High Cortisol and How Kinesiology Can Help Balance It
- Amy Bakirtzakis
- Sep 1, 2025
- 2 min read
In our fast-paced modern world, stress has become a constant issue. While short-term stress can be beneficial as it helps us stay alert and focused, chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, impacting our physical, mental and emotional health.
Understanding high cortisol and exploring natural ways to rebalance it, including kinesiology, can help restore harmony in your body and life.
What is Cortisol?
Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone,” but it’s much more than that. Produced by the adrenal glands (sitting on top of your kidneys), cortisol helps regulate:
Energy production by raising blood sugar when needed
Immune system function
Blood pressure
Stress responses in your body
Cortisol naturally fluctuates throughout the day, it’s highest in the morning to help you wake up and lowest at night to prepare your body for sleep. However, chronic stress can disrupt this rhythm, keeping cortisol levels too high.
Signs of High Cortisol
Too much cortisol can manifest in physical, mental, and emotional symptoms:
Physical symptoms:
Weight gain, especially in the belly, face, or upper back
Puffy or round “cortisol face”
Acne or oily skin
Thin skin or easy bruising
Muscle weakness
High blood pressure
Mental & emotional symptoms:
Anxiety, nervousness, or “wired” feelings
Poor concentration or brain fog
Mood swings or irritability
Trouble sleeping or waking in the middle of the night
Other signs:
Craving sugar or salt
Reduced immunity (catching colds frequently)
Irregular menstrual cycles in women
How Kinesiology Can Help
Kinesiology is a gentle, holistic therapy that works with the body’s energy systems, muscles and nervous system to identify and correct imbalances. When it comes to high cortisol, kinesiology can:
Identify Stress Patterns
Through muscle testing, a kinesiologist can detect physical, emotional and energetic stressors contributing to elevated cortisol.
Balance the Nervous System
Kinesiology techniques can help shift the body from a “fight-or-flight” state into rest-and-digest, which naturally lowers cortisol.
Support Adrenal Health
By focusing on the adrenal glands and associated energy pathways (like the root chakra), kinesiology can help restore adrenal balance, reducing fatigue and improving energy.
Release Emotional Stress
Stored emotions can trigger chronic stress responses. Kinesiology helps release these emotional blocks which may help normalize cortisol levels.
Promote Better Sleep
Many techniques used in kinesiology improve relaxation and calm, helping restore natural cortisol rhythms for better sleep.
Lifestyle Support Alongside Kinesiology
While kinesiology works energetically and physically, combining it with healthy lifestyle habits can amplify results:
Prioritise quality sleep and consistent routines
Eat balanced meals with protein, healthy fats and slow-release carbs
Engage in gentle exercise like yoga, walking, or Pilates
Practice mindfulness, deep breathing or meditation
Stay hydrated and nourish your body with anti-inflammatory foods
Conclusion
High cortisol can affect every aspect of your health, from weight and skin to mood and energy levels. Kinesiology offers a natural, holistic approach to identifying stressors, balancing the nervous system and supporting adrenal health. Combined with lifestyle adjustments, it can help you regain energy, calm and overall wellbeing, naturally and sustainably.
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