Acupuncture and heat during menopause

Menopause is a natural progression that happens to women as they age, typically occurring in their late 40's and early 50s. In Chinese Medicine theory, the signs and symptoms of menopause generally emerge as a pattern known as Kidney yin deficiency. As estrogen level decrease, so does yin, the natural fluid that keeps the body from overheating, by providing a natural counterbalance to Kidney yang. 

In traditional Chinese medicine terms, the Kidney is the source and foundation of all yin. A Kidney yin deficiency diagnosis implies that the whole body is deficient of this nurturing substance in both literal and metaphysical ways. Over time, the fluids that nourish the body begin to diminish, and signs of dryness and "deficient heat" may be present or prominent. This can manifest with night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, vaginal dryness, mood swings, insomnia, tinnitus, flushing and emotional changes.

During Menopause, many women have trouble sleeping. They may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Many women will find themselves waking at 3am with their mind racing and have trouble falling back asleep. They may wake due to feeling restlessness from a sensation of heat.

How can we help? Acupuncture can help balance heat and tonify the kidney. This may help the body to transition through menopause at a slower pace and alleviate the fast hormonal shift and symptoms.  What can we do at home? Avoid foods that exacerbate empty/damp heat: greasy/fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.  Foods to include are oats, millet, barley, yogurt, eggs, sweet potatoes, bone broth, mushrooms, olive and flax oil.