Perimenopause: smoothing the transition

Perimenopause can be a challenging time for many women. Whilst it is a natural transition to a phase of life more centred on the heart and self, there can be a period of time where any imbalances in your life are amplified and show up as distressing symptoms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a beautiful framework which helps us to understand the changes in our body and energy as we age. Having a model to understand our ageing process means we can live our life accordingly to optimise our health, as well as address symptoms as they arise.

TCM talks about life stages of a woman in cycles of seven years. Each cycle of seven years marks an important transition in development and ageing. The start and end of a woman’s reproductive years are explained in this cycle of seven:

At 2×7 (14 years), Tian Gui (Heavenly Water) arrives, the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) are flowing abundantly (two key channels related to reproduction), the periods come regularly and a woman can conceive. This cycle marks the beginning of a woman’s reproductive capability.

At 7×7 (49 years), Tian Gui is depleted, the Chong Mai and Ren Mai are empty and the flow of menstruation ceases, marking the onset of menopause. This cycle represents the end of the reproductive phase, as the body’s focus shifts from fertility to maintaining health in the post-menopausal years.

Each seven-year cycle is related to the health of the Kidney Essence (Jing). Jing is our most precious essence in the body, stored in the Kidney, and is fundamental for growth, development, reproduction and aging. We are born with a set ‘amount’ of Jing and this declines naturally with age. We can also speed up in decline of our Jing through our lifestyle – by partying too hard, overworking, stress, eating poorly and so on. As Jing declines, each seven-year cycle reflects a step in the aging process.

Menopause is seen as a natural transition in TCM, related to the decline in Jing. However it can be a testing time as a woman moves through this major transition from the cyclic changes of menstruation, to menopause. A natural physiological process can become pathological if a woman is depleted, and any existing imbalances are amplified.

The balance of Yin (nourishing, cooling) and Yang (active, warming) energies is crucial throughout the cycles of seven. Yin tends to decline faster than Yang, especially around menopause. This relative imbalance leads to many of the symptoms that can be experienced including hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, and dryness. Other changes such as decline in Jing, Qi and Blood, and associated stagnation and dampness, can lead to brain fog, memory decline, weight gain and so on.

With an understanding of the ageing process and the imbalances that can potentially occur as the Jing declines, TCM can help us smooth the ride into menopause. Acupuncture, herbs, diet and lifestyle all play an important role.

Menopause can be seen as an opportunity for a deeper inner journey and personal growth. Some refer to this as the age of the wise woman. In TCM, the Heart is seen as the emperor of all organs and is responsible for housing the Shen (spirit). After menopause, when the blood is no longer required to support the uterus and menstrual cycles, it is thought to nourish the Heart more fully. This redirection helps to stabilise the emotions, support mental clarity, and enhance spiritual awareness.

If you are facing challenges and discomfort in perimenopause, Chinese medicine and acupuncture can support you and help make this transition smoother. Book in today for an initial consultation and treatment.