Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Alternative Therapies

Dozens of kinds of alternative therapies are marketed for the chronic fatigue syndrome treatment: herbal remedies, dietary supplements, special diets, acupuncture, and self-hypnosis, to name just a few. But do they work?

Most have not been scientifically studied, according to the Centers for Disease Control. What is known is that some dietary supplements and herbal preparations can have potentially serious side effects. For example, a supplement may interfere or interact with prescription medications, changing the way they act in your body.

You can protect yourself by using common sense. If a treatment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be very suspicious of products that:
  • Rely on testimonials rather than scientific studies to prove their worth. A disease can go into remission or the patient may feel better because of the placebo effect (a beneficial effect that occurs but that cannot be attributed to any special property of the substance).

  • Are marketed as "exclusive." If you're told that you're one of the lucky few to know about this product, or that it's a "secret" cure that medical professionals don't want to share with the public, it's probably baloney. If a treatment truly worked, it wouldn't be kept secret.

  • Include in their packaging or marketing a recommendation that you not tell your doctor that you're using the products.

  • Are sold through a multilevel marketing (pyramid) scheme.

  • Are marketed with phrases such as "oxygenate your body," "detoxify your system," or "cleanse your body of numerous poisons."

  • Are sold by a practitioner who is clearly profiting from the product; for example, if your doctor insists you buy vitamin supplements from his or her office rather than at your local pharmacy.
Doctors are still exploring the mysteries of chronic fatigue syndrome and are looking for a cure. However, methods to boost physical and emotional well-being can help those with this condition lead active and full lives.



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