A Woman’s Second Spring
May 2025
Chinese medicine provides a more holistic way to care for a woman’s health needs throughout the various stages of life. It provides support for the many cyclical hormonal changes as she moves from adolescence through her menopausal years – traditionally known as her “second spring”. The ultimate goal is to enhance her life through treatment that regulates and re-establishes free flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout the body. In terms of mind-body connection, it is important for a woman to embrace and welcome these changing times.
This ancient healing paradigm works toward balancing the body’s cooling yin and warming yang energies. Its various treatment modalities create harmony between the interplay of the Five Elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood – along with their associated organ systems and emotions. All in all, this whole-body healing approach leads to balanced hormones, decreased inflammation, reduced hot flashes, restful sleep, and enlivened mood.
A Chinese medicine practitioner treats each woman based on individual needs. During an initial evaluation, they go over medical history along with accompanying symptoms, both acute and chronic. This includes discovering the impact that life occurrences have had on her mind, body, and spirit along with uncovering information about any lingering trauma.
This comprehensive evaluation provides information needed to arrive at a Chinese medicine diagnosis and subsequent treatment plan that best fits and addresses "the big picture". This may include a course of acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbal medicine, and/or therapeutic massage. They may also include restoring energetic balance, promoting flow of Qi and blood, balancing yin-yang, as well as nourishing mind, body and spirit through the ancient Chinese exercises of Qigong or Taiji (Tai Chi).
The bottom line is that treatments address the underlying cause and outward manifestation of symptoms – known as "treating both the root and the branch".
Typical root causes involve imbalances within the liver and heart energetic organ systems which together forge a balanced emotional state. Moreover, the liver system impacts a woman’s health more than any other organ system due to its role in governing blood and managing the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. The heart system is known for ruling over the body’s blood vessels, which includes the circulation and distribution of blood, similar to its Western medicine function. Chinese medicine also holds that the heart is connected with the uterus and known for its impact on gynecological health.
The kidney organ system is a key player when it comes to enhancing a woman’s “second spring”. Balanced kidney energetics help her move harmoniously through this natural life phase of menopause – one dictated by the decrease in what is known as kidney essence, which is at the root of all menopausal symptoms. Moreover, the kidney system has the distinction of being the foundation of yin (water) and yang (fire) for the vital organs and entire body. As such, it maintains balanced harmony between the cooling and nourishing aspects of yin and the warming energizing aspects of yang. This is especially important in terms of allaying hot flashes which stem from an excess of fire in the body. The spleen energetics are also part of the equation as it governs transformation and transportation of food within the body. This allows for proper distribution of refined essence to the vital organs – thereby maintaining their health through establishing abundant flow of Qi and blood.
There is a lot to be cognizant of when working to establish a balanced state of energy during a woman’s “second spring”. When harmony is established within the mind, body, and spirit it can become one of the most wonderful times of life. Seeking energetic support from the ancient practices of Chinese medicine helps to make this dream become a reality.
Shoshanna Katzman, L.Ac., M.S. has been director of Red Bank Acupuncture & Wellness Center since 1988. Now, in Shrewsbury, NJ, the center provides acupuncture, therapeutic massage, Chinese herbal consultation along with private and group classes in conjunction with her Two Rivers Academy of Taiji & Qigong. She is author of “Qigong for Staying Young: A Simple 20-Minute Workout to Cultivate Your Vital Energy”, co-author of “Feeling Light: The Holistic Solution to Permanent Weight Loss and Wellness” and recently released “Center of Power: Life Mastery through Taiji” a comprehensive online curriculum. For more information email or call/text 732-758-1800.
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