Case Studies: Two Patients, Many Symptoms
This week, I treated two patients experiencing a mix of physical and emotional symptoms that they believed were unrelated. Both were women (one in late 40s; the other in her early 50s) struggled with insomnia, body aches (especially in the neck and back), perceived anxiety, and digestive discomfort. One had suspected high cortisol due to chronic stress, while the other simply thought they were dealing with random physical complaints and potential fatigue syndrome. However, their symptoms pointed to a deeper issue—low cortisol caused by prolonged stress.
When the body endures long-term stress, it initially produces high levels of cortisol to cope. Over time, the adrenal system becomes fatigued, leading to cortisol depletion. The new stressors these patients were experiencing—whether work pressure, family obligations, or life changes—weren’t the root cause but rather exacerbating an already exhausted system.
How Low Cortisol Often Shows Up in Women
Low cortisol doesn’t always present as extreme fatigue right away. Instead, it can manifest as:
Chronic muscle tension (especially in the neck, shoulders, and back)
Anxiety-like symptoms (but feeling wired and tired rather than hyperactive)
Frequent colds or slow recovery from illness
Digestive issues (bloating, nausea, IBS-like symptoms)
Unstable blood sugar, shakiness, and salt cravings
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or feeling weak when standing up too quickly
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, waking up unrefreshed
Unfortunately, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed as anxiety, IBS, depression, or just aging. Many women push through, unaware that their body is struggling to keep up.
The Root Cause: Chronic Stress & Cortisol Depletion
Initially, stress triggers a surge of Liver Qi stagnation, leading to tension, frustration, and restlessness. Over time, Kidney depletion sets in, weakening resilience, causing exhaustion, and disrupting sleep. The Spleen also suffers, impairing digestion and energy production.
Rather than addressing symptoms in isolation, acupuncture works by restoring balance to these three key organ systems.
How Acupuncture Helps Restore Balance
1. The Liver: The Stress & Emotional Regulator
When under stress, the Liver Qi stagnates, leading to muscle tension, irritability, and restless sleep. Over time, this can contribute to anxiety, tightness in the neck and shoulders, and digestive upset.
🔹 Key Acupuncture Points: LV3, LV8, GB34
Releases tension and improves circulation to tight muscles
Calms the nervous system, reducing perceived anxiety
Helps digestion by promoting smoother Qi flow
2. The Kidney: The Root of Vital Energy & Adrenal Function
Long-term stress depletes Kidney Yin and Yang, causing fatigue, poor stress tolerance, and disrupted sleep.
🔹 Key Acupuncture Points: KI3, KI7, KI6, BL23
Supports adrenal function, improving energy and stamina
Regulates sleep by balancing cortisol and melatonin cycles
Strengthens resilience to future stressors
3. The Spleen: Digestion, Energy, and Emotional Stability
The Spleen governs digestion, but stress weakens its ability to process food and generate energy, leading to bloating, fatigue, and brain fog.
🔹 Key Acupuncture Points: SP6, SP9, ST36
Strengthens digestion and nutrient absorption
Stabilizes blood sugar, reducing energy crashes
Grounds overthinking and worry, bringing emotional stability
Why Addressing Low Cortisol Early Matters
Ignoring these signs can lead to further burnout, worsening fatigue, and deeper hormonal imbalances. By restoring Liver, Kidney, and Spleen function with acupuncture, patients experience:
✅ Relief from muscle tension & pain
✅ Better stress resilience & energy levels
✅ Improved digestion & mental clarity
✅ Restful sleep & overall well-being
If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms and feel like no one is connecting the dots, acupuncture might be the missing piece. By treating the root cause, not just symptoms, we help the body recover naturally and build long-term resilience to stress.
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