Alternative Treatments – Page 32 – American ME and CFS Society

Observation on therapeutic effect of multiple cupping at back-shu points on chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To observe therapeutic effect of multiple cupping at back-shu points of zang-and fu-organs on chronic fatigue syndrome.

METHODS: One hundred and ninety-one cases were randomly divided into 2 groups. The multiple cupping group (n = 142) were treated with multiple cupping along both sides of the spinal cord, and the acupuncture group (n = 49) were treated with acupuncture at acupoints selected according to TCM syndrome differentiation. Their therapeutic effects were assessed by clinical symptoms and Fatigue Assessment Indexes (FAI).

RESULTS: The total effective rate was 97.9% in the multiple cupping group and 79.6% in the acupuncture group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01), and after treatment, there was a very significant difference between the two groups in FAI score (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Multiple cupping at back-shu points of zang-and fu-organs is an effective method for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Source: Chen GL, Xiao GM, Zheng XL. Observation on therapeutic effect of multiple cupping at back-shu points on chronic fatigue syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2008 Jun;28(6):405-7. [Article in Chinese] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18630535

Breathing retraining in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study

Abstract:

The study aimed to 1) examine the point prevalence of asynchronous breathing in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients; 2) examine whether CFS patients with an asynchronous breathing pattern present with diminished lung function in comparison with CFS patients with a synchronous breathing pattern; and 3) examine whether one session of breathing retraining in CFS patients with an asynchronous breathing pattern is able to improve lung function.

Twenty patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for CFS were recruited for participation in a pilot controlled clinical trial with repeated measures. Patients presenting with an asynchronous breathing pattern were given 20-30 minutes of breathing retraining. Patients presenting with a synchronous breathing pattern entered the control group and received no intervention. Of the 20 enrolled patients with CFS, 15 presented with a synchronous breathing pattern and the remaining 5 patients (25%) with an asynchronous breathing pattern. Baseline comparison revealed no group differences in demographic features, symptom severity, respiratory muscle strength, or pulmonary function testing data (spirometry). In comparison to no treatment, the session of breathing retraining resulted in an acute (immediately postintervention) decrease in respiratory rate (p < 0.001) and an increase in tidal volume (p < 0.001). No other respiratory variables responded to the session of breathing retraining.

In conclusion, the present study provides preliminary evidence supportive of an asynchronous breathing pattern in a subgroup of CFS patients, and breathing retraining might be useful for improving tidal volume and respiratory rate in CFS patients presenting with an asynchronous breathing motion.

Source: Nijs J, Adriaens J, Schuermans D, Buyl R, Vincken W. Breathing retraining in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study. Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Mar-Apr;24(2):83-94. Doi: 10.1080/09593980701429406. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18432511

Dietary intervention in chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports and books have been published linking an over growth of Candida Albicans with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), suggesting dietary change as a treatment option. Little scientific data has been published to validate this controversial theory. This study aims to determine the efficacy of dietary intervention on level of fatigue and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with CFS.

METHODS: A 24-week randomized intervention study was conducted with 52 individuals diagnosed with CFS. Patients were randomized to either a low sugar low yeast (LSLY) or healthy eating (HE) dietary interventions. Primary outcome measures were fatigue as measured by the Chalder Fatigue Score and QoL measured by Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36.

RESULTS: A high drop out rate occurred with 13 participants not completing the final evaluation (7HE/6LSLY). Intention to treat analysis showed no statistically significant differences on primary outcome measurements.

CONCLUSION: In this randomized control trial, a LSLY diet appeared to be no more efficacious on levels of fatigue or QoL compared to HE. Given the difficulty with dietary compliance experienced by participants, especially in the LSLY group, it would appear HE guidance is a more pragmatic approach than advocating a complicated dietary regime.

Source: Hobday RA, Thomas S, O’Donovan A, Murphy M, Pinching AJ. Dietary intervention in chronic fatigue syndrome. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2008 Apr;21(2):141-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-277X.2008.00857.x. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18339054

Brain atrophy in a murine model of chronic fatigue syndrome and beneficial effect of Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41)

Abstract:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with the main symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and neuron apoptosis. Nevertheless, no study has been performed directly to explore the relationship between CFS, BDNF and neuron apoptosis.

