The Three Phases Of a Woman's Life A Chinese Medicine Perspective

By Anne C. Crowley, MAc, LAc

More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles

The Three Phases Of a Woman's Life A Chinese Medicine Perspective

The Chinese say a woman's life cycle is measured in seven-year increments and a man's in eight. While everyone ages, the shifts in life changes occur more dramatically in women. Acupuncture and herbs can bring great relief during these times of change.

Menses The Teenage Years

At age 14, give or take a few years, women begin menstruation. It is important at this time of life to have the energy (Qi) flowing smoothly so as not to bind and create gynecological problems. When there is excessive cramping, heavy bleeding (even scant bleeding), or pain, regulating the Qi can be miraculous. Obstruction = Pain. Pain may be caused by an obstruction of Qi and blood flowing or what Chinese Medicine calls, “blood stasis”, blood that will not move. Acupuncture and herbs can make this Qi and blood flow smoothly to prevent PMS, clotting and painful periods.

Fertility

The sooner a woman comes to acupuncture for fertility treatments, the better. It is all about preparing the body for bringing another life into the world. It is about strengthening the energy and reducing stress. Stress plays havoc on most people, contributing to, if not causing disease. It is not a friend of someone trying to build their body for two people.

Herbs and nutrition can build the kidney energy, or internal reserves of the body. This energy is almost always lacking in women who have problems conceiving. Kidney energy gets depleted over time with excessive stresses, poor nutrition and constant energy burning lifestyle. Liver Qi also gets affected due to excessive stresses and constraints in the body. Both can be controlled with acupuncture and herbs.

If in-vitro fertilization is what is needed for a woman to conceive, acupuncture and herbs can help greatly during this process. Radine Lewis, the author of The Infertility Cure, recommends three months of acupuncture and herbs to build a woman's resources before in-vitro fertilization. The earlier the better.

Menopause

Acupuncture and herbs have done wonders to relieve hot flashes, mood swings, bloating, and abnormal cravings. As we move from the onset of menses to the end of menopause, let us remember that there is “wisdom” in all of these milestones. So, let's breathe and enjoy all the stages of our lives.