The Anti-Aging Approach to Menopause

“The wise woman uses menopause not to mourn her youth, but to deepen her roots. This is when true vitality begins.” — Dr. Mao, Second Spring

For many women, menopause has become synonymous with decline—loss of youth, vitality, sexuality, and strength. Yet in my book, Second Spring: Hundreds of Natural Ways for Women to Rejuvenate and Revitalize at any Age, I offer a different vision: menopause as a rebirth, a gateway into the most powerful phase of life.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menopause is not treated as a disease but as a natural transition—one that can be guided and supported to alleviate symptoms and revitalize the body, mind, and spirit. This anti-aging, regenerative perspective stands in contrast to the widespread use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which, while sometimes effective in suppressing symptoms, can carry significant risks for some.

TCM: A Safe, Holistic, and Rejuvenating Path

TCM takes a fundamentally different approach. Rather than forcing hormone levels with synthetic or bio-identical substitutes, it strengthens the Kidney Essence (Jing)—the vital foundation of reproductive and constitutional energy. TCM's anti-aging philosophy is based on fortifying, regulating, and harmonizing. TCM gently coaxes the body back to balance using:

 Herbal Therapies to Nourish and Rejuvenate

TCM formulas are customized to the individual and target root deficiencies. Key examples include:

Passages Plus formula, which contains Chinese Yam, Dong Quai, Rehmannia root, Horny Goat Weed, Peony, Jujube Seeds, Water Plantain, Calcitum, and other herbs. Clinically, we can confirm its potent powers to relieve hot flashes and dryness, improve sleep, support hair and libido, relieve menstrual irregularity, and menopausal symptoms. Traditionally, it is used to nourish Kidney Yin, replenish Essence (Jing), enhance longevity, and harmonize blood and menstruation. These herbs do not replace hormones—they support the body’s ability to regulate them.

Nutritional Supplements

Magnesium reduces insomnia, anxiety, and muscle tension by calming the nervous system and is a cofactor in hormone synthesis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids support mood, reduce inflammation, and protect heart health through their anti-inflammatory and modulation of brain neurotransmitters and lipid function.

Vitamin D3 + K: Vitamin D is a cofactor for hormonal synthesis and is essential for bone health, while vitamin K prevents calcium from ending up as plaque in arteries and deposits calcium in bones.

Diet and Nutrition as Medicine

TCM emphasizes warming, nourishing foods that fortify the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney:

• Bone broths, black sesame, seaweed, and tofu restore minerals and hormones

• Avoid cold, raw foods and stimulants, which deplete Qi and aggravate symptoms

• Phytoestrogens from natural sources like flaxseeds and soy can help modulate hormones safely

Qi Gong and Meditation:  Cultivating Inner Vitality

Daily Qi Gong supports energy flow, calms the nervous system, and harmonizes emotions. In Second Spring, I teach practices like the Qi Gong for the Water Element, which promotes reproductive health, Kidney Jing, and mental serenity.

Similarly, the Six Healing Sounds Meditation is a simple but effective vocalization meditation to help relieve symptoms of menopause. Additionally, many women have found Sleep Meditation a lifesaver for their sleeplessness.

Why the Second Spring Matters

In TCM, aging is not about decay—it’s about refinement. The “Second Spring” represents a phase where physical energy is transmuted into wisdom, creativity, and deeper spiritual awareness.

When supported correctly, menopause becomes an opportunity to:

• Rebuild the body from its deepest layers

• Reverse the signs of premature aging

• Awaken new purpose and meaning

• Cultivate a radiant life force that lasts well into old age

Be Empowered with Time-Tested Knowledge and Wisdom

I invite you to learn all the natural ways to rejuvenate, revitalize, and regenerate from my books, Second Spring and Ageless: The Natural Guide to Menopause.

The path of hormone replacement therapy may offer short-term relief, but there are risks for some. TCM offers a safe, time-tested, anti-aging alternative that treats the whole woman, not just her hormones. With herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and emotional cultivation, the journey through menopause can become the most empowered chapter of a woman’s life.

Let the Second Spring in your life be your renaissance, not your decline!