Acupuncture and a woman's natural process. Menopause signifies
"a change" within a woman's life. This change occurs because a woman's body chemistry is shifting. Chinese medicine
recognizes this chemistry change as a natural process.
Estrogen is similar to what acupuncturists called Jing Qi, Jing
Qi is like a gift that is given to all of us at the time of conception. It is the battery that provides us with the
basic energy to power all our life functions. When Jing Qi is abundant, our ability to adapt to disease, illness and
stress is optimal.
As we age, our supply of Jing Qi energy is slowly drained. Generally, Jing Qi naturally begins to decline between
the ages of 35 to 60, although some people drain it faster than others. When Jing Qi declines, the Organ Systems within our
body become unbalanced. This leads to various symptoms and signs, such as graying hair, loss of libido, weakness of
knees, urinary difficulty, poor memory, backache, and fatigue.
Another factor that contribute to menopause is an imbalance in Yin and
Yang energies. One possible scenario is an imbalance caused by
the slowing system of Yin. Yin can be thought of as the cooling system of the body. When this cooling system declines,
heat symptoms will naturally rise, leading to night sweats, restlessness, hot flashes, mood swings, heart papitations and
insomnia.
The decline of Yang energy can also lead to imbalance. Yang represents the warming and metabolizing functions of
the body. When Yang is unbalanced, symptoms may include water retention, cold hands and feet, weight gain, edema, indigestion,
hypertension, or raised cholesterol levels.
Left untreated, a decline and imbalance of Jing, Yin or Yang will lead to the symptoms and signs that are normally assoicated
with a Western diagnosis of menopause.
What can an acupuncturist do?
An acupuncturist will conduct a thorough evaluation and a complete health history. The symptoms, signs and other
information that is gathered are pieces of the diagnostic health puzzle. Putting together this puzzle allows the doctor
to develop a unique treatment plan that will address each patient's individual concerns.
How Jing Qi can be drained:
- Over working
- Overexertion
- Over doing it
- Poor dietary habits
- Inherited weakness
- Burning the candle at both ends
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Excessive activities (sexual, alcohol, drugs, late nights)
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe, natural, drug- free and
effective way to address menopause. Treatment supports the healing energies of Jing, Yin
and Yang, providing the body with the building blocks it needs in order to nourish, heal, and regain balance.
