What Ever Happened to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

 By Dr. Donald Liebell

   Do you remember how years ago, millions of Americans were being diagnosed with “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?”

   So where did it go? 

   Did everybody get cured?  Did the Epstein Barr virus (associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) become extinct?

   Perhaps Chronic Fatigue Syndrome was “upstaged” in the medical-pharmacological wold by fibromyalgia?

After all, there isn't really anything in traditional Western (pharmaceutical-based) medicine to treat viral conditions.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome has been long associated with the Epstein Barr virus. 

   It seems to me that when a diagnosis can’t be capitalized upon with obscenely profitable prescription medications; it tends to silently disappear… in favor of something new—which by some odd "coincidence" has virtually the exact same symptoms. 

   Do you find it peculiar that the “new” disease now miraculously has several FDA approved prescription drug that can treat it?  Lyrica, for example is considered to be an acceptable treatment for Fibromyalgia, but NOT Epstein-Barr virus.

   Does this sound “fishy” to you?

   It seems to me that "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" is yesterday's news.  Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses. They report that as many as “95% of adults between 35 and 40 years of age have been infected.” 

   The CDC also states that EBV is indistinguishable from other childhood illnesses.  It is of course, associated with infectious mononucleosis, which they report “remains dormant or latent in a few cells in the throat and blood for the rest of the person's life.”

In my opinion, this is taken shockingly lightly, considering that EBV has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases, as well as some forms of CANCER!

The causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have been debated by doctors and researchers for years.  Some don’t “believe” such a condition exists. The causative microbes have also been debated.

   Traditional medicine continues to be baffled at why one person contracts a virus, bacteria or fungal infection… and gets well with no complication, while another develops chronic illness.  Perhaps this is because the focus is almost always on the disease, the germs and the symptoms—not the PERSON. 

   With complex homeopathic medicine, the PERSON is the focus.  In my practice, I never, under any circumstances directly treat viruses, bacteria, or fungi.  That is strictly the domain of the traditional medical doctor.  I do however provide patient-oriented treatment, which is geared towards eliminating toxins, restoring structural and neurological balance and boosting the immune system... which in turn, can enable you to naturally fight viruses. 

   The CDC states that there is essentially no effective treatment offered by orthodox medicine for CFS. No antiviral or antibiotic drugs make any difference in the course of the disease.  Treatment of symptoms is the only option.

As a whole-body oriented doctor, I do not view the matter of treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome as one about chemically killing viruses or preventing their reproduction.  My approach is about strengthening your body to handle it on its own... and in my experience (as well as my colleagues), it can do it beautifully.

We ALL have viruses, bacteria and fungi in our bodies—but not everybody suffers illnesses.  A healthy immune system can usually handle the situation.  Like it or not; we are all, in fact full of disease causing organisms.  The key is how well your body acts upon them to keep you healthy and prevent them from causing disease in your body.  In fact, it is virtually impossible to be alive and not be infected with some pathogenic organisms.  What is important is how your body responds to remain healthy.

Even though its causes and diagnosis are still somewhat indefinite, there is hope for people with "chronic fatigue syndrome" to lead vital, happy lives with proper prevention and effective natural treatment, combined with any necessary conventional medical treatment.  When doctors of all disciplines "wake up" to the fact that health care is not about any single treatment approach... we will be a healthier nation. 

   There can be multiple causes for chronic fatigue.  It is my opinion that Epstein Barr virus, which is associated with "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" is part of the symptomatic picture for those who are afflicted with some form of fibromyalgia type syndrome. 

   Bio-energetic testing methods (Auricular Medicine), have repeatedly given the suggestion that Epstein Barr virus is a major cause of chronic fatigue, in conjunction with multiple bacterial infections commonly associated with Lyme disease.  The fact that "officially accepted" laboratory diagnostic tests don't always concur, in my experience is irrelevant, since this method has consistently enabled magnificent patient recovery.  If you have been given the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome (or suspect you have "it"), it is statistically likely that Epstein Barr virus is a component of your health troubles.

  The bottom line is that your IMMUNE system is responsible for eradicating such a virus (and other microbes).  Strengthening it to do so is the key.  We accomplish this in my practice through great nutrition (and I don't mean taking a fortune's worth of vitamin pills), sensible exercise, structural correction (Atlas Orthogonal chiropractic adjustments), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), and most importantly... properly administered complex homeopathic supplementation.

   For further reading,  I suggest reading my articles on bio-energetic testing and Lyme disease.