 |
| It’s no secret that menopause is a game changer. From low sex drive, hot flashes, irritability, anxiety, and joint pain—this time in a woman’s life brings on drastic changes. Thankfully, there is more support than ever as channels of communication open, prompting an exchange of insights and information, and strengthening the bonds of sisterhood as we face these changes together. |
| What Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Say About It? |
|---|
| According to Traditional Chinese Medicine principals, our lives are maintained by the balance of yin and yang energies. Those energies are constantly transforming our bodies from birth—a time when yin energy dominates; to adolescence where our yang energy flourishes; moving through adulthood— a time of relative balance. In our final stage of maturation, marked by menopause, both yin and yang energies withdraw from their external expression, to enter back into the source of our Being—until it is time again for the next big transformation. |
| Assistance Vs. Resistance |
|---|
| “Resist nothing.” Many philosophies from Taoism to Non-Dualism advise this. But rather than resigning oneself to the inevitable, it is a call to a certain inner freedom that allows us to engage in this constant transformation of energy in a way that assists its natural flow rather than resisting it. This theory is what Traditional Chinese Medicine aims to accomplish. The needles are not magic wands—though at times they can appear to be, but instead tuning forks that can help direct the flow of qi and harmonize the substances in the body. In relation to menopause and perimenopause—the yin and yang hormones (estrogen and progesterone relative to one another), are fluctuating drastically while the body transforms from a reproductive to a non-reproductive state. |
| Acupuncture and herbs can support the yin and yang energies to reduce stagnation and supply nourishment to relieve the symptoms. Including: |
|---|
Hot flashes and night sweats: Acupuncture can help regulate the hypothalamus, which is involved in temperature control, and balance hormone fluctuations. Phytoestrogens found in herbs like Black Cohosh or Dong Quai mimic estrogen and can help with symptoms related to estrogen decline. Mood swings, anxiety, and depression: By promoting the release of endorphins and regulating stress hormones like cortisol, acupuncture can alleviate mood disturbances. Improving sleep and calming the mind: Acupuncture can improve sleep quality by calming the nervous system and addressing underlying imbalances. Herbs like Zizyphus (Suan Zao Ren) and Valerian can enhance relaxation and deepen sleep. Fatigue and low energy: Stimulating certain acupoints may boost overall energy levels and reduce lethargy. Relieving stress and mood issues: Adaptogenic herbs like Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Ginseng (Ren Shen) can help improve resilience to stress. |
| Thoughts On Hormone Replacement Therapy |
|---|
| Many women are on the fence about whether or not hormone therapy is a sound treatment for them. In general, TCM theory does not support impeding the natural results part and parcel with the flow of time. The aim is to resolve stagnation, strengthen deficiency, reduce excess and facilitate tempered transitions throughout life. However, compounded by imbalances in our environment and our lifestyles—many women experience drastic changes that are unnecessarily extreme. Severe symptoms can be so disruptive that day to day functioning becomes a challenge. In these cases, weighing out the risks and benefits is essential to discerning what combination of treatments offer the effective support. |
| One of the things I love about what I do is the constant exchange of experiences, insights, and information that have helped me improve my TCM practice—and I am happy to share: |
| Mel Robbins w/ Dr. Jen Gunter MD-Menopause Podcast Link Podcast w/ host Mel Robbins and guest Dr. Gunter discussing latest HRT research. Great information to help you weigh out your options along with your doctor. Equilibriahc.com – Visit Website Dr. Karm Hans ND is a compassionate Naturopath who can help make sense of your bloodwork and discuss any nutrient deficiencies you may have. Both In Person and Virtual appointments are available. Outdoor Fitness Toronto – Visit Website Combining strength training, cardio, and nature, this outdoor fitness program gives you a great workout while you take in fleeting moments of sunlight. Don’t let the cold weather deter you—you’ll warm up within the first 5 minutes! Seabuckthorn Berry Oil – Article Link Rich in carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamins A, E, B1, B2, K, and high in rare Omega—taken internally and topically for cell membrane repair, improves skin, and promotes liver, vaginal and GI health. Athletic Greens (AG1) Canada – Visit Website Daily super green food drink containing digestible forms of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. Some patients have reported less bloating and abdominal discomfort. Other Mentionables:Vitamin D3, B Complex- including B12, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Calcium, Glutathione, Creatine Note: It is useful to check for nutrient deficiencies before supplementing, especially in the case of Iron, B 12, Calcium, and D. Also, if you are taking a food supplement like AG1, check to see which supplements are already being provided. Don’t forget to make time for yourself and connect with friends and family — it’s powerful medicine! |
| Menopause and perimenopause resources. Scientific research on HRT. Helpful resources Naturopathic insights, outdoor fitness, superfoods, such as Athletic Greens, Seabuckthorn Berry Oil. |
