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Adrenal Exhaustion and Eastern Medicine

It is important to explain the Chinese concept of “Yin” and “Yang”.



Often referred to generally as ‘opposites’, Yin and Yang are more correctly translated as ‘cool’ and ‘warm’ respectively.



Adrenaline – the action hormone – can be thought of as similar to the effect of a herb which increases the body’s ‘yang’, its heat.



You have probably experienced a sudden rush of energy accompanied by sweating and heart palpitations is not dissimilar to someone turning up the body’s own internal heat source.



It follows therefore that if someone is suffering from adrenaline exhaustion then an infusion containing a herb belonging to the “yang” category would be welcome as going some way to redress the balance. Patients suffering from the opposite problem – too much adrenaline would benefit from the converse effect of taking a “ying” based compound.



Chinese herbs capable of stimulating or suppressing the body’s adrenal functions are called “adaptogenic” – this means that they adapt the body’s reactions.



In Chinese medicine, Adrenal Exhaustion is recognized as Kidney

Deficiency caused by poor lifestyle habits. Herbal Kidney Tonics

work to restore the proper function of the adrenals and thyroid

functions. They are often combined with adaptogenic herbs that

reduce incorrect stress reactions and increase the body’s ability to

adapt correctly to stressors. This is never a ‘quick fix’ and often

takes 6-8 months of herbal therapy, but works very effective at

addressing an issue that is often left untreated.



In his book, ” Healing with Whole Foods” Paul Pitchford explains that

the concept of the Kidneys in Chinese medicine goes beyond that

of Western physiology. In Chinese medicine adrenal gland activity

is generally assigned to the concept of the Kidneys. Both the

adrenals (in Western medicine) and the Kidneys (in Chinese

medicine) contribute to the energy, warmth, sexuality and other

aspects of the body. Also anatomically the adrenals are located

on top of the kidneys and produce secretions that make kidney

activities possible.



The Chinese medical syndrome that corresponds to decreased

adrenal function is Kidney Yang Deficiency. The clinical

manifestations of Kidney Yang Deficiency are: soreness of the

back, cold knees, sensation of cold in the back, aversion to cold,

weak legs, bright-white complexion, weak knees, impotence,

premature ejaculation, lassitude, abundant-clear urination,

scanty-clear urination, apathy, edema of the legs, infertility in

women, poor appetite and loose stools. The tongue is pale,

swollen and wet and the pulse is deep and weak.



Useful Foods for Kidney Yang Deficiency



Rice, sweet brown rice, oats, spelt, quinoa, corn, buckwheat and rye. Sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, peanuts, chestnuts and pine nuts. Yellow onions, Chinese yam, Chinese cabbage, parsnip, winter squash, sweet potato, kale, leek, scallion, mustard greens and carrots. Lychee, pumpkin, cherry, citrus peel, dates and raisins. Hot peppers, black pepper and cayenne Caution: use hot peppers and cayenne in small pinches as they can have a strong cooling effect. Walnuts (start eating one walnut a day, then add one more each day, not to exceed 20 per day). Chicken, goat’s milk, beef, lamb, shrimp, mussels, fish (e.g., anchovy and trout)

In general, use warming foods and methods of preparation.



Useful Herbs for Kidney Yang Deficiency



Chives, garlic, cloves, basil, rosemary, angelica root, parsley, fennel, dill, anise, caraway, carob pod, cumin and cinnamon bark are all helpful for Kidney Yang Deficiency.



Herbs for Adrenal Fatigue



Huang Qi

1. A Chinese herbal remedy, Huang Qi is used to protect the adrenal function and regulate blood sugar levels and blood pressure.



Rhodiola
2. Rhodiola rosea is a golden root that helps relieve stress. It is an herb that may also help enhance memory and improve mental ability.



Cordyceps
3. Cordyceps is a Chinese mushroom. It is used to treat problems with circulation, lungs and the heart. This herb can strengthen adrenal glands. It can also help the body’s immune system in fighting infection.



Ashwagandha
4. Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and relieves digestive pain. This herb can help calm the body’s nerves. Chew the berries of this plant and use the root powder as a tea base.



5. Siberian ginseng has a wide range of activities that help support and rejuvenate adrenal function, increase resistance to stress, normalize metabolism and regulate neurotransmitters.



6. Ginger root helps modulate cortisol levels, normalize blood pressure and heart rate, burn fat, increase energy and metabolic rate and stimulate digestive enzyme secretions for proteins and fatty acids.



7. Licorice root is known to naturally fortify cortisone levels. It has also been used to help decrease symptoms of hypoglycemia. CAUTION: Licorice raises blood pressure so monitor your blood pressure if you have high blood pressure and avoid it altogether if it raises your blood pressure above 140/90.



Visualization and Positive Suggestion: “I am toning and revitalizing my kidneys, adrenals, and my immune strength.”



Shoulder Release
Releases tension from pressure building points on the upper part of the shoulders. Tones, expands, and stimulates the thymus.



Visualization and Positive Suggestion:
“I am squeezing out tension and building a strong defense against disease.”



MORE SUGGESTIONS
Walking, trampoline exercise, martial arts for strengthening the various organs of the body, meditation and visualization, yoga and stress management all will have a complementary beneficial effect for adrenal rejuvenation.

Rebound exercise on the mini-trampoline stimulates the lymph flow better than any other form of exercise.



Increased oxygenation that comes with all forms of exercise, and aerobics in particular, more fully feeds the oxygen-starved and sleepy brain cells. The exerciser feels more fully and pleasurable awake, alert, and aware. It is important to note not to over-exercise because that will in turn exhaust your adrenals.
Take time to smell the flowers. Put a smile on your face. Enjoy each moment. Cultivate a positive mental attitude. Negative thinking has a very profound detrimental effect on the body. Any type of stress can lead to exhaustion whether or not you have a strong or a weak constitution. Stress will eventually catch up to the most robust constitution.



Last but not least—SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE as much as possible.



If you do need a Saliva Test Kit from a reputable lab; please contact me on this page.



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The information provided above is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to either directly or indirectly give medical advice or prescribe treatment. Unless specifically referenced, the information has not been scientifically validated or approved by any government or regulatory agency. Please consult with your physician or other licensed health care professional for medical diagnosis, prescription, and treatment.