Second Spring: Peri & Post-Menopause

The challenges of perimenopause and menopause are very real. There has been relatively little modern medical research in this area and doctors can have limited expertise to offer options for support. Luckily Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long and effective history of support for women in this empowering phase of life.

Second Spring

In traditional Chinese culture, this phase of life isn’t feared. In fact, it is looked forward to as the 'Second Spring' of life. The Second Spring represents opportunities and a renewal of energy. A woman’s body shifts its priorities from creating new life through fertility, to bringing focus on nourishing the self. Ageing is seen as a gift and a chance to look after yourself for a change.

The Second Spring- Water Element

While youth is associated with the element of Wood, the Second Spring is connected to the Water element which brings with it wisdom, self-confidence, and courage. Blood and Qi which once went to the Uterus, begin to be redirected to the Heart providing deeper insight and wisdom. At this time, women are often inspired with the courage to let go of old ways and pursue new passions. 

Perimenopause and Menopause

Perimenopause is the 4 to 10 year period prior to menopause when menses finally cease. For some women, this can begin in their 30s even though menopause does not occur until their 50s. Menopause begins after a 12 month period without menstruation. Symptoms can include but are not limited to:

• hot flashes, night sweats

• insomnia

• mood changes (irritability, anxiety)

• frozen shoulder

• muscle and joint ache

• hair loss

• vaginal dryness

• decreased libido

• fatigue

• brain fog

• weight gain

A Smooth Transition: 

Many changes are occurring during the Second Spring as hormone levels fluctuate. When the transition is smooth this indicates health and balance. However, it is not uncommon in our modern society to experience discomforts due to imbalances that have already existed in the body for years. TCM offers techniques to ensure a smooth transition.

In one particular meta-analysis comprised of 869 participants, it was found that acupuncture had significant positive effects on the very common peri/menopausal symptom of hot-flashes. TCM treatments including acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and the healing arts can help with a whole host of symptoms commonly experienced during this time. 

Lifestyle factors: 

In TCM, how smoothly a woman experiences menopause is determined by the quality of her Yin, Blood, Qi, and Kidney energy. Five key factors over a lifetime typically determine this.  

Hereditary: Pre-Heaven qi (inherited from our parents) contains our greatest potentials, and inherited weaknesses. You can get a glimpse at how menopause will present for you by looking at your mother and grandmother’s experiences. 

Overwork: Inadequate rest due to physical, mental, and emotional strain can deplete our resources like Yin, Blood, and Qi.

Stress: Stress is the great destroyer of wellness. Anxiety, fear, and worry can weaken the Kidneys leading to Yin deficiency, especially when these emotions occur against a backdrop of overwork.  

Diet: A lifetime of inappropriate dietary nourishment weakens our resources.

Childbearing: Having many pregnancies in a short period of time weakens the Kidneys if enough rest and nourishment are not provided. 

Chinese Medicine Patterns: 

As discussed in previous posts, patients are not all treated in the same way in TCM. Symptoms can be due to a number of TCM patterns or even a combination. There is often overlap and similarities, so a skilled diagnosis by a practitioner is critical. 

Kidney-Yin deficiency: dizziness, anxiety, night sweats, hot flashes, sore back, dryness (eyes, nose, mouth, skin), itching, and constipation. 

Kidney-Yang deficiency: hot flashes with cold hands and feet, night sweats, pale complexion, depression, feeling cold, back and knee ache, and swollen ankles.

Kidneys and Heart not harmonized: hot flashes, palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, blurred vision, dizziness, anxiety, restlessness, the feeling of heat in the evening, dry mouth and throat, poor memory, dry stools. 

Kidney and Liver-Yin deficiency with Liver-Yang rising: irritability, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, dry eyes, dry skin, hot flashes, aches in joints, night sweating, sore back, and headaches. 

Phlegm accumulation and Qi stagnation: oppression of the chest, a feeling of fullness of the stomach, swelling of breasts, irritability, belching, nausea, no appetite, moodiness, and depression. 

Easing into Your Second Spring

TCM services such as acupuncture, bodywork (cupping, tui na massage, gua sha), and herbs are extremely effective in supporting your transition to the Second Spring. There are also many self-care options at your disposal.

• Learn to listen to your body. What may have worked in the past, might not be right for you now. Your body is telling you what it needs and what it does not. 

• Get adequate rest. Burning the candle at both ends consumes Blood and Body Fluids.

• Eat nutritious meals of real, unprocessed foods at regular intervals.

• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, and greasy foods. Reduce hot pungent spices such as chilies, peppers, and garlic especially at dinner. 

• Eat cooked and warm foods! Soups, broths, and stews support digestion and metabolism. Eliminate or drastically reduce salads, raw and icy foods which are cold in nature and take more Qi to digest. 

• Incorporate gentle to moderate movement every day such as walking, Qigong, and Tai Chi.

• Notice your feelings and find constructive outlets to express them such as hobbies, friendships, movement, breathwork, and meditation.

• Find ways of doing more of what feeds your soul and let go of what drains you. This could mean strengthening your boundaries. 

  
  

Nourishing Teas:

Many herbs  can help alleviate unpleasant symptoms associated with the Second Spring. Herbs such as lemon balm, chrysanthemum, goji berry, mint, red date, mulberry, lily bulb, longan, licorice root can all be made into teas or decoctions.

The simple and tasty recipe below helps nourish Yin and Blood. It is good for insomnia, dryness, anxiety, and hot flashes. Drink 4-6 times a week to begin seeing a positive shift.

Ingredients:

10-15 dried goji berries

2-3 pitted red dates

1 tbsp lily bulbs

3-4 dried longan fruit

Method:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot with 2 cups of water.

2. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 min. The volume may decrease to 1.5 cups.

3. Drink warm, strained or eat the fruit too!

Goji berry: Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin

Red date (jujube): Tonifies Qi and nourish Blood

Lily bulb: Moistens Lung Yin 

Longan fruit: Nourish Heart and Spleen, builds Blood

Note: These are general recommendations and may not be appropriate for everyone. A TCM assessment with a licensed practitioner is recommended for suggestions best suited to you as an individual.

Learn More:

1. Effects of Acupuncture on Menopause-Related Symptoms

2. Yin yoga for Happy Kidneys

3. Guided Meditation for Kidneys