Kidney Yin & Menopause
Kidney Yin Energies & Menopause
Menopause correlates with Kidney Yin Deficiency and Kidney essence deficiency.
What is Kidney Yin deficiency?
Kidney Yin is damaged by overwork, high stress, wrong eating (greasy/fried/processed foods), caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Kidney yin is also depleted by addictions, excessive sex, chronic illness, blood loss, traumatic events, chronic pain and physical injury.
Emotional Correspondance
The kidneys are related to fear, which can manifest as chronic fear or anxiety as well as result in the emotions of fear, weak willpower, insecurity, aloof, and isolation.
The ancient text, Língshū)《灵枢》The Spiritual Pivot says that constant fear without relief will damages essence and damage of essence will cause weakness of bones, exhaustion of yang qi, and will result in flaccidity, weak back, weak knees and fragility of the bones. It also warns, “Constant fear and anxiety damage the spirit and the damage of the spirit will lead to excessive loss of essence. If the kidney essence is insufficient, symptoms such as tinnitus, deafness, forgetfulness, dull spirit, malaise will manifest. In addition, constant fear and anxiety damage the spirit and the damage of spirit will decline the kidney essence.
“More and more studies have found that long-term fear can induce anxiety, hypochondria, depression and other emotions. By affecting the neuro-endocrine-immune system, it has an impact on human growth and development, reproductive function, urinary function, respiratory function, digestive system, mental and emotional activities and other aspects” (Liu).
Kidney Yin and Hormones
Kidney yin declines faster the more we burn the candle at both ends.
Kidney yin represents the deepest layer of nourishment. It corresponds to our nervous system, endocrine system, hormones and blood.
The kidneys are associated with the fight/flight/freeze response and our ability to detect danger. The kidney/adrenal system is closely tied to our ability to be grounded, steady, feet firm on the ground or flighty, unstable and scattered. Think high cortisol, high stress and adrenal fatigue.
Kidney yin energy declines with age.
Most often, kidney yin and kidney essence deficiency signs manifest as:
Regular dizziness and tinnitus
Frequent soreness and pain in the lower back and knees
Premature ejaculation in men
Hypomenorrhea or amenorrhea
Insomnia, forgetfulness
Dry mouth and throat
Frequent hot flushes, sweating while sleeping
Scanty urine
vaginal dryness
chronic fatigue
panic attacks, anxiety
afternoon heat
dry skin, dry eyes
irritability
poor memory
loss of vision
Menopause often results in the classic kidney yin deficiency signs and symptoms.
Nutrition and Menopause
The key piece of nutritional wisdom is to focus on tonifying foods that moisten. Dietary and lifestyle adjustments are also crucial in the TCM approach to treating menopause.
Foods that nourish Yin, such as dark leafy greens, tofu, seaweed, and berries, are recommended.
Eating a diet that is rich in minerals and phytonutrients. Salty foods moisten: miso, Tamari, raw sauerkraut, kimchee, Celtic sea salt. Kidney shaped foods: kidney beans, black, adzuki, lima beans. Black foods: blackberries, blueberries, mulberry. Seaweed contains all the trace minerals and benefits the blood, as well as is a cooling effect. Seeds: flax, pumpkin, black sesame, hemp all support the kidney. Nuts: walnuts, chestnuts. Bone marrow broth and soup contain high level of minerals. Grains: barley and millet are cooling and nourishing to the yin. Vegetables: asparagus, dark leafy greens, beet root, wild yams. Deep green/leafy help to nourish and build blood, and blood is a yin fluid. Blood is supported by iron, vitamin b12, vitamin c, e, b, d, magnesium, potassium. Spiurlina, chlorella, wheatgrass are also mineral rich which build blood and enhance yin. Mineral rich herbs/teas: nettle leaf, oat straw, raspberry leaf, wild yam root.
Avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and greasy or fried foods can help reduce symptoms associated with excessive heat—anxiety, hot flashes, irritability etc.
Stress Management
Regular exercise, such as gentle forms of exercise like Tai Chi or Qi Gong, restorative yoga, yin yoga can promote Qi flow, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. Forest bathing, sitting amongst trees also disarms the nervous system, taking us out of fight/flight. Building skeletal muscle is also crucial for menopausal women and aging populations.
Research shows you can lose 10% of muscle mass during perimenopause alone, and late perimenopausal and postmenopausal women are overwhelmingly more likely to have sarcopenia (involuntary muscle loss) than premenopausal or early perimenopausal women.
Stress management techniques are an integral part of TCM treatment for menopause. Chronic stress can exacerbate menopausal symptoms and disrupt the body's natural balance. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall mental and emotional well-being. Get good rest, set bedtime rituals to send messages to the body to wind down, and prepare for deep rest.
Acupuncture for Menopause
Acupuncture has gained recognition as a valuable therapeutic approach for women navigating the challenging phase of menopause. The holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine focus on restoring balance to the body's energy flow or Qi. Menopause, marked by hormonal fluctuations, can bring about a range of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture aims to regulate the body's energy channels, alleviate symptoms, and promote overall well-being during this transitional period.
Studies have suggested that acupuncture may help mitigate the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, improve sleep quality, and address emotional imbalances associated with menopause.
By stimulating key points related to hormonal regulation and balancing the body's energy, acupuncture provides a non-invasive and potentially effective option for women seeking natural relief from menopausal symptoms.
Herbs and TCM Herbal Formulas
Herbal formulas have been integral in traditional Chinese medicine for supporting women through the menopausal transition. One common herbs found in menopause formulas renowned for its efficacy is Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), known as the "female ginseng." Dong Quai deeply nourishes and regulates the blood, helping to alleviate symptoms related to hormonal imbalances.
Another popular herbal remedy is Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa), which has been extensively researched for its potential to reduce hot flashes and promote emotional well-being.
TCM formulas like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Er Xian Tang, Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan and Xiao Yao San are widely distributed for supporting the hormones during perimenopuse, menopause and post-menopause.
Additionally, other common herbs like Red Clover, Ginseng, and Licorice may be recommended to address various menopausal symptoms by supporting hormonal balance and overall vitality.
It's essential for individuals considering herbal remedies to consult with a qualified practitioner who can tailor formulas to their specific needs, ensuring a safe and personalized approach to managing menopausal symptoms.
Resources:
Liu 刘茜玮 Q, Zhao 赵国桢 G, Ji 嵇波 B, et al. Analysis of the Influence of the Psychology Changes of Fear Induced by the COVID-19 Epidemic on the Body. World J Acupunct Moxibustion. Published online July 15, 2020. doi:10.1016/j.wjam.2020.06.007
Ko J, Park YM. Menopause and the Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Women. Iran J Public Health. 2021;50(2):413-414. doi:10.18502/ijph.v50i2.5362