Acupuncture for Menopause

What is Menopause?

Menopause is the period in a woman’s life after menstruation, when she is no longer fertile. As with the start of puberty, menopause brings about many changes in a woman’s body as hormones fluctuate and ovarian follicles become less active, creating different symptoms that are oftentimes uncomfortable. These changes come about around the age 45-55, and generally begin around 4 years before the last period. Menopause officially starts after one consecutive year without menstruating, and symptoms can last for around 4 years. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, vaginal dryness, reduced libido, painful intercourse, hair loss, hair growth in new places like the face, neck, chest, or upper back, depression, anxiety, sore or tender breasts, and many others. These symptoms vary from woman to woman, and also vary in severity as well.

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopause symptoms, acupuncture is another viable option for women who can’t, or don’t want to, use HRT. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is a time when women become Yin deficient, meaning the cooling, moistening, and calming aspects of their physiology are weakening. To treat this, TCM aims to nourish Yin/blood, move stagnant liver Qi, clear heat, calm the spirit/mind, and harmonize Yin and Yang. Menopause can cause stagnation, which leads to heat and Yin deficiency. Acupuncture helps move stagnation, offering relief from many symptoms.

Common Symptoms and Treatment

• Hot flashes/night sweats: Hot flashes are thought to be a result of hormonal changes and changes in the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature. Studies show that acupuncture affects hormones related to menopause and sleep, such as estrogen and melatonin. One study found that acupuncture decreased the secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide, a vasodilating neuropeptide that has been shown to affect hot flashes. Acupuncture helps your body function better, and can help bring your body back to homeostasis in times of transition, like menopause. Menopause can cause a Yin imbalance, leading to excess stagnant heat in the body. Acupuncture can move that stagnant heat, offering relief.

• Pain: By placing needles at pressure points throughout the body, the central nervous system is stimulated to release pain - relieving chemicals like endorphins. The chemicals can help to alleviate aches and pains associated with menopause.

• Mood swings/ Anxiety: Menopause can cause mood swings because of hormonal changes or imbalances that occur at this time of transition. Acupuncture balances Qi, minimizes the frequency and intensity of mood swings, and increases endorphin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels, creating a positive mood. Researchers found that acupuncture alters neurotransmitters in the brain, alleviating conditions like anxiety and nervousness. Acupuncture can relax your body and relax your mind as well.

• Insomnia and Fatigue: Insomnia and fatigue associated with menopause can be caused by fluctuating hormone levels and sleep disturbances, like hot flashes or pain. Acupuncture increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure in your body, reducing fatigue-inducing stress, balances the nervous system, and releases nocturnal chemicals like melatonin, which aids in better sleep.

• Vaginal dryness: The hormonal imbalances caused by menopause can reduce the natural lubricant created by the vagina, leading to dryness or pain during sex. Estrogen is responsible for creating these lubricants, and with estrogen levels decreasing during menopause, vaginal fluid production decreases as well. Menopause causes a Yin deficiency, which is the moistening energy in the body. Acupuncture can bring the body back into harmony by balancing Yin depletion with Yang energy, restoring natural vaginal lubrication production.

Acupuncture is a safe, non-invasive, natural way to bring your body back into balance during times of transition and fluctuation, like menopause. By releasing various hormones like endorphins, dopamine, increasing blood flow, releasing stagnant heat, boosting melatonin production, and altering neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce feelings of anxiety, acupuncture can help treat many symptoms caused by menopause, and can offer great relief.

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Resources

“Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Menopause”. Retrieved from https://lotusleafacupuncture.com/tag/vaginal-dryness/.

“Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Insomnia”/ Retrieved from https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/blog/acupuncture-and-chinese-medicine-for-insomnia.

“Acupuncture, as Practiced in Clinical Settings, May Significantly Improve Menopause-related Symptoms”. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/research/research-results/acupuncture-as-practiced-in-clinical-settings-may-significantly-improve-menopauserelated-symptoms.

“Acupuncture for Menopause: How This Alternative Therapy Brought Me Relief”. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/acupuncture-for-menopause-how-this-alternative-therapy-brought-me-relief#Acupuncture-benefits-for-menopause.

