Acupuncture and Natural Treatment for Chronic Fatigue

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) often feels like your body has run out of reserves. No matter how much you rest, exhaustion lingers. A short walk, a conversation, or even a day of routine tasks can leave you drained for days. The fatigue is not ordinary tiredness. It is a deep, bone-heavy weariness that reshapes how you live your life.

CFS/ME is a medically recognized condition, not simply “burnout” or stress. It can affect sleep, concentration, memory, and the ability to recover from even small amounts of activity. The frustration is real: your body does not recharge the way it used to, and pushing harder often makes symptoms worse.

While there is no single cure, supportive approaches can make a meaningful difference. At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, Oregon, we help patients explore natural treatments, including acupuncture, that may improve energy regulation, reduce post-activity crashes, and support a more stable quality of life. In this blog, we will look at what defines chronic fatigue syndrome, how it affects daily life, practical strategies to manage symptoms, and where acupuncture may play a role in recovery.

What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and Why Rest Isn’t Enough

Chronic fatigue syndrome, also called myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME), is a long-term illness that goes far beyond ordinary tiredness. It is defined by exhaustion that lasts for at least six months and does not improve with rest. Many people describe it as if their energy system has shut down, leaving them unable to bounce back from even the simplest activities.^1,2

A central feature of CFS/ME is post-exertional malaise (PEM). This means that after physical or mental effort, symptoms worsen rather than improve. For some, even a trip to the grocery store or a conversation with a friend can trigger a crash that lasts days. PEM is one of the most important ways CFS/ME differs from other conditions. For example, people with fibromyalgia often struggle with fatigue, but the unpredictable crashes of CFS/ME set it apart.^1,3

Other symptoms may include:

• Unrefreshing or poor-quality sleep
• Problems with concentration and memory (often described as “brain fog”)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when moving from sitting to standing
• Muscle or joint pain
• Headaches, sore throat, or tender lymph nodes
• Heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or smells^1,2

The cause of CFS/ME is still not fully understood. Researchers believe it may involve a mix of factors, including viral infections, immune system changes, genetics, and problems with how the body produces and uses energy.^1,2,4

Because of this complexity, there is no single medication that resolves the condition. Instead, patients often explore different approaches, including lifestyle changes and supportive options sometimes described as myalgic encephalomyelitis therapy.^1,3

What is clear is that this condition is real and medically recognized. It affects people of all ages, most often women in young to middle adulthood. The symptoms vary in intensity, but they can disrupt every part of daily life.

Living with Chronic Fatigue: The Daily Impact of CFS/ME

Chronic fatigue syndrome reshapes daily life in ways that are often invisible to others. On the surface, it may look like tiredness. In reality, it is an unpredictable cycle of energy loss that touches work, relationships, and the ability to care for yourself.

The most challenging feature for many is post-exertional malaise (PEM). A short walk, a few hours at a desk, or even concentrating on a book can lead to a delayed crash. Energy drains so completely that recovery takes days, not hours. Patients often describe it as “paying a heavy price” for activities that most people do without thinking.¹

Cognitive symptoms add another layer. Difficulty focusing, trouble finding words, and memory lapses are often grouped under the term “brain fog.” For some, this fog can feel more limiting than the fatigue itself, making it hard to follow conversations, complete work tasks, or even keep up with daily responsibilities.² We see a parallel with fibromyalgia patients who describe the same struggles in what is often called fibro fog. In our blog on fibromyalgia brain fog, we discuss how memory lapses and concentration problems can erode confidence just as much as they disrupt daily routines.

Other symptoms can include unrefreshing sleep, dizziness when standing up, muscle or joint pain, and increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. These layers of physical and cognitive strain can make simple routines feel overwhelming.^1,3

Importantly, research confirms that these experiences are not imagined. A 2024 NIH study identified measurable biological differences in people with CFS/ME, including changes in immune function and the autonomic nervous system. These findings validate what patients have reported for decades: the exhaustion and crashes are rooted in the body’s biology, not a lack of willpower.^4–6

The daily reality of CFS/ME is not simply about being tired. It is about living with a body that cannot restore energy the way it should, which forces constant adjustments in how life is planned and lived. This is why patients often seek out strategies that do more than manage symptoms — approaches that can create space for true recovery.

