Menopause is a transitional period in a woman’s body, following absence of any menstrual period for at least 12 months. This time change may last a few months to several years. Chinese medicine recognizes this chemistry change as a natural process. As the female body tries to adapt to decreasing amounts of estrogen. Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, fatigue,mood swings, memory loss, vaginal dryness, headaches, joint pain and weight gain come about in varying degrees.

Chinese medicine understand that these symptoms and signs are merely indications of an imbalance deep within the body. It focuses upon correcting underlying imbalances that have occurred over the years.

Estrogen is similar to what acupuncturist call Jing Qi. It is like a gift that is given to all of us at the time of conception. It is the battery that provides us with the basic energy to power all our life functions. When Jing Qi is abundant, our ability to adapt to disease,illness and stress is optimal.

As we age, our supply of Jing Qi energy is slowly drained. When Jing Qi declines, the organ systems within our body become unbalanced. It leads to various symptoms and signs, such as graying hair, loss of libido, weakness of knees, urinary difficulty, poor memory, backache and fatigue.

Another factor that can contribute to menopause is an imbalance in Yin and Yang energies. Slowing of the flow of Yin can be a possible cause of this imbalance. Yin can be thought of as the cooling system of the body. When this cooling system declines, heat symptoms will naturally arise, leading to night sweating, restlessness, hot flashes,mood swings, heat palpitations and insomnia.

The decline of Yang energy can also lead to imbalance. Yang represents the warming and metabolizing function of the body. When Yang us unbalanced, symptoms may include water retention, cold hands and feet,weight gain, edema,indigestion,hypertension,or raised cholesterol levels.

What can an acupuncturist do? An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation and a complete health history. The symptoms,signs and other information that is gathered are pieces of the diagnostic health puzzle. Putting together this puzzle allows a practitioner to develop a unique plan that will address each patient’s individual concerns.

When treating menopausal symptoms, an acupuncturist must first determine where the energy has changed, and what organ systems have become unbalanced. Once this is known, various natural therapies such as acupuncture,herbs, diet therapy can be used to correct the imbalances.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural and effective way to address menopause and regain balance.

Tags: acupuncture, menopause