 In Chinese medicine, menopause is a natural life transition. It's caused by the gradual decline of Kidney Yin, the body's deep cooling, nourishing energy. Symptoms appear because Yin can no longer balance Yang. The Kidney is seen as a system, not just the physical organ. It's considered the root of life, storing Jing (essence) the fundamental substance that governs growth, reproduction, and aging. Understanding the role of the Kidneys
Kidney Yin - Oestrogen
When Kidney Yin declines, oestrogen levels naturally drop - menopause symptoms appear. Signs your Yin is low:
Our Emotions deplete our Kidney Yin Emotional stress is one of the most significant causes of Kidney Yin Deficiency as a cause of menopausal syndrome, especially when the stress lasts for years before the start of the menopause. The Kidneys' functions can be greatly influenced by worry, anxiety and fear. The situation gets worse if you are working excessively without proper and sufficient rest. Also giving birth to children too close to each other also depletes Kidney Yin. How Shiatsu helps reduce stress in your bodyShiatsu helps switch on the part of your nervous system that’s all about healing. By easing tension in your muscles and helping your mind settle, it gently guides you out of that constant “on alert” feeling and into a state where your body can finally think, “Okay, I’m safe — I can relax now.”
This is the moment when your system moves back into “rest and digest” mode. The trouble is, most of us spend way too much time stuck in fight-or-flight. We’re simply not built to live like that, and it leads to stress getting stored in the body. And when that physical stress builds up, it can affect everything — your gut, liver, adrenals, even your brain. You might feel it as night sweats, brain fog, anxiety, tummy issues, fatigue, nausea, hot flushes… or just those annoying little niggles you can’t quite figure out. The good news? If you start tackling just one of your bigger symptoms — like brain fog or hot flushes — lots of the smaller ones often rebalance and improve on their own. When I help you work through your symptoms, I focus on physical stress in two ways:
Your Treatment Plan The Shiatsu treatment plan will look different for each woman and be personalised to her individual set of symptoms but the treatment goals will include managing uncomfortable symptoms, helping to achieve more restful sleep, and improving overall energy and mood. If you'd like to chat about how shiatsu can help you, book in for a free chat here. Other useful ways to help yourself:- Tai Chi Qigong / Yin Yoga Gentle movements and breath work helps to replenish and cultivate Yin energy. Meditation Practising meditation to help let go of the mind, ego and distractions to connect with your inner essence. It's not about thinking or analysing, it's deeply restful and restorative.
0 Comments
 What’s happening:
You type, “Hey, how was your weekend?” Then delete it - too casual. You try, “Hope you had a great weekend!” but that feels over the top. “What’s up?” feels abrupt. Twenty minutes pass, and you’re still staring at a blank message. Your friend sends a meme, and suddenly you’re dissecting your response like it’s an exam. Too many laughing emojis? Too few? Add context or just react? You draft three versions before sending one that doesn’t even sound like you. Plans get cancelled, and every reply feels loaded: “No worries” - dismissive. “That’s totally fine” - sarcastic. “Thanks for letting me know” - cold. Your drafts folder is a graveyard of overthinking. Why your brain does this: Texting tricks you into believing every word must be perfect. Unlike face-to-face conversation, where you respond naturally, the pause before sending awakens your inner critic. You start rehearsing instead of relating, like each text is a job interview. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this over-analysis connects to the Spleen and Stomach - the organs that govern thinking, processing, and digestion. When balanced, they help you digest not only food, but also experiences and thoughts. But when they’re overworked, the energy of the Spleen gets “stuck,” leading to worry, rumination, and mental fatigue. Just as your stomach feels heavy after too much food, your mind feels bogged down after chewing on the same message again and again. Today’s Spiral Breaker: The 10-Second Rule When you catch yourself in the draft–delete–redraft loop:
Reality Check Exercise: Remember the last time a friend sent you a message that felt awkward, overly formal, or imperfect. Did you dwell on it? Probably not - you cared more about the connection than the exact phrasing. The same is true for your friends. They want you, not your perfectly digested script. I hope this article helps you, overthinking is something I have struggled with for years, trying to be perfect, it ungrounds us because we are in our heads. Shiatsu is a wonderful treatment for rebalancing the mind and body and to help you ground yourself. Book a session with me if you're feeling overwhelmed or tired.  Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in numerous physiological functions within the body. It is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions, contributing to processes such as energy production, muscle and nerve function, protein synthesis, and bone health especially important as we get older. If we are Magnesium deficient it can cause osteoporosis or break down of the bones.
