Help For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Headaches, Migraines & Mask Wearing

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is one of those challenging non-communicable diseases that is often difficult to treat. The causal factors are not always easy to pinpoint because they are often multifactorial and variable and will therefore be different for each sufferer.

‘When breathing is dysfunctional, it is maladaptive i.e. it is NOT adapting appropriately to meet the needs of the individual nor responding to changes in the internal and external environment.’ Adapted from a 2018 conference address by osteopath Rosalba Courtney.

This can happen for a number of reasons such as using the wrong muscles for breathing, mouth breathing most of the time, an irregular breathing pattern or rhythm or breathing more than is healthy whether at rest or during activity.

As a result the body has to work harder, will be more stressed and likely in sympathetic dominance (when the nervous system is in fight or flight mode) most of the time. 

If this continues over time it takes its toll on the body, for example taxing the adrenals and the heart by elevating blood pressure and effecting our immune function. Poor sleep, insomnia, lower pain thresholds and fatigue can all be symptoms of disordered breathing.

Breathing well is a vital support system that is often overlooked in CFS and other chronic long-term illnesses.