Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): What is it? It is the common name for a group of significant debilitating medical conditions and are often represented by one or more of the following:
1. Cognitive function – one of the most common symptoms that people with CFS experience is foggy thoughts, or a general state of impaired cognitive function.
2. Erratic Sleep - Another common complaint is erratic sleep patterns. Many people find it difficult to sleep at night and often feel tired throughout the day. For others, it is difficult to wake up without feeling groggy or irritated.
3. Muscle and Joint Pain – At some point, most people will experience acute or chronic pain affecting the muscles and joints. The severity and extent of the pain depends on the pain tolerance of each individual, but in general, the pain tends to come and go in waves.
4. Vertigo - Vertigo is a condition that affects a persons’ sense of stability and direction; for this reason, it can make daily life difficult and reduce quality of life.
5. PEM - PEM stands for post-exertional malaise, a generalised state of weakness. It is one of the classic symptoms associated with CFS, and it also happens to be one of the most debilitating symptoms. This condition often appears as a combination of fatigue and pain. Sore throat and swollen lymph nodes usually accompany these symptoms. PEM normally appears after an intense period of physical or mental activity, such as going on a hike or taking an exam. Sometimes, the onset of PEM will take a few days, and it may appear with a delay of up to two weeks.
6. Sensitivity to External Stimuli - People with CFS are especially sensitive to external stimuli, in particular certain sounds and smells.
7. Weakened Immune System - One of the long-term symptoms of people with CFS is a weakened immune system. Due to the person not receiving the sleep he/she requires to maintain a healthy and active immune system, the person may feel drowsy and weak.
8. Gastrointestinal Problems - Difficulties digesting certain foods. Some people find that eating raw vegetables may cause intense stomach pain or bloating; for others, consuming meat may cause them to experience nausea. Some of the symptoms include a sharp stabbing pain in the gut, indigestion, or even rashes.
9. Paresthesia - Paresthesia refers to any abnormal sensation such as tickling, tingling, numbness or burning of a person’s skin. i.e “Pins and needles”.
10. Staying upright - The inability to stay upright for an extended period of time. Many people have an overpowering urge to lie down. This occurs when blood pressure drops as you stand up. At the same time, the body isn’t capable of stabilizing it, causing dizziness or light-headedness.
Symptoms vary in number, type and severity from person to person. The quality of life of a person who is experiencing CFS can be extremely compromised.
Hypnosis in the management of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
I have had the privilege of assisting many clients who have been experiencing the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome with positive outcomes, changing their lives for the better.
Through the use of hypnotherapy and assisting the activation of the mind/body connection and enhancing the immune system it enables the client to recover more quickly from the often overwhelming symptoms. Many suffers have usually experienced other debilitating health conditions or are in the processes of recovering from a traumatic event.
Hypnosis can help to balance and release the emotional event, thereby releasing the body from the continual underlying causes of stress/anxiety. This allows the body to regain equilibrium and allow the body to heal.
Through the use of hypnotherapy and guidance, Karen will be able to assist with ways of overcoming the symptoms and to heal more rapidly, which will benefit the enjoyment of life greatly.
For further information contact us on (03) 5223 2370 or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Image credit: acupuncture-treatment.com/chronic-fatigue/