Magnesium also plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels (blood glucose regulation to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes), blood pressure, and the synthesis of DNA, RNA and antioxidants. There are several types of magnesium supplements available, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
 Damp is a term used in Traditional Chinese Medicine when the fluids of the body aren’t being transformed correctly, leading to a buildup that can settle in and make itself at home in almost any area of the body. This, in turn, can lead to a wide array of mental and physical issues.
All about the Spleen It’s the function of the Spleen Ki (energy) to transform fluids. So failure of the Spleen Ki to transform fluids can result in the accumulation of dampness. A few things that can have a negative effect on the spleen are lack of exercise, worrying and overthinking, poor diet, aging, irregular eating and drinking, eating too many sweets and refined sugars, too much fatty and fried foods, eating too much cold and raw foods. Overeating and eating too many hard-to-digest foods in particular can also cause food stagnation and this will damage the spleen further. Living in a damp environment can also add to the dampness in our bodies. Signs of Dampness Here are some signs that you may have too much dampness:
Eliminating Dampness How to get rid of excess dampness in the body:
So there we have it! A better understanding of what causes dampness and the signs, and ways to eliminate it from your body. For a proper diagnosis of your symptoms you may be experiencing, book in for a Shiatsu massage. Receiving Shiatsu is a great way to rebalance your spleen energy by helping you ground, relax and calm the mind.  Winter’s short days and chilly temperatures can leave us feeling drained and uninspired. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season is associated with the water element and the kidneys, which are considered the root of your body's vitality. By nourishing your kidney energy, you can maintain balance, build resilience, and embrace the slower rhythms of winter.
The Kidney’s Role in Chinese Medicine According to TCM, the kidneys are the source of your essence (or Jing), which fuels your body’s energy reserves. During winter, when nature rests and replenishes, it’s essential to conserve and build your energy. Signs of depleted kidney energy might include fatigue, lower back pain, or feeling overly cold. Strengthening this energy not only supports you through winter but also helps with long-term health. 1. Embrace Rest and Reflection Winter is a time for slowing down. Like nature, our bodies benefit from conserving energy. Prioritise restorative sleep, limit overstimulation, and allow yourself moments of stillness. Consider incorporating mindful practices like meditation or journaling to connect with the season’s reflective energy. Also practising Tai Chi Qigong helps to build and cultivate kidney energy. 2. Nourish with Warming Foods In TCM, food is medicine. During winter, focus on warm, cooked meals to strengthen your kidneys and support digestion. Think hearty soups, stews, and root vegetables. Include foods known to boost kidney energy, such as black beans, walnuts, sesame seeds, and warming spices like ginger and cinnamon. 3. Stay Warm and Protected The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to cold, so keeping your lower back warm is crucial. Layer up with clothing and consider using a hot water bottle on cold nights. Avoid icy drinks and foods, which can strain your body’s warmth and energy. 4. Try Herbal and Lifestyle Support Herbs like goji berries and ginseng are often used in TCM to nourish kidney energy, but always consult with a qualified practitioner to find what works for you. Incorporating practices like Tai Chi Qigong or gentle yoga can help strengthen your internal energy and keep it flowing harmoniously. 5. Hydrate Wisely Even in winter, your body needs hydration. However, drink warm or room-temperature water instead of cold, which can deplete your energy reserves. Adding a slice of ginger or lemon can provide an extra boost. Conclusion Winter invites us to slow down, restore, and prepare for the energetic growth of spring. By tuning into the wisdom of Chinese Medicine and caring for your kidney energy, you can stay energised, grounded, and ready to thrive. Listen to your body, honour its needs, and allow this season to be a time of rest and renewal. Have a shiatsu treatment! Of course I had to suggest Shiatsu, it is the ultimate way to get your Qi back in shape and flowing well. Book in with Sarah for a restorative and relaxing Shiatsu treatment to calm your nervous system and replenish your batteries, your kidneys will love it. How do you nurture your energy in winter? Share your favourite tips or experiences in the comments below.  