Step by step back to balance: Carli's recovery from burnout

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'I notice that I have more resilience and recover faster when I have lost my balance.'

As part of the Acupuncture Week, Carli, 25 years old and a special education teacher, shares how with the support of acupuncturist Miranda Bravenboer, she is recovering step by step from a burnout.

Carli: 'I struggled with various complaints for a year before the light went out. I am a special education teacher and had started the part-time master's in Educational Needs.
Because I am not someone who settles for a passing grade but always wants to give a hundred percent, I had no more moments of rest in my life. I suffered a lot from stress and regularly experienced palpitations and panic attacks. I found these complaints very scary and could not accept them at all. Of course, this only caused me more stress. I did go to psychosomatic therapy to learn to feel my body better, but in the meantime, I just kept going. That's also what my environment said: 'You shouldn't focus too much on it. It will pass. You are still young.' No one recognized the signs. It's also difficult. I am the first in my environment to have such a severe burnout and at this age.

The light went out at a moment when I already had very severe stomach pain and then had a panic attack that felt like I was dying. My mother then said: 'It seems good if you stay home for a week.' I did that, but after a week, I hadn't recovered at all. I couldn't handle any stimuli. No TV, no phone. I couldn't read anymore, couldn't walk anymore. My whole body said: Stop! For a year, I had ignored all the signs, and now it was over. I called in sick. That was in June 2024, and I am still recovering.'

Noticing that it works
‘Because my body was so out of balance, I thought about acupuncture. I had considered it before because of my severe menstrual complaints. I searched online for an acupuncturist nearby who also gave me a good feeling. That's how I found Miranda. It's difficult for me to say exactly what acupuncture has done - time naturally plays a role too - but I do feel that it helps. I have more energy and sleep better. My menstrual complaints have almost disappeared, so I no longer need to take medication. My digestion has also improved. I find it interesting to notice that it works. Miranda explains things well. For example, she can tell from my tongue that my muscles are very tired or that she feels little life energy in my pulse. She also explains why I often wake up at the same time at night. That has to do with my liver. I can't say that I immediately felt better when I started acupuncture. However, I do feel a lot better now and I think acupuncture certainly helps with that. In the beginning, I went once every two weeks, also because Miranda said I shouldn't demand too much from my body all at once. Now I go about once a month.

Warm or cold food
'I find the treatment itself very relaxing. In the beginning, it was different. My nervous system was so overloaded that I couldn't lie still. Now I can do that.

I have no problem with the needles. Miranda knows what she's doing. I go to her with peace of mind and I always come back calmer. She also gives me advice. For example, about what cold and warm food does to your body. If you eat something cold in the morning, it costs your body a lot of energy. Now I eat warm chicken soup in the morning and I feel the difference. She also shared an app with me, with information and tips on meditation and acupressure. I now work 26 out of 32 hours. In the beginning, I really had difficult moments. Then after an hour of work, I couldn't do anything for the rest of the day. What really helps me to relax after work is yoga nidra. After doing that, I can still do something. But in the evenings, I still have very little energy.

Resilience
'I can really recommend acupuncture, especially when your body is completely out of balance. But it also helps on a psychological level. I notice that I have more resilience and recover faster when I have lost my balance. When I had been doing acupuncture for a month, I experienced a significant setback. Acupuncture and the conversations with Miranda helped me recover from that setback. As a result, I have gained confidence that a setback does not immediately mean that I am back to square one. I will definitely continue with acupuncture.'

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 perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Also, read the other interviews and be inspired by stories from acupuncturists and their clients about recovery and balance.

Experience acupuncture yourself?
Feel free to contact NVA-acupuncturist Miranda Bravenboer or find an NVA-acupuncturist near you.