Stress & sleep

Acupuncture for Burnout & Exhaustion

With burnout or prolonged strain, the reserves of body and mind become depleted. Rest alone is then often no longer enough to recover. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used as support alongside your recovery, focusing on calm, energy and better sleep.

How do you recognise burnout or exhaustion?

Burnout usually develops gradually, after a longer period in which the demands exceed the ability to recover. It is often preceded by a phase of being overstressed, in which signals of stress are already present but it is still possible to carry on.

A characteristic feature is deep, persistent exhaustion that does not disappear after a weekend or holiday. In addition, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, emotionality, sensitivity to stimuli and the feeling of having no energy for anything are common. Sleep problems, headaches, muscle aches and reduced resistance may also occur.

Recovering from burnout takes time and rarely follows a straight line. Alongside rest and guidance, it is important that the body is given the space to recharge.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Burnout from a TCM perspective

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, burnout is often seen as a situation in which more energy has been used over a long period than has been replenished. Both depletion and stuck tension can be present at the same time. Treatment focuses on replenishing what is lacking and restoring flow where things are stuck.

Spleen Qi deficiency

Pi Qi Xu

Within TCM, the Spleen is seen as the source of daily energy. With prolonged strain, worrying and irregular eating, it can become weakened. This is associated with fatigue, a heavy feeling, poor appetite and difficulty concentrating.

Kidney deficiency

Shen Xu

Within TCM, the Kidneys are seen as the body’s deeper reserve. When this reserve is drawn upon for a long time, this may be accompanied by deep exhaustion, a lack of resilience, feeling cold or restless at night, and slow recovery.

Liver Qi stagnation

Gan Qi Yu Jie

Alongside depletion, there is often stuck tension as well. This is associated with irritability, emotional fluctuations, a pent-up feeling and tension in the neck and shoulders.

How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help with burnout?

Treatment is tailored to the stage of recovery and to what is most prominent at that moment: exhaustion, restlessness or sleep problems. Depending on this, acupuncture, laser acupuncture, laser ear acupuncture or a combination may be used.

01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on acupuncture points that are applied within TCM to replenish energy and reduce tension.
02Laser ear acupuncture: points on the ear are always treated with the laser, without needles. These points are often used for restlessness, tension and sleep problems and can be combined with the rest of the treatment.
03Gentle approach: especially in the early stage of burnout, treatment is deliberately kept calm and not too demanding, giving the body space to recover.
04Recovery in daily life: attention is also given to sleep, nutrition, rhythm and capacity, so that recovery is supported outside the treatments as well.

Prefer no needles?

Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.

Safety and medical alignment:Acupuncture can be used as a complement to guidance from your GP, occupational physician or psychologist and does not replace it. With persistent low mood or worsening complaints, it is important to contact your GP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture help with burnout?

Acupuncture can be used as support during recovery from burnout. Treatment focuses on calm, energy and sleep and is tailored to the stage you are in.

What is the difference between being overstressed and burnout?

Being overstressed involves temporary overload, from which recovery is usually possible within weeks to months. Burnout is a more serious form, in which the exhaustion is deeper and recovery generally takes longer.

Can I combine acupuncture with guidance from a psychologist or coach?

Yes. Acupuncture focuses mainly on physical recovery and combines well with guidance from a psychologist, coach or occupational physician.

Isn’t acupuncture too demanding when I am exhausted?

Treatment is adapted to how you feel. Often only a few points are used at first, and you lie quietly during the session. Laser acupuncture is completely needle-free and often especially comfortable for people who are sensitive to stimuli.

Can laser acupuncture be used for burnout?

Yes. Especially when you are exhausted and have little capacity, a needle-free treatment can be comfortable. Laser acupuncture can be built up gently and later combined with needle acupuncture when that suits your recovery.

How many treatments are needed?

Recovery from burnout is a gradual process. The number of treatments varies per person. Treatment often starts at a somewhat higher frequency, which is reduced as recovery progresses.

Stress & tension

Constantly feeling "on", internal tension, and difficulty letting go.

Sleep problems

Trouble falling asleep, restless sleep, waking frequently, or waking up unrefreshed.

Fatigue

Persistent tiredness that does not fade with a night of sleep, and difficulty getting through the day.

Personal Treatment Plan

Exhausted and running on empty?

During a treatment, we look at where you are in your recovery and which form of acupuncture suits you best.

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