There has been a surge of much-needed emphasis on the various phases of a woman’s life circulating the internet these days. Whether it be fertility, “the change” aka peri-menopause and menopause- there is a growing body of studies, language and demand for more conversation. This comes at a time when discounting a woman’s experiences of her own cycles is no longer being tolerated.
As more and more women have entered the workforce, this includes women in medical roles who share these same experiences as their clients and are able to add to the conversation in very meaningful ways.
Chinese Medicine has always held space for women in both conversation and treatment protocols concerning women’s health. One concept in particular — “Second Spring” — refers to what we in the West call perimenopause and menopause.
Human life is marked in 7-year (for females) and 8-year (for males) cycles. For young girls, age 14 traditionally marks the time of the First Spring, or the beginning of the menstrual cycle (also known as “menarche”). Now, in modern times, we are seeing menarche begin earlier — in some cases as early as age 10 — but that is a conversation for another time.
The First Spring begins the fertile years and the potent time when maturation happens in many ways. It is when the pathway of blood from the heart region moves down to the uterus for the creation and nurturing of life. This pathway is referred to as the “Bao Mai.”
During the Second Spring, the direction of flow of the Bao Mai shifts — now moving upward into the heart and brain. This change in flow becomes less about outward creation and more about inward creation. Intuition is enhanced and more easily accessed. Ideas and life intentions become clearer, and it becomes an opportunity for creation to come more from the heart and be rooted in wisdom.
It is a time to turn inward, nurture your own needs, and create the capacity to give from a full cup. It’s why the wisdom of the aunties and grandmothers is so revered — because it is rooted in deep truth and clarity.
This is a time of great shift, indeed. Reframing the modern Western perspective of menopause into one that is more nuanced and positive can offer a renewed sense of purpose and belonging — especially in a society that often feels disconnected.
In our younger years, we grew children, families, businesses, and careers — this was how we connected to our communities and engaged in society. Now, our tendency toward creation and nurturing can more than ever be an essential piece of our own well-being and that of our communities. Rooting into this feminine yin energy can provide the glue our communities need to re-connect and stay connected.
For more information on how to care for yourself during your Second Spring, please schedule a visit with one of our Licensed Acupuncturists. With your input, we will provide personalized insight into your specific needs — treating your discomforts and boosting your resources through acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle enhancements, and compassionate support.
You will feel empowered, inspired, and capable of thriving during this time and beyond.