The Change

Menopause is a transformative phase in a woman’s life, marked by various physical and emotional changes. I see patients looking for relief from mild to severe menopausal symptoms. Recently, a patient asked me how it all works. This is what I told her:

In Chinese medicine, menopause is closely associated with the Kidney, an important organ responsible for what we call “Jing” (Jing can be thought of as our life essence). The Kidney manages all the life stages—birth, growth, reproduction, and aging. As we age, our Kidney essence gradually diminishes, leading to the onset of menopausal symptoms.

The Kidney is the foundation of the body’s Yin and Yang balance. Yin and Yang are opposites – where Yin is cool, moist, and sedate; Yang is hot, active, and dry. Estrogen is a very Yin hormone, so with the decline in Estrogen, we are also experiencing a decrease in Yin (or less of the cool, moist, sedate part of us), so we experience hot and dry conditions (hot flashes, night sweats, our hair and skin get drier, etc.).

While menopause is a natural process, Chinese medicine offers effective strategies to help minimize any related discomfort. With acupuncture and Chinese herbs, we work to nourish Yin, clear heat, and support the other affected organs.