Menopause Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Menopause Through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Menopause is a natural transition.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is viewed as a normal stage of life rather than an illness. As our constitutional reserves naturally decline, the body adapts to a new balance. Everyone's experience is unique, which is why symptoms and treatments can vary so much from person to person.
Key TCM Concepts
Qi – The body's vital energy or functional activity.
Qi powers all of the body's processes and keeps everything moving smoothly.
Blood – In TCM, Blood has a broader meaning than the
blood measured in a blood test. It nourishes the body and mind, supporting the
muscles, skin, brain, emotions and sleep.
Yin – The cooling, nourishing and restorative aspect
of the body.
Yang – The warming, active and functional aspect of
the body.
Kidney System – Associated with growth, development,
fertility, ageing and our constitutional reserves (Jing).
Spleen System – Produces Qi and Blood from the food we eat, providing our day-to-day energy and nourishment.
Common TCM Patterns During Menopause:
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Often associated with:
- Hot flushes
- Night sweats
- Dry skin and mouth
- Vaginal dryness
- Poor sleep
- Restlessness
Kidney Yang Deficiency
May present with:
- Feeling cold
- Cold hands and feet
- Low energy
- Low back ache or weakness
- Frequent urination
- Reduced motivation
Spleen Qi Deficiency
May contribute to:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Poor concentration
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Heavy limbs
Blood Deficiency
May present with:
- Dry skin
- Dry eyes
- Dizziness
- Poor memory
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety
- Disturbed sleep
Liver Qi Stagnation
Often linked with:
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder tension
- Digestive upset
Heart–Kidney Disharmony
May contribute to:
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
- Insomnia
- Racing thoughts
Supporting Yourself Through Menopause
Support Your Qi (Energy)
Aim for regular, warm meals and avoid skipping meals where
possible.
Foods traditionally used to support Qi include:
Oats, brown rice, sweet potato, squash, carrots, lentils, chickpeas,
chicken, turkey, white fish, eggs, mushrooms, dates
Support Your Blood (Nourishment)
Foods traditionally used to nourish Blood include:
Eggs, chicken, beef, oily fish, spinach, dark leafy greens,
beetroot, black beans, aduki beans, black sesame seeds, walnuts, goji berries,
dates, berries
Adequate protein is particularly important during and after
menopause to support muscle, bone and overall health.
Support Your Yin (Cooling & Moistening)
Foods traditionally used to gently nourish Yin include:
Pears, apples, berries, avocado, tofu, eggs, white fish, asparagus,
broccoli, courgettes, flaxseed, chia seeds, black sesame seeds
Staying well hydrated is also important, particularly if
dryness is a prominent symptom. It can be helpful to increase salt and
electrolytes when increasing fluid intake.
Support Your Yang (Warmth & Vitality)
If you tend to feel cold or lack energy, warming foods may
be helpful.
Examples include:
Oats, chicken, lamb, beef, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, onions, leeks, rosemary, walnuts
Looking After Your Spleen
In TCM, the Spleen is responsible for producing Qi and Blood
from the food we eat.
Simple habits that may support digestion include:
- Eat
regular meals.
- Try
to minimise cold and raw food or accompany with a warm drink.
- Take
time to chew your food.
- Avoid
eating in a rush where possible.
- Choose
foods that feel nourishing to you
- Try
not to rely on restrictive dieting. The body needs fuel
Warm Foods vs Cold Foods
TCM generally considers warm, cooked foods easier to digest
than large amounts of cold or raw foods.
This doesn't mean you should never eat salads or enjoy a
cold drink.
Instead, if your digestion feels sluggish or your energy is
low, you might consider simple swaps such as:
- Porridge
instead of cold cereal.
- Soup
instead of sandwiches in colder weather.
- Herbal
tea instead of iced drinks.
- Stewed
fruit instead of fruit straight from the fridge.
- More
cooked vegetables alongside salads.
Small changes can often make a noticeable difference.
Lifestyle Support
Alongside acupuncture, many people benefit from:
- Prioritising
good-quality sleep
- Gentle
daily movement.
- Strength
training to support muscles and bones.
- Spending
time outdoors.
- Managing
stress.
- Allowing
time for rest and recovery.
Seek support from a GP or therapist if these do not feel
achievable right now.
Acupuncture
In TCM, treatment is always individualised.
Two people with similar symptoms may receive different
treatments because their underlying patterns are different.
Treatment aims to restore balance by supporting Qi, Blood,
Yin and Yang according to each person's needs.
A Final Thought
Menopause is a natural transition, not an illness.
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognises that every person's
experience is unique. Rather than focusing on one symptom, TCM looks at the
whole person, aiming to restore balance and support wellbeing through this
important stage of life.
Be kind to yourself. Small, sustainable changes are often more beneficial than trying to do everything at once. Every nourishing meal, good night's sleep and moment of rest is an investment in your long-term health.
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