Well if there was a better understanding of GAS and better diagnostic testing for adrenal function in the NHS it might be. It is acknowledged that ME/CFS involves HPA axis dysfunction. Lyn White a Reserve Therapist spoke to us at the September meeting. She explained that John Eaton the founder of Reverse Therapy (RT) now wishes he had called RT ‘HPA axis dysfunction’. Her overview of Reverse Therapy is below:

Sandra

An Overview of Reverse Therapy.

I had ME for three years following a life threatening respiratory infection, although looking back I can see my immune system was in decline even before that. I suffered extreme exhaustion and weakness, muscle ache, sleep disturbance, brain fog, digestive problems and hormonal disruption among others. At times I was housebound or using a wheelchair. I am now completely well and confident in my body again – which when I had ME I never thought would be possible. I have been sailing, skiing, kayaking, walking, oh yes…and working, all with no pacing and no ill effects.

Since my recovery I have done both the Mickel Therapy and Reverse Therapy training and have decided to practice as a Reverse Therapist. I work mainly in Durham but have also been seeing clients in York at Millers Yard in Gillygate. Most of the clients I have seen so far (both ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia) have been symptom free in 2 – 5 sessions. I have recently done the training to enable me to work with young people under 16.

What causes CFS/ME and Fibromyalgia?

Reverse Therapists call these conditions “HPA disorder” as the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands are all affected.

These are physical illnesses based on neurological and hormonal changes, they are not psychological disorders. An area of the brain called the hypothalamus becomes overactive and drives the body’s systems to exhaustion using a cascade of responses from the pituitary and sympathetic nervous system – leading to the many and varied distressing symptoms. The hypothalamus maintains balance within the body (homeostasis) by controlling:

Energy levels
Sleep cycle
Blood pressure
Temperature
Muscle function
Defence against infection
Sex drive

The overworking of the hypothalamus is caused by alarm signals generated by the limbic system (emotional brain). This happens when we ignore emotions and symptoms sent by our body to warn us of a difficult situation we need to act on.