Nourish yang in spring and summer, nourish yin in autumn and winter
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“春夏养阳，秋冬养阴” is a proverb in traditional Chinese medicine that describes the principles of health preservation throughout the four seasons. It means that in the spring and summer, one should focus on nourishing yang energy, while in the autumn and winter, the emphasis should be on nourishing yin energy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, yin and yang are relative concepts that represent the opposing and interdependent forces in the universe. Yang is associated with activity, warmth, expansion, and upward movement, while yin is associated with stillness, coldness, contraction, and downward movement.
Nourishing Yang in Spring and Summer
During the spring and summer seasons, yang energy is abundant in nature, with vibrant growth and ample sunlight. To align with the season and climate, individuals should focus on nurturing their yang energy. This can be achieved through appropriate exercise, consuming light and easily digestible foods, and getting plenty of sunlight. The goal is to adapt to the seasonal characteristics and promote the generation and circulation of yang energy in the body.
Why “Nourish Yang” in Spring and Summer?
“春夏养阳” emphasises the importance of nurturing yang energy during the spring and summer seasons. Despite the warm and hot weather during this time, the principle is based on several considerations:
Abundance of yang energy in nature
The spring and summer seasons are when yang energy is abundant in the natural world. Yang represents activity, warmth, and upward movement. During this time, the earth is teeming with life, everything is growing, and there is ample sunshine. It is easier for the human body to absorb sunlight and the yang energy present in the environment.
Adaptation to seasonal characteristics
The climate in spring and summer is warm and humid, with a relatively abundant yang energy. The human body should adapt to the changes in climate. The purpose of nourishing yang during this period is to adapt to the seasonal characteristics and promote the generation and circulation of yang energy in the body.
Preventing damage to yang energy
Despite the warm weather in spring and summer, excessive consumption of raw and cold foods, excessive fatigue, and prolonged exposure to sunlight can all damage yang energy. Therefore, nourishing yang during this time also means being mindful of avoiding factors that can harm yang energy.
Ways to nourish yang in spring and summer
Methods of nourishing yang during spring and summer may include appropriate sun exposure, engaging in suitable aerobic exercises, practicing tai chi or qigong, promoting blood circulation, and enhancing physical strength. It also involves avoiding excessively cold foods. These practices can help protect and strengthen the body’s vitality and yang energy, improve resistance, and promote balance and health.
Nourishing Yin in Autumn and Winter
During the autumn and winter seasons, yang energy declines, and yin energy becomes predominant in nature. At this time, it is important to focus on nourishing yin energy to maintain balance. This may involve prioritising rest and ensuring sufficient sleep, consuming nourishing and moistening foods, avoiding excessively hot indoor environments, and refraining from consuming spicy and drying foods. These practices help nourish and protect yin energy, adapting to the seasonal demands.
Why “Nourish Yin” in Autumn and Winter?
Although the autumn and winter seasons are characterised by cool and cold weather, traditional Chinese medicine emphasises the concept of “秋冬养阴” (nourishing yin) during this time. This principle is based on several considerations:
Abundance of yin energy in nature
The autumn and winter seasons are when yin energy relatively prevails in the natural world. “秋收冬藏” (autumn harvest and winter storage) reflects the accumulation of yin energy. Yin represents coldness, contraction, stillness, and conservation. During this time, sunlight diminishes, and the weather becomes colder. The earth enters a dormant state, and yin energy starts to accumulate.
Adaptation to seasonal characteristics
The human body should align with the seasonal changes and adapt to the cold and dry climate of the autumn and winter seasons. Yin energy is relatively abundant during this time. Nourishing yin aims to adapt to these seasonal characteristics, protecting and nourishing the yin energy within the body.
Preventing damage to yin energy
Despite the cold weather, excessive exposure to overheated or excessively dry indoor environments, excessive fatigue, and consuming spicy and drying foods can all damage yin energy. Therefore, nourishing yin during autumn and winter also means being mindful of avoiding factors that can harm yin energy.