Natural Ways to Support Your Body with Chronic Fatigue

Living with CFS/ME means learning how to protect limited energy and create conditions where the body can recover more effectively. While there is no single cure, many patients find relief by combining practical strategies with supportive therapies.

Pacing and activity management are often the most important tools. Because post-exertional malaise is unpredictable, pushing through can backfire. Instead, pacing means dividing tasks into smaller parts, resting before exhaustion sets in, and giving yourself recovery time after even modest activity. This approach may feel slow at first, but it helps reduce the risk of prolonged crashes and gives the body a chance to stabilize.^1,2

Improving sleep quality is another priority. Unlike ordinary tiredness, CFS/ME often involves sleep that is unrefreshing. Patients may sleep for eight or more hours but still wake feeling drained. Finding ways to support deeper, more restorative rest can make a meaningful difference. In our clinic, we often see how sleep disruption worsens pain and fatigue in both fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients. We wrote more about these patterns in our blog on fibromyalgia sleep problems, which explains how poor rest can amplify every other symptom.

Nutrition and hydration also play a role in stabilizing energy. Many patients benefit from eating smaller, balanced meals that support steady blood sugar, while staying well-hydrated throughout the day. Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic both note that healthy eating and hydration are core parts of CFS/ME care.^1,3

Finally, stress regulation matters. CFS/ME involves dysfunction in the autonomic nervous system, which governs the body’s stress response. Gentle practices such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, or restorative yoga can help calm this system without pushing the body into exertion.^1–3

These natural approaches are not quick fixes. They are building blocks that create a stronger foundation for recovery and open the door to supportive therapies like acupuncture, which we will explore next.

Acupuncture as a Natural Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

For many living with CFS/ME, the hardest part is the sense that nothing truly helps. Medications may take the edge off sleep problems, pain, or anxiety, but they rarely touch the deep exhaustion or the crashes that follow even light activity. This is why so many patients begin looking for treatments that restore balance rather than simply mask symptoms.

Acupuncture is one of those options. What makes it unique is its ability to influence several systems at once: the nervous system, the immune system, and the way the body regulates energy.

How acupuncture may help:

• Studies show acupuncture can influence neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine, which play key roles in sleep, mood, and pain perception.⁷ Many patients report that after a series of treatments, their sleep feels deeper and mornings are less overwhelming.
• It also helps calm the stress response. In CFS/ME, the sympathetic nervous system (the body’s “fight or flight” mode) often stays switched on, steadily draining energy reserves. Acupuncture encourages a shift back toward the parasympathetic, or “rest and repair,” state where recovery can begin.⁷
• By reducing inflammation and supporting immune regulation, acupuncture may relieve the whole-body tension that keeps patients feeling stuck in cycles of fatigue.⁷

What the research says:

Acupuncture has been studied as a supportive therapy for myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), showing benefits in sleep, mood, and overall resilience.⁷

• A large 2015 clinical trial followed patients with chronic fatigue and found that those who received acupuncture reported less severe exhaustion and meaningful improvements in quality of life compared with standard care.⁸ Many described not just “a little more energy,” but being able to re-engage in parts of life they had stepped back from.
• A 2023 review analyzed years of nervous system and brain research on acupuncture. It found that acupuncture can help normalize brain activity in areas linked to fatigue, focus, and memory.⁷ For patients, this matches the real-world experience of feeling clearer, calmer, and more present after consistent sessions.

While acupuncture is not an overnight cure, the evidence suggests it can help the body find its footing again. For some, this means fewer crashes after activity. For others, it means steadier sleep-wake rhythms or moments of mental clarity that bring back a sense of self. These steady, meaningful changes are often what allow patients to begin reclaiming energy and a sense of themselves again.

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness, we often combine acupuncture with supportive therapies such as ATP Resonance BioTherapy® and O3 ReBoot Therapy®. Together, these treatments give the body more tools to regulate energy, reduce inflammation, and move toward lasting relief.

Integrative Care at Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness

At our clinic, treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome begins with acupuncture. Acupuncture helps calm an overactive nervous system, improve circulation, and rebalance energy flow. Research suggests it can help reduce fatigue, improve sleep, and ease pain, making it a strong foundation for recovery.^7,8

When indicated, we may also include:

• ATP Resonance BioTherapy®: a non-invasive therapy that delivers gentle electrical currents at specific frequencies to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and recharge cells at the energy level.
• O3 ReBoot Therapy®: an ozone-based therapy that introduces highly oxygenated molecules into the body to support immune balance, detoxification, and tissue healing.

