By Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have enjoyed a rich and extensive history in treating the gamut of female health concerns, from PMS to painful periods to postpartum issues. Menopause is another dimension of female health that can be extremely difficult for women, as hot flashes and night sweats can cause unbearable discomfort. Fortunately, acupuncture and herbs are an excellent option for menopausal women, as they offer safe, noninvasive, and effective treatment for these often debilitating symptoms. Acupuncture is considered to be a cooling therapy. The stainless steel needles that are used during treatment are said to disperse Qi. This means that they are unblocking energy that has become blocked or stuck. Many women say that they felt cooler right after the needles were put in.
Chinese herbs and therapeutic essential oils work synergistically with acupuncture to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and get to the root of the problem. I would highly recommend committing to this approach before using hormone therapy, as these natural options are free of side effects. Hormone therapy is quite controversial in terms of its long-term effects. While it has worked wonders for many women in the short-term, when I hear references to increased incidence of ovarian cancer, fibrocystic breasts, and emotional fluctuations, I cannot give it a raving endorsement. Below is a list of several Chinese herbal formulas that are used to treat hot flashes and night sweats:
Zhi bai di huang wan/temper fire: This is probably the most popular Chinese herbal formula for hot flashes. It is considered a kidney yin tonic that clears fire from the kidneys. Other symptoms would be low back pain, scanty dark urine, and low energy. It is safe, gentle, and can work miracles if it matches well with the patient’s constitution.
Jia wei xiao yao wan/free and easy wanderer plus: This formula addresses hot flashes that are due to a liver depressive heat pattern which would include symptoms such as irritability, high stress, red eyes, headaches, and indigestion.
Da bu yin wan: This formula is for a pattern called ’steaming bone syndrome’ in which the hot flashes feel as if they are penetrating into the depths of one’s bones. It is a kidney yin tonic that utilizes herbs that penetrate deep into the body to clear heat.
Tian wan bu xin dan/celestial emperor’s teapill: This formula is for a combination of heart and kidney yin deficiency, which will manifest with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, thirst, and malar flush.
Er xian tang: This formula is for a mixed pattern of kidney yin and yang deficiency. Symptoms include a history of feeling cold with recent onset of hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, and low back pain.
Here are some therapeutic essential oil formulas that are used for menopausal symptoms:
Menopause bath for balance:
- 3 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Cypress
- 4 drops Fennel
- 3 drops Roman Chamomile
- 4 drops Clary Sage
- 5 drops lavender
Fill bathtub with warm to hot water. Get into the water for at least 3 minutes before adding the oils. Add oils, swish around the tub. Soak for 20 minutes or more with low lights/candles, relaxing music and inhale deeply.
Cooling Spray:
- 8 ounces of distilled water
- 4 drops Peppermint
- 7 drops Rose Geranium
- 8 drops Roman Chamomile
- 7 drops Clary Sage
- 5 drops Cypress
Add the water and essential oils into a spray bottle and shake. Spritz yourself whenever you feel a hot flash coming. Keep refrigerated if possible. Shake well before using.
Compress Cooling Blend:
- 1 quart cool to cold water
- 5 drops of Peppermint
- 8 drops of Dark Patchouli
- 15 drops of Lavender
- 14 drops of Clary Sage
- 11 drops of Rose Geranium
- 4 drops of ylang ylang
- 9 drops of Cypress
In a small glass bottle add the oils. Add 5 drops of the essential oil blend to the water. Soak a cloth in the water and apply to areas of your body like face, neck, chest or wherever you like to help you cool down the hot flashes.
Hot flashes and night sweats tend to respond very well to treatment with acupuncture and herbs. It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms often have an underlying emotional component that we may also address. Many patients have said things like, ‘I heard that cypress oil is good for hot flashes, but it never worked for me.’ It is important to keep in mind that herbs will only work if they address your specific constitutional needs. These needs are assessed by examining the tongue, palpating the pulse, and matching these findings with one’s symptoms. In this way, a much more specific and accurate diagnosis and treatment is formulated that will more likely optimize the benefits for the patient.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation, ask me any questions or book an appointment please feel free to call Dr. Marji Lee Pearson at 786.385.8629. Go to my website to download your free copy of my e-book “How to Thrive in a Modern World” and to sign up for my monthly newsletter.
Dr. Marji Lee Pearson
Asian Healing Arts Center
2382 North Federal Highway
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Phone: (786) 385-8629
http://www.asianhealingarts-center.com
