Treating Adrenal Fatigue with Chinese Medicine

Jul 11, 2024

Understanding and Treating Adrenal Fatigue with Chinese Medicine

Key Concepts

  • Adrenal Fatigue Misconception
    • Common misconception: Adrenal fatigue = Kidney deficiency (due to anatomical location).
    • Clarification: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it's not the same; adrenal fatigue often relates more to Spleen deficiency.

Five Element Generating Sequence

  • Liver Qi Stagnation
    • Major cause: stress leading to Liver Qi stagnation.
    • Results in: Spleen depletion and general fatigue.
  • Adrenal Fatigue Symptoms
    • Cortisol level issues: high at night, low in the morning.
    • Common symptoms: poor appetite, sugar cravings, severe morning fatigue, irregular eating habits, overall tiredness.

TCM Perspective on Adrenal Fatigue

  • Organ Systems
    • Treatment focuses on full organ systems, not just individual organs.
    • Relationship between stress, Liver Qi, and Spleen depletion.
    • Long-term Spleen Qi deficiency can eventually deplete Kidney, leading to accelerated aging.

Treatment Strategy

  • Primary Focus: Spleen Tonification
    • Short-term: Tonify the Spleen, move Liver Qi, relax the individual, and reduce stress.
    • Long-term: Also protect the Kidney if Spleen Qi deficiency is persistent (months/years).

Common Associated Conditions

  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
    • Often related to Spleen Qi deficiency.
  • Hypothyroidism
    • Can also lead to fatigue and is linked to Spleen Qi deficiency.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Sleep Issues
    • Poor sleep can lead to Spleen deficiency and lower immune system function.
    • Connection between insomnia and stress: needs to be evaluated.

Herbal Treatment

  • Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Chinese Herbal Formula)
    • Translation: "Boosting the Middle" and "Raising Qi."
    • Focuses on digestive system (Spleen and Stomach) and raising Qi for energy.
    • Key Herbs: Astragalus (king herb) and Bupleurum.
    • Usage: Recommended mainly in the morning and at lunch.

Acupuncture Points

  • Spleen 6 (SP 6)
    • Benefits: Crosses Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Meridians. Calms the mind and improves digestion and energy.
  • Ren 6 (CV 6)
    • Known as "Sea of Qi." Excellent for tonifying Qi.
  • DU 20 (GV 20)
    • Dual function: Lifts energy when needled towards the nose; calms when needled towards the back of the head.

Comprehensive Approach

  • Assessment and Diagnosis
    • Always look for the root cause: lifestyle, diet, emotional stress, or underlying medical conditions.
    • Important to investigate deficiencies (e.g., iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12).
  • Holistic Treatment
    • Integrate herbal treatment with acupuncture points to address Spleen Qi sinking and overall energy.

Summary

  • Adrenal fatigue commonly misdiagnosed as Kidney deficiency in TCM; often relates to Spleen deficiency.
  • Treatment focuses on tonifying the Spleen, moving Liver Qi, and protecting the Kidney.
  • Use of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang formula and specific acupuncture points (SP 6, Ren 6, DU 20) to address symptoms.
  • Important to evaluate root causes and lifestyle factors for comprehensive treatment.