In feng shui, if you’re overly-stressed or exhausted, chances are that you lack the element of water, which is thought to be the element that allows us to flow.
The symptom of this physically is feeling thirsty, tired and yet wired at the same time.
In Western Medicine, this is sometimes caused by Adrenal Fatigue.
While I’m not a doctor, I have rebalanced my own pretty extreme adrenal fatigue over the last 5 years in tandem with doctors and a brilliant acupuncturist. Lots of research, lots of stress reduction, and lots of nutrition… plus lots of life-clutter-clearing- restored my system to balance.
If you’re been physically feeling burned out physically, learning more about adrenal fatigue can be eye-opening, and a road toward healing.
We have two adrenal glands, which are small in nature (the size of a walnut) and are located on top of each one of our kidneys.
There are two parts to our adrenal glands that each have their own functions.
The outer portion is named the adrenal cortex, and is responsible for functions in the body that are essential to life. The adrenal cortex releases corticosteroids to enable these survival functions, such as the strength of our immune system and digestion. The key hormone released by the adrenal cortex is cortisol, which, according to Johns Hopkins, “…helps control the body’s use of fats, proteins and carbohydrates; suppresses inflammation; regulates blood pressure; increases blood sugar; and can also decrease bone formation. This hormone also controls the sleep/wake cycle. It is released during times of stress to help your body get an energy boost and better handle an emergency situation.”
This makes up about 80% of the adrenal gland.
The inner 20% of the adrenal gland is the adrenal medulla. It’s functions help us cope with physical and emotional stress. The medulla secretes adrenaline and noradrenaline which, again from Johns Hopkins, where they break it down simply: “…are capable of increasing the heart rate and force of heart contractions, increasing blood flow to the muscles and brain, relaxing smooth muscles, and assisting in sugar metabolism. They also control the squeezing of the blood vessels (vasoconstriction), helping maintain blood pressure and increasing it in response to stress.”
So, our adrenal glands have a whole lot of regulating to do, especially where stress and survival on ever level are a challenge.
Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome:
Extreme adrenal deficiency is Addison’s Disease. A milder, and more common form of imbalance is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome which occurs because there is an insufficient amount of hormones being produced by the adrenal glands.
If you’ve been under deep or constant stress and pressure for some time, you may recognize the signs in yourself.
In his article, “3 Steps to Heal Adrenal Fatigue Naturally,” Dr. Axe explains some of the ways Adrenal Fatigue can happen:
- Stressful experiences like death of loved one, divorce or surgery
- Exposure to environmental toxins and pollution
- Prolonged stress due to financial hardship, bad relationships or work environment, and other conditions that entail feelings of helplessness
- Negative thinking and emotional trauma
- Lack of sleep
- Poor diet and lack of exercise
Dr. Lam, an expert on Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, explains it in depth in the video above.
Signs of Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome:
In Dr. Lam’s article, “Fundamentals of Adrenal Fatigue”, he lists some symptoms that could be indicators of Adrenal Fatigue:
According to Dr. Lam, here are some important indicators to look out for:
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- Mild depression
- Difficulty getting up in the morning
- Unable to remember things
- Increased symptoms of PMS for women
- Reduced sex drive
- Dry and thin skin
- Decreased ability to handle stress
- Nervousness
- Palpitations
- Hair loss
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Increased effort to perform daily tasks
Dr. Axe gives some great diet tips on how to heal your adrenal glands in a safe and natural way:
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- Try not to drink caffeine because this will make it harder for you to sleep well. When you are sleeping your adrenal glands are recovering from the day.
- Stay away from sugar and sweeteners and instead use raw honey or even stevia.
- Do not eat processed foods, or food that has been heated in the microwave. Try to cook for at home as much as possible.
- Avoid hydrogenated oil, such as corn or canola oil. Instead, use coconut oil, ghee, or olive oil.
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He recommends nutrition-dense foods like olives, avocado, kelp and seaweed, nuts, seeds: pumpkin, chia, flax, chicken and turkey and fatty fish like salmon. Supplements like the adaptogens Ashwagand and Holy basil, Fish oil(EPA/DHA), Magnesium, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and Zinc are also on the list of possible adrenal support.
If you’re reading this and thinking… “Whoa that sounds like me…!” you may want to talk with your doctor and see if some diet switches and even nutritional supplements are recommended for you, specifically.
The one thing that is key to all of this healing, though, is removing the source of the problem so you aren’t building yourself back while backsliding at the same time:
Stress.
Emotional stress- from unhandled trauma, drama in life, emotional upsets.
Physical stress- from skipping meals, too much partying, too much exercise (there is such a thing!) or too much to do physically every day.
Sleeplessness- from a full life with lots of electronics, spreading yourself too thin, lacking self-care to unwind, leaving the emotional and mental clutter in your head…
Environmental stress- from chaos, chemicals in your home and office, negative vibrations, unsettled living situations… and… clutter.
Simplify your bedroom and you’ll find your body has the space to rejuvenate.
Simplify your lifestyle and you’ll have the room to rest.
Simplify and detoxify your home and you’ll have space to retreat.
Dump the stresses, one by one, and celebrate each being released.
Yes, it can be a challenge to eliminate stress, but it becomes easier and easier as you allow yourself to feel more peace, more calm, more flow and more grounded bliss. It becomes easier when you start to feel more rested, more energized and more clear minded. Your self-love soars and it all becomes easier…!
You have a whole lot to create in this world, and a strong, balanced body will carry you though far better than stress ever will!
Wishing you loads of balance, revitalization and clear space to relax!!!
xoxo
Dana
P.S.: This season, there’s an eight-week online Feng Shui Camp coming soon to organize and energize your home and life to create breakthroughs: The Breakthrough Camp!
It’s Feng Shui to align your energy (your chakras) and your home so that you can manifest more of what you want on a higher level with greater ease!
If you’re ready for breakthroughs, they’re ready for you!
For just a few more days you can launch into the once-a-year adventure of The Breakthrough Camp.
Check it out and join us HERE!
xoxo!!!
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