Exhaustion and Fatigue

 

In Chinese medicine, the most common cause of exhaustion and fatigue is the depletion of energy reserves. Usually, this is the result of excess amounts of stress or anxiety combined with a lack of opportunity or time to rest and recharge. This results in adrenal fatigue, or what we call "kidney deficiency." (Since the adrenal glands are physically attached to the kidneys, they are considered to be the same organ in Chinese medicine.) Other common causes of exhaustion and fatigue may include digestive issues, where the body is not properly absorbing nutrients from food, lung conditions, where the body is unable to extract enough oxygen, or insomnia, which makes it difficult to replenish energy reserves.

 

Many different acupuncture points can help with exhaustion and fatigue. Some help replenish energy reserves, while others boost internal organ function so that your system runs better overall. Some have a calming and relaxing effect to help you sleep better or reduce the anxiety, stress, and tension that may be slowly draining your energy over time. The experience of the acupuncture treatment in and of itself is also beneficial, giving you dedicated time to rest and recharge. 

 

Chinese medicine is so much more than just acupuncture. I am also trained in herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, and many types of traditional hands-on techniques. I find these complementary therapies can help enhance the effects of acupuncture. For example, there are multiple replenishing, restorative herbal formulas for exhaustion and fatigue that can help to address your symptoms from the inside out. There are also formulas that address insomnia or help improve organ function if that is the cause of your exhaustion. Nutrition can be beneficial as well; even making small adjustments, favoring more nourishing foods, can help with your recovery. Acupuncture is the fundamental therapy upon which all of my treatments are built, but my toolbox also includes Chinese herbal medicine, 5-element nutrition, ba guan (cupping), tui na (Chinese medical massage), zhi ya (acupressure), chi nei tsang (internal organ massage), gua sha (massage with jade and horn tools), and topical herbal formulas for pain. If your condition would benefit from any of these traditional techniques they are included at no extra charge. Please click here for more information about my combination treatments.