Menopause and Chinese Medicine
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Chinese medicine has always addressed the special needs of women throughout their lives. Menopause, in particular, is an area in which Chinese medicine shines. Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutritional therapy, massage, and many other Chinese healing modalities can quickly and safely relieve uncomfortable symptoms that accompany the onset of menopause.
In Chinese Medicine, menopause is seen as a sacred transformation from mother to enlightened and wise being. |
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.
From an Eastern Perspective
According to Chinese medical theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in Chinese Medicine that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity.
Western Treatment versus Eastern Treatment
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, it may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, Chinese medicine has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.
Menopause is a transitional period marking the cessation of ovulation in a woman’s body. Most women stop menstruating between the ages of 48 and 52, but symptoms can begin as early as 35. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and are brought on as our bodies try to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue, mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain, and weight gain.
From an Eastern Perspective
According to Chinese medical theory, menopause occurs when a woman’s body begins to preserve blood and energy in order to sustain her. The kidney is the organ system in Chinese Medicine that is viewed as the root of reproduction, vitality and longevity. Menopause signifies the depletion of the fertility essence stored within the kidneys. Blood and essence from the kidneys are conserved and cycled through the body to nourish the woman’s spirit and extend her longevity.
Western Treatment versus Eastern Treatment
Few areas of women’s health stir up as much confusion and debate as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). While HRT may alleviate hot flashes and prevent osteoporosis, it may also increase the risk of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, and have a number of significant side-effects. But HRT isn’t the only solution, Chinese medicine has long recognized that health and vitality can be sustained over a woman’s lifetime by restoring balance within the body and supporting the natural production of essential hormones.
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Chinese Herbal Formulas for you
In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbs can effectively reduce the uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. Chinese formulas are prescribed based on your specific Chinese diagnosis, often referred to as "patterns". Click Here to view patterns, symptoms, and Chinese formulas |
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Clinical Study on Acupuncture for Hot Flashes
Acupuncture reduces night time hot flashes caused by menopause, according to a study published in the journal, Fertility and Sterility. Researchers found that seven weeks of acupuncture treatment reduced the severity of nighttime hot flashes by twenty-eight percent among menopausal women compared with a six percent decrease among women who had a sham acupuncture treatment. |