Preface

Women’s health is a burgeoning field of medicine that incorporates a wide variety of sub- specialties, and many Chinese and East Asian medicine practitioners dedicate their careers to gynecology, fertility, and obstetrics. However, fewer choose to specialize in the treatment of menopause and its related symptoms. There is also a lack of up-to-date, evidence-based information available on the subject of menopause in traditional Chinese and East Asian medicine (TCEAM).

This is perplexing, since vast numbers of women transition through menopause every year, sometimes experiencing significant deterioration in physical and mental health. Furthermore, with the average age of menopause in developed countries being 51, more and more women are spending over a third of their lives in the post-menopausal period, thus increasing their risk of chronic, age-related disease.

The aim of this book is to provide a comprehensive guide to menopause and the years that follow, bringing together modern biomedical research and ancient wisdom to provide practitioners with an integrated approach to treatment.

The text is largely based on the teachings of renowned and highly-experienced TCEAM practitioners, including, Suzanne Cochrane, Brian Grosam, Giovanni Maciocia, Honora Lee Wolfe, Bob Flaws, Peter Deadman, Julian Scott, Rebecca Avern, and Anastacïa White. It also includes information provided by experts in related fields, such as Professor Bruce Robinson M.D. and naturopathic nutritionist Susan Kath.

We discuss the physiology of menopause from both Eastern and Western perspectives, and pattern differentiation and treatment frameworks for some of the most common menopausal symptoms. We also cover a variety of conditions that frequently affect women following menopause.

Finally, we explore the concept of yangsheng, the ancient Chinese tradition of ‘nourishing life,’ and how to best advise patients on maintaining optimal wellbeing throughout menopause and beyond via good nutrition, stress and sleep management, and appropriate exercise.

We have assumed that readers have at least a basic understanding of TCEAM theory, although we have included a glossary of TCEAM terms for those with a background in medical acupuncture. Of course, while point prescriptions and formulas are suggested for numerous ailments, these should be viewed as a general guide and adapted to suit each patient’s individual needs.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine hold significant potential to alleviate menopausal women’s suffering, either as standalone treatments or in combination with other therapeutic approaches. Our hope is that this book will equip practitioners with the knowledge and confidence they require to become menopause specialists, or simply enhance their treatment of menopausal patients in general practice.