Menopause Discussion

Today I have the privilege to discuss how TCM views Menopause at the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Thank you so much to the Department and my good friend Becky Swan for inviting me, and allowing me the time to come chat with some of the Members on a topic that is becoming more frequently discussed these days. Why is it that menopause symptoms occur more commonly these days? Is it due to our demanding careers and life obligations? Is it due to the more availability of more processed foods, meats pumped full of hormones, and fruits and vegetables covered in pesticides? Have these general life changes in our western world now affected our health in general? Hot flashes and frequent spontaneous sweats are difficult to manage, along with emotional highs and lows. I am amazed how strong women with menopause symptoms are to be able to tolerate so much discomfort. No wonder they complain that they feel overall more irritable! 

In Chinese Medicine, we look at Menopause generally as an imbalance of yin and yang in the body. There can be many other factors, but, in general, the relative "excess" heat experienced during hot flashes and spontaneous sweating is due to this yin yang imbalance. With an honest look at diet, lifestyle, and daily stress levels, women should be able to cumulatively begin to re-nourish their bodies back into balance with the help of TCM and Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.