The Use of Tui Na Massage During Menopause
What is Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, with the average age of onset being around 51. The process of menopause is characterized by a gradual decline in the production of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, leading to the cessation of menstrual periods and the end of fertility. This transition is a significant and complex phase in a woman’s life, and it is associated with a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological changes.
Physiology of Menopause
Menopause is a result of the aging process and the natural depletion of ovarian follicles, which are the structures that contain and release eggs. As women age, the number of follicles in the ovaries decreases, leading to a decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone. This decline ultimately leads to the cessation of ovulation and menstruation. The hormonal changes associated with menopause can have a profound impact on various systems in the body, including the reproductive, cardiovascular, skeletal, and central nervous systems.
Physical Symptoms
The physical symptoms of menopause can be diverse and may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, joint pain, muscle tension, and changes in skin elasticity. Hot flashes, in particular, are a hallmark symptom of menopause and are characterized by sudden feelings of intense heat, flushing, and sweating, often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat and anxiety. These symptoms can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life and may require medical intervention or lifestyle modifications to manage effectively.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
In addition to the physical symptoms, menopause can also have a profound impact on a woman’s emotional and psychological well-being. Many women report experiencing mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression during the menopausal transition. These symptoms are thought to be related to hormonal fluctuations, changes in neurotransmitter levels, and the psychosocial stressors associated with this life stage.
What is Menopause in TCM?
TCM believes that menopause is influenced by a decline in kidney yin energy, which impacts the balance of yin and yang within the body.
During menopause, a woman’s kidney yin energy diminishes, leading to an imbalance in the body’s yin and yang forces. Yin represents the cooling, calming, and nourishing aspects of the body, while yang represents the warming, activating, and transforming qualities. As the yin energy declines, symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings may arise.
TCM views menopause as a natural and transformative phase in a woman’s life.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na, also known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) massage, is a therapeutic form of bodywork that has been practiced in China for centuries. Derived from the Chinese words “tui” meaning to push and “na” meaning to grasp, Tui Na involves various manual techniques to stimulate, relax, and balance the body’s energy. This ancient practice is based on the principles of meridian theory, which is central to TCM.
During a Tui Na session, the practitioner applies rhythmic pressure, stretching, and manipulation techniques to the body’s acupuncture points and meridians. These techniques aim to facilitate the flow of qi, or energy, and blood throughout the body, promoting overall health and wellbeing. Tui Na can be used to address a wide range of physical ailments, including musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and stress-related conditions.
Tui Na complements the other branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, as it focuses on restoring the body’s internal balance by manipulating the body’s soft tissues and musculoskeletal system. Moreover, Tui Na combines Western medical knowledge with traditional Chinese principles, making it an effective therapy for both acute and chronic conditions. Its non-invasive nature, versatility, and holistic approach make it an appealing form of treatment, attracting individuals seeking an alternative or adjunct to conventional medicine.
Tui Na is a time-tested therapy deeply rooted in Chinese Medicine. Its manual techniques, derived from the principles of meridian theory, aim to restore the body’s balance by stimulating the flow of energy and blood. As a comprehensive form of healing, Tui Na offers a holistic approach to health and has gained recognition worldwide for its effectiveness in treating various physical ailments.
Can Tui Na Help Ease Menopausal Symptoms?
Tui na has the potential to alleviate menopausal symptoms by balancing the flow of energy, known as Qi, throughout the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine principles, menopause is believed to occur due to an imbalance in these energy channels. Tui na employs various techniques such as massage, acupressure, and stretching to target specific acupoints along these channels. By applying pressure and manipulating these points, Tui na practitioners aim to restore the proper flow of energy, thereby minimizing the intensity and frequency of symptoms. This approach is believed to align with the body’s natural healing processes and helps women experience a smoother transition through menopause.
Furthermore, Tui na can aid in the management of menopausal symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Menopause often brings about increased levels of stress, which can exacerbate symptoms and negatively impact overall well-being. Tui na techniques, such as soothing massages and gentle stretching, help release tension and induce a state of deep relaxation. This promotes the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. By triggering the release of these endorphins, Tui na can diminish the intensity of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, while also improving sleep quality and overall emotional well-being.
