Menopause and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Menopause is a natural life transition that can come with uncomfortable shifts in physical and emotional wellbeing. Hot flushes, poor sleep, mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue are common, and symptoms can vary from person to person. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an option for some, others may seek gentler or complementary approaches.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a nuanced and holistic understanding of menopause. Rather than focusing on isolated symptoms, it looks at the broader picture including how energy (Qi), Blood, Yin, and Yang are moving and interacting in the body.

The TCM View of Menopause

In TCM, menopause is most often associated with a decline in Kidney Yin the cooling, moistening, nourishing aspect of the body. When Yin is depleted, Yang (the warming and active force) may become relatively dominant, leading to symptoms such as:

• Night sweats

• Hot flushes

• Dryness (skin, eyes, vaginal dryness)

• Anxiety or restlessness

• Poor concentration

• Insomnia

How Acupuncture May Support You

Acupuncture aims to guide the body toward greater balance. In menopause, this may include nourishing Yin, calming internal Heat, strengthening Kidney function, and supporting our emotional tolerance.

From a biomedical perspective, studies [1] suggest acupuncture may help reduce hot flush frequency, ease sleep disruption, and support emotional steadiness although responses vary between individuals.

Nourishing Life During Menopause

Beyond acupuncture, TCM encourages lifestyle support through self-cultivation practices:

• Eating warm, blood-building foods such as soups, stews, and cooked vegetables

• Avoiding raw, cold, and excessively spicy foods which may deplete our digestion

• Prioritising regular, gentle movement such as walking, tai chi, or qi gong

• Cultivating stillness with breath work, journalling, and emotional support

• Connecting with nature, creative practices, and community

Final Thoughts

Menopause is not just a hormonal event - it is a significant personal and cultural transition.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a compassionate, personalised lens through which to understand and navigate this time. Whether you’re experiencing sleep issues, emotional ups and downs, or changes to your sense of vitality, acupuncture and Yang Sheng can support your inner balance.

If you're curious about whether Chinese medicine-informed care may be right for you, you're warmly invited to get in touch.

This blog is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Always speak with your GP or a healthcare provider about what is right for you.

[1] Chiu HY, Hsieh YJ, Tsai PS. Systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture to reduce menopausal hot flushes: a comprehensive review of randomized controlled trials. Menopause. 2015;22(2):234-244. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000000260