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Menopause
930 Logan Street #101 & 102 Denver, Co 80203 720.284.1374
Licensed Acupuncturist and Practitioner of Chinese Medicine
John S. Aguilar Jr., L.Ac.
Home : Acupuncture For... : Menopause
The Chinese medical understanding of menopause is an excellent example of the clinical application of yin-yang theory. The terms 'yin' and 'yang' (the 'a' being pronounced as in 'father') refer to complementary aspects of an event or entity. In Chinese medicine, yin can refer to the basic substances of the body, where yang refers to the activity and processes. Some concrete examples would be all fluids of the body fall under the yin category, and metabolism and the functioning of the organs are yang, in nature. The complementary nature can be seen in the mutual relationship and inter-dependency of the body's fluids and organic processes. (For more on Chinese medical theories and diagnosis, click here.) Through life, we consume our base collection of yin as fuel for our many yang processes and activities. The more yang we are the more yin we consume. Menopause is an acute drop in yin. When yin suddenly becomes deficient, yang stands in relative excess. The 'excess yang' manifests, symptomatically, for example as hot flashes. The Chinese medical treatment follows quite logically. As yin is deficient, we 'tonify' or build yin. We can do this with herbs that have that action, with needling acupuncture points that have the property of tonifying yin, and we can add foods and adjust one's lifestyle, as well. Depending on how severe the 'excess yang' is we may also reduce or 'clear' Heat. This gives immediate relief to excess yang symptoms. As menopause isn't a disease, there is no 'cure' for it. The idea behind treatment is to ease one's movement through this period of life. For more on Chinese medical modalities, click here. For more on what Chinese medicine can treat, click here.
All contents Copyright John Aguilar, Jr. 2008