and Remedies
from my beloved cousin Juana
MENOPAUSAL SYNDROME
(HOT FLASHES, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS, SEXUAL PROBLEMS)
WESTERN INTERPRETATION AND TREATMENT:
A hormonal imbalance with a depletion of estrogen is identified as the cause of this syndrome, which is intensified by psychological complaints such as 'empty nest syndrome' and 'midlife crisis'. It is generally treated with hormonal replacement theray (HRT), although symptoms are often treated individually: for depression, antidepresants are prescribed, for insomnia, sleeping pills, for bloating, diuretics, and for anxiety, tranquilizers.
(My note: And this is supposed to help? Uppers and downers together?)
CHINESE INTERPRETATION:
The Chinese identify two major syndromes underlying menopausal transition: these syndromes may or may not occur together:
(1)-Deficient Kidney yin leads to deficient Liver yin with rising Fire signs (anxiety, palpatations, headaches, hot flashes, night sweats). In predisposed women, the deficient Liver yin can lead to deficient Heart yin, causing such symptoms as insomnia, forgetfulness and palpatations.
(2)-Deficiency in Kidney and Liver chi is characterized by stagnation and stuckness, which further weaken the Spleen and Kidney, creating a condition of chronic depression and hopelessness, as well as symptoms of indigestion, metabolic sluggishness, weight gain, lethargy and fatigue.
COMPLIMENTARY TREATMENTS:
SUPPLEMENTS-
* Vitamin B-complex (best to use high potency B-100 formula)
* Vitamin B6(100-200 mg/day in addition to B-complex
*Calcium (500 mg/day)
* Magnesium (1,000 mg/day)
* Natural progesterone cream (Pro Gest Cream or Wild Yam Cream) which can prevent and reverse osteoporosis, subdue hot flashes, and reduce anxiety: use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon rubbed into lower belly, inner thighs or armpits twice daily or as directed by your practitioner. If you are still menstruating, use the cream from midcycle until the onset of mensus; if your periods have stopped, use it for 15 days of each month.
EXERCISE:
Exercise is extremely important during the menopausal years. General movement keeps the blood and energy flowing and prevents problems from occuring later on in life. cardiovascular exercise keeps the heart healthy, while weight bearing exercises help prevent osteoporosis.
HERBAL ALLIES:
* Chasteberry and St John's wort are the premier menopausal allies. For specific menopausal symptoms, see recommendations below.
CHINESE PATENT REMEDIES:
*Gia Wei Hsiao Yao Wan (Relaxed Wanderer Pills)--a variation of Hsiao Yao Wan formulated specifically for the menopausal woman-for relief of the deficient yin/rising heat symptoms (hot flashes, insomnia, night sweats)
*Ding Xin Wan (Heart Stabalizing Tablets) for relief of anxiety, depression, insomnia, forgetfulness, hot flashes
ACUPOINTS:
Conception Vessel 4, Kidney 3, Kidney 10, Liver 3, Liver 14, Pericardium 6, Heart 7
SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS:
*Mood swings: Exercise is essential, for depression and anxiety both reflect stuckness or stagnation and physical exercise will assist the Liver in moving the stuck chi energy. St John's wort stabalizes the nervous system. For chronic anxiety try skullcap and the Chinese Patent Formula An Mian Pian (Peaceful Sleep pills). Natural sunlight helps to counter depression. Also for depression try Gui Pi Wan (Restore Spleen pills), which strengthen the spleen, nurture the Heart and Spirit and build chi.
*Digestive Problems (weight gain, sluggish metabolism, constipation, diarrhea, chronic nausea): To support metabolic function try Dandelion Root. If "cold" prevails (loose bowels, chills, fear of the cold, pale tongue) try ginger. Add acupoints Spleen 6 and Stomach 36.
*Sexual Problems (lack of desire, lubrication problems): If vaginal dryness is a problem, try a lubricant such as K-Y jelly, Vitamin E Oil, or cold compressed natural oils such as sesame, safflower, almond or coconut... Nettels and Raspberry Leaves gently build up the chi energy and replenish the system. Dong Quai or Ginseng support kidney function to increase lubrication and sexual interest. Natural progesterone cream helps relieve the dryness of vaginal tissues. Kegel Exercises increase circulation to the pelvic area, nourishing and toning vaginal and uterine tissues and enhancing orgasms. To stimulate desire try acupoints Kidney 3, Kidney 7, Governing Vessel 4 and Conception Vessel 4. To stimulate lubrication, try Spleen 6, Kidney 3 and Kidney 10.
*Hot Flashes: Avoid spicy foods and caffeine. Add Vitamins E (800 iu/day alpha tocopherol) For Herbal Allies try Motherwort, Black Cohosh, Chasteberry and Dong Quai. A specific Chinese Patent remedy for hot flashes, insomnia and night sweats is Da Bu Yin Wan (Major Yin Supplement Pills). Natural progesterone subdues hot flashes. For Acupoints add Liver 3.
Ask yourself, "What's burning me up? How have I surpressed my passion (or my pain, creativity, anger?"
MIND/BODY/SPIRIT CONNECTION:
The symptoms might be expressing the questions:
*I feel stuck - how can I move through these feelings of stagnation and stuckness?"
*"I'm being called to move on in my life, but where am I going?"
*"I'm holding onto my blood so I can become stronger and wiser - how can I share what I have learned and move forward with strength and vigor?"
*"What is essential in my life? What can I give up? What must I keep?"
BREATHING EXERCISE:
1. Breath in to the count of 6, as you breathe in imagine the pure clean air entering your lungs.
2. Hold the breath for 24 counts and imagine that your cells are using the opportunity to empty their waste products into the bloodstream.
3. Exhale to 12 counts, visualizing the waste products exiting with your breath from your body.
practical advice
Do not hesitate. Listen. Listen again. Sing and sing along. Do this until you feel your heart balancing with your dan tien.
Do it!
b) Tell someone you love that you love them! Hug them, kiss them, call them, write them, think of them and send powerful love with your mind and soul.
Do it!
c) Take a walk. Go out into the air, and see what there is to see, walk the territory, listen to the sounds and absorb that which offers itself to you.
Do it!
d) Paint something. Grab a piece of art paper and with pastels, water colours, pencils, charcoal, guache, oils or acrylics paint.
Collage something. Grab articles, pictures, objects and glue and arrange them on a page. You'll find it fascinating to watch what images pop out as being meaningful.
Express it all. And stand back when it's done. Cleansed!
Ready.
Do it!
and then go out and live amongst the outer world with replenished strength.
judih
april 10/2004