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Chinese medicine during Midlife

Traditional Chinese Medicine views peri menopause, menopause and midlife transition not as a disease, but as a natural transition involving shifts in Kidney energy (Jing).

Key Organs Involved

 
1. Kidneys (Primary System)

  • Store essence (Jing)

  • Govern aging, fertility, and hormones

During perimenopause:

  • Kidney Yin deficiency → hot flashes, night sweats

  • Kidney Yang deficiency → fatigue, coldness, low libido

 

2. Liver

  • Regulates Qi (energy flow)

  • Controls emotions

Imbalance leads to:

  • Mood swings

  • Irritability

  • PMS-like symptoms

 

3. Spleen

  • Supports digestion and energy production

Imbalance leads to:

  • Brain fog

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain

 

4. Heart

  • Houses the mind (Shen)

Imbalance leads to:

  • Anxiety

  • Insomnia

  • Restlessness

 

Key Energy Channels (Meridians)

  • Kidney Meridian – longevity, reproductive health

  • Liver Meridian – emotional flow, stress regulation

  • Spleen Meridian – nourishment and energy

  • Ren (Conception Vessel) – regulates uterus and hormones

  • Chong (Penetrating Vessel) – “Sea of Blood,” linked to menstruation

 

Common TCM Patterns in Perimenopause

  • Kidney Yin deficiency (most common)

  • Liver Qi stagnation

  • Heart-Kidney disconnect (anxiety + insomnia)

  • Spleen Qi deficiency

 

Treatments Used in Chinese Medicine

 

1. Acupuncture

Helps regulate hormones, reduce hot flashes, improve sleep, and calm the nervous system.

 

2. Herbal Medicine

Customized formulas may include:

  • Herbs to nourish Kidney Yin

  • Herbs to move Liver Qi

  • Herbs to calm the mind

 

3. Dietary Therapy

Food is medicine in TCM.

Helpful foods:

  • Black sesame seeds (Kidney support)

  • Bone broth (Jing nourishment)

  • Leafy greens (Liver support)

  • Warming soups (Spleen support)

 

4. Qi Gong & Tai Chi

Gentle movement practices that:

  • Improve energy flow

  • Reduce stress

  • Support hormonal balance

 

5. Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Prioritizing rest (critical for Kidney health)

  • Managing stress (protects Liver Qi)

  • Creating emotional balance

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Although these are some of the common themes we see with women going through midlife transitions, Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatments are specific for each woman, no one size fits all.

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To have a Chinese medicine consultation a detailed intake questionnaire needs to be completed to full understand what is happening on an energetic level before any treatment or lifestyle' dietary advice can be given.

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If you are interested in having support with Chinese medicine, book a consultation.

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