Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A concise overview focused on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

18What may help

This list shows research findings, not treatments. Nothing here replaces medical care. If you have this condition, talk to a doctor.

What may help

What studies found for each option, best evidence first.

18 options:2 some evidence7 not enough evidence9 not tested in people

What studies foundSize of effect

AcupuncturepracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Not known
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A pooled analysis of 8 randomized trials in people with chronic fatigue syndrome found fatigue improvement compared with control interventions, but the results varied considerably and the trials had moderate risk of bias. A separate analysis of 9 randomized and non-randomized human studies also reported lower fatigue severity at 5 and 13 weeks.
Open the Acupuncture page
QigongpracticeSome evidence it helpsSize of effect: Medium
Some human studies found a benefit. More research could change this.
All 3 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A subgroup analysis of randomized trials found lower total fatigue intensity among people with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Open the Qigong page
Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)practiceNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A 2026 review pooling randomized trials reported pain reduction and improved tender point counts with photobiomodulation compared with placebo.
Open the Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation) page
YogapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review reported a small effect for chronic fatigue syndrome.
Open the Yoga page
Finnish SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
A review of small studies reported improvements in mood, fatigue and somatic complaints among people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Heat intolerance was common in the populations studied.
Open the Finnish Sauna page
Infrared SaunapracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
The cited review drew on randomized and non-randomized human studies; the finding does not describe a specific change in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
Open the Infrared Sauna page
MeditationpracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
Open the Meditation page
Swedish (Classic) MassagepracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
All 2 studies with a clear result found a benefit.
A small crossover RCT involving 20 participants recruited for fatigue or depleted energy reported relief of those symptoms with Swedish massage. The participants were recruited for these symptoms, so the finding does not establish an effect specifically in everyone with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Open the Swedish (Classic) Massage page

Tai ChipracticeNot enough evidence
Too few or too small studies to know if it works.
The one study found a benefit.
In a quasi-experimental study of 40 people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, one month of Tai Chi Chuan was followed by improved SF-36 health-related quality of life and enhanced SMN-DMN effective connectivity.
Open the Tai Chi page
CalisthenicspracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
For stable chronic fatigue syndrome, graded, low-intensity calisthenics under supervision can improve physical function and reduce deconditioning.
Open the Calisthenics page
CardiopracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Open the Cardio page
Gardening TherapypracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Gentle, graded gardening activities are used in pacing strategies to support physical function and psychological well-being while avoiding post-exertional malaise.
Open the Gardening Therapy page
Grounding / EarthingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Earthing may help manage chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms by reducing systemic inflammation and improving sleep efficiency, but this possibility is based on small observational reports.
Open the Grounding / Earthing page
Hatha YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Gentle Hatha yoga may support symptom management when carefully dosed to avoid post-exertional malaise.
Open the Hatha Yoga page
Laughter Yoga / TherapypracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Gentle, socially engaging activities such as Laughter Yoga are recommended to support mood and mild physical endurance without triggering post-exertional malaise.
Open the Laughter Yoga / Therapy page
Wim Hof Method BreathingpracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
The proposed off-label use is to support energy regulation and orthostatic tolerance through enhanced autonomic control.
Open the Wim Hof Method Breathing page
Yin YogapracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Yin Yoga may offer gentle movement for people with ME/CFS and support autonomic regulation without triggering post-exertional malaise when carefully dosed.
Open the Yin Yoga page
Latin Dance FitnesspracticeNot tested in people
Only tested in animals, cells or theory. Results like these often do not carry over to people.
The one study found a benefit.
Graded, enjoyable aerobic activity such as low-intensity Zumba may improve functional capacity when it is paced appropriately.
Open the Latin Dance Fitness page

Show all 18

The expert view shows every study, dose protocol and source.

What may help

Interventions recorded as helping with this condition18 listed

Most likely to help, from the evidence we have

PracticesAcupunctureCertaintyMediumSourceRCT
A pooled analysis of 8 randomized trials in people with chronic fatigue syndrome found fatigue improvement compared with control interventions, but the results varied considerably and the trials had moderate risk of bias. A separate analysis of 9 randomized and non-randomized human studies also reported lower fatigue severity at 5 and 13 weeks.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
Pooled analysis of 8 RCTs in CFS patients showing fatigue improvement versus control interventions, with high heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias
Open Acupuncture
→
PracticesQigongCertaintyMediumSourceRCTModerate effect
A subgroup analysis of randomized trials found lower total fatigue intensity among people with chronic fatigue syndrome (SMD −0.50, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.24, p=0.0001).
How big is the effect
Moderate effectA clear difference on average.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Breast Cancer
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Osteoarthritis
Study result
Subgroup analysis showed significant improvement in total fatigue intensity (SMD −0.50, 95% CI −0.75 to −0.24, p=0.0001) in CFS patients.
Open Qigong
→