Way to nourish Yin in autumn and winter
During autumn and winter, it is advisable to avoid excessive consumption of spicy and drying foods, particularly for individuals who already exhibit signs of yin deficiency. Instead, choose nourishing and moistening foods such as pears, radishes, black beans, black sesame seeds, walnuts, and glutinous rice. It is also important to maintain an appropriate indoor temperature, avoid excessive heat or dryness, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate rest and sleep. These practices of “秋冬养阴” can help protect and nourish yin fluids, maintain balance, and promote overall health.
In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality
The principle of “春夏养阳，秋冬养阴” is derived from observations and understanding of seasons and climate in traditional Chinese medicine. By following this principle, individuals can adjust their diet, lifestyle habits, and wellness practices to adapt to seasonal changes and promote a balance of yin and yang energies in the body. This ultimately aims to achieve a state of well-being where harmony is maintained, and vitality is preserved, as reflected in the phrase “阴平阳秘，精神乃治 ~In balance lies harmony; in moderation lies vitality.”
A typical menstrual cycle lasts between 24 and 35 days, with an average length of 28 days. The duration of menstrual bleeding usually ranges from 3 to 7 days, with a normal volume of 30 to 50ml.
However, Traditional Chinese Medicine has a more nuanced perspective on what constitutes a normal menstrual period.
Normal Menstrual Cycle and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
According to traditional Chinese medicine, a normal period should meet the following criteria:
should have no much pain;
the blood should be red in colour, not dark;
the flow should neither be too heavy nor too light;
there should be no presence of blood clots; and there should be no unusual odour.
In addition to these physical aspects, the absence of significant symptoms before and around menstruation is also considered indicative of a normal period. Such symptoms may include mood swings, sore or tender breasts, bloating, headaches, or migraines.
If a person’s period does not meet the aforementioned criteria, it may be seen as abnormal.
By examining various factors such as the menstrual cycle length, color, texture, volume, and odor, along with other general symptoms, one can gain insights into a woman’s overall health.
Pain
It’s tokay to feel a bit “discomfort” during your period, but if the pain is so bad that it’s keeping you from doing your usual stuff like work or school, that’s not normal.
Cycle Length
The menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of the period until its completion. If the cycle consistently starts 7 days earlier, or if there are 2 or more consecutive cycles with such early onset, it may indicate heat or blood deficiency. On the other hand, if the cycle is consistently delayed by more than 7 days, or if the cycle length is 40 to 50 days each time, it could suggest cold syndrome or Qi/blood deficiency (Qi/blood Xu).
Colour and Texture
The colour and texture of menstrual blood can provide clues about the underlying health conditions.
Light color or thin texture may indicate deficient syndromes such as qi/blood deficiency, spleen/kidney deficiency, or dampness.
Dark or purple color, thick texture, or the presence of clots may suggest heat, blood stasis, or Qi-energy stagnation.
For instance, the blood can be further classified as hot or cold. Hot blood is associated with a bright red color and a larger volume, while cold blood is characterised by a dark colour, small blood clots, and a cold appearance similar to black beans.
Flow
While the observation of menstrual flow is important, the volume of blood alone is not sufficient to determine the situation accurately. For example, a seemingly large amount of blood may actually be diluted by another component, indicating blood loss. Only when the colour is deep red and the texture is thick can it be considered hot. Similarly, when the flow is too light, considering the colour and texture in conjunction with the overall characteristics of the period can help determine the true state of Qi and blood.
Accompanying Symptoms
In addition to the nature of the period itself, the presence of symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), diarrhoea, mood swings, and others before and after menstruation can also provide valuable information. For example, experiencing dizziness before and after menstruation suggests deficiency. Observing the period can serve as a good indicator in such cases. Additionally, if dizziness is accompanied by pale gums, a pale tongue, palpitations, fatigue, and other signs of weakness and fatigue, it may also indicate Qi and/or blood deficiency.
