Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

List of illustrations

Acknowledgement

Introduction

 

Chapter 1 How the Perrin Technique works

Fluid flow

Getting the toxins out

The pumping mechanism

The sympathetic nervous system

Biofeedback

What goes wrong

Build-up of toxins

Conclusion

 

Chapter 2 CFS/ME: What it is

Blackout

What it is called

How CFS/ME may be defined

The nineteenth century

The twentieth century

The twenty-first century

The patient profile

The cost of CFS/ME

Research into CFS/ME

The case of Miss F

 

Chapter 3 The role of the sympathetic nervous system in disease

The nervous systems

The primary machinery of life

How the sympathetic nervous system responds

Organisation of the autonomic nervous system

Control of blood flow by the sympathetic nervous system

Pain, numbness and muscle spasm in CFS/ME

A case of referred pain

Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

How viruses affect nerves

Genetics research

Pre-viral or post-viral?

The case of Mr C

 

Chapter 4 The causes of CFS/ME

Immunological disorder

Humoral immunity

Cellular (cell-mediated) immunity

The inflammatory response

The viral trigger

Hormonal imbalance

Depression

Allergy and sensitivity

Oxidative stress

The case of the Reverend B

 

 

Chapter 5 How CFS/ME is treated

Diet

Elimination and avoidance diets

Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplements

Intramuscular injections of magnesium sulphate

Increased salt intake

Essential fatty acids

Oral antifungals

Immunological therapies

Graded activity

Exercise

Cognitive behavioural therapy

Antidepressants

Hypnosis

A lasting cure

The case of Mr J

 

Chapter 6 Defining fatigue

What happens in fatigue

Causes other than CFS/ME

Anaemia

Heart conditions

Lung disorders

Bowel and kidney disorders

Glandular fever

Addison’s disease

Myasthenia gravis

Gilbert’s syndrome

Infection

Hormonal disorders

Neuromuscular disorders

Tumours

Auto-immune diseases

More than one disease

The case of Miss L

 

Chapter 7 The significance of toxins in CFS/ME

Pollutants

Air pollutants (indoor and outdoor)

Food contaminants and additives

Water pollutants

Soil contaminants

Chemicals used in hobbies and crafts

Chemicals used in household activities

Workplace contaminants

Environmental accidents and wars

Vaccinations and Gulf War Syndrome

Effects of neurotoxins

Diet and toxicity

Predisposition to toxicity

The case of Mr F

 

Chapter 8 The stages leading to CFS/ME

The clinical trials 1994–2005

Conclusions of the research

The downward spiral

The physical signs of CFS/ME

Varicose lymphatics and Perrin’s Point

Tenderness at solar plexus

Postural/structural dysfunction of thoracic spine

Changes in cranio-sacral rhythm

Conclusion

The case of Mrs H

 

Chapter 9 Osteopathy

Osteopathic treatment

History and principles of osteopathy

How osteopathy helps

Drainage of toxins

The case of Mr I

 

Chapter 10 Treating CFS/ME

Stages of treatment

Self-help advice

Returning to good health

Frequency of treatment

Annual check-up

Toxins in the brain don’t cause pain

CFS/ME in children

Our son, Max

It will get better

 

Chapter 11 Recovery and prevention

Causes

Treatment

Responses to treatment

Treatment schedule

The recovery process

Avoid toxins

Recurrence

Prevention

 

Further reading

Useful names and addresses

Glossary

Index