Menopause and TCM

 

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, menopausal symptoms are generally due to a decline of Kidney Essence; a concept in TCM that implies a hereditary energy that determines growth, reproduction, development, sexual maturation, conception and pregnancy. Because this Essence is stored in the Kidneys, menopausal problems are fundamentally due to a decline in Kidney Essence. Three variations are typically seen in clinic: the most common is  Kidney Yin Deficiency which can manifest with symptoms like: dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, poor memory, night sweating, dry mouth at night, sore back, or constipation. Kidney Yang Deficiency, a less common presentation, can manifest with aversion to cold, sensation of cold in the back, cold knees, soreness of the back, weak legs/knee, loose stool, and infertility in women. It is also very possible to have a combination of both, Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. By strengthening these deficiencies with acupuncture and Chinese herbs, the body recovers its natural balance and the symptoms begin slowly to disappear.