International experts

Kath then returned to Australia and completed a Master of Science Research degree (MSc) in drug and alcohol addiction medicine at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her thesis was based on a  clinical trial she set up between UTS and Sydney South West Area Health Service. As Australia’s first ever hospital-based acupuncture clinical trial, the study required two years preparation across three ethics jurisdictions and paved the way for further collaboration between universities and hospitals.

Concurrently, Kath fuelled her passion for enhancing the acupuncture profession through high quality education, networking, and mentoring by setting up a nonprofit organisation, The Acupuncture Network. In 2007 she studied at the Lincoln Recovery Center in NYC with Dr Michael Smith and is a certified NADA ear acupuncture trainer.

From 2008 to 2010 she worked with Balance Healthcare and the Journal of Chinese Medicine in the UK before consulting with Acupuncture Professional.

After moving to Ibiza in Spain in 2015, she was nominated Vice President of the Acupuncture Now Foundation and consultant to Evidence Based Acupuncture, two USA non-profit advocacy organisations.  In 2018 she joined with paediatric expert Dr Julian Scott to provide continuing professional development training for acupuncturists all over the world via TreatingChildren.com.

Then, in 2019 she developed fertility and menopause masterclasses with eminent acupuncture specialists; their teachings inspired this book and are shared at TreatingWomen.com. Kath is a happily divorced mother of two and proud advocate of women’s rights. She empowers women to reach their full potential encouraging confidence, sexual vibrancy and financial freedom. Kath can be reached at [email protected].

After completing her secondary education, she began work as a pharmacy technician, gaining a National Vocational Qualification in Pharmacy Services and a solid understanding of biomedicine. However, she quickly became disillusioned with the pharmaceutical industry and decided to pursue a more holistic career. She enrolled at the College of Traditional Acupuncture in her hometown of Leamington Spa, UK, graduating with an honours degree in Traditional Acupuncture in 2007.

Natalie set up her practice in Birmingham, concurrently working as a volunteer acupuncturist for Freshwinds, a charity offering therapies to people living with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses.

Between 2011 and 2014, she also acted as Regional Group Coordinator (West Midlands) for the British Acupuncture Council. In 2012, Natalie won a scholarship to study traditional Chinese medicine at Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine in Harbin, China. During her studies, she fell in love with Chinese culture, and in 2014, she returned to the country on a more long-term basis. She lived in the northern coastal city of Dalian for over two years, self-studying herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and Mandarin. It was during this period that she discovered her passion for writing and completed her first book, The Qi of Tea, a treatise on the history and use of tea in traditional Chinese medicine.

On returning to the UK, she began working closely with Katherine Berry at TreatingWomen.com, and the concept for Menopause: A Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners was born. Natalie has a special interest in menopause and healthy ageing, particularly the concept of yangsheng, or “nourishing life.” She currently lives in rural Wales where she works as a freelance writer and menopause coach, offering in-person and online consultations to people around the world. Contact Natalie: [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1. Preface

1.2. Introduction: Your Role as a Clinician

1.3. Definitions and Terminology

2. The Biology of Menopause

2.1. Female Anatomy and Physiology

2.2. Female Reproductive Hormones

2.3. Menopausal Hormone Therapy

2.4. Genetics and Epigenetics

2.5. Medical and Surgical Menopause

2.6. Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

2.7 Breast Health

3. Menopause in Chinese and East Asian Medicine 

3.1.  Traditional Chinese and East Asian Medicine Perspectives

3.2.  Jing (Essence) and Menopause

3.3.  The Gates of Life

3.4.  Body Type

3.5.  Complexion, Skin, and Hair

3.6.  Five Elements, Five Phases

4. Symptoms and Treatment

  4.1.  Vasomotor Symptoms

  4.2.  Mood Disorders

  4.3.  Insomnia and Sleep Disorders

  4.4.  Urogenital Symptoms

  4.5.  Uterine Bleeding

  4.6.  Libido and Sexual Dysfunction

  4.7.  Musculoskeletal Pain

  4.8.  Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, and Hyperkyphosis

  4.9.  Metabolic Syndrome, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease

4.10.  Cognitive Decline

5. Lifestyle 

5.1.  Metabolism, Weight Management, and Exercise

5.2.  Stress, Trauma, and Stress Resistance

5.3.  Sleep, Energy, and Fatigue

5.4.  Sexual Activity

5.5.  Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

6. Diet and Nutrition

6.1. Factors Influencing Digestion, Absorption, and Elimination

6.2. Vitamins, Minerals, and Micronutrients

6.3. Diet, Lifestyle, and Disease Prevention

6.4. Herbs and Botanicals

7. Self-Care

7.1.  Yang Sheng: The Ancient Art of Self-Care

7.2.  Tea and Infusions

7.3.   Foot Soaks

8. Appendices

8.1 Appendix 1.  Menopause Toolkit

8.2 Appendix 2.  Evidence Based Acupuncture Menopausal Symptoms Evidence Summary

8.3 Appendix 3. Acupuncture Protocols

8.4 Appendix 4. TCEAM Formulas

8.5 Appendix 5. Glossary of Traditional Chinese Medicine Terms