The Adrenal Guardians of The Healing Process

Following on from the last journal (Rhythm: The Rhythmic Foundations in Life, Physiology, Emotions and Healing), it is evident how the role of the adrenal glands play a critical role in the rhythm of our inner physiology and hence hold the a key to unlocking the healing process itself.

Sometimes, in practice, there are individuals who are particularly difficult to help. You can apply all the best techniques and offer personalised advice, yet sometimes their symptoms and physiological state do not change. Over the years, I have learned that the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys, are the gatekeepers to the healing process. If we do not first address these gatekeepers, no therapeutic intervention—no matter how clever, wise, experienced, or skilled—will be effective. I am constantly reminded of this in practice.

The adrenal glands play a crucial role in survival, particularly when the external environment demands our full attention and alertness. They stimulate the nervous system and our general physiological state into awakeness, increasing our awareness and focus on the surrounding environment, away from our inner being. In essence, the adrenal glands shift our consciousness outward, pushing it into the periphery. This heightened state of awareness comes at the cost of the rhythms of our internal environment, which are put on hold. The body uses all its resources to meet external demands: glucose stores are released into the blood, calcium is mobilised from the bones, and the body enters a state of survival rather than restoration.

One of the key impacts of the adrenals is their relationship with the immune system. Adrenaline and cortisol are both immune and inflammatory suppressants. Modern pharmacology has taken advantage of this by producing corticosteroids and noradrenaline medication, which act as synthetic versions of these hormones to suppress inflammation and immune function. When we are preoccupied with the demands of the outer world, our immune system is not needed for active engagement.

But what is the function of the immune system?

The immune system's role is to reintegrate the body, clearing out toxic imbalances and breaking down old patterns imprinted from our interactions with the external world. Acute inflammation is a critical healing function. Healthy, acute inflammation brings nutrient-rich blood and immune cells to break down damaged tissue, allowing the body to rebuild and regenerate fresh, integrated tissue. This, in essence, is the body's ultimate tool for self-healing.

There is a direct correlation between the immune system and our consciousness. When the immune system is working to break down old patterns, detoxify, and heal, our ability to maintain conscious awareness in our everyday state is significantly reduced—just think about how you feel during a fever.

Therefore, when we need to be fully present with the outer world, it's not an ideal time for our immune system to be engaged. When the adrenal glands are in a chronic state of survival, the immune system is chronically suppressed, and the body's ability to heal is significantly diminished.

The Addiction to Chronic Adrenal States

When the adrenal glands keep us in a heightened, alert state, we may feel awake, experience less pain, and avoid common illnesses like colds or flus (as the symptoms of these are caused by an active immune system). In this state, our thoughts may become unconsciously fixated on problems, as the adrenal glands maintain the body in survival mode. We start to perceive the world as a threat and feel compelled to prepare for potential dangers. This is when we become addicted to drama, as it amplifies the adrenal "awake" state.

As the body’s natural rhythms are suppressed, healing does not occur, and symptoms (even during the adrenal state) begin to manifest. When these individuals present themselves for care, they may fear being unable to continue or losing their adrenal energy, which they rely on to keep up with the drama.

However, it can be said that pain is the body’s way of trying to interrupt this pattern and bring the individual back to themselves.

How Do We Break This Cycle?

First, it's important to recognise that the adrenal glands are like dogs—they need routine and are creatures of habit.

The first step in breaking this pattern is quite straightforward:

• Every day, at the same time, in the middle of the day, before the afternoon, lie down on your back with your feet up on a chair. Make sure you are comfortable, close your eyes, and set a timer for 12 minutes.
This may sound absurd, but doing this every day helps break the pattern. Lying down allows the adrenal glands to rest, and elevating the feet removes pressure from the pelvis. This simple practice can stop the afternoon crash and, in turn, reduce cravings for sugar to get through the rest of the day.

• Second, the only exercise needed is a gentle walk in nature. A leisurely walk of 30 minutes is plenty—avoid any exertion.

• Third, develop a healthy rhythm for your day. Choose one task to complete in the morning, then rest in the afternoon.

• Avoid media, especially social media, and avoid socialising for a period of three months.

• We must understand the individual: It's important to identify how the individual is holding onto their adrenal energy. They are often protective of it, as it makes them feel good.

Once the adrenal glands are able to let go, the healing process will not be easy.

As a practitioner, it is vital to have faith in the process, as the patient will likely experience an acute period of pain as they reconnect with their body and how it truly feels. This will be followed by inflammation, as the body begins its healing process; an immune phase, as the body reintegrates itself; and an emotional period, as the stored patterns are expressed into conscious awareness. Finally, the patient will begin to feel themselves, reconnecting with their true centre and becoming embodied once again.

This journey requires courage and faith—from both the patient, who must undergo this transformation, and the practitioner, who must guide and facilitate the process.