We induced a CFS model by six injections of killed Brucella abortus antigen in BALB/c mice and treated them with Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41). Daily running activity, body weight (BW), ratio of cerebral weight to BW (CW/BW) and expression levels of BDNF and Bcl-2 mRNA in the hippocampus were determined. The daily activity and CW/BW decreased significantly in the CFS model. BDNF and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels in the hippocampus were suppressed in the CFS model and TJ-41 treated mice, while no significant difference was found between them.

We improved a murine model to investigate the relationship between CFS and brain dysfunction. In this model, reduced daily activity might have been associated with decreased hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression, hippocampal apoptosis and brain atrophy. TJ-41 increased the daily running activity of the model, which was independent of brain recovery.

Source: Chen R, Moriya J, Yamakawa J, Takahashi T, Li Q, Morimoto S, Iwai K, Sumino H, Yamaguchi N, Kanda T. Brain atrophy in a murine model of chronic fatigue syndrome and beneficial effect of Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41). Neurochem Res. 2008 Sep;33(9):1759-67. doi: 10.1007/s11064-008-9620-1. Epub 2008 Mar 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18317925

A systematic review of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in China

Abstract:

Studies on the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with acupuncture and moxibustion in China were reviewed. All studies concluded the treatments were effective, with response rates ranging from 78.95% to 100%. However, the qualities of the studies were generally poor, and none of them used a RCT design. The common acupoints/sites used in the treatment of CFS, which may reflect the collective experience of acupuncturists in China based on Traditional Chinese Medicine theories can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of CFS in future studies using more scientifically rigorous study designs.

Source: Wang T, Zhang Q, Xue X, Yeung A. A systematic review of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in China. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(1):1-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18306446

Effectiveness of distant healing for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomised controlled partially blinded trial (EUHEALS)

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Distant healing, a form of spiritual healing, is widely used for many conditions but little is known about its effectiveness.

METHODS: In order to evaluate distant healing in patients with a stable chronic condition, we randomised 409 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) from 14 private practices for environmental medicine in Germany and Austria in a two by two factorial design to immediate versus deferred (waiting for 6 months) distant healing. Half the patients were blinded and half knew their treatment allocation. Patients were treated for 6 months and allocated to groups of 3 healers from a pool of 462 healers in 21 European countries with different healing traditions. Change in Mental Health Component Summary (MHCS) score (SF-36) was the primary outcome and Physical Health Component Summary score (PHCS) the secondary outcome.

RESULTS: This trial population had very low quality of life and symptom scores at entry. There were no differences over 6 months in post-treatment MHCS scores between the treated and untreated groups. There was a non-significant outcome (p = 0.11) for healing with PHCS (1.11; 95% CI -0.255 to 2.473 at 6 months) and a significant effect (p = 0.027) for blinding; patients who were unblinded became worse during the trial (-1.544; 95% CI -2.913 to -0.176). We found no relevant interaction for blinding among treated patients in MHCS and PHCS. Expectation of treatment and duration of CFS added significantly to the model.

CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CFS, distant healing appears to have no statistically significant effect on mental and physical health but the expectation of improvement did improve outcome.

Source: Walach H, Bosch H, Lewith G, Naumann J, Schwarzer B, Falk S, Kohls N, Haraldsson E, Wiesendanger H, Nordmann A, Tomasson H, Prescott P, Bucher HC. Effectiveness of distant healing for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomised controlled partially blinded trial (EUHEALS). Psychother Psychosom. 2008;77(3):158-66. doi: 10.1159/000116609. Epub 2008 Feb 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18277062

Observation on therapeutic effect of point pressure combined with massage on chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To search for an effective therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

METHODS: Eighty-five cases of CFS were treated with massage and pressing of Back-shu points, combined with pressing acupoints on the head. The therapeutic effect was observed.

RESULTS: After treatment of 3 courses, 26 cases were markedly effective, 52 cases were effective, and 7 cases were ineffective, with a total effective rate of 91.8% and a markedly effective rate of 30.6%.

CONCLUSION: Pressing acupoints and massage can effectively improve clinical symptoms of the patient with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Source: Yao F, Ji Q, Zhao Y, Feng JL. Observation on therapeutic effect of point pressure combined with massage on chronic fatigue syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Nov;27(11):819-20. [Article in Chinese] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18085145

Normalization of the increased translocation of endotoxin from gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) is accompanied by a remission of chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

There is now evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is accompanied by an increased translocation of endotoxins from gram-negative enterobacteria through the gut wall, as demonstrated by increased prevalences and median values for serum IgM and IgA against the endotoxins of gram-negative enterobacteria. This condition can also be described as increased gut permeability or leaky gut and indicates intestinal mucosal dysfunction (IMD).

