Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands are unable to produce the needed hormones for the body. This is a condition that is unfortunately more and more common in our fast paced and hectic world. When people are under constant long-term mental, emotional or physical stress, the adrenals can become overwhelmed from the constant fight-or-flight state of the body.

The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential for life.  Some of these hormones help us modulate stress.  Some of the hormones that adrenals produce are things like Cortisol, Epinephrine (adrenaline), DHEA, Androgenic Steroids, Aldosterone, Norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and Corticosterone.  These hormones help to regulate our metabolism, immune system, blood pressure, stress response and other essential functions in the body.

When we are stressed, the adrenals need to produce more of the stress hormones to keep us balanced. This excess cortisol production can prevent the adrenal glands from producing other hormones that the body regularly needs, which can result in extreme fatigue, body aches and pains, inability to concentrate, depression, insomnia, cognitive decline, digestive symptoms, weight gain, low libido, imbalanced electrolytes, and anxiety or nervousness.  

Reducing stress and supporting a healthy lifestyle and dietary choices are vital for supporting healthy adrenal function. Acupuncture and herbs are a fantastic way to support the health of the adrenals. TCM regards adrenal fatigue as a deficiency in the Kidneys, both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang. We typical will address the Kidney Yin deficiency first with acupuncture and herbs. Acupuncture works to relax and support the systems in the body that are being affected and reduce the overall stress in the body.