Menopause Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine: Natural Relief for Symptoms

Understanding Menopause: What’s Happening in Your Body?

Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, typically occurring between the ages of 45 and 55. It marks the end of your reproductive years, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. While some women breeze through this transition with ease, others experience symptoms like:

• Hot flushes and night sweats.
• Insomnia and fatigue.
• Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety.
• Weight gain and joint pain.

Conventional medicine often attributes these symptoms to low estrogen levels and may recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT). But here’s the thing: not all women with low estrogen experience symptoms.

So, what’s really going on?

The Real Cause of Menopausal Symptoms

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause symptoms are seen as a result of the body’s struggle to adapt to hormonal changes. The key isn’t just about replacing hormones—it’s about helping your body adjust naturally. When your body can’t adapt smoothly, symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and fatigue arise.

The goal? To support your body’s natural ability to adapt, reducing or even eliminating these symptoms.

Chinese Medicine’s Perspective on Menopause

A Natural Transition

In TCM, menopause is viewed as a natural transition, not a disease. It’s a time when your body undergoes significant changes, and symptoms are seen as signs of deeper imbalances. By addressing these imbalances, we can help you feel like yourself again.

Imbalance of Yin and Yang

TCM teaches that health is all about balance—specifically, the balance between Yin (cooling, nourishing energy) and Yang (warming, active energy). During menopause:

• Yin Deficiency: Can lead to hot flushes, night sweats, restlessness, and insomnia.
• Yang Deficiency: Can cause cold extremities, water retention, and fatigue.

Jing Qi Deficiency

Jing Qi is your body’s essential energy, inherited at birth and nurtured throughout life. As you age, Jing Qi naturally declines, leading to symptoms like:

• Fatigue and low energy.
• Memory issues and decreased libido.
• Joint pain and backache.

Factors like stress, poor diet, and overworking can further deplete Jing Qi, making symptoms worse.

Common Menopausal Patterns in Chinese Medicine

During your consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough evaluation to identify your specific pattern of imbalance. Common patterns include:

1. Kidney Yin Deficiency

Symptoms: Hot flushes, night sweats, dizziness, and dry mouth.

2. Kidney Yang Deficiency

Symptoms: Cold extremities, fatigue, and frequent urination.

3. Liver Qi Stagnation

Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, and headaches.

4. Qi and Blood Deficiency

Symptoms: Fatigue, pale complexion, and memory issues. Based on your diagnosis, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan that may include acupuncture for menopause, herbal remedies, lifestyle advice, and dietary recommendations.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Menopause

At Almond Wellness Centre, we take a holistic approach to menopause management. Here’s how we can support you:

1. Restoring Balance

Acupuncture for menopause targets specific points to regulate your body’s energy flow, balancing Yin and Yang and potentially alleviating symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings.

2. Nourishing Jing Qi

Chinese herbal medicine helps replenish your essential energy, supporting vitality and overall health.

3. Reducing Stress

Acupuncture for menopause promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality, helping you feel more balanced and energised.

What Can You Do at Home to Manage Menopause Symptoms?

While acupuncture for menopause and Chinese medicine provide relief for menopause symptoms, there are also steps you can take at home to support your body during this transition:

1. Adjust Your Diet

• Reduce sugar, caffeine, and processed foods.
• Increase water intake and eat cooling foods like leafy greens, fruits, and whole grains.
• Incorporate phytoestrogen-rich foods like tofu, flaxseeds, and legumes to mimic estrogen’s effects.

2. Manage Stress

• Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
• Engage in calming activities like yoga, tai chi, or journaling.

3. Stay Active

• Combine strength training to build bone density with cardio for heart health.
• Try gentle exercises like yoga or Pilates to reduce stress and improve flexibility.

Why Choose Almond Wellness Centre?

• Experienced Practitioners: Our team of acupuncture Chinese medicine, led by Dr. Richard Zeng, have the expertise in in acupuncture for menopause and Chinese medicine therapies.
• Holistic Approach: We address the root cause of your symptoms, not just the surface issues.
• Personalised Care: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Ready to Try Acupuncture for Menopause?

If you’re struggling with menopause symptoms and want to explore natural solutions, we’re here to help. Our acupuncture for menopause and Chinese medicine therapies may provide relief and support your overall well-being.

Book your consultation today or request a complimentary discovery call to learn more about how we can help you.

Reference

1. Bokmand S, Flyger H. Acupuncture relieves menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized study. Breast. 2012;21(5):630-633. doi: 10.1016/j.breast.2012.07.015.
2. Chien TJ, Hsu CH, Liu CY, Fang CJ. Effect of acupuncture on hot flush and menopause symptoms in breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2017 Aug 22;12(8):e0180918. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180918.