The Fallacy of Intuition

Some time ago, I wrote about intuition, and since then, several people have reached out to say they consider themselves highly intuitive — attuned to subtle details and able to anticipate events. Yet, through deeper conversations, I came to realise that, in many cases, this was not intuition but hypervigilance — a symptom of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). This ever-present sense of risk is not a gift but an unconscious defence mechanism, developed over time to navigate unstable environments.

When a person grows up or lives under sustained stress, fear, or unpredictable relationships, the brain adapts by scanning relentlessly for danger. The slightest shift in tone, a fleeting gesture, or an unexpected silence can be read as an omen, as though something is always on the verge of going wrong. But this is not foresight — it is the past intruding on the present, old threats projected onto new situations. The trouble is, this state of perpetual vigilance does not offer protection — it merely exhausts the nervous system, fuelling anxiety, insomnia, and emotional depletion.

To restore balance to this overstimulated response, acupuncture can be a valuable ally. Research shows that it lowers cortisol, the stress hormone, while stimulating neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and overall well-being. Beyond improving sleep and easing anxiety, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, making a person less reactive to past triggers and more grounded in the present moment.

If what feels like intuition brings more tension than clarity, it may be time to look at it more closely. Questioning these sensations and seeking support could be the first step towards a calmer existence — one where silence is not a threat, nor absence a wound. And with the aid of acupuncture, it is possible to restore inner equilibrium, allowing trust to take the place of fear and security to no longer be contingent on constant vigilance.