Perimenopause & Menopause
Understanding the Second Spring through Chinese Medicine
Perimenopause and menopause are natural transitions in a woman's life, yet they can bring significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. While some women move through this stage with few symptoms, others experience changes that affect their sleep, energy, mood, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Although some may see this as a time of endings, I believe it can also be a time of new beginnings. In Chinese medicine, this transition is often referred to as the Second Spring —an invitation to reconnect with yourself, honour the changes taking place, and step into the next stage of life with greater wisdom, confidence and authenticity.
In this article, I explore the common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, practical ways to support yourself during this transition, and how acupuncture and Chinese medicine may help.
The Second Spring
Psychologically, the Second Spring is a time when you may come face to face with unresolved issues in your life and have the opportunity to heal these parts of yourself.
As hormone levels change, many women find themselves naturally turning their attention inwards. After years of caring for others, there is often a growing desire to care for themselves, to reassess priorities, set healthier boundaries, and reflect on what truly matters.
According to Dr Christiane Northrup, perimenopause is a time when you are meant to "mother yourself." This transition invites you to nurture yourself with the same care and compassion you may have so freely given to others.
Supporting Yourself Through the Second Spring
Speak your truth. Say no when you mean it.
Set clear boundaries. This is a time for self-care and considering where your priorities lie, and how you would like to step into this next phase of life.
Take time to nurture and mother yourself.
Reduce emotional stress. Many women notice that stress can make symptoms, including hot flushes, feel more frequent or intense.
Eat warm, nourishing foods, such as soups, stews and bone broths. In Chinese medicine, these foods are traditionally used to support the body during times of change and help counterbalance feelings of dryness.
Aim to drink around 2 litres of water each day, adjusting for your activity level, climate and individual needs.
Include regular strength training to support bone health and muscle mass, alongside movement that feels sustainable and enjoyable.
Aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. Rest is essential for restoring both physical and mental energy.
Foods and Lifestyle That May Help Ease Symptoms
Some women notice that certain foods and lifestyle habits can make symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats feel more intense. While every woman is different, the following may be helpful:
Reduce coffee to one cup a day if you experience hot flushes or feel sensitive to caffeine. Green tea, dandelion tea, herbal teas, or an occasional chai or hot chocolate may be suitable alternatives.
Reduce alcohol, particularly if you notice it triggers hot flushes or disrupts your sleep.
If spicy foods worsen your symptoms, consider reducing chilli and very spicy meals for a period of time to see if this makes a difference.
If you smoke, reducing or quitting smoking may help improve menopausal symptoms, while also providing significant benefits for your overall health.
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine May Help
Every woman's experience of perimenopause and menopause is unique. For this reason, treatment should be individualised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.
In Chinese medicine, two women may experience the same symptom, such as hot flushes or insomnia, yet have very different underlying patterns. This is why every treatment plan is tailored to the individual and may include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, dietary guidance and lifestyle recommendations.
Research suggests that acupuncture may help improve some symptoms experienced during perimenopause and menopause, particularly sleep disturbances, mood symptoms and overall quality of life for some women. Some studies have also reported improvements in hot flushes and night sweats, although the evidence for these symptoms is more variable.
At Yin Earth Medicine in Eltham, I support women through every stage of the menopausal transition with an individualised approach that combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle guidance.
If this stage of life feels overwhelming, you do not have to navigate it alone. I would be honoured to walk alongside you as you move through your Second Spring.
References
Lund KS, Siersma V, Brodersen J, et al. Efficacy of a standardised acupuncture approach for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms (ACOM study): a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.BMJ Open. 2019;9:e023637.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause.
Yang X, Zhu F, Zhong Y, et al. Comparative effectiveness of different acupuncture therapies for perimenopausal syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.Frontiers in Neurology. 2025
About the author
Diana Segovia Arcella is an AHPRA-registered Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner (BHSc Chinese Medicine) with a special interest in women's health, fertility, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. She practises at Yin Earth Medicine in Eltham, Melbourne.