Second Spring AKA Menopause
Ah, menopause, that anticipated (or dreaded) milestone for women. It often begins around 45 - 55 of age, marking the finale of reproductive years. It's a natural process as ovaries start to take a break, churning out fewer hormones and leading to the end of our menstruation years. But, let's face it, it's not a walk in the park for most. Menopause can bring physical and emotional challenges. Excitingly, Chinese Medicine presents a range of intriguing methods to support this transformative period, perceiving it as an opportunity for renewal and transformation commonly referred to as the
'Second Spring'.
Intrigued and looking for more insight? TCM Dr Zhao refers to this stage in her book Reflections of the Moon on Water.
Navigating Menopause: Acupuncture as Your Bestie
If you or someone you know is facing the challenging symptoms of menopause, acupuncture may be helpful. Whether the symptoms are mild or mighty, acupuncture could be a sweet additional tool to a potentially smoother transition. TCM Wisdom for Menopause: Finding Balance and Harmony
Menopause, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, marks a shift from Yin (fertility) to Yang (inner wisdom).
During this phase, TCM gives some TLC on Kidney Qi, the vitality source that naturally wanes with age. TCM could help to enhance Qi and blood flow to ease symptoms.
But TCM isn't just about the body; it links emotions and physical health with the added practices of meditation and qigong to facilitate in a smoother menopausal transition.
Balancing Yin and Yang is TCM's wellness goal. How Does Acupuncture Benefit Menopausal Women?
Acupuncture may offer hormone-balancing effects, contributing to the mitigation of hot flashes and mood swings.
It could aid in regulating the body's temperature control systems, potentially providing relief from hot flashes and nocturnal perspiration.
Acupuncture could promote relaxation, potentially ameliorating emotional symptoms.
It may improve sleep quality.
Acupuncture might also be effective in addressing accompanying concerns, such as weight management, skin conditions, digestive issues, and joint discomfort.
There is plenty of fantastic research out there!
Is Acupuncture a Good Choice for Menopause?
So, you're wondering if acupuncture could be your go-to move for tackling menopause symptoms, right? Here's the deal: acupuncture is generally pretty safe and well-tolerated. But before you go getting needles poked into you, it's crucial to connect with a licensed acupuncturist who is professional at dealing with women's health and menopausal challenges. From here, they'll whip up a personalised plan based on what's bugging you the most. But hey, don't expect instant results. Acupuncture isn't a one-and-done deal. You'll need a series of sessions to hopefully really feel the benefits. Chinese medicine is widely regarded as safe; however, like all healthcare interventions, it may, on rare occasions, lead to potential adverse reactions in specific individuals, so even more reason to make sure you’re in good hands.
Wánchéng (to finish), although Western medicine views menopause as a time of aging, your Eastern TCM friends would like to remind you that it is your body's way of recalibrating towards balance as we age. And… as the Chinese saying goes,
'Women in their thirties are wolves, forties are tigers, and fifties are dragons.'