Chinese Medicine Strategies for Menopause and Stress

1. Nourish the Kidneys
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that the Kidneys need to be nourished to maintain yin and yang balance after menopause. The Kidneys maintain the body's essence (or energy source). Please eat the following suitable things to maintain the Kidneys: beef bone soup, prawns, goji berries, Tofu and soy beans, black beans, black sesame seeds, sea cucumber.

 2. Balance the Liver

Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that women are susceptible to a lack of Yin and Blood of the Liver. This is because of various lifestyle and physical activities such as periods, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding only experienced by women. By the time of menopause, the Liver can become very depleted and weak. If this occurs, we need to rebalance it eating the following suitable things to maintain the Liver: celery, citrus fruits – orange, lemon, green tea, peppermint tea, chrysanthemum tea, goji berry, banana, green leafy vegetables, mung beans.

 3. Avoid or reduce eating the following foods

Chinese Medicine considers that when the body's Yin is depleted, it is best to avoid hot and spicy foods such as chilly, curry, ginger, onion, deep fried foods. Also avoid dry foods and eat nuts in small quantities only eg. one tablespoon per day.

4.  Expose yourself to suitable environments

The sun is a natural energy source for our bodies according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Regular exposure to sunshine (while taking suitable steps to protect yourself from over-exposure and sunburn) positively benefits the body. The Liver in Chinese medicine is associated with the colour green. By exposing yourself to green environments, you will restore and improve the energy of your Liver. For example, green gardens, green colours inside rooms – walls, cushions, colour accents.

5. Emotional awareness (stress and happiness)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, stress and strong emotions directly affect organ systems. Stress can especially damage your Liver. Rearrange your lifestyle to reduce stress and avoid stressful situations. Encourage happiness to positively benefit the body. Some activities can help to reduce stress and promote happiness:

Listening to gentle, relaxing music

Watching funny, light-hearted movies or TV shows
Slow swimming, Tai Chi or Yoga
Gentle walking, Slow cycling