Category: Women’s Hormonal Health

Giving birth is a profound and joyous event, but the postpartum period presents significant physical and emotional challenges as a mother’s body recovers and adapts. Prioritizing postpartum care is crucial for the mother’s health and overall well-being during this vital time.

Childbirth involves a substantial loss of blood, Qi (vital energy), and Jing (essence), leading to a state of deficiency in the mother. Therefore, postpartum care is essential to replenish these vital substances and restore health and vitality. The primary components of postpartum recovery are adequate rest, nourishing nutrition, and maintaining warmth.

New mothers often come to us, worried that their physical and emotional conditions are problematic or even harmful for themselves and their family. I remind them of the physically, psychologically, and emotionally difficult process of giving birth that they endured, emphasizing that their body requires time and energy to recover.

Sometimes women feel they have sufficient energy to manage a heavy load—caring for the baby, running a business, doing housework—yet still sense that something is ‘off.’

In these cases, I frequently diagnose a stagnation of energy in the body, particularly liver qi stagnation. This stagnation can generate what is often called “false energy.” After we help the body to resolve this stagnation, women often feel a profound weakness, revealing their underlying, depleted state. Then, through gradual acupuncture treatments, we begin the process of restoring their core energy and nourishing their blood.

Understanding Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression stems from the numerous changes, transitions, and expectations new mothers face. The entire world of a new mom shifts dramatically after birth. While physical exhaustion is recognized, the mental health of new mothers is often overlooked, despite being equally, if not more important. A mother’s mental health is profoundly impacted by a complex interplay of family beliefs, hormonal fluctuations, identity shifts, career changes, financial obligations, personal dreams, social expectations, sleep deprivation, the urgency of caring for a new life, the pressure to form a secure attachment, and potentially limited family support.

TCM Perspective on Postpartum Recovery

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pregnancy is considered a “yang” state, characterized by warmth and increased blood circulation due to the baby’s presence. Birth shifts the body to a more “yin” state, marked by emptiness and coldness. The loss of Qi, blood, fluids, and Jing essence during childbirth leaves the mother deficient. TCM emphasizes avoiding coldness, wetness, and dampness, including cold liquids or touching cold water, to prevent the body’s Qi from slowing down. Maintaining warmth is crucial during the postpartum period to restore lost heat and vital energy.

TCM Treatment Principles

TCM treatment aims to restore blood and Qi, balance the body’s energy flow, and re-establish harmony. This approach improves mood, reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances sleep, helping women feel revitalized. TCM practitioners recognize that the nature of birth, combined with insufficient rest and malnourishment, can make new mothers susceptible to deficiencies, particularly of Liver Blood/Yin, Heart Blood/Yin, Spleen Qi/Yang, and Kidney Yin/Jing essence.

The treatment focuses on first balancing and relaxing the nervous system, which in turn calms all organ systems and revives bodily functions. The goal is to restore blood by needling points on the Stomach and Spleen channels using tonifying methods. This strengthens the digestive system, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and the production and movement of vital energy (Qi) and blood.

Additionally, points on the Kidney channel are used to tonify energy, and specific points known as the ‘Sea of Blood’ and ‘Sea of Energy’ are utilized to access the body’s reserves of Qi and blood. The acupuncture point ‘Zusanli’ (Stomach 36) is also employed to restore the balance of Yin and Yang.

Calming the Nervous System with Acupuncture

The nervous system of a new mother is often on high alert, and sleep deprivation exacerbates feelings of anxiety and being “wired.” Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, promoting a sense of peace and groundedness. This support can alleviate the demands of new parenthood, reduce anxiety and stress, and lower the risk of postpartum depression. It is vital for mothers to prioritize self-care and advocate for their own healing.

The Concept of Yin and Yang in Postnatal Care

In the postnatal period, the intense exertion of childbirth depletes a woman’s yang energy, disrupting the fundamental balance of yin and yang. The resulting loss of warming blood and vital Qi leaves her highly susceptible to external cold. Consequently, the core focus of care is to replenish her yang energy and meticulously prevent any exposure to cold. While traditional customs once strictly forbade hair washing to avert cold invasion, this practice is less urgent today given modern amenities like hair dryers. Essential recommendations include dressing warmly and consistently keeping the abdomen and sacrum well-covered to shield against cold penetration.

“Sitting the Month” or “The Golden Month”

The first month after childbirth, known in Eastern traditions as “Sitting the Month” or “the Golden Month,” is crucial for a mother’s physical and emotional healing and impacts her future health and the baby’s well-being. During this time, the mother is encouraged to rest, avoid leaving her home, and protect herself from wind and cold. Family members traditionally prepare nourishing, warm foods like soups and stews, cooked with ingredients that replenish blood, yin, and Qi. Examples include black sesame seeds, ginger, aduki beans, yam, rice, sweet potato, mushrooms, nutmeg, goji berry, red dates (jujube), dark leafy greens, avocado, dates, and kidney beans. Cold foods and drinks, cold liquids, and raw foods are avoided.