Menopause – Tui Na Treatment Principles
To nourish the kidney qi (root of the yuan qi)
To nourish yin
To Support constitution
To Calm the Shen (mind)
To clear empty heat/clear heat from the blood
To descend rising yang
To support the middle jiao (Spleen)
To relax tension and the sinews and to increase blood flow to them
To clear qi accumulation
Potential Tui Na Back Routine for Menopause
Tui Fa (pushing) along the back to guide the qi along the body
Push down either side of the spine following the bladder meridian down to the sacrum to relax and warm the client.
Circular rubbing (mo fa) from the top of the back down to the waist with the idea being that this slows the body down and calm the mind, and also works into all of the back shu.
Extra mo fa can be done over bladder points, for example:
BL17 (Bladder 17) – Blood, nourishes blood for deficiency/stasis, regulates organ function.
BL18 (Bladder 18) – Liver, regulates the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, address liver disorders and imbalances, including liver Qi stagnation, liver yang rising, and liver blood deficiency, improve digestion, alleviate symptoms such as abdominal distension and pain, and even contribute to emotional well-being by pacifying feelings of irritability and anger
BL22 (Bladder 22) – Spleen, for excess damp and regulating the lower jiao, enhances the circulation of blood and vital fluids, promotes healthy digestive functions, and alleviates symptoms related to urinary disorders, lower back pain, and fatigue
BL23 (Bladder 23) – Kidneys, regulates the Kidney Qi and nourishes the Kidney Yin and Yang, alleviate symptoms related to the reproductive system, it addresses both physical and emotional imbalances.
BL43 (Bladder 43) – dispels depression and mental negativity, increases blood circulation, calms the spirit, calms night sweats, brings warmth, tonifies qi and nourishes essence.
Gathering the qi at the sacrum (ming men) will strengthen and harmonise the kidneys.
Tui Fa in a figure of 8 around the back shu for heart (BL15) , lung (BL13) and pericardium (BL14) will soothe and calm, which may alleviate the menopausal symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
Zhen Fa (vibration) can be used to vibrate down to the level of the yuan qi, for example around ming men/kidney area, around BL15. This could be fixed with stroking around BL23 to spread, strengthen and nourish the qi.
Attention can be paid to DU4. DU4 is considered a crucial point for its ability to nourish and invigorate the Kidneys, support the Yang energy, and strengthen the overall vitality of the body. In TCM, the Kidneys are believed to be the foundation of vital essence and serve as the root of one’s constitution and reproductive function. Activation of DU4 can aid in regulating both physical and mental aspects such as stamina, sexual function, and overall well-being.
Pressing and holding the sacral foramen will:
BL31 (Bladder 31) help lower back pain
BL32 (Bladder 32) regulate hormones
BL33 (Bladder 33) help balance hormones
BL34 (Bladder 34) eases disorders regarding the menstrual cycle
Potential Tui Na Abdomen Routine for Menopause
Circle rubbing (mo fa) around the following points will be beneficial to a menopausal woman:
By stimulating SP15 it will regulate blood production and hormonal balance. It will alleviate common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and mood swings.
Ren 4 will warm the cold. Stimulating Ren4 positively influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, helping to rebalance hormonal fluctuations. It will also help to decrease hot flushes, mood swings and insomnia.
Ren6 regulates the balance of yin and yang energy in the body, thus influencing hormonal fluctuations experienced during menopause. It is thought to enhance blood circulation, alleviate stress, and promote the efficient functioning of the reproductive system
Ren12 regulates the digestive system, harmonizing the emotions, and restoring the balance of Qi energy in the body. By stimulating this point women experiencing menopause can find relief from symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and digestive issues.
Pushing and holding the following points will also be beneficial:
Ren17 is believed to regulate hormonal imbalances and promote the smooth flow of Qi, the body’s vital energy. By stimulating Ren17, its aim to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, insomnia, and other discomforts associated with menopause. Additionally, this point is thought to promote overall emotional well-being and restore balance within the body.
