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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffMany alternative therapies have been promoted for chronic fatigue syndrome, but few have been evaluated in clinical trials. Among those that have been studied, two that may offer benefit for CFS include.
- D-ribose. Also called ribose, this form of sugar is an essential energy source for your cells. Scientists believe that impaired cellular metabolism — some kind of disorder in the way your cells do their work — may play a role in chronic fatigue syndrome. Some research has found that natural D-ribose supplements may significantly improve energy and decrease pain associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been evaluated as a treatment for the symptoms of fibromyalgia, a disease that is considered similar to CFS and is also characterized by fatigue and muscle soreness. Studies suggest that acupuncture may decrease fatigue, pain, anxiety and other symptoms associated with CFS.
Other complementary therapies that may reduce anxiety and promote well-being in people with chronic fatigue syndrome include:
- Deep-breathing and muscle-relaxation techniques
- Meditation
- Massage and healing touch
- Movement therapies such as stretching, yoga and tai chi
Natural doesn't mean safe
Makers of various dietary supplements and herbal remedies claim these substances have potential benefits for people with CFS. However, in most cases the effectiveness of these therapies hasn't been proved in controlled studies.
Though a product may be of "natural" origin, that origin doesn't ensure its safety. Dietary supplements and herbal preparations can have potentially harmful side effects and may dangerously interfere or interact with prescription medications.
Talk to your doctor before using any unprescribed remedy or new complementary therapy.
- Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-3/833235176/1492/1050.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50300-1_13277. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Engleberg CN. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Mandell, GL, et al. Mandell, Bennett, & Dolin: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-5/833235546/1259/1004.html#4-u1.0-B0-443-06643-4..50130-6_4604. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssymptomsHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Possible causes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfscauses.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Who's at risk. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfsatrisk.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Marshall GS, et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome.. In: Long SS, et al., eds. Long: Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-6/0/1679/204.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06687-0..50203-4--chapter1. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Gluckman SJ. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Teitelbaum J. Chronic fatigue syndrome. In: Rakel RE. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/133386890-7/833236431/1494/94.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50051-X_2429. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Treatment options. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfstreatmentHCP.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome: Support groups. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/cfssupport.htm. Accessed April 22, 2009.
- Patel G, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for noncancer pain. Medical Clinics of North America. 2007;91:141.
