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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
Learning to cope with chronic illness. Efficacy of a multi-component treatment for people with chronic fatigue
Ellen M Goudsmit1, Darrel O Ho-Yen, Christine P Dancey
1School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK. ellengoudsmit@hotmail.com
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of an out-patient, multi-component programme developed for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Methods:
Twenty-two patients were assessed before and after six months of treatment. Findings were compared with 22 individuals on the waiting list. The programme offered medical care as well as information and counselling to help patients to understand, accept and cope with their illness.
Results:
At six months, there were significant differences between the groups for fatigue, self-efficacy and anxiety. Overall, 82% of the treated patients reported feeling better and 23% had improved to such a degree that they were discharged from the clinic. The gains were maintained at twelve months.
Conclusion:
This programme was found to be both helpful and acceptable and may provide a useful first-line intervention for many patients with CFS.
Practice Implications:
Short, pragmatic programmes may be as effective as cognitive-behaviour therapy.
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