If symptoms include chest tightness, a heavy sensation in the head, poor appetite, increased vaginal discharge, and the presence of phlegm, it could indicate spleen deficiency. On the other hand, if dizziness, a small amount of bright red menstrual flow, irritability, weakness in the lower back, dry mouth and throat, and redness of the cheeks are present, it may suggest involvement of the liver and kidneys.
Distinguishing the actual condition of dysmenorrhea is also possible. If the pain occurs before or during menstruation and is alleviated when blood clots are discharged, it is likely caused by blood stasis or liver Qi stagnation. However, if the pain persists throughout the menstrual period, worsens, and is accompanied by a feeling of restlessness or heat, it is more likely a result of kidney deficiency and virtual blood.
As acupuncturists at Almond Wellness Centre in Melbourne, we’ve seen how amazing pregnancy can be. It’s a journey full of joy and sometimes a few challenges. One such challenge is a breech presentation, where the baby is in a bottom-down position. This happens often during the second trimester. While most babies naturally turn head-down before labor, some don’t. This can make birth harder and increase the chance of a caesarean section.
Discovering the Power of Moxibustion
A recent study published in the Cochrane Library explored moxibustion. This traditional Chinese medicine technique might help turn breech babies. Moxibustion involves burning a herb called Artemesia spp. near an acupuncture point on the little toe. This creates a warming sensation that stimulates the uterus. The mother or a trained family member can administer this technique. The goal is to encourage the baby to move into a head-down position before birth.
What the Study Revealed
The study looked at 13 different studies involving 2,181 women and their babies. It found that moxibustion, used with usual care or even sham moxibustion, likely reduces the number of breech babies at birth compared to standard care alone. However, the data on whether moxibustion reduces the need for external cephalic version (a procedure to manually turn the baby) was limited.
Interestingly, moxibustion did not significantly reduce the number of caesarean sections. But it probably reduced the use of oxytocin, a hormone used to induce or strengthen contractions during labor. There was limited evidence on how moxibustion affects the timing of membrane rupture and the acidity of umbilical cord blood.
Researcher’s Conclusion
The study found moderate-certainty evidence that moxibustion, combined with usual care, likely reduces the chance of a breech position at birth. Its impact on the need for external cephalic version remains uncertain. Moxibustion seems to have a minimal effect on caesarean section rates. More investigation is needed to understand its influence on other factors, such as premature rupture of membranes and umbilical cord blood acidity levels.
Almond Wellness Centre Melbourne
At Almond Wellness Centre, we’ve been integrating acupuncture and Chinese medicine with infertility treatments for over two decades. We are proud of our ongoing commitment to helping pregnancy-related symptoms through these ancient practices.
In a typical menstrual cycle, ovulation is crucial. It happens every cycle for most women. First, an egg is released from the ovary. Then, hormone levels change—estrogen drops, then rises again. At the same time, progesterone levels go up and stay high. About two weeks later, these hormone levels drop, and menstruation starts. Usually, your period comes about two weeks after ovulation, unless you’re pregnant.
But What if You Get Your Period Without Ovulating? Is That Possible?
Yes.
Sometimes, the ovaries develop follicles, but they don’t release mature eggs. Without a mature egg, there’s no corpus luteum formation. This situation is called anovulatory bleeding, anovulatory menstruation, or anovulatory cycle.
What are the causes and symptoms?
Many things can cause this, like delayed development, hormonal imbalances, stress, thyroid disorders, or certain medications. These issues can disrupt ovulation and cause abnormal bleeding.
Symptoms of anovulatory menstruation include irregular bleeding, varying amounts of blood, prolonged cycles, or repeated irregular vaginal bleeding. Some people may think their periods are normal, but tests like ultrasound or basal body temperature tracking can show otherwise.
Diagnosis
Anovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding might mean months without periods followed by heavy bleeding. This can last for days or weeks and may lead to anaemia.
Doctors diagnose anovulatory menstruation through exams, checking endometrium thickness, observing vaginal discharge, or using imaging tests like ultrasound. Blood tests may also be done to check hormone levels.
