Category: Alternative Treatments

The thoughts and methods for clinical research on acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

The general situation of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and the criteria for its diagnosis are discussed, and it is put forward that making qi and blood of the zang-fu organs balanced is the key to acupuncture treatment of the disease. Such aspects as case selection, point selection and therapeutic assessment are also discussed in the present paper.

 

Source: Yao R. The thoughts and methods for clinical research on acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. J Tradit Chin Med. 2007 Sep;27(3):163-5 http://www.journaltcm.com/modules/Journal/contents/stories/073/1.pdf (Full article)

 

Chronic fatigue syndrome treated by acupuncture and moxibustion in combination with psychological approaches in 310 cases

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with a psychological approach on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

METHODS: The treatment was given by acupuncture plus moxibustion combined with a psychological approach based on differentiation of symptoms and signs in 310 cases.

RESULTS: Of 310 cases observed, 275 cases (88.7%) were clinically cured, 28 cases (9%) improved, and 7 cases (2.3%) failed.

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture plus moxibustion combined with a psychological approach is an effective therapy for CFS.

 

Source: Guo J.Chronic fatigue syndrome treated by acupuncture and moxibustion in combination with psychological approaches in 310 cases. J Tradit Chin Med. 2007 Jun;27(2):92-5. http://www.journaltcm.com/modules/Journal/contents/stories/072/3.pdf (Full article)

 

Lymphatic drainage of the neuraxis in chronic fatigue syndrome: a hypothetical model for the cranial rhythmic impulse

Abstract:

The cranial rhythmic impulse is a palpable, rhythmic fluctuation believed to be synchronous with the primary respiratory mechanism. The precise physiologic mechanism of the cranial rhythmic impulse is not fully understood. Based on traditional and current views of the cranial rhythmic impulse, animal studies, and clinical findings in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, the author argues that the cranial rhythmic impulse is the rhythm produced by a combination of cerebrospinal fluid drainage from the neuraxis (brain and spinal cord) and pulsations of central lymphatic drainage induced by the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, evidence is provided to demonstrate that a disturbed, palpable, and visible neurolymphatic process leads to chronic fatigue syndrome. This process may also explain the pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to other disease states. Finally, the author’s proposed manual treatment protocol for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome is described.

 

Source: Perrin RN. Lymphatic drainage of the neuraxis in chronic fatigue syndrome: a hypothetical model for the cranial rhythmic impulse. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2007 Jun;107(6):218-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17635902

 

A new treatment: thermal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Thermal therapy using far-infrared ray dry sauna was performed for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved on two patients. And prednisolone administration was discontinued and became socially rehabilitated 6 months after discharge. On other 11 patients with CFS, physical symptoms such as fatigue and pain improved, too. Furthermore, we reported that repeated thermal therapy had relaxation effect and diminishes appetite loss and subjective complaints in mildly depressed patients. These results suggest that repeated thermal therapy may be a promising method for the treatment of CFS.

 

Source: Masuda A, Munemoto T, Tei C. A new treatment: thermal therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome. Nihon Rinsho. 2007 Jun;65(6):1093-8. [Article in Japanese] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17561703

 

The effect of acclydine in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: It is unclear whether insulin-like growth factor (IGF) function is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Unpublished data and reports in patient organization newsletters suggest that Acclydine, a food supplement, could be effective in the treatment of CFS by increasing biologically active IGF1 levels. Here we aimed to measure the IGF1 and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) 3 status of CFS patients compared to age- and gender-matched neighborhood controls, and to assess the effect of Acclydine on fatigue severity, functional impairment, and biologically active IGF1 level (IGFBP3/IGF1 ratio).

DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

SETTING: Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-seven adult patients who fulfilled the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for CFS. IGF status of 22 CFS patients was compared to that of 22 healthy age- and gender-matched neighborhood control individuals.

INTERVENTION: Acclydine or placebo for 14 wk.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were fatigue severity (Checklist Individual Strength, subscale fatigue severity [CIS-fatigue]), functional impairment (Sickness Impact Profile-8 [SIP-8]), and biologically active IGF1 serum concentrations. Analyses were on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS: There was no difference in IGF status in 22 CFS patients compared to healthy age- and gender-matched control individuals. Treatment with Acclydine did not result in significant differences compared with the placebo group on any of the outcome measures: CIS-fatigue +1.1 (95% CI -4.4 to +6.5, p = 0.70), SIP-8 +59.1 (95% CI -201.7 to +319.8, p = 0.65), and IGFBP3/IGF1 ratio -0.5 (95% CI -2.8 to +1.7, p = 0.63).

CONCLUSION: We found no differences in IGF1 status in CFS patients compared to healthy matched neighborhood controls. In addition, the results of this clinical trial do not demonstrate any benefit of Acclydine over placebo in the treatment of CFS.

 

Source: The GK, Bleijenberg G, van der Meer JW. The effect of acclydine in chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS Clin Trials. 2007 May 18;2(5):e19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1876596/ (Full article)

 

Complementary and alternative medical therapy utilization by people with chronic fatiguing illnesses in the United States

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Chronic fatiguing illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Previous clinical reports addressed the utilization of health care provided to patients with CFS by a variety of practitioners with other than allopathic training, but did not examine the spectrum of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used. This study was designed to measure CAM therapy use by persons with fatiguing illnesses in the United States population.

METHODS: During a random-digit dialing survey to estimate the prevalence of CFS-like illness in urban and rural populations from different geographic regions of the United States, we queried the utilization of CAM including manipulation or body-based therapies, alternative medical systems, mind-body, biologically-based, and energy modalities.

