Common Symptoms that are not normal
- jessicarminogue
- Mar 17
- 5 min read
Have you ever been told that certain symptoms are just a “normal” part of life? Maybe you’ve been reassured that waking up exhausted, having irregular periods, or struggling with digestion is just the way your body is. But in Chinese medicine, these are not simply inconveniences to endure—they are signs that your body is out of balance and in need of support.
Symptoms That Might Be Common, But Are Not Normal
If you experience any of the following, your body could be signalling an imbalance:
Waking up with no appetite
Getting 8 hours of sleep but still feeling exhausted
Extreme perimenopause symptoms
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Frequent mood swings
PMS that disrupts your life
Low energy, no matter how much you rest
Irregular menstrual cycles
Constipation, loose bowels, or alternating between the two
Regular back, neck and shoulder pain / Jaw Clenching (TMJ)
While many of these symptoms are brushed off as normal—especially for women—they are actually signs that your body isn’t functioning optimally. The good news? Chinese medicine sees these patterns as clues, and by addressing the root cause, we can bring the body back into balance.
An initial treatment plan is created according to your specific signs and symptoms then maintenance appointments for long term sustainability is advised to keep body in balance and symptoms manageable.
Understanding Symptoms Through Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine looks at the body holistically. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, we examine underlying patterns of imbalance in the bodies organ systems and energy (Qi). Let’s explore how some of these common symptoms are understood in Chinese medicine.
1. Waking Up With No Appetite
In Chinese medicine a healthy digestive system is key to overall health. If you wake up with no appetite, it may indicate Spleen Qi Deficiency. The Spleen is responsible for transforming food into energy, and when it’s weak, digestion slows down. Other signs of Spleen Qi Deficiency include bloating, fatigue, and sugar cravings and can be worsened by yoyo dieting, skipping meals, excessive worry.
2. Getting Enough Sleep But Still Feeling Tired
If you’re getting 7-9 hours of sleep and still waking up exhausted, your body is signalling that there is a disharmony going on. This can be linked to Spleen Qi Deficiency or a deficiency in Kidney Yang (our source of deep, stored energy). Blood Deficiency can also play a role—if your body isn’t producing enough nourishing blood, your sleep won’t be as restorative.
3. Extreme Perimenopause Symptoms
Menopause and perimenopause are natural transitions, but severe symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and emotional ups and downs suggest an imbalance—often Liver Qi Stagnation or Kidney Yin Deficiency. Kidney Yin nourishes the bodies cooling and moistening functions, so when it’s depleted, heat symptoms arise. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help ease this transition and the varying symptoms that arise throughout this period of time.
4. Trouble Falling or Staying Asleep
Insomnia in Chinese medicine can originate from different imbalances. Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep / waking frequently may be due to Liver Qi Stagnation causing internal restlessness or Heart Deficiency. If you wake up frequently between 1 and 3AM, this points to an imbalance in the Liver.
5. Frequent Mood Swings
Unstable emotions often stem from Liver Qi Stagnation. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body, and when it starts to stagnate (often due to stress or emotional suppression), it can lead to mood swings, irritability, and even digestive upset. This can be related to hormonal health and in particular is quite prevalent in relation to perimenopause/menopause and show up in PMS and irregular cycles.
6. PMS & Menstrual Irregularities
Severe PMS, painful cramps, and irregular cycles are often due to stagnation of Qi and/or Blood. A healthy menstrual cycle should be regular, with minimal discomfort. If periods are heavy, painful, or irregular, it’s a sign that your hormones need balancing depending on your presenting signs and symptoms This is where Acupuncture and Herbs are very useful.
7. Low Energy, No Matter How Much You Rest
Constant fatigue can be linked to Spleen Qi Deficiency (digestive weakness), Lung Qi Deficiency (poor immunity), or Kidney Yang Deficiency (deep energy reserves being depleted). Supporting the body with warming foods, acupuncture, and herbal formulas can help boost energy levels naturally.
8. Digestive Issues: Constipation, Loose Stools, or Both
Digestive health sits at the centre of Chinese medicine. Loose stools often indicate Spleen Qi Deficiency, while constipation can be due to Liver Qi Stagnation or dryness from Yin Deficiency. If you alternate between loose and firm stools, it suggests an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen. Eating warm, cooked foods and avoiding excessive raw, cold foods can help support digestion, whilst Acupuncture & Herbal formulas can support nourishing digestion over time by getting to the root cause.
9. Back, Neck, and Shoulder Pain / Jaw Clenching (TMJ)
Pain in the back, neck, and shoulders and clenching of the jaw is often a result of Qi and Blood Stagnation. When the flow of Qi and blood is disrupted—whether due to stress, poor posture, or emotional tension—pain and stiffness can develop. Stress is a major contributor to Liver Qi Stagnation, which in turn affects blood circulation and muscle tension. To relieve this type of pain, Chinese medicine focuses on both moving the stagnation and nourishing the underlying Qi and Blood. The Spleen plays a key role in producing blood, while the Liver ensures its smooth flow. Stress is the major culprit for jaw clenching. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and practices stress management techniques can help restore circulation, ease tension, and prevent pain & discomfort from becoming chronic.
What You Can Do To Restore Balance
If these symptoms sound familiar, the key is to listen to your body. Here are some steps to start bringing it back into balance:
Acupuncture: For your specific signs and symptoms. Each session builds on the previous one as it aims to get to the root cause of your signs and symptoms for long term change.
Herbal Medicine: There are so many different herbal formulas to address all disharmonies in the body and support your acupuncture treatment. These herbal formulas are customised to your specific signs and symptoms.
Dietary Therapy: Food can either support or make worse your symptoms. Eating warm, nourishing foods, avoiding excessive cold/raw foods, and be advised of additional specific foods that can support your symptoms specifically.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Prioritising rest, managing stress, and engaging in activities that calm your nervous system on a regular basis.
Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s your bodies way of communicating that something needs attention and you do not need to suffer through these symptoms every day. Chinese medicine offers a gentle, holistic way to restore balance and help you feel better—not just temporarily, but for the long term.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture or herbal medicine can help with your symptoms, feel free to reach out or book a session. Your deserves to feel your best on a daily basis.
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