Feel constantly tired for no reason? Need caffeine to help you through the day once you struggle out of bed? Constantly craving colas and salty food? It is very likely that you are suffering from a condition called adrenal fatigue. This problem affects millions of teenagers and adults the world over, but is a highly underacknowledged medical issue. Adrenal fatigue occurs when the adrenal glands (hormonal glands situated on top of the kidneys) cannot produce enough of the hormone to match the body’s demands. The body needs extra adrenalin to keep up with the rat race, make money, balance relationships and find peace of mind.
The havoc that adrenal fatigue wrecks on your body and life is slow but steady, and in serious cases, causes organ systems to shut down. Digestion, excretion, fluid and electrolyte balance, and your metabolism are thrown out of gear. Most people who cannot lose weight are usually suffering from adrenal fatigue. Unfortunately, this isn’t the kind that one can fix with just sleep. The mind needs to be trained to deal with subtle and direct stress, and the endocrine and nervous system need to be soothed. The following is a simple posture that anybody can do on a daily basis to revive energy and gently restore balance to the adrenal glands.
Sphinx Asana
You will need either one yoga mat or two stacked for cushioning.
Lie flat on your stomach with your forehead resting on the floor, legs hip-width apart and toes stretched backward.
Bend your arms and place your forearms on the floor with the palms down on each side of the head.
Place your fingertips in line with the crown of the head.
Keep your forearms and elbows close to your body.
Inhale and raise the head, shoulders and chest so that your upper arms become perpendicular to the floor and your elbows rest on the mat.
Breathe normally and stay in the posture as long as you are comfortable.
When you are ready to release the posture, exhale and slowly lower your torso to the floor.
Repeat five times.