In the case of burnout or exhaustion, Chinese medicine distinguishes in advance between stagnation-related symptoms and true emptiness patterns. In the case of real exhaustion, the stores are so empty that a longer recovery period is needed to regenerate them. For example, in the case of the classic burnout syndrome, when people work themselves beyond their limits over a longer period of time until their compensation mechanisms are exhausted.
Stagnation is to be distinguished from this real lack of energy; when stagnation is present, fatigue and inability to act occur because the Qi is blocked. That is, the existing energy can not flow for various reasons, for example, because what someone is trying to do is actually contrary to their inner being.
Classification according to the 5 elements Chinese medicine describes five different "exhaustion types" according to the five elements. As a rule, a person will combine several aspects or elements.
The Wood-Type is creative and ambitious. She is very fast herself but tends to be very impatient and is often annoyed when others are too slow. Her benchmark is not the average but what she thinks is possible. Therefore, her pressure to perform is exacerbated by a performance-oriented environment. On the physical level, tension, PMS, biliousness or stomach problems often show up. The exhaustion here often leads to nervous breakdowns or anger. Alcohol brings short-term relief here but makes it worse in the long run. If this anger is suppressed, it may turn against oneself and eventually cause depression-like conditions. Then it is almost always "find valves" for the inner impulses. This can be e.g. martial arts, daring communication, active art or whatever solves the stagnation.
The Fire-Type: She burns for her cause and often does not even perceive the work as such, because she is so absorbed in it. She forgets about time, food and hardly gets any sleep. Working and celebrating sometimes have fluid transitions here. When the enthusiasm and dedication for the project are too much for her, she becomes hectic and can hardly sleep. Concentration problems, inner restlessness, palpitations and even feelings of panic are typical symptoms.
The idea that this is not a healthy balance usually comes very late, because "everything is going super mega well". She has no desire for the rest that would be good for her now and often has to discipline herself to take a day off during the week, to finish work at a certain time or to take breaks.
The Earth-Type cares, worries, thinks for everyone, takes on way too much responsibility and often comes up short himself. The classic life situation in which this occurs is that of (young) mothers. Many have little choice but to put their own needs on the back burner in this phase of life. With an infant, night sleep is disturbed anyway, with a wandering toddler as well, after which time many lie awake for years with a "waking ear" and have less deep and restful sleep. Since at any time the child can call, there is no real break during the day. Some find more rest in the office than at home. Often, late evening, when everything is finally asleep, is the only time she has to herself. Then, however, there is no longer enough energy for what would really do her good, but at most for watching TV and eating. Typical symptoms are constant fatigue, hormonal disturbances and weight gain. Relief would be necessary here. Structurally, this is often difficult, but there is usually a little leeway. Initially she has to invest some strength to bring about change and even letting go requires a bit of strength. If she lacks this, she needs active help from outside (not: "How can I help you?" but "I'll take over and you take a break now").
The Metal-Type exhausts itself on its accuracy. For others manageable task become so demanding that it is almost impossible to do them justice. Unlike fire enthusiasm, this is not about something "super great awesome" but simply about doing the task correctly and flawlessly! In a world where many others don't pay as much attention to these accuracies, he is constantly faced with mistakes and challenges. The metal guy is probably most often told "don't stress yourself (and others) out so much." However, he can get out of his skin as little as anyone else. According to TCM, skin symptoms and allergies are particularly common in this constitution type; intolerances, dry mucous membranes and chronic inflammation (for example, of the sinuses). Breathing is also associated with the metal element and breathing exercises are a good way to practice accepting and letting go.
The water type exhausts itself mainly through unconscious fears. Sometimes these are based on a traumatic experience. This then sometimes leads to a permanent "survival mode". The exhaustion often only comes to the surface when we feel safe again. It then manifests itself in fatigue, slowed metabolism, tendency to insecurity and depression, and a chronic feeling of coldness. Although all types negatively affect fertility, this form promotes a depletion of Kidney Qi most directly affects Regenerative Power and fertility.
Symptoms Exhaustion manifests itself both in psychological symptoms such as chronic fatigue, emotional lability and mood swings, apathy and concentration disorders, and in functional ailments such as sleep disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, the inability to move, susceptibility to infections, back pain, stomach problems, etc.. In severe cases or in the case of prolonged stress, substantial somatic disorders may also occur.
Differential diagnosis The cause of persistent exhaustion can, of course, also be organic diseases, malnutrition, medication, cancer, and others. A thorough diagnostic clarification is therefore absolutely necessary.
Regeneration The treatment of an exhaustion syndrome with holistic and conventional medical methods depends on the type of exhaustion. Depending on the initial situation, it may be useful to examine the blood for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, to check the function of the thyroid gland or to examine for latent inflammations. Since the stress hormone cortisol has a direct influence on the sex hormones and many other functions, hormone diagnostics are also performed in some cases. Likewise, our digestion is a central element when it comes to our energy supply and strength. In this respect, stool diagnostics are also part of the laboratory tests.
Detected vitamin deficiencies can often be corrected by dietary supplements or infusions. While infusion therapy is primarily restorative and strengthening,
acupuncture helps to release stagnations and relieve individual symptoms such as sleep disorders or tension. Initially, treatments take place on a weekly basis. Regular times for one's own regeneration should be maintained after this initial period.
A "course correction" and change of harmful behavioral patterns is essential for long-term success.
