Going through menopause is tough; hot flashes, night sweats, moodiness, and foggy thinking are all part of menopause. There is a possible solution to make these burdens reduce or go away completely.
In Asian cultures, there’s an understanding on how certain foods and herbs can be added to the daily eating habits to help manage the harsh changes. Nourishing their bodies with natural plant-based foods, including herbs, has helped most women get through menopause.
TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, recognizes menopause as part of the natural aging process; which is often known as Kidney Yin Deficiency. TCM correlates the state of the balance of the energy in the kidney, to what you may be experiencing. For instance, if the energy is off, or “upset”, symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes may come.
Throughout Asian cultures, it is Chinese herbs and foods that are widely used to combat menopause symptoms, while finding the perfect balance of the kidney energy. One notorious formula to help aid the energy in returning to a stable state includes rehmanniae, poria, discoreae, anemorrheanea, moutan and other herbs.
8 Self-Care Best Practices for Menopause
Acupuncture and herbal modalities have been taking care of these women’s health issues for thousands of years. Besides seeking these professional services, there are many things you can do at home to facilitate a smooth transition:
- For Yin deficiency, stick with cooling and juicy foods like fresh veggies, fruit, yams, sweet rice, mung beans, lotus roots or seeds. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods which increase internal fire or heat. Snacking on Goji berries is recommended, drinking chrysanthemum tea, chamomile tea or Art of Wellness’s own Night Tea can help you rest and sleep better.
- For Yang deficiency, drink warm lemon water upon rising, eat more cooked and warm food, nuts, especially walnuts and pecans, stay away from dairy, icy foods and drinks and greasy, heavy meals. 20-30 minute hot foot spa before bedtime is recommended. Rub the low back along the midline of the spine and on both sides until very warm.
- For saggy or loose skin, facial rejuvenation acupuncture needling will help stimulate collagen production and improve facial circulation.
- Speed-walk 30-45 minutes per day.
- Rub hands to warm them, then rub the soles of each foot 100 times. Practice daily.
- Meditate 20 minutes daily, in the morning or ideally, at bedtime.
- Suggested Menopause Meditation: focus on the lower abdominal area (Dan Tian), until it feels warm. Then, move the warm sensation into your kidney area.
- Try this Lotus smoothie recipe. Good for anyone, but especially for women experiencing menopausal symptoms: ½ cup lotus seed, ½ lily bulbs, 1 tablespoon mung beans, 1 tablespoon sweet rice, 10 pieces of honey dates. Rinse all ingredients but dates. Add 6 cups of water, cook for 20 minutes. Blend. Garnish with a few goji berries. Make 4 servings. Serve warm for breakfast, or cold for an afternoon snack. Feel free to add fruit, such as banana, berries, apple, pear, etc.
Fight back menopause symptoms with these methods.