Low probability(16)

PracticesRed Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)CertaintyLowSourceRCT
A 2026 review pooling randomized trials reported pain reduction and improved tender point counts with photobiomodulation compared with placebo.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Neuropathy Peripheral
Study result
Multiple trials reported significant pain reduction and improved tender point counts with PBM versus placebo.
Open Red Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
→
PracticesYogaCertaintyLowSourceRCTSmall effect
A review reported a small effect for chronic fatigue syndrome (SMD −0.40; 95% CI −0.59 to −0.21; I2=44%).
How big is the effect
Small effectA small but noticeable difference on average.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Anxiety Disorder
Arthritis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Pain
Depression
Diabetes Type2
+1 more
Study result
Strong evidence: SMD −0.40 (95% CI −0.59 to −0.21), I2=44%
Open Yoga
→
PracticesFinnish SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A review of small studies reported improvements in mood, fatigue and somatic complaints among people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Heat intolerance was common in the populations studied.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Study result
Small studies (Masuda 2005, Soejima 2015, Amano 2015) improved mood, fatigue and somatic complaints; heat intolerance common.
Open Finnish Sauna
→
PracticesInfrared SaunaCertaintyLowSourceClinical
The cited review drew on randomized and non-randomized human studies; the finding does not describe a specific change in chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
Who was studied
Healthy people and patients
Chronic Pain
Coronary Artery Disease
Heart Failure
Obesity
Study result
Weak evidence from a single study (review abstract)
Open Infrared Sauna
→
PracticesMeditationCertaintyLowSourceClinical
Significant improvements in all three MBI-HSS domains (EE p<0.001, DP p=0.008, PA p<0.001) after 8-week MBSR in a university population.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Open Meditation
→
PracticesSwedish (Classic) MassageCertaintyLowSourceClinical
A small crossover RCT involving 20 participants recruited for fatigue or depleted energy reported relief of those symptoms with Swedish massage. The participants were recruited for these symptoms, so the finding does not establish an effect specifically in everyone with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Who was studied
People with a condition
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Study result
Participants were recruited for fatigue or depleted energy; Swedish massage was reported to relieve these symptoms in a small crossover RCT.
Open Swedish (Classic) Massage
→
PracticesTai ChiCertaintyLowSourceClinical
In a quasi-experimental study of 40 people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, one month of Tai Chi Chuan was followed by improved SF-36 health-related quality of life and enhanced SMN-DMN effective connectivity (P < 0.05).
Who was studied
People with a condition
Study result
SF-36 HRQoL significantly improved and SMN-DMN effective connectivity enhanced after 1 month Tai Chi Chuan in CFS patients (P < 0.05)
Open Tai Chi
→
PracticesCalisthenicsCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
For stable chronic fatigue syndrome, graded, low-intensity calisthenics under supervision can improve physical function and reduce deconditioning.
Study result
Graded, low-intensity calisthenics can improve physical function and reduce deconditioning in stable CFS patients under supervision.
Open Calisthenics
→
PracticesCardioCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Graded aerobic exercise may improve fatigue and function in mild to moderate chronic fatigue syndrome, though risk of post-exertional malaise requires careful monitoring.
→
PracticesGardening TherapyCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gentle, graded gardening activities are used in pacing strategies to support physical function and psychological well-being while avoiding post-exertional malaise.
Study result
Gentle, graded gardening activities are used in pacing strategies for CFS to improve physical function and psychological well-being without triggering post-exertional malaise.
Open Gardening Therapy
→
PracticesGrounding / EarthingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Earthing may help manage chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms by reducing systemic inflammation and improving sleep efficiency, but this possibility is based on small observational reports.
Study result
May support symptom management in chronic fatigue syndrome by reducing systemic inflammation and improving sleep efficiency, though evidence is limited to small observational reports.
Open Grounding / Earthing
→
PracticesHatha YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gentle Hatha yoga may support symptom management when carefully dosed to avoid post-exertional malaise.
Study result
Gentle hatha yoga may support symptom management if carefully dosed to avoid post-exertional malaise.
Open Hatha Yoga
→
PracticesLaughter Yoga / TherapyCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Gentle, socially engaging activities such as Laughter Yoga are recommended to support mood and mild physical endurance without triggering post-exertional malaise.
Study result
Gentle, socially engaging activities like Laughter Yoga are recommended to improve mood and mild physical endurance without triggering post-exertional malaise.
Open Laughter Yoga / Therapy
→
PracticesWim Hof Method BreathingCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
The proposed off-label use is to support energy regulation and orthostatic tolerance through enhanced autonomic control.
Study result
Used off-label to improve energy regulation and orthostatic tolerance via enhanced autonomic control.
Open Wim Hof Method Breathing
→
PracticesYin YogaCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Yin Yoga may offer gentle movement for people with ME/CFS and support autonomic regulation without triggering post-exertional malaise when carefully dosed.
Study result
Yin Yoga may be a tolerable form of gentle movement for individuals with ME/CFS, supporting autonomic regulation without triggering post-exertional malaise when carefully dosed.
Open Yin Yoga
→
PracticesLatin Dance FitnessCertaintyLowSourceTheoretical
Graded, enjoyable aerobic activity such as low-intensity Zumba may improve functional capacity when it is paced appropriately.
Study result
Graded, enjoyable aerobic activity like low-intensity Zumba can improve functional capacity when paced appropriately.
Open Latin Dance Fitness
→

