Midlife and Menopause
The midlife years, from perimenopause, menopause and beyond, are a time of rapid change. For many women, particularly in the West, this life stage is viewed with apprehension and something to be feared.
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Perhaps too often it is medicalised as an illness, with interventions prescribed to moderate or delay these changes. But such interventions aren’t suitable for all, and the risk benefits should always be discussed with your GP first. The way we live during these years, and the lifestyle choices we make, can significantly impact the experience, with or without HRT. According to Chinese classics, the middle years are considered one of the Gateways of Life, referred to as the Second Spring. There are 3 Gateways of life for women, Second Spring being the third. The first, Heavenly Water, is marked by the beginning of menstruation. The second is childbirth, particularly the Golden Month immediately after giving birth. All these phases bring about an energetic shift in the body and the opportunity for life to be altered for the better.
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The Second Spring gifts us the potential to improve our health and increase our chances of living well and healthy into old age. In East Asian countries women are greatly respected as wise beings when they reach their Second Spring. The transition into this chapter brings about the opportunity for new potential, rejuvenation and fresh possibilities. As life’s purpose gradually moves beyond carer and nurturer of others, it marks the arrival of a chance to discover our sense of self. It allows women the opportunity to live more authentically and view life from a different perspective.
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Before this happens, the midlife years can bring about external challenges, which add to our internal disturbance. We may be encountering stressful events, such as children fleeing the nest, or perhaps taking on extra responsibilities looking after ageing parents. It is also often when we experience significant loss for the first time. Alongside these challenges, we may be grappling with periods that have become more erratic, heavier or unpleasant in other ways. We may notice mood changes and temperature fluctuations, which can feel overwhelming, especially with their unpredictable nature. Unsettling ‘brain fog’, or sleep disturbance and insomnia, can make daily life more difficult at times.
Person centred approach
Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal medicine and reflexology, can offer support throughout these seasons of change in several different ways. One of its strengths is its system of pattern differentiation, a comprehensive framework used to diagnose and formulate treatment strategies. This approach considers the specific clinical features of each individual, addressing both the symptoms and the person as a whole. As a result, overall health and wellbeing may improve.
How we can support you
The research evidence for acupuncture indicates that it may support the reduction of hot flushes for women living with such perimenopause and menopausal symptoms. It may also support the alleviation of other symptoms associated with menopause, such as depressive feelings, irritability, anxiety and sleep disturbances. As with reflexology, it can additionally help reduce feelings of stress and bring about a sense of wellbeing and balance.
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You may choose to opt for a package of midlife and menopause consultations based on the Lifestyle Consultations. Here in the West, it can sometimes be hard to find sensible advice during this phase. We can however look to the Chinese lifestyle traditions to find simple ideas on how to live life well, especially through the mid-years. Whilst it is not a guarantee of good health as this is not always within our control, it does provide a framework for cultivating a smooth transition into this phase. At the initial consultation we take a deep dive at all aspects of your life and health, both physical and emotional. We explore which areas may be affecting a smooth progression through this ‘gateway’, and explore the best ways to support you with individualised advice and guidance. Each of the follow ups will have a particular focus, including mind, body, food and sleep. We delve into the concept of ‘nourishing life’ tradition of Yang Sheng and discover how minor changes can gradually bring about balance.
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Together we will look at some of these principles, to optimise your experience of midlife and menopause. Bespoke guidance will be provided to suit your individual needs and requirements. We will examine beneficial ways to help yourself, such as altering any lifestyle choices which may not be serving you well during this time. It will also include providing dietary wisdom using the principles of Chinese nutritional therapy, and self-care practices to help ease this transition.
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Whatever your support needs during this time, we may be able to help you. You are guaranteed a warm welcome, your concerns will be heard, and you will not be hurried or rushed. All packages can be tailored to suit you as the individual, whether stand-alone sessions focusing on one treatment option, or a combination of several approaches.
Eight Branches holds an OHTM Level 5 Diploma in Applied Reflexology for Integrated Medicine, recognised by the NHS within the Skills for Health sector, and is a member of the Association of Reflexologists.​