Winter is the perfect time to heal adrenal fatigue
Did you know that winter is a great time to heal adrenal fatigue and to support the kidneys and bladder?
You may be aware that from a Chinese Medicine perspective, each organ system relates to a specific season during which time it is most active and receptive. The winter months govern the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands (which are attached to the kidneys), and as such, winter can be a powerful time to attend to any issues associated with these organ systems.
The kidneys, adrenals, and bladder from a Chinese Medicine perspective
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, the kidneys (and by extension the adrenal glands) are like the battery or energy storehouse of our bodies. Together they provide the material foundation and structure of the body on the one hand, and the energy for physiological and metabolic activity on the other. The bladder of course is responsible for the discharge of waste through urine, and it receives the energy for its proper functioning from the kidneys.
The kidneys govern birth, growth, conception, pregnancy, aging and death. They keep our bones and teeth strong and healthy, and support brain function.
The adrenals provide the heat for metabolic activity, and the energy that determines how vital and energized we feel.
The bladder is responsible for transforming, storing, and excreting fluids, and the opening and closing of the urethral sphincter.
When problems arise:
Problems in the kidney system leads to loss of bone density, loss of mental acuity, declining sex hormones, fertility problems and menopause for women.
When the adrenals are over-taxed, we see difficulties with responding to stress, low energy levels, and sluggish metabolic activity.
When there is imbalance in the bladder system this leads to urinary issues.
How stress impacts our adrenal glands and depletes our battery source
We know from western medicine that our adrenal glands are attached to the top of our kidneys and, together with the hypothalamus and the pituitary, make up the HPA axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis), which manages our response to chronic stress.
Under stressful events, the hypothalamus triggers the pituitary which triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Usually, cortisol levels should drop after the stressful event has passed, and our body goes back to its normal, ‘non-stressed’ state. If, however, we are under chronic stress, the HPA axis keeps being activated and the adrenals keep producing and releasing cortisol, leading eventually to the depletion of the adrenal glands.
If we think of the kidneys and adrenals being like the battery of the body, we know that responding to chronic stress drains a lot of energy. At some point the battery is depleted, leading to feelings of exhaustion, low motivation, sleep disruptions, burn-out and mental fog. What is needed at such time is to slow things down and recharge our batteries, and winter is the perfect time to do so.
Healing adrenal fatigue during winter
When we look at nature, we see that winter is the time of the year when things go into hibernation and slow down. While our culture doesn’t necessarily support this natural rhythm, it can be incredibly healing to allow ourselves to slow down during the winter months and tend to our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
As a matter of fact, the first and foremost way to heal adrenal fatigue is by reducing stress and resting. If we can slow down enough and stay away from stressful events, we can interrupt the cycle of amplified cortisol production and give our adrenals a chance to heal and recharge.
The acupuncture treatment approach for adrenal fatigue
Treating the adrenals with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, is done by supporting the kidneys. Using acupuncture and Chinese herbs is like plugging our phones in to recharge the battery.
By the time someone is exhibiting symptoms of adrenal fatigue, the battery has been severely depleted, and it will likely take a while to fully recharge. I would estimate a course of treatment to take at least 8-10 weekly session to begin feeling more energized. Treatment would also include herbal formulas, including adaptogenic herbs, especially those that have been shown to support adrenal function and lower cortisol.
Diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes for healing adrenal fatigue
Food: When looking at foods to support any efforts to heal adrenal fatigue, we would use nutrient-dense and warming foods. Beans, high quality lean meats, root vegetables and healthy fats are all good options to include in our diet. Things to stay away from are iced foods and drinks, an overconsumption of raw vegetables and salads, dairy, and other cooling foods.
Exercise: When it comes to exercise it should be very gentle, and favor things like yoga, walking and Tai Qi. This is not the time to push our bodies and demand more ‘output’, but rather to build and conserve energy. If you exercise outdoors make sure your body stays warm.
Rest – physically, mentally, and emotionally: Make sure to get lots of sleep! Try for eight hours every night! Go to bed early and allow yourself to sleep in or take a short afternoon nap if possible. Minimize exposure to stressful events and people. Consider not watching the news and staying away from social media especially if they are sources of stress for you.
Fill your soul: When you feel very depleted and burned out, it is important to add joy back into your life. Re-engage with that hobby that brings you so much satisfaction; spend time in nature; bring something beautiful into your life by connecting with art; explore a spiritual practice which might include meditation and prayer.
The above activities are especially great during the winter when we might be inclined to spend more time indoors anyway, and they are a proactive way to recharge our batteries on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Adding acupuncture and herbal medicine at this time will maximize the energy of the winter months and focus our body’s healing on recharging and overcoming adrenal fatigue.