Ren 8 will regulate the autonomic nervous system and rebalancing hormonal levels.
Potential Tui Na Leg Routine for Menopause
Stroke down the legs to draw the qi down the body.
Gently lift the heals creating a stretch down the legs, stimulating and strengthening the Stomach and Spleen meridians.
Hold and press the following points:
Kidney 1 (KD1) will reduce hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, help poor memory, ease lower back pain and tonify the kidneys.
KD3 (Kidney 3) is used to address kidney Yin deficiency, which contributes to hot flashes, night sweats, and exhaustion.
KD9 (Kidney 9) promotes hormonal regulation, enhance blood circulation, and improve overall well-being, helps calm shen disturbance and anxiety
LV3 (Liver 3) is a calming point for irritability, insomnia and anxiety. It will also help with breast tenderness and joint pain. It will dispel liver qi stagnation and nourish blood.
LV5 (Liver 5) promotes the balanced flow of energy or Qi in the liver channel, helps with hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, regulates hormonal imbalances.
SP6 (Spleen 6) address multiple menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia, and promote blood circulation, regulates hormonal levels, and promotes relaxation.
Circular rubbing up the kidney meridian the legs to kidney 10 will help to stimulate yuan qi.
Potential Tui Na Arm Routine for Menopause
Tui Fa from the chest down the arm focusing on the pericardium channel.
Mo Fa round the shoulder and down the arm to relax the client, concentrate on the area from the elbow to the wrist.
When reaching the hand, hold the middle finger and gently stretch to open the pericardium channel
Hold and press, followed by zhen fa (vibration) the following points:
PC6 (Pericarduim 6) is known to regulate numerous bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, and emotional well-being. Studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture on menopausal symptoms have shown promising results, emphasizing the importance of PC6 as a primary acupuncture point for mitigating menopause-related discomfort.
PC7 (pericardium 7) restores the balance of Qi, a vital life energy, and promotes overall well-being.
HT6 (Heart 6) is believed to regulate heart and reproductive functions.
HT7 (Heart 7) is believed to alleviate hot flashes and excessive sweating. Stimulating HT7 may restore hormonal balance and promote better sleep.
LI11 (Large Intestine 11) releases endorphins and regulates hormonal imbalances. It also clears heat from anywhere in the body. It strengthens the immune system and promotes a sense of relaxation
Other acupuncture points to consider during the Tui Na Treatment
DU20 (Governor Vessel 20) Located on the top of the head, this point may improve cognition, memory, and concentration, which often experience changes during menopause.
DU24 (Governor Vessel 24) enhances the flow of Qi and blood, balancing hormonal levels and promoting overall well-being.
GB20 (Gall Bladder 20) balances hormones.
ST40 (Stomach 40) regulates the circulation of qi, promotes hormonal balance, and reduces common menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes, mood swings, enhances the release of endorphins and serotonin
Conclusion
The hormonal fluctuations during menopause can often lead to emotional upheaval. Massage offers a safe and supported space for women to release emotional tension, promoting a sense of calm and balance. By targeting specific pressure points and employing specialized techniques, massage therapists can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms commonly associated with menopause. Regular massages can help women regain emotional stability and foster a refreshed outlook on life during this transformative phase.
By incorporating massage therapy into their self-care routine, menopausal women can experience an overall improvement in their quality of life. Massage not only addresses the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause but also enhances body awareness and self-acceptance. The nurturing touch provided by a skilled masseuse fosters a deep connection with the body, promoting self-care and positive body image. By empowering women to embrace this transformative stage, massage cultivates a heightened sense of confidence, resilience, and well-being.
In conclusion, Tui na offers a potential solution for women seeking relief from menopausal symptoms. Its unique combination of manipulative techniques and acupressure aims to restore balance to the body’s energy flow, alleviate stress, and facilitate relaxation. Although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the benefits of Tui na for menopause symptoms, anecdotal evidence and traditional Chinese medicine principles provide a promising foundation for its potential effectiveness.
References
www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-menopause/
yinyanghouse.com/theory/treatments/acupuncture_for_menopause/
www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture+for+Menopause
The Manual of Acupuncture
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