Embracing Menopause: Menopause Treatment & Support in Canberra

Menopause is a natural stage of life, but for many women it can bring a range of physical and emotional changes that impact daily wellbeing. This blog explores menopause through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offering insight into how this transition is understood, as well as how acupuncture and related therapies may be used to support the body during this time.

Dr. Margie Virgo is a registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine practitioner, practising since 1997. Based in Canberra /Rivett, ACT, she brings 3 decades of clinical experience and a compassionate, individualised approach to supporting women’s health at every stage of life.

Understanding Menopause in the Context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, menopause is viewed as a natural transition rather than a disorder. It reflects a gradual decline in Kidney energy (Kidney Qi, Yin, and Essence), which plays a central role in growth, reproduction, and aging. As this energy diminishes over time, the body undergoes a series of changes that are understood as part of the natural aging process.

The Kidneys are considered the foundation of Yin and Yang in the body. During the menopausal transition, there is often a relative decline in Kidney Yin, which can lead to a reduction in cooling, moistening, and nourishing functions. This imbalance may allow Yang to become relatively more dominant, contributing to symptoms such as heat sensations, dryness, and restlessness.

Systemic Changes Associated with Kidney Energy Decline

Beyond commonly discussed menopausal symptoms, a decline in Kidney energy may be associated with a wider range of age-related changes. In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), this process may also involve other organ systems such as the Liver, Heart, and Spleen, which can influence how symptoms present:

• Greying hair and hair thinning or loss- The Kidneys are said to “govern the hair.” As Kidney Essence declines, hair may lose strength, thickness, and pigment. When combined with Blood deficiency (often involving the Liver), this may contribute to increased shedding, dryness, or brittleness.

• Reduced bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures- The Kidneys “govern the bones,” and a decline in Kidney energy may be associated with reduced bone strength over time. This may present as osteoporosis or general fragility, and may also be accompanied by lower back or knee weakness.

• Slower metabolism and changes in body composition- A decline in Kidney Yang, which supports warmth and metabolic function, may be associated with reduced energy, weight changes, fluid retention, or a feeling of coldness. When the Spleen system is also affected, digestion may be less efficient, potentially contributing to bloating, fatigue after eating, or difficulty maintaining a stable weight.

• Changes in cognitive clarity and memory- The Kidneys are closely linked to the brain in TCM (“the sea of marrow”). As Essence declines, some individuals may notice reduced memory, concentration, or mental clarity. Sleep disturbance, anxiety, or restlessness (often involving the Heart system) may further contribute to these changes.

• Increased vulnerability to certain health conditions, including thyroid imbalance and hypertension- From a TCM perspective, Kidney deficiency may contribute to broader systemic imbalance. For example, declining Kidney Yin may be associated with internal Heat patterns, which can present as symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or irritability—often involving the Liver system. Thyroid function may also be influenced by patterns involving both Kidney and Spleen systems, affecting metabolism, energy, and temperature regulation.

  
  

These patterns highlight that menopause in TCM is understood as a whole-body transition involving interconnected organ systems, rather than a single isolated change. This allows for a more comprehensive and individualised approach to care.

Each person’s experience is unique, with symptoms reflecting individual patterns of imbalance rather than a uniform process. TCM therefore emphasises personalised assessment and treatment, with the aim of supporting the body’s natural physiological processes, assisting adaptation through this stage of life, and promoting overall wellbeing.

Factors That Influence Aging in TCM

TCM attributes the rate of aging to both constitutional (genetic) factors and lifestyle influences such as:

• Diet

• Substance use (including alcohol and recreational drugs)

• Chronic stress -or overwork

  
  

  

  Tai Chi for physical, mental and emotional well being

Individual Variability in Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal experiences vary widely between individuals. Symptom presentation is influenced by overall constitution, including the relative strength of Kidney energy prior to menopause. Those with underlying deficiency patterns may experience more pronounced symptoms, while others may have a milder transition.