Impact on Fertility
Anovulatory cycles can affect fertility. Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often cause them, making conception harder by disrupting hormone balance and preventing egg release.
Without ovulation, the uterine lining may keep growing, leading to heavier or prolonged periods. This affects fertility because conception needs ovulation.
How to Manage and Treat
If you’re trying to conceive, knowing if you are ovulating is crucial. Firstly, You can check ovulation at home. However, If still not sure, it is wise to see your healthcare professionals. They may give more accurate diagnosis and management plans.
Can Chinese Medicine Help?
Some find combining traditional Chinese medicine like acupuncture with conventional treatments helpful, particularly for managing anovulatory bleeding and hormonal imbalances.
At Almond Wellness Centre, our Chinese medicine practitioners offer fertility acupuncture and Chinese medicine remedies alongside conventional therapies for a holistic approach to reproductive health.
Understanding Amenorrhea and Its Impact on Fertility
Amenorrhea is when a woman doesn’t get a period, which could mean something’s up with the hormones or reproductive system. Usually, a period means ovulation is happening, which is important for getting pregnant. Not all cases of amenorrhea mean a woman can’t have a baby, but it can make it hard to conceive. When a woman doesn’t ovulate (anovulate), it’s usually because of amenorrhea, and that makes it even harder to get pregnant. Understanding and taking care of these conditions is important for women’s reproductive health.
And guess what? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be a great way to support fertility, along with regular treatments.
Types of amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea
Primary amenorrhea occurs when a woman has not had her first menstrual period by age 15-16 or within three years after puberty begins. Causes include genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, or structural abnormalities affecting the reproductive organs. Fertility depends on the underlying cause and may require medical intervention.
Secondary amenorrhea
Secondary amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for three or more cycles or six months in women with previously regular periods. Common causes include:
Addressing the root cause can often restore menstrual cycles and improve fertility.
Causes of Amenorrhea and Non-Ovulation
Hormonal Imbalances
Disruptions in aestrogen, progesterone, or thyroid hormone levels can affect ovulation and menstruation. Anovulation occurs when the ovaries do not release an egg, making conception impossible. Treatment may involve lifestyle adjustments, acupuncture, or hormone therapy.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS often leads to irregular or absent periods and non-ovulation. TCM focuses on balancing hormones naturally through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle modifications to support ovulation.
Premature Ovarian Failure (POF)
POF occurs when ovarian function declines before age 40, leading to irregular or absent periods and non-ovulation. While conventional medicine often recommends hormone replacement therapy (HRT), TCM aims to nourish kidney essence, improve ovarian function, and regulate menstruation with acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Stress and Lifestyle Factors
Excessive stress, intense exercise, and poor nutrition can impact reproductive health, leading to amenorrhea and non-ovulation. Managing stress and adopting a balanced lifestyle can help restore menstrual function and improve fertility.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Iron, vitamin D, and essential nutrient deficiencies may contribute to amenorrhea and anovulation. A nutrient-rich diet combined with TCM support can improve menstrual health and ovulatory function.
Medication-Induced Amenorrhea
Some contraceptives and medications can disrupt menstruation and ovulation. If periods do not return after stopping hormonal birth control, a TCM approach may help regulate the cycle naturally.
Post-Pill Amenorrhea
Stopping oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can temporarily disrupt the menstrual cycle. This condition, known as post-pill amenorrhea, occurs due to:
Hormonal readjustment as the body transitions from synthetic hormones
Withdrawal from continuous hormonal regulation
Individual differences in how quickly the body restores ovulation
If menstruation does not return after several months, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may assist in regulating hormonal balance.