Food as Medicine in Traditional Chinese Culture

In traditional Chinese culture, food is considered medicine and is vital for postnatal Qi and blood replenishment and proper healing. The increased nutritional demands during recovery and breastfeeding necessitate nutrient-dense foods. Beyond aiding healing and replenishing depleted nutrients, these foods also support breast milk production and assist the mother through the significant life transition.

Modern World Challenges

In the modern world, women often return to work quickly while managing family and baby care. This can lead to exhaustion, insufficient sleep, inadequate nutrition, and incomplete recovery. Societal and self-imposed pressures regarding “maternal instinct” can lead to feelings of isolation, incompetence, and shame.

The Interconnectedness of Mother and Child

A fundamental principle is that nourishing the mother directly nourishes the child.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Many women are unaware of the profound benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for postpartum recovery. There is a critical need for more information to educate women, assuring them that they do not have to struggle. TCM, particularly acupuncture, can dramatically help by restoring the body’s balance, nourishing vital energy (Qi) and blood, and helping mothers reclaim their sense of self.

It is paramount for mothers to prioritize self-care. When mothers are well, the entire family thrives.

Many women come to us struggling with challenging menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, depression, anxiety, and anger. In dialogues with our patients, we find that often these symptoms are endured under an assumption that they are an inevitable part of life, per witnessed experiences of their predecessors. 

However, we want every woman to know that suffering is not a requirement, that relief is possible, that menopause is not a disorder; it is a profound energetic transformation.

Chinese medicine can profoundly help restore harmony and balance to the body through the use of herbs, acupuncture treatments and lifestyle adjustments, easing menopausal symptoms and making this transition naturally smooth and effortless. Meditation can also deeply assist during this period.

The Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine – “Second Spring”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this period is beautifully named “Second Spring”— a time of change, renewal, and profound personal transformation. Just as our first “spring” marks the onset of fertility and menstruation, this “Second Spring” signifies the cessation of menstruation and an invitation for women to prioritize self-nourishment.

This transformative shift, much like puberty, involves significant physiological changes and can feel like an emotional, psychological, and physical rollercoaster. Yet, each woman’s experience is unique, offering an opportunity to embrace a new stage of wisdom — a new season in life. To put it bluntly, what feels like going crazy is a gateway to the unfolding of sanity. 

Imbalance of Yin/Yang & Kidney Deficiency

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopausal symptoms are primarily attributed to kidney deficiency, which in turn affects the heart, liver, and spleen. This kidney deficiency is characterized by a decrease in Yin, a nourishing and moisturizing essence, as hormone levels change and kidney function declines with age. The reduction in Yin (Water) leads to a relative increase in Yang (Fire), causing symptoms like hot flashes and sweating. 

Treating Menopause

As each woman is different, TCM takes a comprehensive stance to diagnosis, viewing the body as an interconnected system, considering every aspect of a woman’s life: past and present lifestyle, diet, medical history, menstrual cycle history, trauma, and stress levels. The focus is on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. 

Since TCM considers menopause a natural slowing down in kidney function causing an imbalance of Yin and Yang, the treatment focuses on enriching the kidney function and rebalancing of Yin and Yang energies. The approach aims to nourish Yin, clear excess heat, and restore overall bodily balance. This involves supporting the connection between the Heart (Fire element) and Kidney (Water element) as sufficient Water element can balance the heat and reduce hot flashes, night sweats, night urination as well as significantly improve the quality of sleep.

Acupuncture Medicine

Acupuncture applies needles to specific points along the body’s energy lines, or meridians, to activate the body’s natural healing response. Needles help to reach deep awareness of the complex parasympathetic system and connect this system to and through the tensions in the body. Deep tensions play a significant role in isolating imbalances from the awareness of the body’s innate restorative and healing intelligence. The more tension and pressure is held in the body, the more the loss of sensitivity and awareness of the emotional depth. This powerful energy medicine discovered that each organ is associated with a specific emotion and element: Kidneys (Water Element) with Fear, Heart (Fire Element) with Joy, Spleen (Earth Element ) with Worry/Anxiety, Liver (Wood Element) with Anger/Resentment, Lungs (Metal Element) with Grief/Sadness, etc. With that, energy sensitive people typically feel a nearly instant deepening into the body as well as release as soon as the first needle is inserted, while others ultimately report a deep sense of relaxation. Even the energy in the room becomes palpably more grounded as the body’s intelligence is finally able to reach places that have become inaccessible due to tensions.

During menopause, hormones dramatically shift, and the body, much like during puberty, might feel disoriented. Energetically, the body needs reassurance that these changes are nothing to worry about. Acupuncture can do just that!