These therapies are not meant to stand alone. Instead, they are thoughtfully combined into treatment plans designed to ease fatigue, reduce pain, and restore energy over time. The goal is not a quick fix, but gradual, sustainable improvements in daily function and quality of life.

Finding a Path Forward with CFS/ME

Living with chronic fatigue syndrome can feel like a life on pause. Days blur together under the weight of exhaustion, and the constant push-pull between wanting to do more and crashing after simple activities can feel unbearable. But there are ways to move forward — approaches that focus on restoring balance, supporting energy, and giving your body a chance to heal.

At Nyberg Acupuncture & Wellness in Tualatin, Oregon, we understand how disruptive CFS/ME can be. Our care plans begin with acupuncture and may integrate therapies such as ATP Resonance BioTherapy® and O3 ReBoot Therapy® when appropriate. Each plan is designed to support your unique needs, not just your symptoms, so you can experience real improvements in daily life.

If you’re ready to explore what natural, integrative care can do for you, we invite you to take the next step. Call us today at +1 (503) 336-4747 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Savage, LAc, DACM. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you reclaim energy, restore resilience, and reconnect with the life you want to live.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatment

• What is the difference between chronic fatigue syndrome and just being tired?

  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS/ME) is a recognized medical condition, not ordinary tiredness. It is defined by exhaustion that lasts at least six months, does not improve with rest, and is often worsened by even small amounts of activity.¹ ²

• Can acupuncture really help with chronic fatigue syndrome?

  Yes. Studies show acupuncture may influence neurotransmitters, calm the stress response, improve sleep, and support energy regulation in people with CFS/ME.⁷ ⁸ While it is not a cure, many patients experience improvements in daily function and quality of life.

• What is post-exertional malaise (PEM)?

  PEM is a hallmark symptom of CFS/ME. It means that after minor physical or mental effort, symptoms like fatigue, pain, and brain fog worsen instead of improving, often requiring days to recover.¹ ³

• Are there natural treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome?

  Yes. Strategies such as pacing, sleep support, balanced nutrition, hydration, and stress regulation can help manage symptoms. Leading clinics like Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic note that these approaches are core parts of care.¹ ² ³ At our clinic, we may also integrate acupuncture, ATP Resonance BioTherapy®, and O3 ReBoot Therapy® when indicated.

• Is chronic fatigue syndrome the same as fibromyalgia?

  No. The two conditions share overlapping symptoms, such as fatigue and brain fog, but they are distinct diagnoses. Fibromyalgia is pain-centered, while CFS/ME is defined by exhaustion and post-exertional malaise.¹ ²

• How do I know if natural treatment is right for me?

  If you are living with CFS/ME and seeking drug-free, supportive care, natural treatments like acupuncture may help. A personalized consultation is the best way to determine the right plan for your needs.

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. Symptoms and causes of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Updated 2023. Accessed September 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360490
2. Cleveland Clinic. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Reviewed 2023. Accessed September 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17720-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-me-cfs
3. Mayo Clinic. Diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Updated 2023. Accessed September 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20360510
4. Walitt B, Singh K, LaMunion SR, et al. Deep phenotyping of post-infectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):907. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-45107-3
5. Hamilton J. An ambitious NIH study has brought new attention to chronic fatigue syndrome. NPR. February 21, 2024. Accessed September 2025. https://www.npr.org/2024/02/21/1232998694/an-ambitious-nih-study-has-brought-new-attention-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
6. Joseph A. NIH study of ME/CFS points to clear biological hallmarks. STAT News. February 21, 2024. Accessed September 2025. https://www.statnews.com/2024/02/21/nih-study-myalgic-encephalomyelitis-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-news/
7. Li BB, Feng CW, Qu YY, et al. Research progress on central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. World J Acupunct Moxibustion. Published online March 17, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.wjam.2023.03.002
8. Kim JE, Seo BK, Choi JB, et al. Acupuncture for chronic fatigue syndrome and idiopathic chronic fatigue: a multicenter, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2015;16:314. doi:10.1186/s13063-015-0857-0