5 Signs Your Body May Be Out of Balance, A Chinese Medicine Perspective in Canberra
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Margie Virgo is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner who is based in Rivett in the ACT, she has 30 years of experience supporting patients with a wide range of health concerns using a holistic, individualised approach grounded in Chinese Medicine.
This article explores some of the more common signs that may indicate the body is out of balance from a Chinese Medicine perspective, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, digestive concerns, stress, and hormonal changes such as premenstrual symptoms (PMS). It aims to provide general information to help you better understand how these patterns may be viewed within Chinese Medicine, and when you might consider seeking further support.
1. Persistent Fatigue That Doesn’t Improve With Rest
Fatigue is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture in Canberra.
While occasional tiredness is normal, ongoing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest may indicate an underlying imbalance. In Chinese Medicine, this is often associated with a deficiency of Qi (vital energy), particularly involving the Spleen system, which plays a key role in energy production.
You may notice:
Low energy throughout the day
Heaviness in the body
Brain fog or reduced concentration
Lack of motivation
Feeling unrefreshed on waking, even after adequate sleep
Mid-afternoon energy slump or reliance on caffeine
Shortness of breath on exertion or when speaking
Increased susceptibility to frequent colds or feeling run down
Poor appetite or feeling full quickly when eating
Loose stools or digestive sluggishness
A tendency to worry or overthink
Low mood or reduced resilience to stress
Pale complexion or a general lack of vitality
When to consider seeking support: If fatigue is ongoing, impacting your daily activities, or not improving with rest and lifestyle changes, it may be worth exploring further support.
2. Sleep Disturbances and an Unsettled Mind
Sleep concerns—including difficulty falling asleep, waking during the night, or feeling unrefreshed—are increasingly common. Chinese Medicine understands sleep as a reflection of the balance between Yin and Yang. Disruption to this balance may lead to an unsettled mind or restless sleep.
Symptoms may include;
Difficulty falling asleep
Waking during the night or very early in the morning
Restless or light sleep
Vivid or disturbing dreams
Feeling unrefreshed on waking
A racing mind at night or difficulty “switching off”
Night sweats or feeling warm in the evening
Palpitations or a sense of restlessness when trying to sleep
Increased irritability or fatigue the following day
Dependence on caffeine to get through the day
For many people in Canberra managing busy lifestyles, sleep quality can be closely linked to stress levels and overall health.
When to consider seeking support: If sleep difficulties persist over time or begin to affect your energy, mood, or concentration, additional support may be beneficial.
3. Digestive Discomfort and Irregularity
Digestive health is central to Chinese Medicine.The Spleen and Stomach systems are responsible for transforming food into energy and nutrients. When this system is not functioning efficiently.
Symptoms may arise such as:
Bloating, particularly after eating
Abdominal discomfort or distension
Irregular bowel movements (loose stools or constipation)
Fatigue after meals
Poor appetite or lack of interest in food
Cravings for sweet foods
Nausea or a tendency toward reflux
A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen
Sensitivity to certain foods
Changes in bowel habits during times of stress
Diet, stress, and lifestyle habits all play a role. In Chinese Medicine, even factors such as eating habits and food temperature (e.g. excessive cold/raw foods) are considered relevant.
When to consider seeking support: If digestive symptoms are frequent, ongoing, or interfering with your comfort and daily routine, it may be helpful to seek further guidance.
4. Emotional Changes, Stress, and Tension
Stress is a common concern for many people across Canberra and can have both physical and emotional effects. In Chinese Medicine, the Liver system is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi.
When this flow becomes disrupted symptoms may include:
Irritability or frustration
Feeling easily overwhelmed
Mood fluctuations throughout the day
Anxiety or a sense of internal tension
Difficulty relaxing or unwinding
Tightness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
Frequent headaches or a feeling of pressure in the head
Sighing or a sense of restricted breathing
Changes in digestion or sleep during periods of stress
Reduced tolerance to everyday stressors
This reflects the close relationship between emotional wellbeing and physical health.
When to consider seeking support: If stress or emotional changes feel persistent, overwhelming, or begin to affect your physical health or daily functioning, support may be worth considering.
5. Hormonal Changes, PMS, and Cycle Irregularities
Hormonal health is an area where many people seek a more holistic perspective.
Premenstrual symptoms (PMS)—such as mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness, or irritability—are commonly experienced and often considered a normal part of the menstrual cycle. From a Chinese Medicine perspective, however, these symptoms may indicate that the body is not in optimal balance. The menstrual cycle is viewed as a reflection of the body’s internal harmony, particularly involving the Liver, Kidney, and Blood systems.
Symptoms experienced may include:
Mood changes in the lead-up to your cycle
Irritability or emotional sensitivity before menstruation
Bloating or fluid retention
Breast tenderness
Headaches or migraines associated with your cycle
Irregular cycle length or timing
Painful periods
Fatigue before or during menstruation
Changes in sleep around your cycle
Changes associated with perimenopause, such as heat sensations or disrupted sleep
Chinese Medicine takes the approach of exploring what these symptoms may be indicating, rather than viewing them in isolation.
When to consider seeking support: If premenstrual symptoms, cycle changes, or hormonal concerns are recurring or impacting your quality of life, it may be helpful to explore supportive care options.
Supporting Balance with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in Canberra
Chinese Medicine, including acupuncture, aims to support the body’s natural regulatory processes and overall balance. Treatment is always individualised, taking into account your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle.
In clinical practice, this may include:
Acupuncture
Chinese herbal therapy
Infrarred Therapy
Dietary guidance based on Chinese Medicine principles
Lifestyle recommendations tailored to the individual
Taking the Next Step
If you recognise one or more of these patterns in your own health, it may be worth taking the time to explore them further. Subtle, ongoing symptoms are often the body’s way of signalling that something may need attention. Chinese Medicine takes an individualised approach, focusing on understanding your unique presentation and supporting overall balance over time.
If you’re in Canberra and would like to learn more about whether acupuncture may be a suitable option for you, you are welcome to get in touch or book a consultation with
Dr. Margie Virgo. Learn more or book online :www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au
References & Further Reading
The following resources provide general information and access to research relating to acupuncture, women’s health, sleep, stress, and fatigue:
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Acupuncture: What You Need To Know https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
World Health Organization- WHO Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240002700
National Institutes of Health- Acupuncture Research Overview (PubMed database)
Jean Hailes for Women's Health- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) – Overview
Healthdirect Australia- Fatigue – Causes and Management https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatigue
Selected Scientific Literature
Armour, M. et al. (2018) - Acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea and menstrual health: A systematic review and meta-analysis Published in BMJ Open
Smith, C.A. et al. (2019)-Acupuncture for depression and stress-related conditions: A systematic review. Published in Journal of Affective Disorders
Cao, H. et al. (2010)- Acupuncture for treatment of insomnia: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Published in Sleep Medicine Reviews
Lee, M.S. & Ernst, E. (2011)-Acupuncture for fatigue: A systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Published in Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Important Note- The information provided above is for general educational purposes only. Research findings are mixed and continue to evolve. Individual responses to acupuncture and Chinese Medicine may vary, and it is important to seek personalised advice from a qualified health professional.
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