Menopause can be a daunting and challenging life change for many women. Everyone’s experience is unique. It is a natural process for all women, and we believe it should be better supported and even embraced.
What role does Acupuncture and Chinese medicine play in the treatment of menopause?
As we get older, we have a natural decline in our Kidney energy (men do too!). Our hair turns grey, some men lose their hair, our bones become more brittle, our metabolism slows down, we are more prone to other health conditions (thyroid or hypertension for example) and… women enter menopause!
The rate at which one ages varies from one person to the next and a lot of this in Traditional Chinese Medicine has to do with genetics (the inheritance of stronger kidney energy or the inheritance of weaker kidney energy at the time of conception). However, lifestyle, diet, drugs, overworking etc can also have influence.
You may note when you talk with your friends that not everyone has the same menopausal symptoms and the degree in which those symptoms are experienced - varies. This is because we are all different and we have different pre-existing strengths and weakness that can affect the severity of this life change. If you enter menopause with a ‘pre-existing kidney deficiency’ you may experience more intense symptoms, then someone who does not have a pre-existing deficiency.
In Chinese medicine every person is unique, and every situation is addressed on an individual basis. Five women may be in the same room and each woman may receive slightly different treatment and receive slightly different herbs depending on what syndrome(s) are presenting in the individual.
The kidneys are the ‘root’ of the body in Chinese medicine and have a large influence on the regulation of the other organ systems. Menopause is often not ‘just’ kidney deficiency due to the large regulatory and influential effect - the kidneys have on the rest of the body.
How many treatments do you need?
Because we are supporting, strengthening, and balancing out these changes, weekly sessions of approximately 8-10 session followed up with fortnightly maintenance treatments and then monthly, provides the best outcomes.
Do you have to come forever to remain feeling better?
No, but you will need to be consistent with your treatments during your course of treatment. Post treatment, listen to your body and come back in should you need to.
Self care tips;
Overworking further drains the Kidney energy, practice ‘work/life’ balance ‘
Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to keep your body hydrated.
Limit caffeine to no more than two cups coffee per day.
Aim for 7-9 hours sleep per night.
Manage your stress. Meditation can come in many forms including yoga, walking in nature with your dog, going fishing, a horseback ride etc. Do the things that make you feel calm and happy.
To make a booking, visit our online system here, or to read more on Dr Margie Virgo.