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Menopause is a cornerstone in a woman’s life where we suddenly become acutely aware that our bodies are not what they used to be as we experience a tumultuous biological effect. These changes bring the onslaught of bloating, insomnia, weight gain, those dreaded heat flashes and a host of all sorts of other symptoms. Many people view this “change of life” as the end of life- giving years (childbearing) therefore depression sometimes sets in. The social stigma of fertility and its intrinsic relationship to femininity would render this change a fundamental loss. However, it does not have to be this way. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Our perception, idea or belief plays a huge role too. Firstly, it is important to view this situation from the lens of “it’s just another chapter” in my book of life that is filled with adventures. Accept that your body will go through what it needs to go through as you mature. Like a caterpillar experiences metamorphosis when it becomes a butterfly. In this way you can use your mind to conjure an image of nature and beauty to embrace what you are going through. We are still beautiful women and we can still have a youthful and healthy life full of fun. In order to do so, though, we must stay healthy and informed.
As a woman who has just entered the Menopause myself, I am so grateful for having learnt this wonderful practice. It was purely for self-healing purposes however, after gaining in depth knowledge together with practice, then sparked that desire to heal and teach.
According to Chinese Medicine, there is no such thing as a disease, only illness which is caused by excess chi or deficient chi. Firstly, what is “chi” or Qi? It is the Chinese term for life force energy and “Gong” is the cultivation or action in the movement of this “Chi.” In Qigong we move energy in the body to promote proper blood circulation as a prevention to chi stagnation. We do this through meditation, breathing techniques and gentle movements to promote balance and tranquility.
In Chinese Medicine, menopause is sometimes coined as the “Second Spring.” That’s because its side effects or imbalances of chi, can be dealt with through Qigong practice and herbal supplements.
According to several scientific studies, women who practice Qigong for relief from Menopause, can alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability. A Harvard Medical School study even found that regular qigong practice may increase bone density after Menopause. Stress hormones in depressed women are the number one cause of bone loss. Since Qigong has a calming effect on the mind it makes the hormones of stress decrease too.
Some ways to clear chi blockages are:
Spine twists to open-up the kidneys and hips to move qi throughout the organs (part of White Tiger Qigong’s 14 Meridian Qigong).
White Tiger Qigong’s 14 Meridian Qigong. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, our body has major energy channels that the Chinese call “rivers” which run from the feet to the head and from the hands to the torso and in many more combinations. The basic idea is that in order for our body to function optimally, we must ensure that the “rivers”(energy pathways) flow with ease and that they don’t get congested or stagnant. When the Qi flows well and evenly across and around the whole body, then there is health and vitality. Qigong activates acupuncture/meridian points to help us align our body’s rhythm to nature.
Qi Bath tapping preferably with a tapper made of bamboo sticks. The tapping should be on the head to bring down the heat from the head. Clear heat (yang) and nourish Yin.
Palms of hands on naked nipple, rotate 36x inward and 36x outward. Then hold your breasts a few seconds. This harmonizes the hormones. This should be done every day. The easiest way is when you are in the shower or getting dressed.
Practice the 6 Healing sounds of the Zang organs (kidney, lungs, liver, spleen and heart)
P.S. I’ve got you.