women's health & beauty

'Supplements and treatment specifically for women'

Women’s heath has always been of central importance to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

TCM has always had the greatest respect for the rhythmical nature of all life.  Vital energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), flows in rhythm around the body.  Our bodies develop in cycles which need to be respected and nurtured.

A woman’s menstrual cycle is just one example of this.  TCM describes it as a build up and release of Yin and Yang energies, and places great emphasis on making sure this cycle is harmonious and balanced.

Other cycles affect a woman as she ages and matures, and TCM is able to help make sure we stay free of discomfort and disease.

helping with women’s health

The onset of menstruation, the nature of our menstrual cycle, pregnancy, childbirth and the menopause are vital stages in a woman’s life.  They need to be supported and made as trouble-free as possible.

In the early years of a woman’s life TCM places great importance on ensuring the smooth circulation of energy and blood.  If the circulation becomes blocked, perhaps as a result of stress, then we may experience painful periods, PMS, or irregular and problematic periods.

As a woman undergoes the menopause, the cooling Yin energy of her body will decline.  This leads to an excess of the heating Yang energies, which cause the flushes, sweats and dryness associated with the menopause.  In time, the Yang energy may also decrease and there will be tiredness and weight gain.

Over many years TCM has developed gentle yet effective remedies for women.  Many menstrual problems can be relieved by using herbs which assist the circulation of energy and blood.  Herbs which nourish the Yin and settle the Yang aim to reduce the sweats and flushes of menopause.

Herbs which nourish the blood can moisten the skin and prevent dryness, whilst herbs which strengthen the Yang can help provide greater energy and, in time, reduce excessive weight gain.

how do classical Chinese herbal formulae help women?

Classical formulae represent the most common Chinese remedies for the most common symptoms, which are prepackaged as high quality Over The Counter (OTC) format.

Certain key herbs are considered particularly helpful for women.

Cyperus, for example, is described as being neutral, pungent, bitter and slightly sweet, and entering the liver channel.  It moves the Qi and helps alleviate PMS, period pain, swollen breasts and digestive problems.

Rehmannia is cold, sweet and bitter and enters the heart, liver and kidney channels.  It clears heat, cools the blood and enriches the Yin and is used to relieve night sweats, flushes, excessive thirst and a wide variety of skin diseases.

Western medicine has also researched and recognised the actions of many herbs used in TCM.  This modern research confirms what the Chinese have known and practised for thousands of years.

Dang Gui, for example, has been shown to relax uterine contractions and relieve period pain.  It can also help to balance oestrogen levels in the body and is used for a wide variety of women’s health issues.

Corydalis relieves pain and relaxes the muscles, while Curculigo can stimulate the ovaries and helps alleviate hot flushes. 

For further information and advice on how TCM can complement and enhance your health care, please speak with one of our in-store practitioners.