As a woman ages, menopause marks a natural transition in her life. This period brings about a myriad of changes that can affect her physically and emotionally. During menopause, around 85% of women report experiencing symptoms that vary in type and severity. These symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings can greatly affect one’s daily life and overall well-being.
Managing menopausal symptoms is thus crucial for maintaining quality of life during this transformative phase. Therefore, when considering options for supporting the body through this transition, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be considered for a gentle yet powerful approach.
Self-Management Strategies with TCM
TCM offers a holistic approach to managing menopause, focusing on balancing the body’s energy systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats menopausal symptoms in isolation, TCM views symptoms as part of a broader imbalance of the body’s yin and yang forces.
TCM-informed Diet
A balanced diet plays an important role in managing menopausal symptoms. TCM generally advocates for a diet that balances yin and yang in the body, emphasising foods that nourish and support the body’s internal systems.
Incorporating foods like tofu, black beans, and kidney beans, which are rich in phytoestrogens, may help mitigate the risk of aggravating menopausal symptoms. These phytoestrogens can mimic the body’s own oestrogen to support healthy hormone levels and manage symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings.
Conversely, spicy and hot foods should be avoided as they can exacerbate heat symptoms, contributing to discomfort. This is because, in TCM, such foods are believed to increase the internal ‘heat’ in the body, aggravating conditions like night sweats and leading to a further imbalance of yin and yang.
TCM Acupoints
Another self-management strategy is the stimulation of specific acupoints. This can be done through gentle pressure or massage at home, using a circular or up-and-down motion to apply pressure for 2-3 minutes. These massages aim to balance the flow of Qi (energy) in the body.
One acupuncture point commonly chosen for managing menopausal symptoms is Spleen 6 (SP6), located on the inner leg, just above the ankle. This acupoint is thought to help balance hormonal levels and ease symptoms such as insomnia and mood swings. Another valuable acupoint is Kidney 3 (KI3), found on the inner ankle. Massaging the KI3 can help nourish the kidney yin, which is often considered to be deficient during menopause. This stimulation aids in reducing night sweats and hot flushes.
Professional TCM Therapies for Menopause
For those seeking more structured support, there are a range of TCM therapy options:
1. Chinese Acupuncture
Chinese acupuncture is a TCM therapy that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body, tailored to each individual’s needs to restore energy balance and encourage the natural flow of Qi.
A TCM practitioner, with their knowledge of the body’s meridians, will insert needles at key acupuncture points, such as Kidney 3 and Liver 3, which are known for their efficacy in managing menopausal symptoms. This targeted approach aims to address symptoms like hot flushes and emotional instability by facilitating harmony and well-being.
2. Bojin Massage
Bojin utilises a specialised tool to gently massage and scrape the skin with applied pressure, ensuring the technique is both effective and comfortable for the patient. This method is tailored to aid with the promotion of circulation and manage symptoms associated with menopause, such as joint pain and stiffness. The practitioner’s expertise in applying the appropriate amount of pressure is crucial, as it maximises the therapy’s benefits, not only addressing physical discomfort but potentially also enhancing the flow of Qi throughout the body for overall well-being.
3. Moxibustion
Moxibustion aims to improve the flow of Qi in the body to prevent potential health issues. This is done by burning dried mugwort on or near the skin’s surface. This TCM therapy can be particularly beneficial for managing hot flashes and night sweats by warming the meridians and supporting the process of balancing yin and yang.
Bring Balance To Your Energy Systems
Menopause should not be a time of discomfort. With TCM therapies that aim to improve overall well-being by balancing the body’s energy systems, women have the opportunity to manage their symptoms holistically and age with grace.
