Many patients come to us for relief from mild to ferocious menopausal symptoms. One such patient recently asked, “how does it work?” We thought you’d never ask. With Chinese medicine, there is always the potential for (super) deep dives when it comes to theory. However, the heart and soul of how Chinese medicine works for menopause can best be described as 1.) decline of the Kidney function and 2.) an imbalance of yin and yang.
Imbalances During Menopause
Menopause is specifically linked to the Kidney, a foundational organ system that is the root of our life essence (also called Jing). It is the Kidney that is responsible for all the phases of life and aging (birth, growth, reproduction, fertility, etc).We are born with and have a limited supply of Kidney essence, which in menopause, begins to dwindle.
The Kidney is also the root of yin and yang. Yin is associated with water/cold/rest/stillness, while yang is associated with fire/activity/movement. Estrogen, a yin hormone, declines during perimenopause and menopause. The deficiency of yin creates an imbalance, which is why there are so many heat-related symptoms that come with menopause.
The organs and their various functions in Chinese medicine are so interconnected that an imbalance with the Kidney will inevitably cause disharmony with other organs. The internal heat resulting from the deficiency of Kidney yin in menopause is most likely to affect the Heart (Spirit) and the Liver. Kidney yin deficiency can often cause Heart symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dream disturbed sleep and insomnia. Meanwhile,the Liver regulates emotions and excess heat here is likely to cause symptoms like irritability and anger.
Treating Menopause Through Chinese Medicine
Though menopause is a natural life process that can come with some distressing unpleasantries, you are not without help! In Chinese medicine, we typically aim to nourish yin, clear heat, and provide support for affected organs. Chinese herbs are extremely beneficial for menopause in conjunction with regular acupuncture treatments. Any meditation practices, including breathwork and movement, are also strongly encouraged to regulate the body and spirit.
Additionally, everything we eat has a property (cooling, warming, drying, etc.) and so eating foods that are nourishing and cooling can be really useful for menopause. Think about avoiding or lessening heat- inducing foods like caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods (onion, garlic, ginger, etc.) and excessive red meats. Consider adding in some of the following recommended foods:
- Goji berries, mulberries, cherries
- Black sesame seeds, walnuts, almonds, cashews
- Darky leafy greens
- Fish and seaweed
- Tofu
- Black and kidney beans
- Mung beans, mung bean sprouts
- Millet
