Description of the disease according to Modern and Vedic literature:

According to Modern Medicine: Fatigue in modern medicine, simply means getting tired or feeling a lack of energy. It is medically known as Myalgic Encephalitis, popularly abbreviated as ME. Poor quality of sleep, being overweight, consuming junk food, etc are some common causes of fatigue. Fatigue syndrome is an underlying cause or a medical condition by itself which can last for months.

The degree of severity of fatigue might vary from person to person. CFS can have a serious impact on the brain and may cause sleep disorders.

According to Vedic Literature: 

Charak Samhita mentions similar symptoms of fatigue with respect to various health conditions.

Ayurveda suggests that poor gastric health and improper functioning of the liver causes fatigue. Ama is the root cause of all diseases in the body. If we target to eliminate Ama, we can effectively treat CFS with Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, the following factors trigger Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

• Imbalance in Vata in the body
• Imbalance and aggravation of bodily tissues
• Low functioning of Digestive fire
• Accumulation of Ama (toxins)

Types Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome In Brief:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome affects mainly the nervous system and musculoskeletal system causing poor sleep and drowsiness.

Causes:

Commonly affected people are in the age group of 20-40 years, and CFS is seen to affect all genders equally. Some of the common causes are:

• High stress
• Diagnosed mental illness
• Viral infections
• Poor quality of sleep
• Improper diet

Circadian fatigue – This is commonly seen in individuals working the ‘night-shift typically between 12:00 a.m. to 5 a.m. This work pattern leads to staying awake the whole night when our body demands natural rest. It affects an individual’s “window of the circadian low” (WOCL).

Symptoms:

• Body Aches and pains
• Headaches and migraines
• Insomnia
• Numbness
• Tingling sensation
• Neurological problems
• Poor Memory
• Lack of concentration
• Irregular heartbeats
• Exhaustion
• Depression

How To Treat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The best way to address any disease or disorder is to understand and reverse the pathogenesis. This is best done by providing more immunomodulator foods. Ayurveda treats CFS/ME in three steps:

1. Detoxification – Clearing out Ama from the digestive tract, thereby improving the Agni (Digestive Fire) This is mainly done through Panchakarma Therapies:
   • Vamana or Therapeutic Emesis – Highly effective for Kapha disorders.
   • Virechana or Therapeutic Purgation – Highly effective for Pittta disorders.
   • Vasthi or Medicated Enema – Highly effective for Vata disorders.
   • Nasya or Nasal administration of medicines – It is specifically used for ENT and Nervous disorders
   • Shirodhara– Pouring medicated oil, buttermilk, or milk concoction over the forehead and head for better and improved quality of sleep.
2. Herbal supplements – After the purifications, suitable drugs/ herbs based on prakriti and disease condition.
3. Rejuvenation – Ayurveda recommends the use of Rasayana to improve and maintain immunity.

Diet and Lifestyle:

→ To reduce the Vata aggravation in the body, a balanced meal of healthy carbohydrates, oils, and fat should be consumed.
→ Drink enough water and other natural beverages such as coconut water, and fresh juices.

Yoga: Yoga when combined with herbal supplements is highly beneficial. Simple yoga postures should be chosen and performed. It is recommended that initial guidance be taken by a yoga expert.
Meditation: Meditation is proven to calm the mind, bring peace, and improve Focus and Concentration. Daily meditation of 20 mins is considered beneficial.

Ashwagandha & Amla in CFS:

Ashwagandha

Botanically known as Withania somnifera, Ashwagandha is a potent Rasayana herb used in Ayurveda. It naturally has the power to reverse diseases.

Benefits of Aswagandha:

• It acts as an anti-anxiety, anti-stress supplement.
• It is an anti-inflammatory herb.
• Improves quality of sleep which reverses insomnia.
  It acts upon improving physical stamina.

Amla

Amla is familiarly known as gooseberry. In Ayurvedic texts, it is surely a proven, powerful Rasayana. Amla can be used in combination with other herbs but can be singularly used to treat multiple problems.

It is adaptogenic, improves digestion
anti-viral, which means it can protect the body from external pathogens and boost immune vitality.
It mainly rejuvenates, relaxes, and induces the digestion system to function correctly.
Purest source of Vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory, which targets inflammation associated with fatigue.

Ashwagandha and Amla are the two BEST herbs to combat Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. There are various other herbs that are included in treatment modalities for CFS.

Other Useful Herbs:

• Brahmi
• Gotu Kola
• Shilajit
• Ginger
• Lemon Tea
• Garlic
• Licorice root
• Brahmi
• Jatamamsi
• Shankhpushpi