Addressing Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is often used as a blanket diagnosis for why we feel tired. With any fatigue, Ayurveda states that Vata dosha’s light, dry, cold, rough, and mobile qualities first increase in the colon, then spread throughout the body, eventually depositing into a vulnerable tissue. In the case of adrenal fatigue, Vata from the colon deposits into the adrenals, often due to localized vulnerability from overexposure to stress.

While the adrenals are most notably associated with our stress response, they are multi systemic players whose influence also extends to reproductive, blood, and adipose tissues, as well as the kidneys and mental health. So while our adrenals are most prominently affected by and become fatigued through our relationship to life’s stressors, additional factors do exist.

The classic pattern is one of overwork and overwhelm. Work, family, financal responsibility, etc. often lead us to take on more than our capacity. The body compensates by overproduction of stress hormones, namely adrenalin and cortisol, providing a temporary means to push through true energetic capacity. Over time, this continual overproduction of adrenalin and cortisol taxes the body and leads to burn-out, or fatigue.

Other lifestyle contributors include: overuse of coffee, tobacco and other stimulants, improper diet and emotional eating, excessive sexual behavior, and abuse of drugs or prescription medications.

Under these conditions, the adrenals become a kavaigunya or defective space. Since the energetics of the adrenals becomes weak, these organs become vulnerable to excess doshas depositing there.

S I G N S + S Y M P T O M S

Extreme fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, hyper pigmentation (brown spots), dark circles under the eyes, loss of hair, muscle pain (legs), sexual dysfunction, low back ache, cravings for salt.

R E M E D I E S

While there exist direct biological causes, adrenal fatigue is also a result of the health of the mind. When rajas or over activity and desire lead to us into expeiences that are more stressful than we can handle. Contemplative practices such as meditation, observation of the breath, yoga, or walks in nature are effective methods for healing the mind, and are very practical means for treating preliminary stages of adrenal fatigue.

S T R E S S M A N A G E M E N T

Ayurveda offers a variety of remedies to manage stress and calm the nervous system. These include Yoga and mild exercise, Pranayama (breathing techniques), Meditation or another contemplative practice, Abhyanga (oil massage), Nasya (nasal oil administration), and Dinacharya (daily routine).

D i n a c h a r y a

Dinacharya, or a healthy, regular daily routine, creates fundamental support for any individual. It involves waking up at the same time everyday, go to sleep at the same time, taking meals at the same time. It also goes in to finer detail, such as which times are optimal for any activity--for example, waking before sunrise is ideal because it gives us the opportunity to witness the rising of the sun, and the feeling of our own organ systems waking up along with it. In general, this syncs the biological clock to run more smoothly because regularity will balance the vishama or changeable quality of Vata dosha, and provide periods of calm and equanimity within one’s day. And perhaps most importantly, Dinacharya provides the structure to incorporate other stress reducing remedies.

A b h y a n g a

Self massage with warm oil pacifies Vata by calming the nervous system and nourishing lymphatic circuation. It lubricates the skin, rejuvenates tissues, and facilitates detoxification. It is best to use a Vata balancing oil such as sesame, or an oil infused with Vata pacifying herbs such as Ashwaganda, Bala, and Dashamula.

See the Abhyanga Tutorial on the Banyan Botanicals website for a practical demonstration.

N a s y a

Nasal application of oil works directly on the breath and brain. Oil dropped into the nose brings the rejuvenating qualities of oil to our mind, helping to sooth and calm one’s nerves while also bringing mental clarity, alertness, and dexterity. It also has the capacity to clear nasal passages and improve intake of fresh, oxygenated air: our best source of prana or energy.

Nasya is best demonstrated in person with an experienced practitioner.

P r a n a y a m a

Pranayama is the practice of mindful and deliberate breath. Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostil breathing restores the proper function and direction to Vata dosha. It cleanses the oxygen carrying channels of the body and simultaneously softens and focuses the mind.

For a practical video demonstration of Alternate Nostril Breathing, see this recording by practitioner and pranacharya, Jordan Grinstein: Alternate Nostril Breathing

M e d i t a t i o n + R e s t

Meditation has the capacity to change our daily relationship to stress, and our Samskaras or tendency to fall into stressful and unserving mental/emotional patterns. Mindfulness is a practice best mastered through spiritual guides, such as Tich Naht Hahn or our teacher Vasant Lad. Nonetheless, the only thing that one needs in order to start practicing is their own breath and to simply observe it.