Do you have Endometriosis and you’re looking for a natural solution to manage it? Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, bringing with it chronic pain, fatigue and emotional challenges. While Western medicine often focuses on managing symptoms through medications or surgery, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic perspective, aiming to restore balance and promote long-term wellness. If you're living with endometriosis, this ancient system of healing could provide the inspiration and tools you need to care for yourself in a deeply nourishing way. The Chinese Medicine View of Endometriosis In TCM, endometriosis is often associated with stagnation of Qi (energy) and blood. When the flow of energy and blood stagnates, it can lead to pain, inflammation and the formation of masses or lesions, as seen in endometriosis. This stagnation may come from various imbalances, such as:
Holistic Self-Care Tips Here are some practical, everyday steps you can take to support your health and manage endometriosis:- 1. Nourish Your Body with Warm, Healing Foods Cold foods and beverages can exacerbate stagnation, so focus on warm, easily digestible meals like soups, stews, and cooked vegetables. Incorporate these foods into your diet:
Blood Sugar Levels, Hormones and Insulin Resistance If you have high blood sugar levels, this can cause an inflammatory response in the body. We know that endometriosis is an inflammatory disease which is driven by inflammatory chemicals such as PGE22, and so having chronically elevated blood sugar levels may potentially provide further fuel for endo growth. This is such a big subject to talk about here so to learn more about metabolic health and how high blood sugar can affect your symptoms, click on the link below.. endometriosisnews.com/2018/07/05/endometriosis-imbalance-blood-sugar/ 2. Move Gently but Consistently Physical activity helps keep energy and blood flowing smoothly. Practices like yoga, tai chi qigong are especially beneficial as they combine gentle movement with breathwork to release tension and promote circulation. Even a daily walk can make a difference in reducing pain and stiffness. 3. Support Emotional Balance Stress is a major contributor to liver Qi stagnation, which can intensify endometriosis symptoms. Mind-body practices such as meditation, journaling or receiving shiatsu can help calm the mind and restore emotional harmony. Consider taking five minutes each day to practice deep belly breathing: inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for six. This simple exercise can help regulate your nervous system and ease tension. 4. Prioritise Rest and Sleep The body repairs itself during rest, making quality sleep an important part of healing. Create a calming evening routine, make sure it's cosy and restful, dim the lights, avoid screens and sip on a soothing herbal tea like chamomile or lavender. The Role of Shiatsu Shiatsu can help with managing endometriosis by targeting specific meridian points, it can:
Finding Balance in a Modern World Healing from endometriosis is not just about treating the physical body, it’s about embracing a lifestyle that supports your overall well-being. By incorporating these principles into your daily routine, you can create a foundation of balance, resilience and self-care. Remember, every small step you take - whether it’s sipping a warm tea, taking a mindful walk, or scheduling your shiatsu session, brings you closer to feeling whole and empowered in your journey. Your health is your greatest treasure. Treat it with love, care and patience. Have Questions? Let’s Connect If you’re curious about how Chinese medicine could support you, contact Sarah or drop your questions in the comments below. Together, we can explore a path to healing that honours your unique journey. Sarah is passionate about helping women regain control over their lives and experience reduced pain and discomfort. If you are struggling or in pain, book your Shiatsu session with Sarah today. "Running water is never stagnant and a door hinge never gets worm eaten. This is what motion is all about... If the body does not move then the Jing will not flow. And if the Jing does not flow the Qi stagnates." Lu Shi  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spleen governs the thought.
