Ahh menopause! Half of our population will go through this natural process. Menopause can cause some discomfort but it does not have to!! Let’s unpack this special time in life and give you a few natural solutions to combat some of the symptoms.

Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual cycle. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States. Here is a list of some of the symptoms associated with menopause:

• Irregular periods

• Vaginal dryness

• Hot flashes

• Chills

• Night sweats

• Sleep problems

• Mood changes

• Weight gain and slowed metabolism

• Thinning hair and dry skin

• Loss of breast fullness

There are several causes for the uncomfortable symptoms during menopause according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). At The Point of Health we do 4 diagnostic exams to find the root cause of your menopause symptoms. However, there are some common factors that are associated with menopause. The one we will focus on in this blog is Kidney Yin Deficiency with empty heat.

Yin is the coolant and moistening system in the body. Having a yin deficiency means that you run hotter than normal and feel dryer. Having a deficiency of kidney yin could lead to:

• Dizziness

• Tinnitus

• Poor Memory

• Insomnia

• Soreness and weakness of the lumbar region and knee joints

• Nocturnal Emission

• Dryness

• Afternoon fever

• Malar Flush

• Night sweating

• Yellow Urine

• Constipation

In TCM, the kidneys control many aspects of life, such as temperature. On an emotional level a Yin deficiency will cause great exhaustion, lack of will power and drive , depression, anxiety and a decrease in mental capacity and memory.

At The Point of Health Wellness Center we focus on finding natural and organic solutions to ease your specific symptoms. We look at all of your organs and find sustainable lifestyle and nutritional choices to fit your condition. In the meantime here are a few resources that anyone can use to ease menopausal symptoms.

• Nutrition

• Eat a diet with a lot of raw foods, fruits, and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar.

• Yams are very beneficial and nourishing in reducing menopause symptoms.

• Increase intake of nourishing roots such as radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, taro, and rutabagas.

• Avoid dairy products and red meats as they promote hot flashes.

• Lifestyle

• Avoid stress, tension, and anxiety as much as possible.

• Avoid cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke as this dries body fluids.

• Essential oil

• Clary Sage

• Apply to the abdomen during a soothing and calming massage.

• Rub on the back of your neck, on your temples, or the bottom of your feet.

• Roll on the lower abdomen and use it with a heating pad.

• Folk remedy

• Cook black beans with rice porridge. Eat twice a day

• Roast sesame seeds and add to rice porridge for breakfast

• Make tea from chrysanthemum and cassia seeds and drink 3 times a day

• Make tea from licorice, chinese black dates and wheat. This will help with the extreme mood swings and depression

Menopause is just a doorway to a new life. Change can be uncomfortable sometimes, but at The Point of Health we are here to hold your hand every step of the way. I hope this blog gives you some things you can start doing today to address your symptoms. If you want more information on menopause, or you are interested beginning your journey to wellness, don't hesitate to reach out to The Point of Health.