The gist of the teachings is to exist in a state of increased awareness, hence the term "living mindfully." When we practice, our thoughts become more organized and focused; when the mind settles, our to-do list starts shrinking, and we become capable reducing mental clutter. With more space in the consciousness, the balance of the mind remains more in tact and less reactive to normal stressors.

T R E A T M E N T S

V r k k a B a s t i

Due to the proximity and functional integrity between the kidneys and adrenal glands, the best treatment for adrenal fatigue is pooling medicated oil over the kidney and adrenal space on the back. This works directly on the space of the adrenals, and can help treat the presence of Vata dosha, providing localized nourishment and rejuvenation.

S h i r o d h a r a

Shirodhara is a continuous stream of oil to the third eye. It supports mental tranquility, relieves stress, and aids one in attaining a state of deep relaxation. This treatment requires an Ayurvedic Practitioner for administration.

H Y D R A T I O N

Functional integrity between the kidneys and adrenals means that fatigue in one could be shared by both. Therefore, providing rejuvenation to the kidneys in the form of hydration therapy will also help to rejuvenate the adrenals.

C e l l u l a r H y d r a t i o n

When our cells become dry, they flatten out and become unable to properly saturate themselves with hydration. In order to facilitate our cellular absorption of water, we need to introduce oil, which will restore cellular permeability and hydration. 1tbsp of essential fatty acid is a good choice, taken twice a day between meals. Favor flax, sunflower, sesame, and evening primrose. For best results, use Yasti Tailum (licorice sesame oil) for increasing cellular uptake of water.

A y u r - a i d

A classic Ayurvedic remedy for the water carrying channel of the body (ambu vaha srotas) which rejuvenates the kidneys is a simple recipe for Ayur-aid that includes adding raw honey, lime, and salt to very warm water. Make sure that your honey is raw, and that you use pure rock salt. This drink can be taken first thing in the morning, between 2-4pm, or simply sipped throughout the day.

S i p p i n g

The kidneys are able to process 4 ounces of water every 15 minutes. Drinking more than this can burden the kidneys and lead to dumping of fluid. Water, like anything else we take in, needs to be digested, so drinking warm or hot water can aid in its digestion and absorption.

A b h y a n g a

We already mentioned abhyanga for stress reduction, because, in truth, abhyanga is a panacea for restoring health. In terms of our hydration, abhyanga allows oil to penetrate the skin and tissues, and allows for the rehydration of dried out tissue, as well as the maintenance of proper lubrication and tissue hydration and prevention of water loss through the skin.

H E R B S

The more serious the disorder, the stronger the medicines it requires to achieve balance. Herbs contain potent viryas or strength of action that can be utilized to support energy levels.

Dr. Vassant Lad’s

Hypo-Adrenal Herbal Protocol:

Licorice 500

Ashwaganda 400

Bala 300

Vidari 200

Atma Gupta 200 (if there is also sexual debility)

½ tsp before meals with warm water.

AND 1tsp Gandharva Haritaki before bed with warm water.

This formula will manage Vata dosha, rejuvenate the adrenals, provide adaptogenic action, strengthen sexual potency, and provide overall anabolism, nourishment, and strength.

In general, Rasayana Cikitsa, or rejuvenating therapy is indicated during adrenal fatigue. One of the best Rasayanas to support tranquility and overall tissue health, is the ancient Ayurvedic remedy Brahma Rasayana, purchasable from the website, indiaabundance.com

C O N C L U S I O N

Understanding that fatigue can have numerous root causes, it becomes necessary to determine if adrenal malfunction is the root cause of your fatigue, as well as how far along the pathogenesis has gone. To accommodate your individual needs, and create the most appropriate personal protocol, please contact us at Tridoshic Ayurveda, or your pre-existing Ayurvedic Practitioner.

It is also important to note that true adrenal insufficiency can be a life threatening situation, and whenever one faces a life threatening situation it is important to receive immediate medical help through the care of a Medical Doctor. Nonetheless, since adrenal fatigue can be used as a generalized term, it is entirely possible for one to be experiencing preliminary stages of adrenal fatigue that has not yet progressed to a diagnosable disturbance. One of the splendors of Ayurveda is its capacity to recognize sub-acute states of disorders and bring about balance before the problem completely manifests and becomes more difficult to manage.

We hope you’ve found this article informative, and we invite you to contact us at tridoshicayurveda@gmail.com for any additional support!