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Amenorrhea and Non-Ovulation
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates blood flow to reproductive organs, supports hormonal balance, and reduces stress, promoting the return of regular cycles and encouraging ovulation.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
TCM practitioners may prescribe customized herbal formulas to nourish blood, regulate hormones, and promote menstrual health. Common herbs include:
Chinese motherwort (Leonurus japonicus) – Promotes blood flow and menstrual regularity
Tribulus terrestris – Supports ovulation and improves ovarian function
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
TCM emphasises a holistic approach, incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes such as:
Nutrient-dense foods to support hormonal health
Stress management techniques like meditation or Tai Chi
Moderate exercise to maintain balance without excessive strain
Menstruation and Fertility Support at Melbourne Clinics
At Almond Wellness Centre (Melbourne Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Clinics), we provide expert care in reproductive health. Our Coburg and Ringwood clinics provide:
Acupuncture & Chinese herbal medicine for menstrual regulation
Trying to conceive can feel like a mix of excitement, hope, and maybe a little bit of confusion. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When is the best time to conceive? Does it have to be on the day of ovulation? And how long do sperm actually survive? Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the facts you need to boost your chances of getting pregnant.
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The Best Time to Conceive: It’s Not What You Think
You might have heard that the day of ovulation is the golden window for conception. But here’s the surprising truth: the highest chance of conception actually happens 1-2 days before ovulation. Here’s the breakdown:
1-2 days before ovulation: 30-35% chance of conception (the best odds!).
On the day of ovulation: Slightly lower, around 25%.
3-5 days before ovulation: Successively lower chances (15%, 9%, and 3%).
1 day after ovulation: Unfortunately, the chance drops to 0%.
Why? It all comes down to the lifespan of sperm and eggs. While an egg only survives for about 24 hours after it’s released, sperm can hang out in the female reproductive system for 48-72 hours (or even longer!). So, having sex a day or two before ovulation gives the sperm time to “wait” for the egg, increasing the odds of a successful meet-up.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Your body temperature rises slightly after ovulation. Tracking BBT correctly can help you spot patterns.
Cervical Mucus Changes: Around ovulation, your cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and egg-white-like. Here is how to check cervical mucus changes.
Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits detect a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which happens 24-36 hours before ovulation.
Keep in mind, these methods give you an estimate of your ovulation window, not an exact science. But they’re a great starting point!
Why Timing Isn’t Everything
While timing is important, it’s not the only factor that affects your chances of getting pregnant. Other things to consider include:
Sperm Quality: Healthy, motile sperm are essential for conception.
Overall Health: Stress, diet, and lifestyle can all impact fertility.
Age: Fertility naturally declines with age, especially after 35.
Underlying health conditions
Lifestyle factors like stress and diet
The good news? Regular sexual activity throughout your cycle (not just around ovulation) can help increase your chances. Plus, it takes the pressure off trying to “hit the perfect day.”
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
If you think conception might have happened, you’re probably eager to take a pregnancy test. Here’s what you need to know:
After fertilisation, the fertilized egg starts producing hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), the hormone detected by pregnancy tests.
You can take a test as early as 8 days after intercourse, but for the most accurate results, wait until 3 weeks after.
Pro Tip: Always follow the instructions on your pregnancy test kit. Using it correctly (and not too early!) will help avoid false results.
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help
If you’re trying to conceive, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture can be powerful allies. Here’s how:
Balances Hormones: Acupuncture helps regulate your menstrual cycle and improve ovulation timing.
Improves Blood Flow: Better circulation to the uterus and ovaries supports a healthy reproductive system.
Reduces Stress: Stress can mess with your hormones, and acupuncture’s calming effects can help you feel more relaxed and balanced.
At Almond Wellness Centre in Coburg and Ringwood, Melbourne, we provide professional natural support for fertility. Our fully qualified practitioners will:
Assess your unique needs and health history.
Create a personalised treatment plan to optimise your fertility.
Support you every step of the way on your journey to parenthood.
Ready to Boost Your Fertility?
If you’re trying to conceive and want to explore natural ways to improve your chances, we’re here to help. Contact Almond Wellness Centre today to book a consultation and take the first step toward growing your family.
References
American Pregnancy Association. Understanding Ovulation.
Mayo Clinic. How to Track Your Ovulation.
