Menopause and Alternatives to Estrogen
Chinese Medicine Perspective: Lack of “Coolant” Yin Energy
Traditional Chinese Medicine theory states that women go through a cyclical change every 7 years of their life. How they “pass” though those years of changes determines what kind of problems they will face in the following 7 years. The seventh cycle or age 49 was the time that women went though menopausal time. Energies for production consolidated so women could consolidate their body’s energies for the years to come “beyond the seventh gate”. Problems arise as women enter this time with very depleted energies, particularly the cooling energy, called Yin energy, which acts as a reserve for hormonal and functional energy in the body. As a result of imbalances up to this time menopause is the ultimate culmination of loss of this “Yin”, coolant energy and a flaring up of the “Yang”, agitation and heating energy- flaring upward out of control. These Yin energy imbalances of the body closely mirror the upset and alteration and ultimate imbalance of Yin and Yang energies of the body causing hormonal fluctuations. These fluctuations in hormones impact a woman physically, emotionally and spiritually as they go through this transitional time in an effort to “recalibrate” due to the initial winding down of menstrual levels of estrogen production.
Acupuncture Points Stop Hot Flashes!
Although the exact mechanism is not clear acupuncture and Chinese herbs help regulate the vasomotor areas of the brain (the areas related to hot and cold regulation), regulate the hormones so the body makes the transition through menopause easier and additionally, is helpful in treating the fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, insomnia, and osteoporosis associated with the post-menopausal picture.
Acupuncture works through the belief that there are over 2000 acupuncture points in the body. These points that follow certain pathways each connect to a different organ system. So points on the stomach pathway eventually home into the stomach organ and can be used for stomach related issues, while points along the Liver pathway connect to the Liver organ itself. Each pathway is responsible for conducting life force between the surface of the body, and the internal organ for which it connects to. Conversely you can positively benefit key organ systems related to hormone regulation by tapping into and activating the blood flow and life energy them via stimulation along these specific points. Using points to stimulate organ function, via pathways of the meridians is able to keep the blood flow flowing which in turns benefits menopausal symptoms.
Acupuncture is administered by the use of thin, solid needles that are inserted in targeted acupuncture points. The purpose of the needle is to help stimulate the pathways to encourage blood flow which in turn enhances organ function. This could be done by placing the needles to the shoulders, arms, legs, and even the feet. When the needles are inserted correctly, there should be no pain, or bleeding, however, you may experience a slight tingling, or numbness that dissipates quickly. Treatment is known to be very relaxing and usually lasts about thirty minutes. It is also wise to remember that each woman and her symptoms are different.
Chinese herbs have big effects on Hot flashes and Energy:
Chinese herbs can boost the effects of acupuncture and in some cases can be more powerful. Herbs that are estrogenic like and herbs that are non estrogenic like have been used for centuries to help cool down hot flashes, restore energy, enhance sleep, soothe aches and pains. Herbal formulas are very individualized and can be tailored for the patient to fit their needs. All formulas are based on tonifying or strengthening the kidney or adrenal energy by using cooling herbs to cool a person down or warming herbs to cool a person’s hot flashes down. Sounds contradictory? Well not if your condition fits the pattern! That’s the beauty of the medicine. Your unique condition gets treated, not just the “syndrome”.
