Your Second Spring: Flourish Through Menopause

We have often been taught to fear perimenopause and menopause, viewing them as a period of decline or "the change" to be endured. However, in Eastern traditions, this stage is beautifully referred to as the "Second Spring." It is a powerful moment of metamorphosis where the energy once dedicated to fertility turns inward to nourish wisdom, creativity, and self-knowledge.

This is not the end, but an opportunity to truly get to know yourself. To navigate this portal with serenity, the alliance of acupuncture and five powerful seeds offers a path to balance and vitality.

1. Acupuncture: Harmonising your internal thermostat

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the discomforts of menopause are seen as an imbalance between Yin (coolness, rest) and Yang (heat, activity). Acupuncture acts as a conductor to restore this harmony.

• Regulating Heat: Acupuncture soothes hot flushes and night sweats by nourishing the body’s deep fluids (1,2).

• Calming the Mind: It helps stabilise emotions like irritability and anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins (1).

• Restoring Sleep: Calming the Shen (the spirit), it allows for truly restorative nights.

  
  

Self-Acupressure Tip: Point Kidney 7 (Fuliu)

This is the "star point" for regulating perspiration and body fluids.

• Where to find it? It is located on the inner leg, about three finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, on the front edge of the Achilles tendon.

• Why use it? Known as the "Returning Current" point, it helps the Kidney energy regulate fluids and is specifically used to stop excessive or night sweats by energetically closing the pores. Massage it gently with circular pressure when you feel a heat surge.

  

2. The 5 "Jewel" Seeds: Your Nutritional Allies

To support the energetic work of acupuncture, nature provides "superfoods" that act as a natural hormonal balm:

• Flaxseeds (Linseed): Rich in lignans (phytoestrogens), they gently mimic oestrogen to stabilise hormonal fluctuations (3).

• Chia Seeds: Packed with Omega-3s, they fight inflammation and combat dryness of the skin and mucous membranes (6).

• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): A major source of magnesium for mood and sleep, and zinc for overall hormonal balance (7).

• Fennel Seeds: They aid digestion and effectively reduce the bloating often experienced during this phase (4).

• Fenugreek: A powerful tonic that helps regulate blood sugar and supports overall vitality (5).

  
  

3. The Recipe: "Second Spring Radiance" Muesli

Transform these seeds into a daily ritual that is both delicious and therapeutic.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp Flaxseeds/Linseed (must be freshly ground to release nutrients)

1 tbsp Chia seeds

1 tbsp Pumpkin seeds

1/2 tsp Fennel seeds (lightly crushed)

1 pinch Fenugreek powder (or ground seeds)

Preparation:

1. Grind: It is crucial to grind the flax and fenugreek, as the body cannot digest the whole outer shell to access the benefits.

2. Activate: Mix the seeds in a bowl with a little water, plant-based milk, or natural yoghurt.

3. Wait: Let it sit for 10 minutes. This "activates" the seeds—the chia will form a beneficial gel (mucilage) that protects your digestive tract.

4. Enjoy: Add this to your morning porridge, a smoothie, or simply enjoy with seasonal Kiwi fruit.

   
   

4. The "Seed Cycling" Ritual

For those still in perimenopause with an identifiable cycle, you can optimise these benefits:

• Follicular Phase (Day 1 to 14): Prioritise Flax and Pumpkin seeds to support oestrogen.

• Luteal Phase (Day 15 to menses): Prioritise Sesame and Sunflower seeds to support progesterone.

Ready to Bloom in Your Second Spring?

You don’t have to navigate "the change" on your own. Whether you’re struggling with those pesky hot flushes, feeling a bit overwhelmed by hormonal shifts, or simply want to ensure your body is as balanced as possible during this transition, I am here to help.

By combining the precision of acupuncture, specifically targeting points like Kidney 7 to cool and calm the body, with tailored nutritional guidance, we can create a wellness plan that truly works for your lifestyle.

Take the first step towards a more radiant, balanced you.

Book Now

Let’s work together to make this "Second Spring" the most vibrant chapter of your life.

I look forward to seeing you at the clinic soon.

Take care of yourself!

Violaine

References

1. Avis NE, Coeytaux RR, Isom S, Prevette K, Morgan T. Acupuncture in Menopause (AIM) study: a pragmatic, randomised controlled trial. Menopause. 2016 Jun;23(6):626-37.

2. Borud EK, Alraek T, White A, Fonnebo V, Eggen AE, Hammar M, et al. The Acupuncture on Hot Flushes Among Menopausal Women (ACUFLASH) study, a randomised controlled trial. Menopause. 2009 May-Jun;16(3):484-93.

3. Sahu S, Pandey S, Shrivastava A. Effects of Flaxseed on Perimenopausal Symptoms: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2024.

4. Rahimikian F, Rahimi R, Golzareh P, Bekhradi R, Mehran A. Effect of Foeniculum vulgare mill. (fennel) on menopausal symptoms: A randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Maturitas. 2017 Jul;101:56-61.

5. Steels E, Steele ML, Harold M, Coulson S. Efficacy of a proprietary Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract (Libifem) in reducing menopausal symptoms in otherwise healthy women. Phytother Res. 2017 Sep;31(9):1316-22.

6. Nieman DC, Gillitt N, Jin F, Henson DA, Kennerly K, Shanely RA, et al. Supplementation of milled chia seeds increases plasma ALA and EPA in postmenopausal women. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2012 Jun;67(2):105-110.

7. Orchard TS, Larson JC, Alghothani N, Yamashita S, Neuhouser ML, Chen Z, et al. Magnesium intake, bone mineral density, and fractures: results from the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014 Apr;99(4):926-33.