A deficient Spleen will change the healthy process of “thinking” into the unhealthy “overthinking” or “overanaylsing”. Overthinking drains our energy and makes us unhappy. It keeps us stuck in a loop, which prevents us from finding any proper solution. In Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water each correspond to specific organs, emotions, flavours, seasons creating a holistic understanding of health. The Earth element corresponds to the Spleen, late summer, and the sweet flavour, governing worry. Worry can be viewed as a different form of “overthinking”: with fear rather than confusion. The sweet flavour corresponds to the Earth element, governing stomach and spleen. These organs are all about feeling centered, grounded and nurtured. When out of balance, we feel jittery, in our heads, constantly craving food (sugary foods or carbs) or needing things out of our reach to feel satisfied, comforted and fulfilled. If you have deficiency in the Spleen system, you may get:
Some tips to help your Spleen Qi. Rest your brain Concentrating, problem solving and worrying take a lot of energy. Just like an endurance athlete might become exhausted from training without enough rest, you can become exhausted when you concentrate or think continuously without a break. Make sure that you take a 10 minute brain break for every hour of brain work, e.g. working on the computer, studying, reading information that requires concentration, working out solutions to problems etc. Any thing that allows your brain to switch off will help, like going for a short walk, putting a load of laundry on, tending to a plant, getting in the garden, or just staring out of the window for a while. Learning meditation or breathing techniques can bring yourself back into the present moment, calm the mind and let go of the past as we cannot change what has gone before. Diet tips
Contact Sarah to book your session  Happy New Year! I hope you've had a good break this Christmas time and you feel you have rested and rejuvenated and raring to go this year.... or not?
As you ease into the New Year you may be thinking about taking better care of you, ways of reducing stress and anxiety or pain in the body or a wish to improve energy levels and better sleep. Struggling to get going after Christmas? Christmas is a time where there is so much pressure on us to be perfect and for some of us it’s always a relief when it’s over. We feel pressure to buy the perfect Christmas tree and decorate it perfectly, find the perfect presents, cook the perfect meal etc… then on the day it gives us pleasure to see others enjoying themselves but you’re too exhausted and stressed to enjoy the day yourself. Are you the one who is running around doing all of this? Maybe it’s time to allow yourself some slack and not worry about getting it right to please others. Many of my clients that come to me for Shiatsu find it hard to completely relax because they’re holding tension in the body either due to taking on too much responsibility, fear of letting go, holding it all together, holding on to the past, fear of failure, striving to be perfect and doing more and more instead of saying I am enough. These can be patterns learnt in childhood, a need to please a parent for example to get validation or praise. If you’re feeling any of the above symptoms of stress or anxiety, pain or overwhelm, book in for a Shiatsu massage to help ease you back into the New Year and give your body and mind time to relax and unburden yourself of these pressures in a safe and supported space.  In the Five Element cycle the Earth phase is Late Summer, it represents support, holding, nurturing, nourishment, receiving and abundance. It gives us the ability to nurture ourselves and others. The Earth element comprises the Stomach and Spleen meridians and share the role of digestion. Just as the stomach accepts food and drink on a physical level, the same process is reflected on a mental and emotional level. The stomach also helps us decide what is good for us to consume and discerns what should be digested and what should be rejected.
Symptoms such as a dry mouth, stress and tension in the jaw muscles causing clenching and teeth grinding at night, bleeding gums, bad breath, indigestion can be due to a stomach imbalance. Other symptoms can be nausea, vomiting, headaches, hiccups and excessive burping caused by rebellious Qi or Qi flowing upwards. Healthy Stomach Qi needs to flow downwards but sometimes Stomach Qi can become rebellious when it starts to flow in the opposite direction and rejects the nourishment it needs. Trust enough to receive… On an emotional level, when we lack trust in the earth or in our ability to be nurtured, it can cause anxiety and worry. Due to this lack of trust it becomes difficult for us to receive and as a result we try to exert control or take care of everything on our own. It can affect those who didn't receive the nurturing they needed during childhood. The rejection of food or nurturing can also lead to eating disorders such as anorexia. Try to reduce worry The emotion of worry is associated with the Earth element, it tends to knot the Qi in the stomach. When we worry about things in the future, it changes your body chemistry. When you worry, your body sees you worrying and thinks this is the mode you're most comfortable in. The body co-operates with your thoughts so for example if you're worried or thinking about about a disease, that disease will come see you. If you worry about the worst things that might happen in the future, they're the things that often happen. Try to reframe into positive affirmations by trusting that all is well and will work out in the best positive way works best for your body, health and wellbeing. Helping your Stomach Qi
