AANP Call for Abstracts-

Contact information:
Daivati Bharadvaj, ND (AANP member)
9900 SW Wilshire St #190-D, Portland OR 97225
Phone: 503.484.8647 fax: 503.297.3827 email Daivati@riseup.net

This abstract is being submitted for oral presentation (90 minutes preferred but not necessary) for
the Clinical Practice/Pearls Track (or general presentation will also suffice).

Presentation Title: “Top 10 Treatments for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”

Short description:
Recently emerging research highlights the efficacy of nature-based medicines in the treatment of
chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Naturopathic physicians have the unique opportunity to become
CFS experts by offering treatments that work! We will review in detail the top ten therapeutic
strategies, indications, case studies, protocols, and clinical pearls.

Abstract:
Chronic fatigue syndrome affects more than 2 million Americans, with many others who suffer
but have not been appropriately diagnosed. Large review articles conclude that standard
pharmaceutical medications are ineffective, failing to demonstrate clinical benefit. In contrast,
emerging research credits the efficacy of natural medicine. Naturopathic physicians have the
unique opportunity to help people with CFS, by becoming experts in therapeutic modalities
proven by the most recent studies and clinical experience. This presentation will review, in great
detail, the ten most effective therapeutics modalities (clinical nutrition, intravenous therapies,
botanical medicines, diet, and even homeopathy). It will emphasize the use of these modalities
according to unique patient profiles and the multifactorial nature of this condition, using case
studies. Finally, it will discuss scientific evidence, indications, dosages, contraindications, and
mechanism of action for these modalities. The goal is to further expand and explore our
general naturopathic approach to include specific protocols with a deeper understanding of
CFS and the best ways to use these modalities.

Learning objectives for the audience:

1. To understand the CFS case definition, diagnostic criteria, and the multifactorial nature of
this condition.
2. To gain specific knowledge of scientific research, trials, and clinical evidence for use of
the top ten modalities for people with CFS: specific dietary guidelines, nutrients,
botanical medicines, and homeopathy. This will include (where applicable) the
mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, and dosages.
3. To gain clinical pearls and insights by reviewing patient cases and discussing the thought
processes behind treating individuals with this complex condition.

Presentation Outline:
1. Introduction: Definition, diagnostic criteria of CFS, brief review of lack of
pharmaceutical benefits, and discussion of its multifactorial nature with a variety of
etiologies/theories – 20 minutes
2. Body/Thesis: Detailed review of therapeutic modalities, research, mechanism of action,
indications, contraindications, dosage of each modality – 40 minutes.
3. Review of clinical cases: discussion of the thought process, protocols, results and
outcomes – 20 minutes.
 4. Concluding remarks, question and answer session – 10 minutes.

Target audience: medical practitioners, students, researchers, scientists, policy makers, “patients”,
and general audience.

Biography:

Daivati Bharadvaj, N.D. (National College of Naturopathic Medicine 2003 alumna) is a

naturopathic physician at Alive & Well Healing Arts clinic in Portland, OR. Her specialties
include treating individuals with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, mental disorders, hormone
imbalance, women’s reproductive health issues, and pediatric conditions. In addition to offering
educational talks in her community, she is a faculty member of Portland Community College,
where she has been teaching Anatomy & Physiology for the past 4 years. She is the recent
author of a medical resource book for providers and the public, “Natural Treatments for
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”, copyright 2008 (published by Greenwood Praeger Publishing
Group).