Menopause is a naturally occurring process, however, it is not uncommon for women to experience uncomfortable symptoms during this phase of life.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective, aging reflects a decline of both yin and yang energies in the body. These are essential concepts in Chinese culture. Simply put Yin and Yang describe a relationship with Yin being characterized as the shady side of a mountain and Yang as the sunny. Yin is cooler, softer, wetter, more receptive, lower, and inner in relation to Yang which is warmer, harder, drier, more active, upper and outer. Yin and Yang exist only in relation to one another. For example, earth is yin in relation to sky which is Yang.
Typically seen as part of the natural aging process the relatively diminishment of yin and yang (In Western Medicine due to the diminishing levels of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones made in the ovaries ) can easily give rise to imbalances in Yin and Yang that lead to issues like irregular periods, hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, insomnia, forgetfulness, brain fog, headaches, fatigue, diminished sex drive and vaginal dryness.
Acupuncture and Herbs are remarkably effective in restoring the balance of yin and yang. This concept while extremely simple, it is at the heart of Chinese Medicine theory. When signs and symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, irritability, and insomnia present reflecting a relative excess of yang, treatments that nourish yin and subdue yang may be employed. When signs and symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low sex drive, and weight gain present, which is a relative excess of yin, treatments that nourish yang and disperse yin may be employed.
It is hard to overstate the effectiveness of Chinese Medicine treatment of menopausal complaints when we imagine the number of women that have used Chinese Medicine to ease the symptoms of Menopause over the last five thousand years ( in written record ). This is why it is so easy to suggest using Chinese Medicine during this time in a woman’s life. Supportive treatments that are simple, safe, and effective can be used.
Please feel free to reach out to the clinic with any questions about the treatment of Women’s Health with Chinese Medicine.
