Menopause in Traditional Chinese Medicine

There is little written about menopause in the classical texts of traditional Chinese medicine. This is a reflection of the idea that many East Asians view menopause as a natural transition rather than a medical condition to be treated.

That said, it is certainly possible to view menopause through a Chinese medicine lens and apply its theories to various menopausal symptoms. And this can be a really valuable exercise for those seeking a holistic approach.

Read on to learn how this ancient healing system could help us understand the physical and psychological changes that occur at this pivotal time.

Hormones in Traditional Chinese Medicine

There is no mention of hormones in the Chinese medicine classics. This is unsurprising, considering that many of these texts were written thousands of years ago, and the endocrine system was not fully recognised until the early 20th century.

However, the authors of these texts did understand the functions of many of our hormones and attributed them to different organ systems. For example, the Kidney system of Chinese medicine encompasses endocrine glands such as the ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands, and the Spleen system encompasses the pancreas.

Let’s look more closely at some of these key organ systems and how their functions apply to menopause.

The Kidney

As mentioned above, the Kidney system includes the reproductive glands. As such, the Kidney plays a crucial role in fertility, birth, growth, development, and, ultimately, ageing. In Chinese medicine terms, this is attributed to a substance known as jing (essence).

Jing is stored by the Kidney and is thought to dictate each phase of the human lifespan, moving in seven-year cycles for women and eight-year cycles for men. In female bodies, puberty is said to occur at 2x7 years (14), and menopause is said to occur at 7x7 years (49).

The state of a person’s jing can significantly influence their health and how quickly they transition through these stages. For example, someone experiencing premature ovarian insufficiency or early menopause may be seen as having a deficiency of jing.

Whether we have an abundance or deficiency of jing is determined partially by genetics and partially by lifestyle. The yangsheng tradition of “nourishing life” largely comprises practices designed to preserve jing and promote a long and healthy life.

The Kidney is also seen as the primary source of yin and yang in the human body. These complementary yet opposite forces are associated with feminine and masculine energy, night and day, rest and activity, and so on.

As we age and the Kidney declines, yin and yang may become deficient, leading to various symptoms. Menopause is typically associated with a deficiency of yin. This can result in a relative excess of yang and “empty heat” symptoms, such as hot flushes, night sweats, and anxiety.

However, this is a vast oversimplification, and menopausal symptoms can be due to a deficiency of either yin, yang, or both, as well as other substances like qi and Blood. Therefore, it is essential to not only support the Kidney through yangsheng practices but to consider the other organs as well.

The Liver

The Liver system includes the smooth muscle, which assists in blood circulation and the transit of digested food along the gastrointestinal tract. In Chinese medicine terms, this function is known as “ensuring the free flow of qi and Blood.”

Qi is one of the body's vital substances and is often translated as “energy.” It is very yang in nature and, as such, rather intangible. Qi has a close relationship with Blood (spelled with a capital “B” to distinguish it from blood in the biomedical sense). Qi is said to move Blood, while Blood is said to transport qi. Therefore, an issue with one can very quickly affect the other.

If qi and Blood are unable to flow smoothly, a whole host of symptoms can occur. In terms of the menopausal transition, this might include irregular periods, irritability, depression, headaches, and muscular aches and pains.

The Liver can be assisted in its function of ensuring free flow by being physically active, managing our stress levels, and utilising treatments like acupuncture and herbal medicine if necessary.

The Spleen

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is seen as one of the key digestive organs, alongside the Stomach. Their role is to break down food, extract its essences, and distribute nutrition around the body.

As such, these organs play a crucial role in the formation of qi. In this process, “grain qi” from food combines with air from the Lung and “original qi” from the Kidney to form “true qi,” which then circulates the body, providing nourishment and protection. Blood is formed in a similar manner, although this process also involves the Heart.

Therefore, the Spleen is fundamental to the formation of qi and Blood. However, its function naturally declines with age, meaning that we are less able to get away with a poor diet or eating habits by midlife.

So, we must look after our Spleens to avoid developing qi and Blood deficiency. This means eating regularly, not eating while distracted or on the go, chewing food well, not overeating, and avoiding overly cold foods.

The symptoms of a sluggish Spleen may include digestive issues, heavy or aching limbs, brain fog, fatigue, and weight gain. Meanwhile, qi and Blood deficiency can result in tiredness, weakness, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, poor memory, anxiety, and disturbed sleep.

The Lung

The Lung also plays a crucial role in qi and Blood formation as it is responsible for taking in air, which combines with food essences to create these vital substances. Therefore, like the Spleen, an imbalanced Lung system can result in deficient qi and Blood.

However, the Lung has another essential role in menopause, this time on a more psychospiritual level. This organ is associated with the metal element, the autumn season, and the emotion of grief.

In terms of our lifespans, midlife is seen as a transition from summer into autumn, and for many people, this can bring feelings of grief. Menopause means the end of our reproductive years, which can be a devastating prospect for some. It also represents the loss of youth, which is so prized in our Western culture.

Yet grief does not need to be a negative emotion. Yes, it can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary in order to let go of the old and embrace the new. Menopause is often a time of letting go of what no longer serves us and honing in on what is of true value in our lives.

This can be seen as a shedding of skin, a metamorphosis of sorts. This metaphor is particularly appropriate in Chinese medicine as the skin is an essential part of the Lung system.

If our Lung system is imbalanced, we may find it challenging to let go of the past and accept this new phase of life. This might result in physical symptoms, such as constipation, skin conditions, and respiratory disease.

Therefore, it is important to nourish the Lung through practices such as mindful breathing, meditation, taichi, qigong, and so on.

The Heart

The Heart also has a significant impact on our mind and emotions as we transition through menopause. In Chinese medicine, this organ is said to house the shen, which is sometimes translated as “spirit” or “consciousness.”

The Heart is associated with fire and has a close relationship with the Kidney, which is associated with water. The Heart relies on the Kidney to prevent it from becoming too hot, while the Kidney relies on the Heart to prevent it from becoming too cool.

As Kidney energy declines with age, excessive heat can build up in the Heart. This, in turn, disturbs the shen and can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, and nightmares. This can be exacerbated by Blood deficiency, as Blood is said to “anchor” the shen in the Heart.

Therefore, to avoid this situation, we need to nourish the Kidney, as well as the Liver and Spleen, which are necessary for healthy Blood. We can also tend to the Heart directly by nurturing our relationships, developing a strong support network, and trying to maintain a positive state of mind as we transition through midlife.

Traditional Chinese Medicine for Menopausal Symptoms

One of the best ways to manage menopausal symptoms is by adopting a healthy lifestyle to promote both physical and mental wellness. This includes yangsheng practices such as eating well, engaging in regular, moderate exercise, cultivating the mind, and living in accordance with nature.

In some cases, making these positive changes will be enough to see significant improvements. For others, additional interventions such as herbal medicine or acupuncture may be more helpful. If you are struggling, consider booking a consultation so that I can assess your individual needs and advise you on the best course of action.

References

Berry K, Saunders NC (2022) Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners - Katherine Berry in association with the Journal of Chinese Medicine, Santa Eularia des Riu, Ibiza