Chronic fatigue syndrome, ME, long COVID and fibromyalgia: A health coach and herbalist holistic approach to reverse their symptoms
As a medical herbalist and health coach specializing in supporting individuals with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME), Long COVID, and fibromyalgia, I have come to understand one crucial lesson: these conditions are reversible. However, true healing requires addressing all dimensions of a person’s being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Recovery is not just about eliminating symptoms but involves a transformation on multiple levels of existence.
Living with these conditions can be overwhelming. Navigating therapeutic options can be confusing and exhausting, often leaving patients feeling uncertain about which path to take. In this article, I will share therapeutic strategies that have proven helpful in my clinical experience, with the aim of supporting full recovery.
The Physical Dimension
Healing the body involves supporting the various organ systems that may be underperforming due to the stress these conditions place on the body. This can be achieved through targeted nutrition, herbal medicine, and appropriate exercises. Since each patient’s story is unique, therapeutic plans must be individualized. However, my general approach to recalibrating the physical dimension includes the following interventions:
Eliminating problematic food groups (such as gluten, dairy, or processed foods) that may contribute to inflammation or digestive issues.
Addressing underlying infections, including stealth pathogens and opportunistic microbial imbalances.
Restoring gut microbiome health, which is essential for digestion, immunity, and overall well-being.
Consuming nutrient-dense, easily absorbable organic foods to nourish the body.
Tonifying the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems using medicinal herbs and supplements that promote balance and resilience.
Gradually building physical strength and mobility through tailored exercise programs that are gentle yet effective.
Each of these interventions plays a crucial role in addressing the physiological underpinnings of CFS/ME, Long COVID, and fibromyalgia.
The Psycho-Socio-Emotional Dimension
This dimension encompasses the psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of our lives. These three elements are deeply interconnected and communicate with the body through the autonomic nervous system—the subconscious part of our nervous system that regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and immune response.
When we experience stress or emotional disturbances, these signals can trigger a cascade of physiological responses that contribute to or worsen symptoms of chronic fatigue, Long COVID, and fibromyalgia. An especially helpful model for understanding this is Polyvagal Theory (Porges), which explains how our body responds to feelings of safety or threat. According to this theory, when we feel safe and connected, our bodies function optimally. But when we perceive danger—whether real or perceived—our body shifts into a state of "fight or flight," disrupting normal organ function and contributing to illness.
The therapeutic interventions for this dimension include:
Journaling to increase awareness of psychological patterns. It’s important to explore how, why, and when our sense of safety is threatened.
Focusing on recovery goals: Visualizing what life could be like if you regained 100% health can help clarify your path to healing. The more vivid and specific the goal, the more powerful the transformation.
Creating a sense of safety: Tools such as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), vagus nerve stimulation, and breathwork can help restore a state of calm and safety within the body and mind.
Upgrading social connections: As social beings, we co-regulate our emotions with others. Relationships—whether with family, friends, colleagues, or community—can either support or disrupt our sense of safety. Observing how we feel in these relationships can help identify which ones nourish or harm our well-being.
By addressing emotional blockages and strengthening supportive social connections, patients often experience profound improvements in their symptoms.
The Spiritual Dimension
The spiritual dimension, as I interpret it, relates to our individual connection with the deeper meaning and purpose of life. This aspect of existence is deeply personal and unique to each person. Some schools of thought suggest that when we stray too far from our true purpose or fail to align with our deeper values, our body and mind manifest imbalances that can lead to illness.
From my professional experience, when individuals begin to explore and nurture their spiritual dimension, significant healing often occurs—both physically and emotionally. Whether through meditation, reflection, or connection to a higher power or purpose, addressing this dimension can create powerful shifts that support healing in all other areas.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve outlined a holistic approach to addressing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Long COVID, and fibromyalgia. While the list of potential therapeutic interventions is far from exhaustive, it emphasizes the importance of addressing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the individual.
Recovery from these conditions is not a linear process, nor is it a quick fix. It requires ongoing dedication and a willingness to grow into a more empowered and aligned version of oneself. However, by recognizing that healing involves all aspects of the human experience, we can begin to move toward a place of balance and restoration.
Remember, full recovery is possible. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to a holistic approach to healing.
