Unfortunately, we live in a stressful world. Over time, it’s no wonder that we are seeing so many people come in for treatment that have adrenal fatigue. In a few months time, we have great success with helping people find their natural vitality and optimal rhythms again with acupuncture herbs and lifestyle recommendations. Adrenal fatigue can be a difficult thing to reset because there can be so many factors contributing to its cause or its continuation.
In Chinese Medicine, we view the body holistically and simply addressing the adrenal glands is not often enough to help balance the body. Because frequently the symptoms have gone untreated or unmitigated to the point that other organ systems tend to be affected by this imbalance. For instance, if the anxiety and insomnia or the digestive issues are the person’s biggest concern, then we address those issues first even though they are caused by underlying adrenal fatigue.
The adrenal glands sit right on top of the kidneys. When you are in survival mode from either repetitive or high-level stress or famine (which can result from skipped meals or substituting breakfast for caffeine and sugar), the adrenals release hormones that put your body into flight or fight mode. If these hormones are released for a sustained amount of time, there can be many health consequences such as mental fog, constant aching in the low back, emotional swings, weight gain that is near impossible to lose around the waistline and thighs, and insomnia to name a few.
In today’s modern world, many peoples’ biology and chemistry are in survival mode, running away from tigers constantly. We may even rationally think there are no tigers in the room. These tigers can be hiding in the “jungle” out of sight in the form of repetitive neurotoxin exposure (like molds) or neurological disease/ disfunction. Mentally and emotionally, these tigers can be things like: job stress, marital issues, bullying, fears, allergies, negativity, sleep deprivation or lack of relaxation, financial stress, family or loved ones passing. Physically we may be dealing with chronic pain inflammation and injury, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues, lack of exercise or over-exercising, malnutrition, chemical laden and over-processed foods, daily caffeine, alcohol, drugs, high sugar, heavy metals, and stimulants.
