Glide fabulously through your Second Spring with these tips...
Menopause, The Change, or in Chinese Medicine also known as the Second Spring.
This time can be problematic for many women but actually it should be a time filled with positivity, creativity and new beginnings.
In Chinese Medicine this is a natural decline in the kidney yin and yang which can cause imbalances in our physiological systems. This manifests through different symptoms such as hot flashes, body pains, mood swings, memory loss, poor sleep. However you don't have to go through it kicking and screaming.
More importantly HRT is not your only option when it comes to treatment. Regardless which stage you are in of menopause here are some quick tips that can prepare your body and ease the transition.
Reduce or cut out coffee, smoking and alcohol
In Chinese Medicine, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol are all stimulating in property that produce a lot of heat in the body. As women age, the KI yin (the body's cooling, lubricating and fluid system) depletes. Which gives rise to the things becoming too hot, too dry and not lubricated. Next time you're having a coffee/wine and a ciggy think of it as adding coal to this fire.
Say goodbye to those sugary beverages and processed sugars
We all know sugar causes inflammation and wreaks havoc with your insulin but in Chinese Medicine it also causes dampness. You can read all about dampness in my other post. But dampness makes things worse in menopause because it coagulates heat and further congeals yin.
Kidney nourishing foods
So what can you start adding to your diet? As I mentioned earlier the kidneys are needing some love and attention during menopause. Here's list of kidney nourishing foods!
Mushrooms
Goji berries
Yam
Seaweed
Black sesame seeds,
Kidney beans, adzuki beans,
Oysters, scallops,
Eggs
If you're game, duck or chicken kidney/liver is packed full of nutrition!
Acupuncture and herbs for menopause
This winning combo can do wonders for your menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown the reduction in menopausal symptoms through regular Chinese medicine treatment. (1,2).
I once had a lady who didn't get hot flashes for 2 weeks after 2 acupuncture sessions! She continued with 2 months of regular treatment which stabilised her symptoms to the point where it no longer effected her. (Note. I'm not a miracle worker but she took on board all my suggestions and the treatments worked amazingly for her)
Second Spring
At seven times seven a woman’s heavenly dew wanes;
the pulse of her Conception channel decreases.
The Qi that dwelt in the baby’s palace moves upward into her heart,
and her wisdom is deepened.
My goal is to help diffuse the negativity surrounding menopause that cause women embarrassment, feelings of inadequacy and shame. It is another part of life that leads to growth, wisdom and confidence in self. Early treatment and prevention can lead to positive transition that does not hinder your professional and personal life.
I know that I haven't reached the joys of menopause yet but my mum says (and she's always right) Chinese Medicine made a huge difference with her symptoms. Still not sure if I can help you? Lets talk! Contact me here.
Rebekah Loh is a registered member of both the British Acupuncture Council and the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine in the UK which is ensures the highest quality of practice and patient care.
REFERENCES
1. Chiu HY, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS "Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women in natural menopause" Menopause: February 2015 - Volume 22 - Issue 2 - p 234-244 doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000260
2. Li MD, Hung A, Lenon GB, Yang AWHY "Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: A systematic review and meta-analysis" Published: September 19, 2019 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0222383