“Acupuncture Increases Nocturnal Melatonin Secretion and Reduces Insomnia and Anxiety: A Preliminary Report”. Retrieved from https://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/jnp.16.1.19.

“Acupuncture may ease troublesome menopausal symptoms”. Retrieved from https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/acupuncture-may-ease-troublesome-menopausal-symptoms/.

“Acupuncture Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats”. Retrieved from https://www.redpandaacupuncture.com/single-post/2018/03/08/acupuncture-treatments-for-hot-flashes-and-night-sweats.

“Let's Talk About Vaginal Dryness”. Retrieved from http://www.sweetbeetacupuncture.com/blog/2017/12/11/vaginal-dryness.

“Perimenopause: 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Help”. Retrieved from https://encircleacupuncture.com/perimenopause-5-ways-acupuncture-can-help/#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20acupuncture,energy%20levels%20during%20the%20day.

“Treatment of Mood Swings With Acupuncture”. Retrieved from https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/treatment-of-mood-swings-with-acupuncture#:~:text=Balancing%20the%20energetic%20qi%20flow,recommended%20by%20your%20acupuncture%20physician.

Women's 7 Year Cycles

Human vitality goes through cycles as essence, or jing, is used and the ability to generate essence declines. This is the aging process, and for women, it happens in 7 year cycles. In TCM, women are seen as yin, corresponding with the odd number 7, which is yang. Men, on the other hand, are seen as yang, corresponding to the even number 8, which is yin. Within the cycles, there is balance in yin and yang. At birth, we receive a certain amount of essence from our parents and obtain essence from ingested food and drink, which is stored in the kidneys to be used by the body. Eventually, the kidney’s essence production comes to an end, and so begins the decline of human vitality. Around the age of 35 for women and 40 for men, jing essence declines. Maintaining this essence comes from proper diet and exercise, not overindulging, meditating, and processing all feelings, especially negative ones like hate, impatience, anger, fear, jealousy, sadness, worry, and mistrust.

Human vitality comprises several interrelated yin/yang vital essences, organs, and meridians that are associated with various functions of the body, and when they are aligned and balanced, the body is healthy. When unbalanced, illness occurs. The 5 vital essences are Qi, Xue (Blood), Jin Ye (Body Fluids), Jing (Essence), and Shen (Spirit). The 5 organs are heart, lung, liver, spleen, and kidney, which produce the 5 vital essences. The 5 meridians, also known as acupuncture meridians or acupoints, are the channels along the body through which the vital essences flow, and acupuncturists use these channels and points to alleviate blockages in the flow of essence.

• Qi (Chi): Qi is known as the most basic of the essences and is also known as life force. It travels the meridians throughout the body, and when a blockage occurs, illnesses like fatigue, lowered immunity, poor digestion, breathing problems, stress, and insomnia may occur.

• Jing (Essence): Jing essence represents the soul and body of a person, is yin in nature, and is stored in the kidneys. Circulating through 8 major vessels, Jing helps produce semen, menstrual blood, and bone marrow. Jing and Qi work closely together to protect the body from harm, and together form the foundation for Shen (Spirit).

• Shen (Spirit): Shen is the yang part of Qi, and regulates emotions. Shen is stored in the heart, is supported by Xue (Blood), and when out of balance could cause various mental illnesses like anxiety and depression, as well as insomnia. Qi, Jing, and Shen are the core vital essences for understanding the human body according to TCM healing practices, and are known together as The Three Treasures. For overall bodily harmony, Xue and Jin Ye are still essential, but are considered subsets of The Three Treasures.

• Xue (Blood): Xue is yin in nature, is the liquid life force of the body, and is important for nourishment. The stomach and spleen produce blood, are responsible for circulation, and when blood is deficient, illnesses like anxiety, insomnia, and irritability may occur.

• Jin Ye (Body Fluids): Jin Ye translates to body fluids, and is yin in nature. Jin refers to the fluids that nourish skin and muscles, like sweat and tears. Ye refers to thicker liquids like brain and spinal fluid. Jin Ye is produced through food and drink consumption, where it then filters and distributes nutrients throughout the body.

