Whether a woman decides to take hormone replacement therapy or not, she can still benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO), the medical branch of the UN, includes menopause among the many conditions that respond favorably to TCM.

Whether a woman decides to take hormone replacement therapy or not, she can still benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO), the medical branch of the UN, includes menopause among the many conditions that respond favorably to TCM.

As a woman ages, the Chinese medical perspective believes that menopausal symptoms (if any), are due to a decline in the Qi (pronounced "chee") or energy and the essence of the kidney. The kidney essence performs many functions, including overseeing re-production. It is the basis of our hereditary constitution; it determines energy, drive and strength; influences our resistance and is the foundation for the immune system. It also promotes the development of bone marrow.

There can be many other variations of patterns that can accompany the basic diminishing of kidney function. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are beneficial in strengthening or "tonifying" the kidneys, as well as addressing the other patterns that may be present.

Chinese medicine, with its gentle and steady tonification of the kidney essence without side effects, can offer a safe and effective alternative to HRT, even though its effects aren't as rapid as the "quick fix" of hormone replacement therapy. If need be, acupuncture and Chinese herbs may be combined with HRT, because they work in different ways. HRT works by "tricking" the body into thinking that it is still ovulating, but it doesn't tonify the kidneys. Chinese medicine, on the other hand, gently tonifies the kidney and kidney essence to help a woman in this transitional time of life.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, we may also recommend changes in diet and lifestyle. There are a myriad of things a woman can do for herself to lessen menopausal symptoms. Of course, prevention is key for so many conditions.

You can greatly reduce the possibility of suffering through menopause by establishing sound health habits early in life. Those health practices, along with Chinese medicine, can play a role in helping ease you through menopause. We advise women to gather as much information as they can so that they can make an educated decision regarding their approach to menopause.