Aromatherapy Treatment For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In a fast-paced, modern working environment, chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most common conditions plaguing most individuals. But essential oils and its use in aromatherapy has been lauded for its effectiveness in addressing this problem, without risking one of any major side effects. To learn more about this condition and how to utilize essential oils for safe yet effective recovery, read further below.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Explained

Upon hearing the name for this disorder, one would readily assume that they know what this condition is about. However, it is poorly and rarely understood, which is also the reason why it is quite prevalent in the society today. But it is important to have this condition diagnosed as early as possible given that it could lead to a host of health and psychological problems. The worse thing about chronic fatigue syndrome is that it is not solely focused on the physical body, but could also affect you mentally and emotionally. And aside from affecting your physical health, it could also affect your overall performance and efficiency at work if you allow the symptoms to persist.

Research and studies are currently still ongoing in an effort to explain the cause for chronic fatigue syndrome. However, several research point to viral infection as a possible reason for this. When the infection begins to damage your immune system, it makes you more vulnerable to acquiring certain diseases since your body lack the capacity to defend itself.

One of the important aspects for diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome is identifying the signs and symptoms of this condition. You will find out from the list of symptoms below that chronic fatigue is different and much more severe than regular cases of stress:

• recurring headache
• feeling of depression
• recurrent sore throat or swollen lymph nodes
• pain sensation on your joints and muscles
• fever with chills
• extreme feeling of fatigue
• flu
• inability to sleep well at night
• poor concentration
• irritability
• physical and psychological stress

It is important to note though that the presence of one of these symptoms is not enough to diagnose one with chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if they are present in combination, then you should start to worry a little. Make sure to consult your doctor right away.

If, indeed, you are diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, you need to seek treatment immediately. This will enable you to reverse the symptoms of your condition and restore full vitality, or regain energy. Depending on the severity of your CFS, then your doctor might recommend combining more than one treatment procedure at one time, especially if there are several symptoms manifested.

Some of your choices include:

*Medications – Recommended medications for chronic fatigue syndrome include SSRIs, antihistamines, tricyclics, anti-anxiety medication, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
*Chiropractic – This method utilizes spinal manipulation to reduce pain associated with this condition, stimulate nervous system, and provide you with a boost of energy.
*Homeopathy – This type of treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome factors in various considerations such as emotional, physical, and psychological make up of an individual before proceeding onto with the treatment. Thus, any emotional, mental, and physical symptoms are addressed individually.
*Acupuncture – This treatment procedure originates in China and is discovered in Western studies to be quite effective against chronic fatigue syndrome.

In addition to the above listed treatment options for chronic fatigue syndrome, aromatherapy is another highly effective treatment that utilizes the natural healing powers of essential oils. Given that the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome span between the physical, mental, emotional, and psychological makeup of an individual, this is the most effective holistic approach towards treatment.

There are a number of essential oils known to exhibit relaxing properties and other useful therapeutic elements that are beneficial to humans affected with the symptoms of CFS. By simply inhaling the essences of the essential oil, it creates a balancing and soothing relief on an individual in an immediate manner. However, expert aromatherapists suggest that the only way for you to enjoy those promising benefits is through using therapeutic grade essential oils. Since their popularity boomed, there are several manufacturers who started creating synthetic versions of essential oils and selling them at cheaper prices on the market. Aside from the inability to enjoy effective results, one could also be at risk of developing harsh side effects from using synthetic essential oils.

The most basic determiner to the success of using aromatherapy as treatment against chronic fatigue syndrome is the type of essential oils used. There are literally hundreds of essential oils to choose from but only few so effective in combating the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. Below are some of the recognized essential oils that are ideal for treatment of this condition:

• Echinacea is widely used for herbal treatment applications in the past but can also be utilized in aromatherapy with its powerful essential oils. When using this in aromatherapy, the oil stimulates your immune system to counter the causes of common ailments and protect yourself against diseases.
• Like Echinacea, Astragalus is another type of essential oil known to stimulate one's immune system to improve ability to fight disease when your natural immunity is weakened as an effect of chronic fatigue syndrome. You can use this as an alternative in absence of echinacea.
• Ginseng is a great source of energy boost when you feel extremely fatigued or when you lose vitality due to chronic fatigue syndrome.
• You can also use essentila oils from licorice to increase activity in your adrenal glands. However, those with edema, heart failure, or high blood pressure must refrain from using licorice in aromatherapy to avoid contraindications.

There are two obvious choices for aromatherapy application on anyone suffering from a condition known as chronic fatigue syndrome: bath and massage.

In massage, opt for essential oils that come with rejuvenating aroma in order to stimulate your senses and increase vitality. Aside from being able to inhale the aroma emitted by the essential oil used during massage, the therapeutic properties of the essential oil also penetrate into your skin and enters your bloodstream for a thorough healing process.

If you are going to use essential oils during bath, you can prepare an invigorating aromatherapy bath recipe that consist of the following: either one or a combination of essential oils such as marjoram, thyme, rosemary, and geranium. A much more relaxing and calming aromatherapy bath recipe combines Roman chamomile and lavender. Allow your body to soak into the essential oil bath mixture for at least 15 minutes to fully enjoy its soothing effect on your exhausted body.