Menopause – “The Wise Woman Transition”
This natural transition is often seen by Western medicine and culture as a “problem”. Other cultures view this same phenomenon with reverence viewing it as the “Wise Woman Transition” – a new phase of life unburdened by the need to reproduce. But however you look at it, it can be quite a challenging time of life! Many women suffer a multitude of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms when the estrogen levels in our body decline.
In Oriental Medicine we understand these symptoms are merely indicators of an imbalance deep within the body. The longer these imbalances are allowed to continue the more symptoms we experience.
In some ways estrogen is what acupuncturists call Jing Qi which is present at conception as energy given from both parents. Throughout life we use this Jing Qi up – depleting its reserves and as that depletion occurs it affects us in many ways:
- our ability to adapt to stress or illness
- loss of libido
- weakness of knees
- urinary issues
- poor memory
In addition, menopausal symptoms are often due to an imbalance of Yin and Yang. When Yin is “low” we have symptoms that are related to “heat” sensations. The Yin is the water of the body and when there isn’t enough Yin, we experience hot flashes and nigh sweats because the cooling water is not mitigating our bodys natural heat. With Yin depletion women can also experience:
- mood swings
- heart palpitations
- insomnia
On the other hand, when Yang is out of balance we might experience:
- water retention
- cold hands and feet
- weight gain
- indigestion
- backache
- fatigue
Acupuncture often combined with custom herbal formulas that are specific to each women’s unique imbalances and corresponding symptoms can help see us through this passage truly making it a powerful new beginning!