Fatigue is also known as exhaustion or weariness which is a feeling of lack of energy. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is identified lack of strength or energy for longer periods like six months. Fatigue may be accompanied by a desire to sleep. It is a common complaint reported due to various reasons. When the indigested food and impurities clog the blood circulation channels the supply of nutrients to the cells is affected and this condition leads to fatigue. Ayurveda suggests that fatigue may relate to physical and mental stress but does not rule out boredom and lack of physical effort.
According to Ayurveda it is important to determine the cause of fatigue before deciding the treatment. Ayurveda remedies are based on the principle that the elements present inside and outside the body should be in balance and any disturbance in the balance can cause disease. The treatment is aimed at correcting the dosha aggravation and also purifying the body and mind through other procedures. Ayurvedic medicines are made from herbs using natural processes and the treatment addresses both the body and the mind. The treatment consists of herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle changes and yoga.
Symptoms of Fatigue
People suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome often complain of one or a combination of the following
- Tiredness, Weakness, exhaustion and lack of energy
- Feeling like fainting
- Palpitation
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or Vertigo
Causes of Fatigue
From an Ayurvedic point of view fatigue is considered as an imbalance of the three doshas called Vata, Pita and Kapha. The remedy focuses on correcting the dosha aggravation. Ayurveda also attributes fatigue to a weakened immune system. The Pitta aggravation due to over work and exertion may lead to mind-body constitution. Over work and over exertion can cause the body to lose its power to fight infection or diseases. If the cause of fatigue is lack of physical activity, light exercise like walking is advised. The Ayurvedic treatment involves boosting immunity as well as reducing the pitta vitiation.
Ayurvedic Remedy for Fatigue
Ayurvedic remedies focus mainly on metabolism and digestion to improve immunity. Indigestion affects the supply of nutrients to the cells thereby weakening the immune system. Agni, the gastric fire is essential to derive the energy from the digested food. To improve the absorption of nutrients Agni has to be maintained in the right level. Ayurveda suggests drinking of warm water instead of cold water or iced drinks.
Ginger has a high potential to kindle Agni. Taking a piece of ginger with slat and lime juice before meals helps to improve the digestion process. Administration of herbal medicine to strengthen immunity made of herbs like Shilajit and Shatavari.
Amla is another excellent herb that is used in India for centuries in Rasayana for rejuvenation therapies. It is consumed daily in small quantity as a rejuvenative tonic that contains Shilajit.
The herbal medicines with properties to reduce pitta such as Bhringaraj, Bhumldamalaki, Manjishtha, Kajuka, Yellow dock and Turmeric are also given depending on the patient’s condition.
Fresh dates taken with ginger, cardamom, saffron and ghee also works well to reduce fatigue. Ashwagandha (Water Cherry) is helpful to reduce stress.
Dashamula is a tonic prepared with ten herbs including Bala (Country Mallow) that works well to replace dead cells of the body. Zinc Bhasma, a rich source of zinc is very effective in fighting fatigue. Coffee and other sources of caffeine should be avoided.
Ayurveda also advises diet and lifestyle adjustments to reduce pitta that can help in the healing process as also in rejuvenation of the body. Yoga stretching postures are gentle and stimulate circulation without tiring the body. Breathing exercises can also help in improving the Agni.
Panchakarma, the Ayurvedic detoxification therapy is used to treat fatigue as it is highly effective in restoring the body to its normal balanced condition.
Valerian is a powerful herb that can be used to combat stress induced fatigue. Taken as a bed time tea it induces the quality of sleep. Lavender has a calming effect on the nerves. It can be used in the bath water or its oil can be applied on the temples at bed time to induce sleep.