Beyond Tired | ME/CFS, Chronic Illness, and Whole-Body Support

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic condition that affects the nervous system, immune system, and cellular energy metabolism. It’s not “just fatigue.” People with ME/CFS experience a profound lack of energy that isn’t improved by rest, often made worse by even minor physical or mental exertion.

In fact, post-exertional malaise (PEM), a worsening of symptoms after activity, is one of the hallmark features of ME/CFS.

For many, this condition is life-altering, affecting mobility, employment, relationships, and basic self-care. Yet despite its impact, it’s often misunderstood or dismissed, especially in women and teens.

Symptoms of ME/CFS

People with ME/CFS often describe feeling like their body is constantly running on empty. While symptoms vary, common signs include:

  • Deep, unrelenting fatigue that isn’t improved by sleep

  • Post-exertional malaise (PEM)

  • Cognitive issues (“brain fog”)

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing

  • Sleep disturbances (but still feeling unrefreshed)

  • Muscle or joint pain

  • Sore throat or tender lymph nodes

  • Temperature regulation issues

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or other stimuli

These symptoms may overlap with other conditions like POTS, MCAS, hEDS, or fibromyalgia—and it’s not uncommon for someone to carry multiple diagnoses.

What Causes ME/CFS?

There is no single known cause, but ME/CFS is often triggered by:

  • Viral infections (including Epstein-Barr, COVID-19, etc.)

  • Immune system dysfunction

  • Nervous system dysregulation

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction (energy production issues)

  • Physical or emotional trauma

This makes it a condition that lives at the intersection of neurology, immunology, and metabolic function, which is why whole-body support matters.

How Connective Wellness Supports People with ME/CFS

At Connective Wellness, we understand that chronic fatigue is real, physical, and deeply disruptive. Our approach is patient-led and holistic, offering services designed to gently support healing across multiple systems.

Functional Nutrition for Energy & Inflammation

Many people with ME/CFS experience food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, or blood sugar imbalances that make symptoms worse. Our functional nutrition coaches help clients:

  • Identify and eliminate inflammatory triggers

  • Support mitochondrial health with key nutrients

  • Address gut health and immune function

  • Create sustainable, nourishing eating habits

“Food is data,” says Lauren Prince, founder of Connective Wellness. “We help decode what your body’s been trying to tell you.”

Nervous System Support

Nervous system dysregulation plays a huge role in ME/CFS. We incorporate:

  • Vagus nerve stimulation practices

  • Breathwork and pacing tools

  • Gentle movement strategies

  • Education on energy conservation

Our goal is to help clients stabilize their baseline, avoid PEM, and rebuild safely over time.

Support for Overlapping Conditions

Many of our clients with ME/CFS also have:

  • Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

  • Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

  • Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

We’re one of the few clinics designed specifically to recognize and treat these overlapping diagnoses, without dismissing symptoms or requiring you to “prove” you’re sick enough to get help.

You're Not Lazy. You're Not Crazy. You're Not Alone.

If you’ve been told to “just exercise more,” “push through it,” or that it’s all in your head, we see you.

You deserve real answers, and real support.

At Connective Wellness, our care model was built for complex, misunderstood conditions like ME/CFS. We know the science. We trust your story. And we’re here to help you find a path forward that works for your body.

Start Your Healing Journey

Ready to feel heard, and supported?

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Feeling Dizzy, Sick, or Overwhelmed? Vagus Nerve Dysfunction and EDS

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Nutrition for EDS and MCAS, Functional Support for the Whole Body