TCM treatment is therefore individualised, with attention given to the interconnected nature of organ systems. In particular, the Kidneys play a foundational role in supporting overall balance throughout the body.

Treatment Plan for Menopause

A treatment plan in Traditional Chinese Medicine is tailored to the individual, taking into account symptom presentation, constitution, and stage of transition. While timeframes vary, a structured and consistent approach is often used.

Initial Phase

Weekly acupuncture or TCM treatments are often recommended for approximately 7–10 sessions. This phase focuses on supporting underlying patterns of imbalance, such as regulating Kidney Yin, clearing Heat patterns, or supporting Liver Qi flow, while also addressing key symptoms such as sleep disturbance, mood changes, or hot flushes.

Maintenance Phase

Once symptoms begin to stabilise, treatment may be reduced to fortnightly sessions. This phase focuses on consolidating progress and supporting ongoing physiological adjustment, while helping to maintain stability and reduce symptom fluctuation.

Long-term Care

Following the initial treatment course, some individuals may move to monthly treatments or attend as needed. This stage focuses on ongoing support for wellbeing and healthy aging, with treatment frequency guided by individual needs and life circumstances.

Consistency during active treatment phases is generally important. However, care is flexible, and treatment can be resumed if symptoms re-emerge or change over time.

Self-Care Strategies During Menopause

In addition to TCM treatment, supportive lifestyle strategies may assist overall wellbeing during menopause:

• Maintain a balanced work–life routine and avoid chronic overwork, which may contribute to fatigue and depletion

• Limit stimulants such as alcohol and caffeine, which may influence sleep and temperature regulation

• Support sleep hygiene by aiming for 7–9 hours of rest where possible

• Incorporate stress management practices such as mindfulness, gentle movement, or time in nature

Some individuals also choose to use supplements such as magnesium, calcium, evening primrose oil, vitex (agnus castus), ashwagandha, rhodiola, or black cohosh. These may be used as supportive options alongside treatment; however, it is recommended to discuss their use with a qualified practitioner, particularly if combining with other therapies or herbal medicine.

Supporting Your Wellbeing Through Menopause

Menopause is a natural life transition that can be experienced in many different ways. With appropriate support and individualised care, it may be navigated with greater ease and understanding.

TCM offers a holistic, individualised approach that considers the whole person rather than isolated symptoms, supporting the body’s natural processes throughout this stage of life.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac, (registered with AHPRA)

Margie has been a practitioner of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine since 1997.

Book online or for further information; www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au

Further reading, studies & links

1. Chinese herbal formulae for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes: a systematic review and meta-analysis — Meta-analysis of 19 RCTs showing CHM formulae reduced hot flush frequency/severity and improved quality of life.Link to review (PLOS)

2. Electroacupuncture versus Sham Acupuncture for Perimenopausal Insomnia — RCT comparing real vs sham electroacupuncture in women with insomnia during perimenopause; showed improvements in sleep quality, vasomotor symptoms, and other quality-of-life measures.Link to paper (Dove Medical Press)

3. Acupuncture as an independent or adjuvant therapy to standard management for menopausal insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis — Reviews multiple RCTs showing acupuncture may reduce insomnia and sleep disturbances during menopause.Link to article (PLOS)

4. An overview of systematic reviews of medicinal plants and herbal formulations for climacteric symptoms — Identifies plants like soy, red clover, black cohosh, and East Asian herbal formulas with evidence for reducing hot flashes and improving mood, sleep.Link to overview (ScienceDirect)

5. Efficacy and Side Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Menopausal Symptoms — Evaluation of 23 RCTs examining efficacy and safety of CHM on menopausal symptoms (hot flushes, mood, sleep).Link to study PDF (Wiley Online Library)

   
   

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine For Menopause Support

Disclaimer:This blog provides general information only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Information about acupuncture, Chinese medicine and related therapies is general in nature and does not replace individual consultation with a qualified health practitioner. References to research are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee treatment outcomes. Individual results may vary.