TCM Treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Sub-Health

Clinical Insights from Dr Li Rui in Singapore

In modern society, more and more people experience long-term physical exhaustion and low energy that rest cannot fix. This phenomenon is often classified as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) or a "sub-health" state. In a fast-paced, high-pressure city like Singapore, these issues are particularly prevalent.

While Western medicine lacks a definitive cure for CFS, TCM offers an effective alternative through holistic regulation and syndrome differentiation tailored to individual constitutions. With over 30 years of clinical practice in Singapore, Dr Li Rui has accumulated extensive experience in treating CFS and managing sub-health, helping many patients restore their health and regain their vitality.

What are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Sub-Health?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a chronic illness characterized by persistent or relapsing fatigue that isn't relieved by rest. It is often accompanied by symptoms like poor concentration, insomnia, dizziness, memory loss, and muscle aches. The causes are complex, with medical research suggesting links to immune system abnormalities, endocrine disorders, chronic viral infections, and psychological stress.

Sub-health refers to a state where no specific disease is diagnosed, yet the body functions at a low-efficiency level. Symptoms include exhaustion, mental fatigue, frequent colds, low mood, poor appetite, and borderline abnormal health indicators.

A study by the National University of Singapore (NUS) indicates that over 30% of Singapore’s workforce exists in a sub-health state, with chronic fatigue, low immunity, and sleep disorders being the most common complaints.

The TCM Perspective on CFS and Sub-Health

In TCM, the root cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and sub-health is the "weakness of Zheng Qi" (vital energy), involving constitutional imbalances such as Spleen deficiency, Liver Qi stagnation, Kidney deficiency, or Qi and Blood deficiency.

Dr Li Rui points out that CFS falls under TCM categories such as "Consumption," "Qi Deficiency," "Spleen Deficiency," and "Kidney Deficiency." Key mechanisms include:

Spleen and Stomach weakness, leading to insufficient Qi and Blood production

Liver Qi stagnation and emotional frustration

Kidney Essence depletion and lack of vitality

Deficiency of both Heart and Spleen, leading to lack of mental nourishment

TCM focuses on differentiation-based treatment to adjust organ functions holistically and restore the body's Yin-Yang balance.

TCM Treatment Approaches for CFS

1. Herbal Medicine: Strengthening Vital Energy and Adjusting Constitution

TCM treatment for CFS follows the principles of tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood, and strengthening the Spleen and Kidneys. Dr Li Rui often prescribes herbs based on the patient's constitution, such as:

  • Qi Deficiency: Astragalus (Huang Qi), Codonopsis (Dang Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)
  • Spleen Deficiency with Dampness: Poria (Fu Ling), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren)
  • Liver Stagnation: Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Cyperus (Xiang Fu)
  • Kidney Deficiency: Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), Yam (Shan Yao), Eucommia (Du Zhong)

Treatment cycles usually last 3 to 6 months to gradually restore energy and boost immunity.

2. Acupuncture: Regulating Organs and Dredging Meridians

Dr Li Rui is skilled in using acupuncture to treat CFS, focusing on acupoints like Zusanli, Qihai, Guanyuan, Ganshu, and Pishu to:

  • Regulate the nervous system to improve insomnia and dizziness
  • Dredge meridians to relieve muscle aches
  • Enhance the production of Qi and Blood to restore physical strength

Clinical data shows acupuncture effectively lifts the patient's mental state and significantly reduces fatigue.

3. TCM Dietetics and Lifestyle Regulation

Dr Li Rui emphasizes that recovery from chronic fatigue requires lifestyle adjustments. Supportive dietary therapies include:

  • For Qi Deficiency: Stewed chicken with Codonopsis and Astragalus
  • For Blood Deficiency: Stewed pork with Longan and Red Dates
  • For Spleen Deficiency: Chinese Yam porridge or Coix Seed and Red Bean soup

Lifestyle-wise, patients should avoid late nights, maintain a regular schedule, engage in moderate exercise like Tai Chi or Yoga, and practice stress-relief techniques.

Efficacy and Advantages of TCM for Chronic Fatigue

Long-term clinical practice shows that TCM for CFS offers several advantages:

Personalized regulation targeting the root constitutional issues

Holistic improvement of body functions, rather than just treating symptoms

Reduced drug dependence with minimal side effects

Boosted immunity to prevent relapsing fatigue

Psychological regulation to help alleviate anxiety and depression

Dr Li Rui notes that through systematic TCM treatment, many patients see a significant reduction in fatigue and a restoration of spirit within 1 to 3 months.

The Importance of Active Treatment for CFS and Sub-Health

Dr Li Rui emphasizes that ignoring long-term fatigue can lead to persistent immune decline, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, and depression. TCM treatments—including acupuncture and herbal regulation—help restore the body's healthy state and prevent further deterioration of sub-health. Early intervention is the key to recovery.

Clinical research has found that TCM treatments significantly improve the physical energy, sleep quality, and mental clarity of chronic fatigue patients. Compared to passive endurance or reliance on Western medication, TCM offers a safe, effective, and natural path to reclaiming vitality.

Dr Li Rui

MOH-registered TCM physician with a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and over 30 years of clinical experience

Dr Li Rui is an MOH-registered TCM Physician and Acupuncturist in Singapore with over 30 years of experience. Holding a Master’s degree from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and a Bachelor’s in Western Medicine from Shandong Medical University, she combines both disciplines to provide comprehensive care.

A former Attending Physician at Shanghai Xinhua Hospital, she founded the Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre in 2002. She is highly trusted for her ability to treat complex chronic illnesses and provide expert health regulation through acupuncture and herbal medicine.

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Dr Li Rui Shanghai Chinese Medical Centre Singapore

Dr Li Rui has helped countless patients overcome the burden of chronic fatigue through her extensive clinical experience. If you are experiencing persistent exhaustion or a sub-health state, book an appointment for a professional TCM consultation today.

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Shanghai Chinese Medicine Centre

Blk 925 Yishun Central 1
#01-243
Singapore 760925

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