Diet Plays a Significant Role

Consuming nourishing and cooling foods can be incredibly beneficial. Focus on moisturizing, Yin-nourishing foods like mung beans, radish, black sesame seeds, pine nuts, dark leafy greens, black and kidney beans, and millet.

It’s best to avoid spicy foods, onion, garlic, ginger, and similar warming ingredients. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as both are warming and dehydrating, which exasperate hot flashes.

Beyond professional treatment, many self-care practices can support this transition into your Second Spring. Engage in activities that bring you joy, including meditation, walks in nature and adequate rest. 

Elevate your perception of menopause—it is your liberation – Your Second Spring!

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a healthy menstrual cycle is characterized by being painless and smooth, with bright red flow. In TCM’s philosophy, where Qi and Blood can flow freely, there will be no pain; where there is a blockage, there will be pain. 

TCM attributes menstrual pain to imbalances in the body’s energy flow, particularly Liver Qi stagnation, Qi and Blood stagnation, and Spleen Qi deficiency:

Liver Qi Stagnation

Liver Qi Stagnation refers to a blockage of energy within the liver organ and meridian system. This can be triggered by stress, emotional disturbances, and an unhealthy diet, leading to disrupted Qi and Blood flow. Symptoms may include menstrual pain, cramps, irritability, anger, anxiety, mood swings, breast tenderness, insomnia, and headaches.

Spleen Qi Deficiency

Spleen Qi Deficiency, often stemming from a poor diet or excessive worry, weakens the body’s ability to produce and circulate blood, resulting in symptoms like bloating (due to dampness), fatigue, and depression.

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis occurs when blood flow is obstructed, causing painful periods with clots. In Chinese Medicine, there’s a strong connection between the uterus and the liver. The Liver is responsible for maintaining the free flow of Qi throughout the body. When Liver Qi flow is restricted, blood stasis can develop in the uterus.

Menstrual cramps are generally categorized as either deficiency or excess.

Deficiency Cramps

Deficiency cramps occur when there are deficiencies in life-force energy and blood, leading to malnourishment of ovaries and uterus during or after the period. This condition, often termed ‘pain due to malnourishment’ in TCM, typically manifests during or near the end of each menstrual cycle.

Excess Menstrual Cramps

Excess menstrual cramps arise from the accumulation of illness-causing factors like Qi stagnation, blood stasis, Cold or Heat-Dampness in the body. These factors often result from poor lifestyle habits, including high stress levels, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, consuming cold food and drinks, prolonged exposure to cold environments, smoking or alcohol consumption. This type of cramp usually begins just before or during the early part of the period.

In this case, to alleviate symptoms, it is recommended to avoid cold food and drinks one week before your period. Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad to your lower abdomen during menstruation.

TCM Treatments

Acupuncture, herbal medicine and lifestyle adjustments are highly effective in treating both psychological and physiological symptoms, restoring balance and alleviating discomfort. A comprehensive diagnosis is crucial, as the underlying causes can vary. 

A TCM practitioner assesses individual symptoms and patterns of disharmony to determine the most suitable acupuncture points and herbal formulas. This in-depth treatment strategy aims to restore the free flow of Qi, alleviate PMS symptoms, and enhance overall health.

Acupuncture

This technique transforms energetic blockages in the body, regulates Qi and blood flow, and can alleviate stagnation-related symptoms such as cramps and breast tenderness while stabilizing hormonal fluctuations. Acupuncture is also renowned for promoting deep relaxation and calming the mind and the nervous system, thereby addressing the roots of stress. This can lead to emotional harmony and a reduction in many PMS symptoms.

Herbal Medicine

Herbal blends are customized to an individual’s specific symptoms and constitution, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of PMS. Many herbal formulas are designed to support liver health and ensure the free flow of liver Qi, preventing the emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMS. Herbs may also be used to nourish the blood and Yin, ensuring adequate hydration and nutrient supply to body tissues, which is vital for overall mind-body balance.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Adopt a healthy diet and stress management techniques. Daily meditation can be a powerful tool for internal work. Regular exercise, such as daily walks, improves blood and Qi circulation. Establishing healthy sleep habits, reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption and incorporating an organic diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruits will also help balance nutritional and mineral deficiencies that may be contributing to additional bodily stress. 

Create intentional space for this time of the month for emotional deepening and listening inwardly to the needs of the mind, body and soul. This can be a beautiful and quite insightful experience of re-connection to the inner feminine essence, its embedded history and wisdom.

By embracing these holistic approaches, women can transform their menstrual experience, moving towards cycles that are not only free from discomfort but also characterized by emotional well-being and vitality. The journey to balanced health is a continuous one, and with the wisdom of TCM, a harmonious and pain-free menstrual cycle is an attainable reality.