Menopause is defined as the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, occurring 12 months after the last period.
In Chinese medicine, women go through cycles of 7 years. So whereas in the 2nd (7×2) cycle, you begin menstruation, in the 7th (7×7), you end. The average age in the US is 51.
Though menopause is a natural biological process, the severity of the symptoms express how gracefully you will age. The most common symptoms are hot flashes and night sweats. The loss of body fluids corresponds to a dryness or “yin deficiency” and the heat produced may be a product of that. Heat up an empty pot without any water or oil, and you’ll set of the fire detector!
Chinese medicine seeks to nourish what is deficient, such as this fluid or yin, in order to bring the body and hormonal state back into balance, and ensure a graceful aging process.