Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a very real and debilitating illness. A lot of people seriously misunderstand this invisible illness.
There is no single reason or definitive cure for this condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome certainly isn’t just feeling tired all the time, that’s a massive understatement, it is far more complex than that and the frustrating thing is when people tell you to just drink more coffee and have a sugar fix! Arggghh! This should be avoided, trust me on this one.
In a nutshell, it is like a complete power failure of the body. Nothing functions how it should do. The severe exhaustion that is felt throughout is very different from normal tiredness.
Symptoms
Symptoms include: debilitating fatigue, headaches, depression, palpitations, panic attacks, muscle aches, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, short-term memory loss, lack of concentration, sore glands and sore joints.
This will affect all systems of the body. This could include energy, neurological, psychological, circulatory, digestive, immune system and musculoskeletal. These effects make it a multi-factorial condition that requires a complete overhaul of diet and lifestyle including physical and mental health.
Causes
Common causes and triggers can include the Epstein Barr virus, which is the most severe type of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Another problem can be neck and spinal problems causing a restriction of blood supply to the brain. Others include nutritional deficiencies, toxic overload, yeast and fungal overgrowth, long term stress and hormonal malfunctions.
Anti-depressants are commonly prescribed by doctors as most people struggle with this condition. They can struggle so much that they end up depressed even if they were not before!
This is not a cure but the justification behind it is that some people may find that it can help to lift their mood which can then help them deal with everything else (and that’s not including the side effects from the medication!)
My Lifestyle Now…
I have had to make massive changes to every area of my life; however, the good news is that it gives us the opportunity to get to the root cause and improve our life in areas that are no longer serving us. In my experience, the holistic approach is the only way to conquer this debilitating illness. What I know now, after my diagnosis, is invaluable to me and I am thankful that I have had the chance to turn my life around! Trust me when I say that chronic fatigue syndrome does not have to be a life sentence. Believe that you can and will recover. Learn everything you can about health, well-being and especially stress management. Anything is possible and I am living proof and can talk from experience.
After addressing my diet and lifestyle and physical exercise being particularly difficult for me, the next step was yoga and studying the mind. This has been a life saver! But yin yoga, in particular, has been the game changer for me. And something I will be eternally grateful for! More about my story can be found on the “About Me” page and why not not follow my journey via Facebook and Instagram.
Classes, courses and workshops all include my own unique style of teaching blending various information and knowledge from numerous sources, drawing on personal experiences, knowing what has worked for me can work with others. Please see the testimonials from my students.
Keep checking back for more updates on the physical and mental health benefits of yin yoga.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Join my FREE 4 week online series of yin yoga & mindfulness classes, specially designed to melt away stress, worry and anxiety.
See my classes page for full details.
Courses and workshops coming soon!
For a personalised private coaching programme or worldwide transformational yoga retreats, please contact me here.