San Luis Obispo · Since 2013

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From the practice

Symptoms of burnout

5 min read

Burnout is sneaky because you don't realize you're borrowing from tomorrow to push through today. — Emily Leahy

Adrenal fatigue, or HPA axis dysregulation, affects more than 80% of Americans at some point in their life. During stress, a network of hormones known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis becomes activated. With prolonged, repetitive stress, the key regulatory hormones — particularly cortisol — become dysregulated and potentially diminished. This makes it harder to adapt to stress, stabilize blood sugar, and maintain a strong immune system.

Symptoms typically associated with HPA axis dysregulation include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep at night or staying asleep

  • Difficulty getting up in the morning

  • Needing caffeine to get going

  • Dips of energy during midday, especially between 2–6pm

  • A second wind of energy between 6–11pm

  • Craving sweet or salty food

  • Difficulty concentrating or staying on task

  • Low libido

  • Increased depression and anxiety

  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities

  • Brain fog

  • Weight gain

Hormones regulate every process in our body, and when an imbalance happens, symptoms arise. This is how our body communicates — letting us know that something is off and changes need to be made.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, the adrenal glands are part of the kidneys and their energy pathways. The kidneys belong to the water element and are seen as a key player in the quality of our life; they store the internal Qi, the body's life-force energy.

Everyday chronic stress can drain the body of its energy. Regular acupuncture has been shown to strengthen the kidneys and support the rebalancing of Qi, helping the body heal and refuel. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and help relax the nervous system.

Let acupuncture be part of your self-care toolkit. At Intuitive Acupuncture, we prioritize the wellbeing of our patients, and we understand that every patient is unique and needs tailored care. We use a combination of acupuncture, cupping, massage, and herbal formulas to improve your state of being.

If you have any questions, reach out to us today — we'd love to support you on your healing journey.

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