[UseNature] Menopause From TCM Perspective

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Misty L. Trepke

http://health.

 

 

Aging and Menopause

http://www.usenature.com/article_menopause.htm

 

Women go through major physiological changes every 7 years.

 

This is known as the 7 year cycle in Traditional .

 

The two most significant changes occur at around 14 years when

menstruation begins and approximately 49 years when menstruation

becomes less frequent and ceases.

 

Our bodies are a sea of qi (energy), blood and essence.

 

Essence is like a refined nectar of qi, blood and fluids that enable

us to grow, reproduce and regenerate. A part of this essence has

been transferred to us from our parents.

 

As we age our essence becomes consumed giving the dry withered,

degenerative appearance. Blood carries essence and qi therefore much

vital essence and nutrients can be lost in monthly periods.

 

A year before and after each 7 year cycle it is wise to put in extra

effort to nourish your body.

 

The change is like a blueprint for the next 7 to 10 years. Therefore

if you get very healthy and balanced through this time you lay a

good foundation for the next few years.

 

'Signs' of our essence, fluids, blood and qi being consumed can

be....

 

Excessive wrinkles

 

Sagging of skin tissue (such as under the upper arm, neck, face

and legs )

 

Tiredness (weak voice)

 

Pallor (lacking a pink/reddish healthy glow)

 

Dryness of skin, hair and nails (brittle)

 

Dull eyes

 

Lacking passion for life

 

Long term memory loss

 

Greying of hair

 

Degenerating bones

 

 

Note:

Some people appear to have loads of energy, look bright though are

withered on closer examination. These people constantly run on an

empty tank or on their reserve energy, not from an abundant overflow.

 

Please note that the above sign's can obviously be a normal part of

the aging process. They are though brought about quicker and more

severely through unhealthy lifestyle habits such as the following.

 

What speeds up Consumption

 

Lack of drinking pure water and eating water rich foods such as

fruit and lettuce as an example. (Remember our body is composed

mainly of water). Excess cooked and refined foods, coffee and tea,

lack of sleep, inadequate rest, over work and not enough play.

 

Stress from many areas. Inadequate nutrient intake, lack of deep

breathing, exercise and sunshine. Excessive thinking (very draining

particularly on the digestion). Poor eating habits that weaken

digestion ( not chewing well and drinking with meals etc.). (It

takes massive amounts of energy to digest food). Negative thought

indulgence. Smoking, alcohol and drug use to name a few.

 

Some Positive Action you can take

 

Drink plenty of water (not with meals).Eat mainly fresh vital foods

(such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit).

 

Take deep breaths as often as possible throughout the day.

 

Maintain good posture and smile regularly.

 

Doing physical exercise a few times a week (increases oxygen to the

cells therefore increasing your energy level).

 

Be playful, go for what you want in life and get passionate about it.

 

Menopause

Menopause is seen as consumption of the yin (essence and fluids) in

Chinese medicine. The body becomes dry and then the dryness

generates heat (there is the drying up, so to speak, of hormonal

essence as well).

 

Any substances that cause dryness are best avoided. Cigarette smoke

for example causes, much dryness of the lungs and stomach. Alcohol

particularly wine and spirits, are very volatile and hot by nature

and will generate heat in the body. So even one strong drink a day

can throw the body out of balance causing excessive heat. Coffee is

a diuretic, stimulant and hot by nature. Stress agitates us also

causing heat.

 

Here we can see then that 2 coffees a day, a glass of wine of an

evening and a little stress can generate much dryness in the body

which leads to heat accumulation that agitates us, which leads to

restless sleep which can further compound what began as a minor

imbalance into a major one presenting many symptoms.