Here we report a case of a 13 year old girl with CFS who showed very high values for serum IgM against the LPS of some enterobacteria and signs of oxidative and nitrosative stress, activation of the inflammatory response system, and IgG3 subclass deficiency. Upon treatment with specific antioxidants and a “leaky gut diet”, which both aim to treat increased gut permeability, and immunoglobins intravenously, the increased translocation of the LPS of gram negative enterobacteria normalized and this normalization was accompanied by a complete remission of the CFS symptoms.

Source: Maes M, Coucke F, Leunis JC. Normalization of the increased translocation of endotoxin from gram negative enterobacteria (leaky gut) is accompanied by a remission of chronic fatigue syndrome. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2007 Dec;28(6):739-44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18063928

A clinical trial of acupuncture for treating chronic fatigue syndrome in Hong Kong

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in Hong Kong.

METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial design was adopted. Participants meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to a treatment and a control group according to 1:1 ratio, resulting in an effective sample size of 99, with 50 and 49 patients in treatment and control group respectively. The same set of acupuncture points, which were selected according to traditional Chinese medicine theories, was applied in both groups, while conventional needle acupuncture was applied in treatment group and sham acupuncture (without skin penetration) was applied in control group. Schedule of treatment was the same in both groups, i.e. twice a week for 4 weeks. Key outcome measures were Chalder’s Fatigue Scale, diagnostic criteria for CFS of the US’s Centre for Disease Control and SF-12 health-related quality of life (HQOL) questionnaire. Adverse events, if any, were recorded.

RESULTS: Improvements in physical and mental fatigue and HQOL in both groups were observed, but the improvements in treatment group were significantly bigger than in control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). No adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment for CFS.

Source: Yiu YM, Ng SM, Tsui YL, Chan YL. A clinical trial of acupuncture for treating chronic fatigue syndrome in Hong Kong. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2007 Nov;5(6):630-3. [Article in Chinese] http://www.jcimjournal.com/jim/showAbstrPage.aspx?articleid=167219772007060630 (Full article)

Possible use of repeated cold stress for reducing fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome: a hypothesis

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Physiological fatigue can be defined as a reduction in the force output and/or energy-generating capacity of skeletal muscle after exertion, which may manifest itself as an inability to continue exercise or usual activities at the same intensity. A typical example of a fatigue-related disorder is chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disabling condition of unknown etiology and with uncertain therapeutic options. Recent advances in elucidating pathophysiology of this disorder revealed hypofunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and that fatigue in CFS patients appears to be associated with reduced motor neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS) and to a smaller extent with increased fatigability of skeletal muscle. There is also some limited evidence that CFS patients may have excessive serotonergic activity in the brain and low opioid tone.

PRESENTATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS: This work hypothesizes that repeated cold stress may reduce fatigue in CFS because brief exposure to cold may transiently reverse some physiological changes associated with this illness. For example, exposure to cold can activate components of the reticular activating system such as raphe nuclei and locus ceruleus, which can result in activation of behavior and increased capacity of the CNS to recruit motoneurons. Cold stress has also been shown to reduce the level of serotonin in most regions of the brain (except brainstem), which would be consistent with reduced fatigue according to animal models of exercise-related fatigue. Finally, exposure to cold increases metabolic rate and transiently activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as evidenced by a temporary increase in the plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, beta-endorphin and a modest increase in cortisol. The increased opioid tone and high metabolic rate could diminish fatigue by reducing muscle pain and accelerating recovery of fatigued muscle, respectively.

TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS: To test the hypothesis, a treatment is proposed that consists of adapted cold showers (20 degrees Celsius, 3 minutes, preceded by a 5-minute gradual adaptation to make the procedure more comfortable) used twice daily.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE HYPOTHESIS: If testing supports the proposed hypothesis, this could advance our understanding of the mechanisms of fatigue in CFS.

Source: Shevchuk NA. Possible use of repeated cold stress for reducing fatigue in chronic fatigue syndrome: a hypothesis. Behav Brain Funct. 2007 Oct 24;3:55. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2164952/ (Full article)