January: A Gentle Reset for Your Nervous System, Digestion and Hormones
January often arrives with mixed energy.
For some, it brings motivation and fresh starts. For others, it feels heavy, overwhelming, or strangely exhausting - even after a break. In clinic, I often see people this time of year who can’t quite explain what’s wrong, but know that something feels “off”.
Rather than jumping straight into big changes or quick fixes, January is actually an ideal time to gently support the body’s core systems - particularly the nervous system, digestion, and hormonal balance.
The nervous system after a busy year
By the time the year ends, many nervous systems are already overloaded. Ongoing stress, disrupted routines, emotional strain, and poor sleep can leave the body stuck in a heightened state of alert.
Common signs I see include:
Feeling wired but tired
Difficulty switching off
Poor or broken sleep
Muscle tension or headaches
Increased anxiety or emotional reactivity
Acupuncture works by supporting the nervous system to shift out of stress mode and into a more regulated, restorative state. This doesn’t mean “doing nothing” - it means creating the conditions where the body can recover and rebalance.
Digestion often reflects stress
Digestive symptoms are very common in January. Travel, social eating, alcohol, disrupted routines, and stress all place extra load on the digestive system.
People often present with:
Bloating or discomfort
Reflux or heartburn
Loose or irregular bowel motions
Reduced appetite or nausea
A sense of heaviness or fatigue after eating
In Chinese medicine, digestion and stress are closely linked. Supporting digestive function often improves energy, sleep, and overall resilience.
Hormones and midlife transitions
January is also a time when hormonal symptoms feel more noticeable - particularly for women in perimenopause or menopause.
This can look like:
Sleep disturbances
Hot flushes or night sweats
Mood changes or irritability
Joint pain or stiffness
Fatigue that doesn’t resolve with rest
Rather than chasing individual symptoms, treatment focuses on supporting the body’s regulatory systems so hormonal transitions feel smoother and more manageable.
Why January is a good time to start
The early part of the year is often quieter externally, which makes it easier to listen to what your body needs. Addressing issues now can prevent them from compounding as the year becomes busier.
In clinic, I focus on:
Nervous system regulation and stress support
Digestive health and gut-related symptoms
Hormonal transitions, including perimenopause
Pain, tension, and musculoskeletal issues
Fatigue, sleep problems, and emotional overwhelm
If you’ve been putting something off, or noticing symptoms that keep resurfacing, January can be a supportive time to address them calmly and proactively at Acupuncture @ the Ballarat Wellness Centre & Salt rooms.
If you would like to get 2026 off to a great start by booking your January tune up you can book here or get in contact with us so we can help you plan your gentle reset for January.