Cochrane Review. Acupuncture for Fertility Support.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years as a natural therapy to treat various health conditions. However, when it comes to scientific research, acupuncture studies often face criticism for being of low quality. This perception stems from several challenges that make it difficult to conduct rigorous, high-quality research. In this blog, we’ll explore the key reasons behind these challenges and what’s being done to improve acupuncture research.
Key Challenges in Acupuncture Research
1. Methodological Challenges
Acupuncture research often struggles with methodological issues due to the unique nature of the treatment. For example:
Placebo Controls: Creating a convincing placebo for acupuncture (like the Streitberger placebo needle) is challenging because patients can often tell if they’re receiving real acupuncture.
Blinding: It’s difficult to blind both participants and practitioners in acupuncture studies, which can introduce bias.
Double-Blind Studies: Designing double-blind studies (where neither the patient nor the practitioner knows who’s receiving real treatment) is nearly impossible in acupuncture research.
These factors make it hard to conduct randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that meet the highest standards of research design.
2. Blinding Difficulties
Blinding, or masking, is a critical part of high-quality research. However, in acupuncture studies:
Sham Acupuncture: Sham treatments (like non-insertive needles) may not fully mimic the experience of real acupuncture, making it easier for participants to guess which group they’re in.
Practitioner Bias: Acupuncturists may unintentionally influence the study results if they know which patients are receiving real treatment.
This lack of effective blinding can compromise the validity of study results.
3. Heterogeneity of Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture is a highly individualised therapy, which creates challenges for standardisation:
Different Techniques: Practitioners may use different needling techniques, point selections, and treatment protocols.
Variable Outcomes: This variability makes it difficult to compare results across studies, leading to inconsistent findings.
Without standardised protocols, it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions about acupuncture’s effectiveness.
4. Limited Funding and Resources
Acupuncture research often receives less funding compared to conventional medical research. This can lead to:
Small Sample Sizes: Limited funding often means smaller studies, which reduce the statistical power of the results.
Shorter Study Durations: Insufficient resources may prevent long-term studies, limiting the ability to assess lasting effects.
Limited Access to Advanced Methodologies: High-quality research often requires expensive tools and technologies, which may be out of reach for acupuncture studies.
5. Publication Bias
Publication bias is a significant issue in acupuncture research:
Positive Results: Studies showing positive or significant results are more likely to be published.
Negative Results: Studies with negative or inconclusive findings often go unpublished, skewing the overall body of evidence.
This bias can create an overestimation of acupuncture’s effectiveness and limit the availability of balanced data.
6. Language Barriers
Many acupuncture studies are published in non-English languages, which can limit their accessibility:
Exclusion from Reviews: Non-English studies are often excluded from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, reducing the diversity and quality of the evidence.
Limited Global Impact: Valuable research may not reach the wider scientific community, hindering progress in the field.
Efforts to Improve Acupuncture Research
Despite these challenges, the acupuncture research community is working to improve the quality of studies. Some initiatives include:
Standardized Protocols: Developing consistent treatment protocols to reduce variability across studies.
Rigorous Study Designs: Implementing more robust methodologies, such as larger sample sizes and longer study durations.
Multi-Center Trials: Conducting large-scale, multi-centre trials to gather more comprehensive data.
These efforts aim to strengthen the evidence base for acupuncture and enhance its credibility in the scientific community.
Conclusion
While acupuncture research faces several challenges—such as methodological issues, blinding difficulties, and limited funding—efforts are underway to improve the quality of studies. By addressing these barriers, researchers can provide stronger evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness and ensure it’s recognised as a valuable treatment option.
“春夏养阳，秋冬养阴”是中医理论中的一句俗语，用来描述四季养生的原则。它的意思是，在春夏季节应该注重养护阳气，而在秋冬季节则应该注重养护阴气。
Trying to conceive can feel like a mix of excitement, hope, and maybe a little bit of confusion. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When is the best time to conceive? Does it have to be on the day of ovulation? And how long do sperm actually survive? Let’s clear up the confusion and give you the facts you need to boost your chances of getting pregnant.