There are many practices people can implement to extend the life of their vital essences as they age, like a proper diet, exercise, and meditation. Foods that help support vitality include soups, fresh herbs, whole grains, organic chicken, root vegetables, squash, dates, and garlic. Gentle exercise is recommended for retention of vital essences, and includes tai chi and qigong. It is important to not overexert, so as to maintain balance. Meditation is important as well, and can be any form that resonates and creates a sense of happiness and calmness in life. How well one responds to these support systems depends on the amount of vital essence they carry, but results can be seen long term. As one ages, so must their practices at supporting their energy (qi).

The Female Cycles:

• 0 - 6: A woman’s kidney energy becomes strong. These are the years where you develop based on your inherited essence.

• 7 - 13: Her kidneys are strengthening. This is the Wood phase, and is all about establishing your roots. This time calls into question whether you feel a sense of self, were taught sacred boundaries, and if quality health practices were taught to you.

• 14 - 20: Menstruation. This phase is characterized by emotions, and the first menstrual cycle. You are learning to understand your body and recognize the pattern of your cycle. Kidney qi reaches equilibrium and teeth are fully formed by 21.

• 21- 27: Height of physical vitality. These are the Earth years, which are all about feeling secure in oneself, forming platonic and romantic relationships, exploring sexuality, and supporting hormonal health. Your body is at peak condition at 28.

• 28 - 34: Full Maturity. These are the years of peak vitality. These are the child rearing years and a time to maintain bodily strength. Facial weathering and hair loss begin at 35.

• 35 - 41: Peri-Menopause. This is the Metal phase of reflection and refinement. Figure out what is working and not working for you. This is also a time to adjust your lifestyle to maintain vitality and slow depletion. The 3 yang channels are depleted, complexion pales, and hair turns white by 42.

• 49 - 55: Crone & Post-Menopase. This is the Water phase, the age of wisdom. The focus is on the end of menstruating years and shifting the mindset to the acceptance of death. Menstruation ends, physique turns feeble, and conception is no longer possible by 49

The Male Cycles:

• 0 - 6: A man’s kidney energy becomes strong, his hair develops, and teeth emerge at age 8.

• 7 -13: His kidney energy is filled with vital energy, and his sperm is viable by age 16.

• 14 - 20: Sexual Maturity. His kidney energy is developed, his arms and legs are strong, and his teeth are fully developed by age 24.

• 21 - 27: Peak. His body reaches its peak strength at age 32.

• 28 - 34: Physical Decline/ is kidney energy begins to decline, his hair falls out, and his teeth weaken by age 40.

• 35 - 41: Kidney energy continues to decline, yang energy begins to decline, his complexion pales, and his hair turns white by age 48. It is important in this time to maintain healthy habits so as not to accelerate essence depletion.

• 42 - 49: His liver energy declines due to kidney deficiency, and tendons become tighter by age 56.

• 50 - 56: Physical and Sexual Exhaustion. His jing is weak, as are his bones and tendons as his body becomes decrepit by age 64.

Though there is no escaping the physiological changes of age, vital essence can be maintained through proper diet, movement, and meditation. The cycles of life are different for everyone, and the response to proper care is different for everyone, but the effects can be felt in time. Acupuncture is another practice that can help the flow of qi and other essences within the body, and can help facilitate well being.

Resources:

Estrada, Jessica. “8 Foods to Improve Qi Deficiency (aka Low Energy and Fatigue), According to a Traditional Chinese Medicine Expert”. Retrieved from https://www.wellandgood.com/foods-more-qi/.

González, Kris. 7 Year Life Cycles”. Retrieved from https://www.thewayofyin.com/blog/2019/3/8/7-year-cycles.

Jing, J. “What’s the Stage of Your Life Cycle?” Retrieved from https://cycleharmony.com/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/whats-the-stage-of-your-life-cycle.”

Wang, Chuaxin. “The Five Vital Substances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)”. Retrieved from https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/five-vital-substances-in-tcm.

“Meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine?” Retrieved from https://www.amcollege.edu/blog/what-are-meridians-in-traditional-chinese-medicine-tcm.

“The Natural Aging Process through TCM”. Retrieved from https://www.nirvananaturopathics.com/blog/the-natural-aging-process-through-tcm.

“The Vital Substances”. Retrieved from https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/what-traditional-chinese-medicine/what-qi-and-other-concepts/-vital-substa.