RESULTS: Four hundred forty fatigued and 444 non-fatigued persons from 2,728 households completed screening. Fatigued subjects included 53 persons with prolonged fatigue, 338 with chronic fatigue, and 49 with CFS-like illness. Mind-body therapy (primarily personal prayer and prayer by others) was the most frequently used CAM across all groups. Among women, there was a significant trend of increasing overall CAM use across all subgroups (p-trend = 0.003). All categories of CAM use were associated with significantly poorer physical health scores, and all but one (alternative medicine systems) were associated with significantly poorer mental health scores. People with CFS-like illness were significantly more likely to use body-based therapy (chiropractic and massage) than non-fatigued participants (OR = 2.52, CI = 1.32, 4.82). Use of body-based therapies increased significantly in a linear trend across subgroups of non-fatigued, prolonged fatigued, chronic fatigued, and CFS-like subjects (p-trend = 0.002). People with chronic fatigue were also significantly more likely to use body-based therapy (OR = 1.52, CI = 1.07, 2.16) and mind-body (excluding prayer) therapy than non-fatigued participants (OR = 1.73, CI = 1.20 – 2.48).

CONCLUSION: Utilization of CAM was common in fatiguing illnesses, and was largely accounted for by the presence of underlying conditions and poor physical and mental health. Compared to non-fatigued persons, those with CFS-like illness or chronic fatigue were most likely to use body-based and mind-body therapies. These observations have important implications for provider education programs and development of intervention strategies for CFS.

 

Source: Jones JF, Maloney EM, Boneva RS, Jones AB, Reeves WC. Complementary and alternative medical therapy utilization by people with chronic fatiguing illnesses in the United States. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Apr 25;7:12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1878505/ (Full article)

 

The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are debilitating syndromes that are often associated with impaired cellular energy metabolism. As D-ribose has been shown to increase cellular energy synthesis in heart and skeletal muscle, this open-label uncontrolled pilot study was done to evaluate if D-ribose could improve symptoms in fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome patients.

DESIGN: Forty-one (41) patients with a diagnosis of FMS and/or CFS were given D-ribose, a naturally occurring pentose carbohydrate, at a dose of 5 g t.i.d. for a total of 280 g. All patients completed questionnaires containing discrete visual analog scales and a global assessment pre- and post-D-ribose administration.

RESULTS: D-ribose, which was well-tolerated, resulted in a significant improvement in all five visual analog scale (VAS) categories: energy; sleep; mental clarity; pain intensity; and well-being, as well as an improvement in patients’ global assessment. Approximately 66% of patients experienced significant improvement while on D-ribose, with an average increase in energy on the VAS of 45% and an average improvement in overall well-being of 30% (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS: D-ribose significantly reduced clinical symptoms in patients suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

 

Source: Teitelbaum JE, Johnson C, St Cyr J. The use of D-ribose in chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Nov;12(9):857-62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17109576

 

The therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster in 32 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

METHOD: 64 CFS patients were randomly divided into two groups. 32 cases in the treatment group were treated by the electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster therapy, and 32 cases in the control group with oral hydrocortisone.

RESULTS: The total effective rates were respectively 93.75% in the treatment group and 75.00% in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster therapy may show a better anti-fatigue effect than that of routine Western drugs.

 

Source: Yuemei L, Hongping L, Shulan F, Dongfang G. The therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster in 32 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome.  J Tradit Chin Med. 2006 Sep;26(3):163-4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17078435

 

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome)

Abstract:

Evidence is put forward to suggest that myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, may be associated with persistent viral infection. In turn, such infections are likely to impair the ability of the body to biosynthesise n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by inhibiting the delta-6 desaturation of the precursor essential fatty acids–namely, alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid.

This would, in turn, impair the proper functioning of cell membranes, including cell signalling, and have an adverse effect on the biosynthesis of eicosanoids from the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These actions might offer an explanation for some of the symptoms and signs of myalgic encephalomyelitis.

A potential therapeutic avenue could be offered by bypassing the inhibition of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase by treatment with virgin cold-pressed non-raffinated evening primrose oil, which would supply gamma-linolenic acid and lipophilic pentacyclic triterpenes, and with eicosapentaenoic acid. The gamma-linolenic acid can readily be converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and thence arachidonic acid, while triterpenes have important free radical scavenging, cyclo-oxygenase and neutrophil elastase inhibitory activities. Furthermore, both arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are, at relatively low concentrations, directly virucidal.

 

Source: Puri BK. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and the pathophysiology of myalgic encephalomyelitis (chronic fatigue syndrome). J Clin Pathol. 2007 Feb;60(2):122-4. Epub 2006 Aug 25. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1860620/ (Full article)

 

Clinical activity of folinic acid in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

A high incidence of severe B-cell immunodeficiency and chronic reactivated Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is reported herein. Of the 58 patients evaluated, 100% had evidence of prior EBV exposure and 72% had evidence for reactivated EBV infection. Notably, 94% of CFS patients had B-cell immunodeficiency with a marked depletion of their CD19+IgM+ mature B-lymphocyte population. A remarkable 81% of CFS patients experienced subjective improvement of their symptoms after treatment with folinic acid (CAS 58-05-9, leucovorin). The findings provide unprecedented evidence that CFS frequently is a folinic acid responsive clinical entity accompanied by B-cell immunodeficiency and inappropriate antibody responses to EBV.

 

Source: Lundell K, Qazi S, Eddy L, Uckun FM. Clinical activity of folinic acid in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Arzneimittelforschung. 2006;56(6):399-404. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16889122