More and more people are feeling that they are unable to cope with the demands of work and daily life. They are frustrated, drained and have no sense of joy. Not even a holiday can bring relaxation and recovery. Underlying the diverse and overlapping symptoms of “Burn-out Syndrome” and “Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)” is a disturbance of the vegetative nervous system. This consists of two parts: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Daily demands, stress and emotional conflicts excite the sympathetic system. The blood pressure rises, the heart beats faster and the digestive processes become slower. The parasympathetic system works exactly opposite: the heart beat and breathing become slower, the bowels more active. When the vegetative nervous system is heavily and persistently loaded with predominantly sympathetic reactions , a constant imbalance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems results. There is no more normal change between tension and relaxation. The body subsequently loses its ability of self- regeneration and reacts with manifold bodily as well as psychic symptoms. “Burn out” is the end stage of emotional exhaustion and reduced ability of performance.

Chronic infections with e.g. Borrelien or Epstein-Baar-virus could cause similar symptomes. When these are excluded, the causes are defined generally and are manifold: excessive demands from work and private matters,  lack of resources to cope with the chronic stress or the fixation in a difficult, intolerable situation which one cannot or do not want to change. Additional, unfavourable factors include a possible hormonal imbalance, lack of physical movement, wrong kind of nutrition, an unstable constitution and  lack of family and social support. Last but not least, the much accelerated tempo of the world through the rapid developments of digital communication techniques and the increased economical pressure in daily life all lead to the state in which there is no more room for rest.

Many physical and mental symptoms have been described, none of which, however, is specific.  Many patients feel permanently tired, without energy and yet cannot find their sleep. Headaches and unexplained pains of different parts of the body often lead to extensive investigations. A weakened immune defence cause further illness and complaints. Feelings of not coping,  the lack of drive , cheerlessness and shunting away from social contact are all parts of the clinical picture of depression.

What can holistic natural medicine offer to help  in the midst of such misery? In acute emergency, a treatment with Ozone (active oxygen) and an infusion of vitamins and trace elements critically important for life would revitalise the chronically exhausted body in a short time.  Disturbances and deficiencies  of the hormone system have to be diagnosed and treated with bio-identical hormones. Acupuncture can relieve pain and blockage of the meridians. Chinese herbal medicines can strengthen Yin and Yang and move Qi and Xue (Blood). A homoeopathic constitution remedy contributes to stabilisation. Psychotherapy and other measures such as behavioural therapy help in finding solutions for deep emotional conflicts. “Mind-body-medicine” is developed from the classical regulation therapy, the American behavioural medicine and stress management. The aim is a health orientated  lifestyle which is supportive of the self healing forces of body and mind. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, Yoga, Taiji, Qigong and Autogenes Training are methods of Mind-body-medicine. Spirituality is the basis of peace of the mind and health of the body.