World Menopause Day

It's World Menopause Day, and we are joining the conversation to raise awareness about this important phase in a woman’s life and cycle. It’s time to change the dialogue. It's time to open up and let women feel supported, understood, and certainly not alone.

Menopause Awareness Is Every Day

Understanding Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine

How is menopause viewed in Chinese medicine? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is a time of Yin and Yang imbalance and is associated with 'kidney deficiency.'

The kidney is conceptualized as a system rather than just an organ. It plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, fertility, and fluid balance.

The basic theory of TCM is rooted in the yin-yang philosophy. Yin and Yang represent the balance of forces, a polarity in energy, and the fundamental ordering of the universe. Under normal, healthy mental and physiological conditions, yin and yang exist in equilibrium. If this balance is disturbed, it can lead to either an excess or deficiency in yin or yang, resulting in various ailments.

The key to maintaining this balance is directly related to the mind, body, and spirit. In eastern medicine, a tranquil mind is essential for good health.

During menopause, women often discover the yang (energetic, aggressive) side of themselves. In contrast, men tend to become more yin (passive, yielding) as they age.

Creating Balance During Menopause

How can we create balance during this important phase of a woman’s life?

My general advice is to reduce stress wherever possible. Additionally, consider trying a variety of natural techniques such as:

• Acupuncture

• Meditation

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

• Herbal therapy

• Massage

• Yoga

• Botanical oils

  
  

Above all, focus on a healthy and well-balanced diet. These therapies support the eastern medicine belief that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. Menopausal symptoms can be amplified by stress and negative thoughts.

Acupuncture: Relief from Menopause Symptoms

Since the menopausal transition is an individual and elongated process, tailored treatments like acupuncture may provide significant benefits. Various studies have shown that acupuncture can offer relief from some of the most common menopausal symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Menopause Symptoms

Geranium: Skin Wellness

Geranium has been found to help menopausal women manage hormonal changes. It is also very helpful for dry skin. You can use geranium as an essential oil by inhaling one to two drops or adding a few drops to your bathwater during a relaxing, hot soak.

Flaxseed: Easing Night Sweats

Flaxseed and flaxseed oil may help some women with mild menopause symptoms. They are a good source of lignans, which tend to balance female hormones.

Ginseng: Mood Booster

Several studies suggest that different types of ginseng might help improve quality of life during menopause. Ginseng has been shown to boost mood and improve sleep.

Dong Quai: Empress of the Herbs

Dong quai has been used in TCM for women's health for thousands of years. This herb may relieve symptoms of menopause and depression, improve heart health, and reduce inflammation. Always consult a medical herbalist before use.

Red Maca: Hot Flashes and Mood Improvement

Red maca has been shown to contain higher levels of phytonutrients such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and cardiotonic glycosides derived from its red skin. Red maca seems to have an enhanced effect on hormonal issues and can be especially effective for menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Please consult and seek the assistance of a professional Chinese medicine practitioner or medical herbalist before taking any herbal medicine.

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