Fighting Fatigue

When we're feeling fatigued or exhausted, exercise is probably the last thing we want to do. However, it might just be the answer to boosting our energy. According to new research, regular exercise at a low-intensity may help boost energy levels in people suffering from fatigue.

In the study, those who exercised at either low or moderate intensity three times per week over six weeks had a 20 percent increase in energy levels by the end of the study, compared to the control group. However, the researchers found that more intense exercise isn’t the best way to reduce fatigue. The low-intensity group reported a 65 percent drop in feelings of fatigue, compared to a 49 percent drop in the group doing more intense exercise.

Why exercise helps reduce fatigue isn’t clear, but the researcher said his findings suggest that exercise acts directly on the central nervous system to increase energy and reduce fatigue.

Feeling tired frequently is one of the most common health complaints, and persistent fatigue can really dampen our quality of life. In Chinese Medicine, fatigue is a sign that our energy is out of balance. Specific types of qi may be depleted, deficient, blocked, or in disharmony.

In addition to treating fatigue itself, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can treat related or contributing problems. For example, insomnia, stress and anxiety, which can deplete energy very quickly, responds well treatment, as well as aches or pains that make it difficult to exercise.

We can also advise patients about aspects of their diet or other lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the fatigue.

In the meantime, if your energy is starting to drag, try taking a break for exercise! Even if you can't get to the gym, take a brisk walk outside to get your heart pumping, or even just stand up and do some stretching for 10 minutes.

Read the NY Times article: The Cure for Exhaustion? More Exercise.

Posted by Jessica Silver, MAOM, L.Ac.