strong antioxidant properties. These make Siberian ginseng a recommended herbal remedy for the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

However, it is important to use a standardized Siberian ginseng extract that contains 0.5% eleutheroside E and take 100-200 milligrams two times daily since the herb has its optimal potency at this dosage. It is best to take Siberian ginseng once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Garlic

 – Since ancient times, garlic has been known for its antibiotic properties. It contains the chemical alicin, which helps kill many types of bacteria and viruses. Garlic also has antioxidant effects. Garlic can be taken either raw or cooked. If you don’t like the taste of garlic, you can also choose supplements that have high garlic content.

Burdock

 – A type of thistle, burdock is known for its diuretic and diaphoretic properties. It is also known as a blood-purifying agent. Taking burdock is an excellent way to flush away the toxins that cause several disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, the greater burdock is also used extensively especially for treating dandruff and hair loss.

Carrot juice with kelp and bee pollen

 – This combination creates an excellent tonic drink that is perfect for boosting your energy level whenever you feel the effects of fatigue wear you down. This combination is highly recommended as a perk-me-up for individuals with low-blood pressure.

Goldenseal

 – This herb is used widely to control infections. In cases of sore throat, goldenseal extracts are recommended to help soothe it. All you have to do is to take a few drops of goldenseal extract – the alcohol-free variety – and hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. However, it is advised that goldenseal should not be taken on a daily basis for more than a week. Pregnant women should also not sue goldenseal. For individuals with history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, it is important to consult your doctor first and use goldenseal under your doctor’s supervision.

Cat’s claw

 – This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ideal dosage is 250 mg of standardized cat’s claw extract taken thrice daily with gradual increases in dosage over a period of four weeks until you reach a thousand milligrams taken three times per day.

Cat’s claw is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Individuals using anticoagulant are also advised to use cat’s claw with caution.

So there you have it, more herbs with varying healing qualities. Again, I repeat, do use a herbalist or your doctor to monitor your involvement with these different herbs. In some cases, it might be wise to try one at a time to judge if you are really getting some benefit from the herb you are testing.

Consult your specialist at all times.

Visit Understanding Chronic Fatigue Blog at

http://www.understandingchronicfatigue.com 

Successfully Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Natural Medicine http://fredfarah.com/pro/chronicfatigue.htm

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That is the debilitating disorder that has conditions of extreme and lasting fatigue. People with the problem may get confused, as Chronic fatigue syndrome is also commonly referred to as myalgic encephalomyelitis or M_E.

The name chronic fatigue can be a bit confusing since chronic or persistent fatigue is also a symptom of several conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Fatigue is the feeling of exhaustion that results from exertion, lack of sleep and illnesses. However, ordinary fatigue is not extreme or persistent, and the patient generally gets better after getting some rest.

What is Chronic Fatigue?

Chronic fatigue happens when this sensation of extreme exhaustion and lack of energy continue for more than six months. The exact cause of chronic fatigue is not known but it’s believed that several factors comprize part of the symptoms. They are stress, hormone levels and infection.

Lack of sleep, insomnia and other sleep disturbances can also contribute to chronic fatigue. Other factors contributing to the development of chronic fatigue may be poor diet, lack of exercise and certain medications.

What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

This definition is according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (or NIAMS). For a patient to be diagnosed as suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, he must be having severe chronic fatigue for six months or longer. At the same time, the patient should also have four or more of the following symptoms:

Impaired short-term memory and/or lack of concentration

Prolonged general malaise after physical exertion of any kind

Muscle pain

Pain, swelling and redness in multiple joints

Severe headaches

Tender lymph nodes

Frequent sore throat

Sleep that doesn’t provide rest
Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue

It’s tricky business diagnosing chronic fatigue syndrome, since there are no physical signs that identify it. There are also no diagnostic laboratory tests that confirm chronic fatigue syndrome.

A diagnosis of CFS is given if the symptoms recur for six consecutive months or more and there are no other explanations, such as disease, for the fatigue.  However, it should be noted that there are other conditions that overlap and sometimes coexist with CFS and have similar symptoms.

A study of patients suffering from CFS revealed that only 38% of the patients were diagnosed solely with the syndrome. The rest had a diagnosis of a number of diseases such as fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivity or both. Doctors are still unsure whether these conditions are direct causes or have common causes with CFS; or whether that have no relationship whatsoever with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treatment and Medication

There is still no known cure for CFS so treatments are aimed at relieving the symptoms and improving the body’s functions. To achieve this, doctors usually recommend a combination of medications and non-drug therapies. Lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, nutritional supplements are also recommended as an addition to drug therapy.

Patients who suffer from CFS are also urged to have regular exercise to help reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue. However, the doctor should carefully supervise physical activity as this can exacerbate the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

Patients must discuss their symptoms with their doctor. The doctors also need toknow what other medications the patient is taking, since some medications can exaggerate the symptoms of CFS.

Recovery rates from chronic fatigue syndrome are varied. In a 2005 review of published studies on CFS, it was revealed that improvement rates varied from 8% to 63% with 40% of the patients improving during follow-up.

For successfully overcoming chronic fatigue syndrome using Natural Medicine, you should look into a product called “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”. You can download it for a very small investment, and you might surprise yourself, and actually begin the road to recovery.

Please, do yourself a favor, and go read about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome at
http://fredfarah.com/pro/chronicfatigue.htm

Fred Farah

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