If you feel like Dorothy in the poppy field on her way to Oz, you’re not alone. People who struggle with fatigue describe it in many ways. Some can’t get out of bed in the morning, but once they get going, they’re okay. Others say their energy sinks as the day goes on until they’re almost lifeless by dinnertime. Still others feel tired only after they eat a meal. And there are those people who are exhausted all day long.
In western medicine, there are a number of conditions that may be responsible for your fatigue. These include anemia, thyroid issues, low blood sugar, and chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if these conditions have been ruled out, your doctor may have a tough time getting to the bottom of why you’re so tired.
In Chinese medicine, there are many patterns associated with fatigue, but in all cases there is some element of Spleen Qi depletion. Your Chinese Spleen is the system that takes in food, digests it, and converts it into the energy and nutrients that your body needs to function.
Qi, sometimes called energy, plays many vital roles in your body. Among them, Qi is transformative and is necessary for such processes as digestion to take place. It is also warming. Your body exists in a fairly narrow temperature range of 98 degrees, give or take a few. The action of Qi provides that warmth. Qi is moving, and fuels any action within your body, from the peristalsis of digestion to the movement of your muscles and tendons. There is also a protective quality to Qi that’s similar to your immune system; it helps you fight off colds, flu, and infections. And finally, Qi holds things in. Your organs are held up, your blood is held in its vessels, babies are held in the uterus, and food is held in your digestive tract–all thanks to the holding action of Qi.
- Eat really good food. Not rich, expensive restaurant food, but good food as in healthy. Eat lots of darkly colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and beans. Get a little protein with each meal and eat a good breakfast.
- Get enough fiber in your diet. Fiber slows the absorption of the sugars you happen to eat and prevents dramatic crashes in your blood sugar. It’s also key for good digestion.
- Check your digestion. If you’ve having any symptoms, like heartburn, bloating, a lump in your throat, stomach aches, poor appetite, gas, nausea, constipation or loose stools, you’re digestion needs some help. Getting it in order will help you more effectively convert food into energy. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can really help in the digestion department.
- Get enough sleep. This may not seem like rocket science, but you need a solid seven or eight hours a night. If you’re getting much less, your Qi is taking a hit. Again, Chinese medicine can help here.
- Check your blood pressure. Fatigue is a hallmark sign of high blood pressure.
- Get moving. While it may seem counter intuitive to try to exercise when you’re feeling so tired, a little movement actually gets your energy (in the Chinese sense) flowing. You don’t have to kill the world–take a walk, go for a bike ride, or play a game of tennis.
- Stretch. It invigorates your muscles and also gets stuff moving.
- Get organized. Clutter is exhausting and stressful. It’s a little like indigestion in your home. Get rid of the junk and you’ll feel lighter and more energized.
- Just say no to energy sapping work-related stress.
- Also, just say no to trying to be everything to everybody. It’s overwhelming, stressful, and an energy suck. Learn to say no in the nicest way possible.
- Go outside. It’s invigorating and helps elevate your mood and motivation.
