Women’s Health Beyond Menopause: CEAM for Your Next Chapter

Hello and welcome to the Sagire Health Podcast, where we explore timeless wisdom and modern approaches to women’s health. I’m your host, Dr Ian Dummett and I am a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, and today we’re diving into an inspiring journey—“Women’s Health Beyond Menopause: CEAM for Your Next Chapter.”

Menopause is often framed as an ending, but in Classical East Asian Medicine, it’s seen as a natural, graceful transition—a move from peri-menopause through menopause into a stage of wisdom, freedom, and possibility. Today, we’ll explore how CEAM supports vitality, balance, and emotional health through this powerful phase of life.

The CEAM Perspective on Menopause

Let’s begin by understanding how CEAM views menopause. Rather than a decline, it is a shift—a transition into a new phase marked by knowledge and grace. This is the Autumn of life, a season rich with opportunity to craft a life that feels full and abundant.

CEAM believes that when Yin no longer controls Yang effectively, especially in the Yang-dominant summer season, Yang can ‘float,’ leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, anxiety, and mood changes. But this isn’t a flaw—it’s a signal. A guidepost showing us where balance has shifted.

Let me share a story of a patient. She came to me feeling overwhelmed by hot flashes and restless sleep. Through CEAM, we recognised her Yin was struggling to anchor Yang, causing heat to rise. With targeted acupuncture and herbal formulas, She gradually felt her body cooling and her mind calming. This was a profound change for her as she had started to believe that there was no light at the end of her tunnel.

Identifying Imbalances

So, what happens when this transition isn’t smooth? CEAM uses diagnostic tools like pulse and tongue analysis, along with understanding your symptoms, to uncover where balance has been lost. 

Quick Aside here, for more on how CEAM sees symptoms and comes to a treatment protocol you might listen to a previous podcast called “What can CEAM Treat?”

Now back to this podcast, perhaps sleep is elusive, emotions feel overwhelming, or energy levels fluctuate. These signs help guide us to identify how we can move back to balance.

For example, when the pulse feels rapid or the tongue is red with little coating, it suggests internal heat. Conversely, a pale tongue might reveal cold or poor blood flow. These subtle signs give us insight into how best to support you.

Herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary adjustments, and mindful practices all work together in CEAM to restore harmony, easing symptoms and supporting a smooth, empowered transition.

Embracing the New Chapter

So, what does life beyond menopause look like when we restore balance? Imagine waking with steady energy, feeling emotionally grounded, and moving through your day with confidence and grace. This stage of life is about freedom—freedom to create, to explore, and to fully embrace who you are.

Let’s consider another story—this patient, who after menopause, felt lost and disconnected. Through CEAM, she discovered practices that reconnected her with her body’s natural rhythms. Today, she volunteers at her local art centre and feels more vibrant than ever. Menopause became her turning point.

By understanding and supporting your body’s natural rhythms, CEAM empowers you to move forward with vitality and clarity. This is your time to craft the life you desire.

Practical Steps to Begin

Let’s talk about a few ways to begin this journey today:

1. **Mindful Observation**: Start tracking your symptoms—notice patterns in sleep, mood, and energy. This self-awareness is powerful.

2. **Gentle Movement**: Incorporate daily movement, like walking, tai chi, or stretching, to support circulation and balance.

3. **Balanced Eating**: Focus on nourishing, seasonal foods that align with your body’s needs. Think warm, cooked foods in winter and lighter meals in summer.

4. **Restorative Practices**: Explore acupuncture or herbal support to ease symptoms and promote balance.

5. **Journaling**: Reflect on this life stage. What brings you joy? What do you want to create in this next chapter?

Emotional and Spiritual Growth

Menopause is not just a physical transition; it’s deeply emotional and spiritual. This is a powerful time to reconnect with yourself, honour your journey, and let go of societal pressures. CEAM encourages nurturing not just the body but also the heart and spirit.

Consider practices like meditation, breathwork, or even creative pursuits to express and explore your evolving identity.

Remember, menopause is not an ending—it’s a doorway. A beautiful transition into a life filled with wisdom, freedom, and joy. Classical East Asian Medicine offers a compassionate, holistic path to guide you through.

Thank you for joining me today. If you found this helpful, I invite you to explore more resources on our website sagire.com.au or consider joining our community for deeper support.

Until next time, take care of yourself with balance, confidence, and grace.