Menopause in Chinese Medicine - the Kidneys

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

• Stores Jing (essence) - fuels growth, reproduction and vitality
• Governs bones, marrow and teeth
• Controls water metabolism, hydration, lubrication
• Supports reproductive hormones
• Balances Yin and Yang energies

Kidney Yin - Oestrogen

• Kidney Yin in Chinese Medicine represents cooling, nourishing, moistening and restorative energy.
• Oestrogen in western medicine, support reproductive function, bone density, skin and vaginal moisture, and cardiovascular health.

When Kidney Yin declines, oestrogen levels naturally drop - menopause symptoms appear.

Signs your Yin is low:

• Hot flashes and night sweats.
• Vaginal dryness and skin dryness.
• Insomnia and irritability.
• Joint aches, weak bones
• Mood swings and palpitations

​
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 body

Shiatsu 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:

• Releasing the stress your body is holding right now
• ​Helping prevent that stress from building up again
  

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.