What to avoid

Interventions recorded as making it worse

Nothing in this library is currently recorded as making Chronic Fatigue Syndrome worse. Coverage is partial, and absence here is not evidence of safety.

Browse the supplements that are written up

How to read the evidence

Evidence tier — overall strength of the evidence for the whole compound

StrongWell established — backed by strong, consistent human research.
ModerateSome genuine support, but mostly from small or lower-quality studies. Promising, not proven.
PreliminaryEarly-stage evidence — a promising hypothesis, not an established effect yet.
LimitedVery limited evidence — treat this as a hypothesis, not proof.
InsufficientNot enough good evidence to draw conclusions yet.

Certainty — how sure we can be that the effect is real

Very highVery sure — strong, consistent evidence
HighFairly sure — consistent evidence from good studies
MediumModerately sure — new studies could change this
LowNot sure — little or mixed evidence
Very lowVery unsure — almost no usable evidence

Source — where the data comes from

Meta-analysisPooled analysis of many trials — the strongest evidence
RCTRandomized controlled trial — a strong human study design
ClinicalA human clinical study
Reference knowledgeFrom general health-science or pharmacology references, not a study of this exact claim
Animal researchStudied in animals, not humans
Community reportsAggregated user reports — anecdotal signal, not evidence
TheoreticalMechanism-based reasoning, not yet tested

Study grade — quality of each underlying study (A best, D weakest)

AHigh-quality — strong, consistent human trials
BGood — solid evidence with some limitations
CModerate — limited, small, or mixed-quality studies
DWeak — preliminary, indirect, or animal-only

Confidence — how strongly the sources back a finding

A 0–100 score from study quality and agreement

Most supplement evidence is graded C–D. Read it as preliminary signal, not proof.

Full write-up

What is it

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a clinical condition in which fatigue is a central concern and may occur alongside cognitive fatigue, mood changes, somatic complaints, and reduced health-related quality of life. It is also referred to as ME/CFS in some research. These features describe the condition broadly rather than implying that every person experiences the same combination of symptoms.

Evidence-backed options

The evidence for options associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is uneven. Findings from clinical studies describe improvements in mood, fatigue, somatic complaints, or health-related quality of life with Finnish Sauna and Tai Chi. The Tai Chi finding was observed after 1 month, while the cited sauna findings do not establish a treatment duration or how quickly changes appeared.

Coenzyme Q10 was evaluated as part of a combined supplement approach, with findings concerning perceived cognitive fatigue and health-related quality of life. Panax Ginseng has been discussed in people older than 50 years, but the difference in fatigue scores was not statistically significant. Anusara Yoga, Cordyceps, and Rhodiola Rosea are described as considerations within symptom-management or integrative-medicine contexts rather than being supported by clearly defined treatment timelines in the cited findings.

No dose is specified in these findings, and the time to benefit is not established for most options. Heat intolerance is reported as common in the sauna studies, making tolerability an important consideration for interpreting that evidence. Overall, the findings do not establish that any option works consistently for everyone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and some are supported mainly by theoretical or reference-based rationale rather than direct clinical testing. Consultation with a clinician is appropriate when considering options for a medical condition.