How To Relief Menopausal Symptoms
Menopause is a natural process. In TCM, this stage in a woman's life is also known as the 'Second Spring' representing a renewal of energy and opportunities.
From a TCM point of view most menopausal symptoms result from a decline of the body’s Kidney energy and Essence. Menopause is thought of as a deficiency of Blood and Chi flowing to the Liver and Kidneys. Young and healthy women produce an abundance of Blood and Chi which is stored in the Kidneys and Liver. Menstruation is caused by this overabundance of Blood and Chi. Women are said to loose their energy through Blood and with it some of their Essence. When menopause approaches, the production of vital substances decreases. So in an effort to conserve Essence as much as possible, the body stops the monthly discharge of Blood and slows down the aging process by retaining these vital substances.
Emotional stress, overwork, inadequate rest and diet all contribute to a weaker flow of energy to the Kidneys and can contribute to menopausal symptoms.
Common symptoms are
- Anxiety and irritability
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Insomnia
- Migraines
- Vaginal changes and dryness
- Lowered libido
- Bone loss
What can you do to reduce menopausal symptoms?
- Exercise - include weigh bearing exercises, aerobic exercises and stretching
- Practice meditation or other methods of deep relaxation
- Release anger and irritability with the Liver Healing Sound "Shhhhhhhhh"
- Move your hip, bellydance - to release stagnant energy in the pelvic area
- The Jade Egg practice keeps Blood and Chi flowing and can help to reduce vaginal dryness. These exercises also strenghten the pelvic floor muscles so that your sexual organs stay supported - can prevent prolapses and urinary incontinence
- To keep your bones healthy, increase your calcium intake which may help to support a healthy bone density. To ensure calcium (eg low fat yoghurt, spinach, tofu, seaweed, broccoli) can be absorbed in your body, combine it with foods that are rich in phosphorus (eg. peanuts, onion, garlic), magnesium (eg nuts, legumes, fish) and Vitamin D (eg in fish oil, lentils, broccoli).
Vitamin D is also naturally produced by the body with enough exposure to sunlight (but ensure adequate sunscreen protection!)
- Receive bodywork or massage that can help with alleviating many of the menopausal symptoms
Please note that these are some suggestions that you can use to help relief menopausal symptoms. The content of this page is intended for general information only. It does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health care professional.
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