Burnout Support:
A Chinese Medicine & Five Element Guide
In Chinese medicine, burnout isn’t weakness — it’s depletion.
Teaching asks you to give attention, patience, voice, heart, and care — all day long.
Over time, your system can empty faster than it refills.
Healing begins not by pushing harder,
but by restoring flow, nourishment, and rhythm.
Small moments of regulation matter.
The Five Elements at Work
Wood: Movement & Boundaries
When stuck → tension, irritability, frustration
Support: stretch, walk outside, sigh, move between classes
“I don’t have to hold everything.”
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Fire: Heat & Joy
When depleted → overwhelm, poor sleep, emotional fatigue
Support: one small moment of connection or pleasure daily
“My heart deserves rest.”
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Earth: Nourishment
When weak → brain fog, worry, heaviness
Support: warm meals, sit while eating, regular breaks
“I am allowed to receive care too.”
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Metal: Breath & Let Go
When tight → perfectionism, holding too much
Support: slow breathing, soften expectations, release what isn’t yours to fix
“Good enough is enough.”
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Water: Deep Reserves
When empty → true exhaustion, low willpower
Support: earlier sleep, warmth, quiet time
“Rest is productive.”
Ear Reset: Auricular Support for the Nervous System
In Chinese medicine and auricular acupuncture, the ear is a microsystem of the whole body. Each area of the ear reflects the organs, nervous system, and emotional centers — like a map of the entire body. Because the ear is richly innervated (including branches of the vagus nerve), gentle stimulation here can quickly help shift the body from stress response → rest and digest.
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How to use:
Massage the entire ear, roll the earlobes, gently tug upward, and press tender spots for 10–20 seconds.
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Breathing Support:
Extended exhale breathing is a technique that involves intentionally lengthening your exhale so it becomes longer than your inhale. This helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s rest and digest response — counteracting the stress-inducing fight-or-flight state.
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A Gentle Reminder:
You are not meant to run on empty.
Small, consistent care can restore more than big efforts.
Even two quiet minutes can reset your whole system.