One of the most common conditions affecting people today is fatigue. While fatigue has many causes, such as chronic infections (viral, bacterial and of course, lyme), poor sleep, lack of nutrition, blood sugar issues and others, but most commonly is a condition call Adrenal fatigue.
Our body has three common neurological modes ( and a fourth mode as well which is less commonly used). The dominant mode of humans most of the time is Parasympathetic mode, or relaxation mode. This state involves a calm state of mind, focus on digestion, and clam purposeful activity devoid of hurry or worrying.
The second state is the Sympathetic or Stress Mode. This mode involves a focus on increasing circulation to the skeletal muscles and away from digestion, a rise in blood sugar, decrease in pain and decreased wound healing. These changes are initially modulated by adrenaline, but in the long term by cortisol, both of which are produced by the adrenal glands.
The human body is designed to spend the vast majority of its time in Parasympathetic mode. However our culture spends far more time in sympathetic, or stress mode. This over time will exhaust the adrenal gland, leading to a vast number of health issues, both long term and immediate. Some of these include:
- Metabolic syndrome
- High blood pressure
- Chronic fatigue
- Poor Immunity
- Exhaustion
- Chronic immune deficiencies
- Poor sleep
- Chronic pain
All of these conditions can be greatly alleviated by the Naturopathic treatment. By supporting the Adrenal gland, we can extend the amount of time the body can remain in stress mode, alleviating sleep problems, pain and exhaustion. Then by treating the nervous system and ensuring a healthy return to Parasympathetic function, we can gradually reduce the workload of the adrenal gland and reduce the risk of the many health problems that emerge from excessive sympathetic activity. Acupuncture and Homeopathy are both very useful here.
Furthermore,the adrenal gland has a profound interrelationship with the other hormonal systems. Thyroid problems and Feminine Hormone Imbalances, like PMS, Infertility, and Menopause can all be profoundly influenced by adrenal hormonal dysfunction. Correcting these problems requires correcting adrenal function, and restoring Parasympathetic dominance.
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Image Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illu_adrenal_gland.jpg.