The TCM View of Menopause - the second spring
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life.
Women who have these menstrual symptoms regularly are more likely to experience menopausal symptoms when they reach the age when their cycle begins to end or stops altogether. The reason is simple: their bodies are out of balance and their energy has declined. This is nothing to fear, rather something to embrace as a sign the body needs support. The good news is women can learn to rebalance their bodies and increase their energy. This can be accomplished at any age.
What you can do:
In Dr. Nan Lu’s book,Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Women’s Guide to a Hormone-Free Menopause, he offers women an in-depth look at how TCM views and treats this time in a woman’s life.Read an excerpt from the book:
“TCM sees menopause as a deep energy shift that extends beyond physical changes. It’s a natural and normal part of a woman’s life, yet it has the power to affect her mind, emotions and spirit. Menopause is an energy gateway—a unique chance for a woman to prepare her body, mind and spirit for a healthy, long life. It’s a time when she can heal, strengthen herself, and balance and harmonize her energies. Menopause creates the opportunity for a transformation, a new beginning, as a woman becomes free to discover, pursue or complete her life’s mission and touch her spirit—and the spirits of those around her—in a profound and meaningful way.”
TCM recognizes menopause as part of the natural aging process and is often termed Kidney Yin Deficiency. The manifestations of aging include gray hair, dryness and the end of menstruation — in other words, signs the kidney energy is waning. TCM views the kidney energy as sustaining the metabolic process and decreases naturally as we age. When the balance of kidney yin and yang energy is “upset,” symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats may appear. Throughout Asia it is Chinese herbs and food that are most commonly used to gently tonify the kidney energy and restore the balance between yin and yang. Acupuncture is also used to restore this balance and studies have proven its effectiveness. The role of herbal medicine was discussed in part one and I now want to address the roll diet plays in menopause.
As we age our Qi naturally declines. This means we have less energy to “spend” doing our normal daily routine. If no adjustment is made for this energy “gap,” the body and its organs will be affected. Kidney energy deficiency is one root cause of menopausal issues. Kidney energy powers the many functions of the body.
Another organ that is important is the Liver. It’s the number one organ in terms of women’s health. The Liver meridian runs through the reproductive area, so when Liver Qi is stagnant or weak this area will be impacted. The Liver also regulates the smooth flow of blood and emotions. It’s easy to see the connection between the Liver’s role in promoting regular blood flow and menstrual health, but most women are unaware of this organ’s function when it comes to regulating emotions.
Menopause is a natural part of a woman’s life.
Women who have these menstrual symptoms regularly are more likely to experience menopausal symptoms when they reach the age when their cycle begins to end or stops altogether. The reason is simple: their bodies are out of balance and their energy has declined. This is nothing to fear, rather something to embrace as a sign the body needs support. The good news is women can learn to rebalance their bodies and increase their energy. This can be accomplished at any age.
What you can do:
- Build your energy with specific Qigong postures
- Reassess your eating habits and avoid cold foods and drinks
- Take an honest assessment of your stress levels
- Work with a Shiatsu Practitioner to help build and balance your energy
- Take herbal supplements to support Liver and Kidney Qi
- Take time each day to relax and enjoy your life
- Listen to the body
- Make time for yourself to simply rest
In Dr. Nan Lu’s book,Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Women’s Guide to a Hormone-Free Menopause, he offers women an in-depth look at how TCM views and treats this time in a woman’s life.Read an excerpt from the book:
“TCM sees menopause as a deep energy shift that extends beyond physical changes. It’s a natural and normal part of a woman’s life, yet it has the power to affect her mind, emotions and spirit. Menopause is an energy gateway—a unique chance for a woman to prepare her body, mind and spirit for a healthy, long life. It’s a time when she can heal, strengthen herself, and balance and harmonize her energies. Menopause creates the opportunity for a transformation, a new beginning, as a woman becomes free to discover, pursue or complete her life’s mission and touch her spirit—and the spirits of those around her—in a profound and meaningful way.”
TCM recognizes menopause as part of the natural aging process and is often termed Kidney Yin Deficiency. The manifestations of aging include gray hair, dryness and the end of menstruation — in other words, signs the kidney energy is waning. TCM views the kidney energy as sustaining the metabolic process and decreases naturally as we age. When the balance of kidney yin and yang energy is “upset,” symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats may appear. Throughout Asia it is Chinese herbs and food that are most commonly used to gently tonify the kidney energy and restore the balance between yin and yang. Acupuncture is also used to restore this balance and studies have proven its effectiveness. The role of herbal medicine was discussed in part one and I now want to address the roll diet plays in menopause.
As we age our Qi naturally declines. This means we have less energy to “spend” doing our normal daily routine. If no adjustment is made for this energy “gap,” the body and its organs will be affected. Kidney energy deficiency is one root cause of menopausal issues. Kidney energy powers the many functions of the body.
Another organ that is important is the Liver. It’s the number one organ in terms of women’s health. The Liver meridian runs through the reproductive area, so when Liver Qi is stagnant or weak this area will be impacted. The Liver also regulates the smooth flow of blood and emotions. It’s easy to see the connection between the Liver’s role in promoting regular blood flow and menstrual health, but most women are unaware of this organ’s function when it comes to regulating emotions.
