Katinka van Duijn on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and burnout symptoms
Mieke Fraussen on TCM face reading and what your face reveals about stress and burnout.
Nathalie Beijersbergen on how herbs nourish your body from the inside
Sarah Pritchard on self-care as the key to healing: insights from a Tui Na expert
Brechtje Sebregts on recovery and energy balance according to the five phases theory
‘Healing starts with listening to yourself, your energy shows the way.’
During the Acupuncture Week, acupuncturist Brechtje Sebregts, as one of the five speakers, exclusively provides NVA members with a webinar on burnout and the five-phase theory. Beforehand, we briefly discussed her perspective and knowledge.
What is your approach in guiding clients?
Brechtje: 'In my practice, I explore with my clients what contributes to and hinders their recovery. I am convinced that everyone has the potential to positively influence their health. My experience is that often a change in behavior and lifestyle is necessary to restore the energy balance. This takes time, requires perseverance, and courage to reflect on the question: What is truly important in my life right now? In my practice, I guide clients through this process and support them with acupuncture and advice to find more balance both physically and mentally. One of the principles in Chinese medicine is the theory of the five elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This theory helps clients understand where their energy has become imbalanced and what they can do to regain equilibrium. This is particularly valuable for symptoms of burnout.'
What can people concretely notice when their energy is out of balance?
Brechtje: 'Your energy balance affects your voice, body odor, and even how sensitive you are to certain physical and mental complaints. For example, you may have a short fuse, wake up at night with cramps in your calf, or smell a sour body odor. All these signals are interconnected.
Health means that each phase is in balance and that there is harmony between the phases. It is not a static condition, but a continuous movement in your body, attuned to what is happening in and around you.'
Brechtje: 'Everyone often has one phase that is more prominent than the other. When this phase becomes unbalanced, you will notice it in your body, behavior, and emotions. If you know which phase that is, you will gain more insight into why behavior changes, present emotions, and physical signals occur. This way, you recognize patterns that lead to tension or exhaustion and can take more targeted steps to regain balance. In cases of burnout symptoms, this insight helps to identify what drains energy and what replenishes it.'
Can you provide an example of that? Brechtje: 'Imagine you have a burnout and the Wood phase is out of balance. You can see this, for example, in: headaches, tense jaws or grinding teeth, decreased libido, tense diaphragm and frequent sighing, urinary tract infections, frustration or outbursts of anger. Questions you often ask yourself at that point are: Why am I not getting what I want? Why is my schedule not going well? What do I really want?'
What steps can people take to strengthen the Wood phase in your example?
Brechtje: 'To strengthen the Wood phase and support recovery from burnout, it is important to exercise regularly. Walking, yoga, or qigong help release tension and replenish the body with energy. Additionally, stretching your body throughout the day, extending your shoulders and neck, helps release accumulated tension. Making decisions instead of hesitating brings peace of mind and space for action. Setting healthy boundaries and practicing saying 'no' also contribute to maintaining your energy and creating more balance in your life.'
Tell me - Daily stories and insights from the acupuncture practice,
Brechtje Sebregts, 2025 ISBN 978-9090399348 available for purchase on the website www.centrumsebregts.nl
In her book Tell me, Brechtje shares stories and insights from the acupuncture practice. Sometimes confronting, always with loving attention. Clear insights and practical tools show the reader how to gain more control over health and well-being, with the ancient wisdom of Chinese medicine as a compass. This book is for anyone curious about stories from the practice, the power of acupuncture, and the possibilities of self-healing from the five phases theory.
More stories during the Acupuncture Week
This interview is part of the Acupuncture Week, which this year focuses on burnout. During this week, we share various conversations with acupuncturists and clients about how they view recovery from both physical and mental exhaustion from the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.
Also, read the other interviews and be inspired by stories from acupuncturists and their clients about recovery and balance.
