Acupressure is considered to be one of the oldest healing techniques, dating back 3,000 years. Acupressure is different than acupuncture in the aspect that fingertips are used to apply pressure to the human body as opposed to the insertion of needles. Adrenal acupressure may be an alternative treatment option for a person suffering from adrenal gland fatigue, often referred to as the "21st century stress syndrome," because it is believed to be caused by significant amounts of stress. However, adrenal fatigue is not an accepted diagnosis in the medical community, so consult your physician before starting an alternative therapy.
Adrenal Gland Functioning
Adrenal glands are powerful endocrine glands located at the top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing more than 50 hormones including corticosteroids, DHEA and aldosterones. These hormones regulate the body's use of energy and also aid the body in effectively responding to stress. Prolonged periods of stress disrupt normal adrenal functioning and leave the body vulnerable to adrenal fatigue. While Eastern theories postulate that this disruption may lead to serious health problems, theories in Western medicine suggest insufficient adrenal functioning is the result of a more serious underlying problem such as depression or fybromyalgia.
Causes and Symptoms
According to naturopath James Wilson, Ph.D., "adrenal fatigue is produced when your adrenal glands cannot adequately meet the demands of stress," which leads to a diminished amount of regulatory hormones. Physical, emotional and psychological stressors can all contribute to adrenal fatigue; physical trauma, poor diet, excessive exercise, lack of sleep, emotional trauma and pregnancy are some of the events that have been identified as causes of adrenal exhaustion, notes Wilson. Symptoms usually include morning fatigue, weakness, depression, frustration, insomnia, irritability, digestive issues, loss of libido and stubborn weight gain. Diagnosing adrenal insufficiency can be difficult without proper hormonal testing. If you believe you are suffering from any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your physician before undergoing alternative treatments; hormone levels can be obtained through blood, urine and saliva tests.
Acupressure Treatment
If you are seeking an alternative treatment option instead of drug therapy, holistic practitioners advocate acupressure or herbal supplements. Acupressure is used to diagnose various health problems and treat emotions, tensions and physical conditions by regulating energy and maintaining yin and yang equilibrium. The process of acupressure focuses on restoring the normal energy flow within the body. When a licensed practitioner applies pressure to specific points on the ankle and the foot, stimulation of the pressure point forces stagnant energy caused by stress to flow forward allowing the chi to circulate freely.
Maintaining Healthy Adrenal Function
While holistic practitioners suggest acupressure can have positive results as a treatment for adrenal fatigue, there is insufficient scientific research to fully support the claims. However, health professionals in both communities do agree that maintaining healthy adrenal functioning requires healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. Wilson's findings suggest that adequate sleep, laughter, moderate exercise, yoga, meditation, minimizing stress, avoiding junk food and following a healthy diet regularly are all factors that minimize the onset of adrenal fatigue.
References
- Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome; James Wilson
- Eclectic Energies: How to Apply Acupressure
- Acupressure in Daily Life; Savitri Ramaiah
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