Menopause, a Transition

Natural Menopause Relief with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Many women turn to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) during menopause in search of relief from symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, fatigue, and disrupted sleep. Rather than addressing each symptom in isolation, TCM takes a whole-body approach—drawing on acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and mind-body practices to help the body regain its natural balance during this important transition.

Modern research continues to affirm what Chinese medicine has recognized for centuries. For example, a study from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced nighttime hot flashes compared to placebo. Similarly, a 2015 meta-analysis published by the North American Menopause Society, which examined 12 clinical studies and nearly 900 participants, concluded that acupuncture not only reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes but also improved overall quality of life.

From a TCM perspective, menopause is understood through the shifting relationship between yin and yang—the body’s cooling, nourishing forces (yin) and its warming, activating forces (yang). As a woman’s yin gradually declines with age, yang can become relatively excessive. This internal imbalance is what often gives rise to the familiar heat sensations, dryness, and mood fluctuations associated with menopause.

Acupuncture helps harmonize yin and yang, supporting the body’s ability to self-regulate. When needed, herbal medicine is added to strengthen yin, replenish fluids, and clear excess internal heat. These treatments are tailored to the individual and designed to address the root cause—not just the outward symptoms.

In TCM theory, each of us is born with a finite store of Essence (Jing)—our inherited vitality, much like our genetic foundation. This Essence, stored in the Kidneys, governs growth, development, reproduction, and aging. Over time, it naturally becomes depleted, a process reflected in visible signs like graying hair, thinning bones, lower libido, or changes in digestion and vision.

While we can’t change the amount of Essence we’re born with, we can protect and nourish what’s called our Post-Natal Essence—the vitality we build through daily habits. A nutrient-rich diet, restorative sleep, and stress management all play a role. Gentle practices such as Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation help sustain this internal reserve and promote hormonal balance.

By supporting the body holistically, Traditional Chinese Medicine helps women navigate menopause with greater ease, vitality, and emotional stability.

Yin-Nourishing Foods to Ease Menopause Symptoms

Food therapy is an important part of TCM treatment during menopause. Including more yin-nourishing and cooling foods in your diet can help prevent mood swings, insomnia, and hot flashes. Some excellent choices include:

  • Beans: mung, kidney, string, black

  • Grains: barley, brown rice

  • Seeds: black sesame

  • Fruits: melon, pear, peach, pineapple, avocado, coconut, raisins

  • Sea vegetables: seaweed, spirulina

These foods support digestion, calm the mind, and replenish fluids.

Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Symptom Relief

To enhance the benefits of acupuncture, diet and herbs, consider these TCM-informed lifestyle adjustments:

  • Avoid spicy, greasy, or fried foods

  • Reduce alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes

  • Limit excess meat and processed food

  • Increase foods high in magnesium, vitamin D, and vitamin E for calcium absorption and hormonal balance

Yin-Nourishing Recipe: Homemade Fruit Gelatin

This easy, nourishing snack supports yin and digestion.

Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin Fruit Jello

Adapted from Wellness Mama

Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups organic or fresh fruit juice

  • ¼ cup cool water

  • ¼ cup near-boiling water

  • 1 Tbsp grass-fed beef gelatin (such as Great Lakes brand)

  • 1–2 cups sliced fruit of choice

Instructions:

  1. Combine gelatin with cool water in a mixing bowl and stir until thick.

  2. Add hot water and stir until dissolved.

  3. Mix in juice.

  4. Add fruit to an 8×8 dish and pour gelatin mixture over the top.

  5. Stir gently to coat the fruit.

  6. Cover and refrigerate for 2–3 hours or overnight.

  7. Slice and serve!

Embrace Menopause with the Support of Chinese Medicine

Ultimately, TCM views menopause not as a decline, but as a transformation—a time when the body seeks a new equilibrium. By supporting this process rather than suppressing its signals, Chinese medicine offers a compassionate and intelligent framework for navigating “The Change” with grace and vitality.

At the Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder, we specialize in women’s health and collaborate with each patient to create a treatment plan that aligns with both traditional wisdom and modern evidence. Whether you’re just entering perimenopause or well into the transition, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

(1) Journal of Fertility and Sterility. Volume 86, Issue 3, Sept 2006 700-710 (2) North American Menopause Society volume 22, issue 2, 234-244p