When the adrenal glands are no longer able to meet the demands of stress, illness, trauma, or an ongoing challenging life situation, they become depleted and exhaustion sets in. Symptoms such as chronic tiredness, sleep disturbances, sensitivity to noise and light, not feeling rested upon awakening then feeling increased energy late in the day and evening, and being easily overwhelmed, all point towards this modern ailment.
As the adrenals lose their healthy functioning level, the circadian pattern of cortisol is thrown off its normal cycle. Healthy, circulating cortisol is at its highest at around 8 AM and lowest between midnight and 4 AM. This helps explain the morning exhaustion, the evening rev and the nighttime insomnia.
The thyroid and adrenal glands and our hormones are all intertwined, so once the adrenals start to lose their luster, other sensitive systems are affected. Ways to avoid adrenal exhaustion are to protect your primordial chi and build your acquired chi. Acupuncture and chi-kung are great for this. One of my favorite herbal formulas for adrenal exhaustion is Adrenal Response Complete Care by Innate Response.
Adrenal Response Complete Care is easy on the digestion and replenishes in a gentle way. When taking adrenal formulas, there is the risk of excess stimulation, a sensation that mimics caffeine. This can be especially true of formulas that include Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng). Its American counterpart (Panax quinquefolius) rebuilds energy, but without the rev.
It also includes classic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, and Astragalus, plus a mushroom blend. When introducing your body to a new product, it is smart to start slow with one pill in the morning for a few days. If there are no negative side effects, increase to two pills and stick to that for a week. Carefully monitor your energy levels. Never let this recipe replace your own common sense!
If you believe you may have Adrenal Exhaustion, read more about it in Dr. James L. Wilson’s classic book: Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome and contact us here at Katonah Acupuncture. Late spring is upon us. If you are feeling depleted after the winter, it will be hard to spring forward with enthusiasm; however, it is never too late to replenish your chi!
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