How to manage Menopause naturally
Menopause is a natural transition and an integral part of a woman’s life cycle.
It is not a disease or something to be fixed.
It is a transition, and like most transitions, it is not always easy.
We’re here to help!
What’s the difference between Menopause and Perimenopause?
Menopause is official when there have been 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.
Perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause. There is no specified time and each woman is different. It can continue for some years or some months.
Physiologically, peri-menopause is the gradual reduction in Oestrogen. The hormone mostly
responsible for fertility, starting at puberty with the first period and ending with the last period at menopause.
Menopause in Chinese Medicine
In Chinese Medicine we talk a lot about Yin and Yang.
Oestrogen is most related to yin and testosterone more yang. Yin relates to blood. It could translate to say that as oestrogen decreases, blood decreases, yin decreases.
In Chinese Medicine blood and yin help to cool and moderate body temperature, moisten skin and assist the deep sleep process.
The main menopausal symptoms women suffer from are hot flushes, dry skin and vagina & insomnia.
How can we help ourselves when transitioning through to menopause?
By protecting and nourishing our Yin!
Here are 5 ways to naturally help menopause!
1. Prioritise daily movement that is an expression of you.
Cardio is a dirty word. Think more walking, dancing, qigong, floor stretching. Get to know yourself and your body now. Nourishing your yin is not about sweating, it is more about consolidating your energy and the precious fluids you have.
2. Prioritise getting at least 1-2 hours of daylight or sunlight a day.
Even in the cooler months, daylight offers a burst of yang to help regulate the night time yin hours for deeper sleep.
3. Prioritise early nights. Each hour before midnight is as valuable as two. So, in bed at 9.30 and asleep by 10 gives you an equivalent of four hours head start.
4. Prioritise less stress.
There is always a choice of how to respond. It is not always easy to exercise this choice in
the heat of the moment. Practice on less important things first.
5. Prioritise warming home cooked moist type meals
(Think stews & soups) to assist body temperature regulation. Highly flavoured, spicy foods and alcohol, especially at night are all very heating to the body.
Extra tip!
Come chat to us! Chinese Medicine shines when approaching women’s health. Studies have shown the efficacy of Acupuncture for menopausal symptoms.
Did you know?
Chinese Medicine has been helping women since ancient times.
Personalised treatments can help target so many different areas of your symptoms, even those not Menopause related.
Find a time that suits you below!