Menopausal syndrome, also known as "premenopausal syndrome" in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly occurs in women aged 45-55. It refers to a series of physiological and psychological symptoms caused by ovarian function decline, fluctuations or reductions in sex hormone levels before and after menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, emotional fluctuations, menstrual disorders, etc. Its pathogenesis is mainly related to the imbalance of yin and yang in the kidneys, and involves dysfunction of organs such as the heart, liver, and spleen. Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on the prevention and treatment of menopausal syndrome from a holistic perspective, adjusting the balance of yin and yang in the human body and the interrelationship between organs and meridians, in order to restore the balance of the body. The specific method is as follows.
1、 Diagnosis and treatment based on syndrome differentiation
1. Patients with kidney yin deficiency syndrome may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, restlessness in the five hearts, dry mouth and throat, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, and frequent dreams, accompanied by irritability and emotional fluctuations. They can be treated with Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Zuo Gui Wan, Kun Bao Wan, and other herbal remedies to nourish kidney yin and cultivate yin and yang. If you have obvious hot flashes and night sweats, you can choose Zhibai Dihuang Pills.
2. Patients with kidney yang deficiency syndrome often exhibit symptoms such as mental lethargy, dark complexion, cold and painful lower back, long and clear urine, frequent nocturia, cold and painful lower back and knees, and fatigue. They can be treated with prescriptions such as Yougui Wan or Jinkui Shenqi Wan to warm and tonify kidney yang, replenish essence and nourish blood.
3. Patients with kidney yin and yang deficiency syndrome mainly present with menstrual disorders, dizziness and tinnitus, soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, insomnia and forgetfulness, chills and coldness in the limbs, fatigue and weakness, frequent urinary incontinence, etc. They can be treated with modified Erxian Tang and Erzhi Wan, which can supplement yin and yang, nourish the kidneys and replenish essence, and regulate Chong and Ren functions.
4. Patients with liver depression and qi stagnation syndrome are prone to emotional depression, irritability, menstrual disorders, poor menstrual flow, chest and rib pain, insomnia, frequent dreams, and eating too little. They can be treated with modified Xiaoyao Powder and Chaihu Shugan Powder to soothe the liver, relieve depression, invigorate the spleen and qi, promote qi circulation and blood circulation.
5. The main symptoms of patients with heart kidney non delivery syndrome are restlessness, insomnia and dreaminess, short urine, tinnitus, weakness of waist and knee, forgetfulness and alopecia, etc. The modified Huanglian ass hide glue Decoction can nourish yin and reduce fire, and communicate heart and kidney.
2、 Appropriate techniques for traditional Chinese medicine:
1. Ear acupressure to extract endocrine, ovarian, Shenmen, sympathetic, subcortical, heart, liver, spleen and other acupoints. Ear acupoints should be buried with beans 2-3 times a week.
2. For patients with kidney yin deficiency, acupuncture and moxibustion at Shenshu, Taixi, Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan and Neiguan points shall be used for tonic acupuncture; For patients with kidney yang deficiency, acupuncture at Shenshu, Guanyuanpishu, Zhangmen and Zusanli can warm acupuncture and moxibustion. 3 times a week, 20-30 minutes each time.
3. Massage and massage the acupressure area, forehead, and temples for 1-2 minutes each time, with moderate pressure and preferably a feeling of soreness. It can relieve insomnia, dizziness, and headache; Rub the Shenshu, Mingmen, and Baliao acupoints for 2-3 minutes each time to warm and tonify kidney qi, and improve soreness and weakness in the waist and knees.
3、 Lifestyle intervention
1. Dietary regulation: Follow the principle of "dialectical feeding" to ensure balanced and diverse food. The constitution of kidney yin deficiency can be treated with silver ear, lily, lotus seed, yam, black sesame, mulberry, duck meat, etc., which can clear heat, nourish yin, calm the mind and nourish the heart; For those with kidney yang deficiency, they can eat walnuts, wolfberries, lamb, longan, ginger, etc. to strengthen the spleen and warm the kidneys, improve cold limbs, cold waist and knee pain; Those with deficiency of both yin and yang can eat Congee with lotus seed and gorgon fruit, which can be supplemented by both yin and yang; For those with liver qi stagnation, they can eat dried tangerine peel, white radish, oranges, roses, etc. to soothe the liver and regulate qi; At the same time, avoid spicy and stimulating foods that promote heat and harm yin.
2. Daily life adjustment: Follow the four seasons, maintain a regular daily routine, ensure sleep, and avoid staying up late. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "when a person lies down, blood returns to the liver". The liver and kidney are of the same origin, and sufficient sleep is beneficial for nourishing the kidney yin, which can alleviate symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness in the waist and knees. You can also enhance your physical fitness and promote the circulation of qi and blood through activities such as walking, yoga, Eight Section Brocade, and Tai Chi.
3. Emotional regulation: Maintain a calm mindset, avoid excessive anxiety, communicate with family or friends, socialize appropriately, cultivate interests and hobbies, use singing, painting, and writing diaries to release emotions and reduce emotional accumulation.
The advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in treating menopausal syndrome lie in its diverse treatment methods, minimal side effects, and guided by a holistic approach and the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment. It aims to prevent diseases before they occur, prevent changes when they occur, and combine prevention and treatment. Personalized treatment can be carried out according to the specific situation of the patient. Through multiple interventions such as traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion, diet, exercise, etc., the symptoms can be effectively alleviated, and women can improve their quality of life and pass the menopause smoothly.
(Note: Specific medication treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and self medication is not allowed.)