If you’re struggling with digestive issues or any of the symptoms above, Shiatsu is a wonderful treatment to receive and feel nurtured, supported and cared for to bring back balance in the Stomach and Spleen energies. Book in with Sarah and get your digestion back into balance  When sleep disorders happen, many aspects of our life are affected. We feel stressed or angry with ourselves because we cannot rest and relax properly. When we sleep, our body is able to repair and restore itself so time asleep is so important. Why is insomnia a very common problem in our society? Poor diet, excessive worries, sedentary life, pressing deadlines, anxiety and stress are all factors that bring tension in our bodies. And when it’s under pressure, our mind becomes incapable to relax and we start overthinking or worry about everything. Is Insomnia the main problem? I believe that insomnia and sleep disorders are just symptoms that bring other problems to the surface that need attention, but don’t worry because every problem has a solution! How does Shiatsu and energy healing help with insomnia and sleep disorders? Shiatsu stimulates the circulation of body fluids and improves the dilation of blood vessels, helping with toxin elimination. Shiatsu sessions also calm and relax the nervous system that is connected to our rest/activity balance. Working together with you to resolve your issues There can be a number of issues causing your insomnia and I work with you by tuning in and listening to your body and also discussing your current life situation if there are any stresses that you are currently experiencing. There may be issues or traumas from the past (childhood) you are holding on to that is still affecting you emotionally or physically in adulthood normally on a sub conscious level or a level we're not aware of. By working together in this way we can release and let go of what is causing your sleep problem by relaxing the mind and body and learning some techniques on how to help yourself, see below for self shiatsu acupressure points.  Try using these acupressure points located on the inside of the wrists on both hands. (see image for location)
Heart Protector 6 is for "balance in an unsteady world" Heart 7 is the spirit gate helping release any tensions and excess emotions that may prevent sleep Lung 9 helps open the chest and relieve the weight of sadness and grief. Use all 3 together - press, massage and hold for anywhere between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. Focus on nothing else except massaging while applying slow, deep pressure. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths. Repeat the acupressure as often as you would like. For me it calms the mind and brings a great sense of peace and wellbeing, knowing I am able to trust the flow of life. Remember you are not pressing a button. You are connecting with your body’s innate energy. Does it feel low or does it need energy? Is it racing or does it need calming? Press, connect and engage. Heart 7 is especially good if you wake in the night. Press, breathe and find yourself falling back to sleep. Insomnia from Physical pain If the main causes are muscular tensions and stiffness, the Shiatsu sessions will be focused on relaxing the muscles using techniques that bring the individual toward a major awareness of her/his body. If you have tension or pain in the areas of shoulders, nape, neck and jaws, the Gall Bladder, Triple Heater and Bladder meridians may be worked on to release and relax the area. Insomnia from Menopause symptoms Menopause can cause many symptoms such as hot flash interference, sleep quality, physical symptoms, memory symptoms, and anxiety. Shiatsu can help reduce these symptoms by calming the mind and bringing balance to the heart and kidney meridians. (see menopause for more information) Insomnia from Digestive issues If you are having digestive issues, I focus on strengthening the digestive system of the Stomach, Spleen/Pancreas or Liver channels. Letting go of worry, anxiety or feeling not in control of your life or future happenings can cause tension in the stomach region. Some diet recommendations may also be given. Insomnia due to feeling Anxious or Nervous When insomnia is due to emotional problems as anxiety or nervousness, I work on the Heart, Kidney or Spleen meridians, supporting you to relieve the tensions in those channels. After your first session I can teach you a breathing exercise, grounding techniques and acupressure points to calm the mind and emotions. Insomnia from overthinking The mind is always thinking but sometimes it's hard to switch off at night. We spend hours churning over the days happenings, trying to analyse or question 'did I do enough or work hard enough'. We work on balancing the Spleen/Pancreas channels to help ground and let go of any trust issues or self esteem issue that you have about yourself of not being good enough. Insomnia from stress When the main cause of insomnia is stress, usually the channels involved are the Kidneys and the Bladder that is connected with the body-mind’s stress response activity via adrenals and the Heart channel that is the centre of our emotional response. In such cases the Shiatsu treatments will support the client at all levels, focusing on the restoration of healthy and balanced stress response through the bodywork with some breathing techniques to relieve stress. If this resonates with you and you are ready to find calm and relaxation to your life, book in with me to help you find peace and tranquility you have been searching for and get the results you need. |
© 2026 The Shiatsu Room | Shiatsu Massage and Energy Healing in Fortrose, Inverness, Caithness Scotland | Privacy Policy