CFS - Alternative Medicine

Over the past few months we have brought you a series of articles relating to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and have read of one woman's account of her battle with the condition. In this article, the option of alternative medicine as a way of combating CFS is explored.

The story continues...

The initial shock of being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is devastating but finding out there is no present cure is absolutely mortifying! I was desperate for answers and with my determination; find them I would!

I began with an alternative medicine approach, which I had always found fascinating. My initial consultation with a Naturopath covered diet, nutrition and an iris analysis. Iridology being the study of the iris of the eye, which corresponds to the body's systems and organs, was intriguing to me.

I instantly felt calm and relaxed as I sat in the warm, scented room. Using a large magnifying glass the Naturopath began her analysis. With my first session completed I walked away with vitamins and a large bottle of herbal tonic. I felt confident about my visit and was anxious to start my new vitamins/tonic. After several visits and months later I seemed to have spent a whole lot of money and unfortunately for myself didn't appear to feel any better.

But I wasn't about to give up there. Upon doing my routine vitamin shopping from the local health food store I came across a most convincing Naturopath who studied allergies using a Vega machine. I must admit I was a bit sceptical but her enthusiasm and persuading ways had me sitting in a tiny, cold, old room the following week. On the table sat the Vega machine, attached with a small metal probe. The machine gave a sharp pinging sound if there was no known allergen and a deep short sound if there was an allergen present. I was quite amazed by this little machine but I became a bit dubious when I was told of the vitamins that would really benefit me were the most expensive, top shelve products. I gave a couple of products a try and amazingly no luck!

My third attempt with alternative medicine was with another seemingly knowledgeable and persuasive Naturopath. He spoke with such confidence that I found myself hanging on his very last word. Recommended by a friend, the Naturopath and I sat in the corner end of a store at a small table, which felt quite impersonal. Despite this he seemed very encouraging and was determined to help me get over my illness. I again tried several "potent" herbal tonics over a period of three months. I was kept reassured that it would at least take a few months to get the toxins out of my body before I would start to feel any improvement. But as time passed I seemed to worsen and ended up discontinuing with the Naturopath. It was a bit of a let down, but this wouldn't deter me from finding the answers.

Unfortunately in my case, I haven't had much luck with alternative medicine but many people do. Although I have only tried the Naturopathic approach, alternative medicine covers a variety of therapies including; Acupuncture, Homoeopathy, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Massage, Kinesiology, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and many more that I am yet to tackle. It can be a costly exercise but it does however make you feel as if you are doing something about your illness.

I believe you need to have an open mind in treating CFS with the hundreds of "magic cures" available on the market. You do need to be careful not to blow your budget and put all your faith in the one treatment, as it can often lead to disappointment after disappointment. All you can do is keep an open, positive mind, persevere and remember what works for one person might not necessarily work for you!

I have come to realise that a great management strategy for recovering from CFS is time and rest. It is possible to get over CFS and fight it I will!

- S.C.