body-mind approach
Menopause - embodied wisdom
All the intense symptoms during perimenopause and menopause tell us that the body is filled with emotional information, stress, and a sense of unsafety.
Do you know the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine on menopause? It is a time for wisdom.
But do I require it — wisdom?
Maybe I want to remain an endless girl, keep going, and achieve as I did all the years before. Push harder and stoically tolerate any challenges.
But… this is life. We never asked for the lesson, yet we need it for our inner growth.
Perimenopause, from around 42, is a period of preparation for that kind of wisdom (the 6th cycle in TCM). It is a time to detoxify, reflect on life events, process trauma, and look forward to becoming wiser.
We need (have to, must...) to change our lifestyle, food, and exercise, and unload emotional burdens. And then we become free enough. The body, as a vessel, becomes ready to contain new pathways for energy — moving from the womb to the heart center. Up, heat wave - yes, its about hot flashes.
In terms of the Five Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood), the seventh cycle brings us back to the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys and winter. It is Yin in nature, which means a time to go within, reflect, recuperate, nourish, and look forward to new beginnings.
All the intense symptoms during perimenopause and menopause tell us that the body is filled with emotional information, stress, and a sense of unsafety. Emotional regulation and body-oriented psychotherapy are often needed.
Conflicts that arise on a bodily level cannot be solved with words or analysis alone.
Like any other female transition, this is a female domain. What does it mean? It is irrational, overwhelming, difficult to control, dark, and scary — but powerful, like the depth of the primordial ocean.
But why should you be scared of this darkness?
You are the ocean.
And you are the darkness itself.
P.S. Why am I, an art therapist, talking about TCM?
Because I see this energy flowing and revealing meaning in the images my clients intuitively draw. This gives me evidence that it is real. It’s not about beliefs, religion, or philosophy. It is simply the intuitive knowledge of the body’s realm. I respect it.
But do I require it — wisdom?
Maybe I want to remain an endless girl, keep going, and achieve as I did all the years before. Push harder and stoically tolerate any challenges.
But… this is life. We never asked for the lesson, yet we need it for our inner growth.
Perimenopause, from around 42, is a period of preparation for that kind of wisdom (the 6th cycle in TCM). It is a time to detoxify, reflect on life events, process trauma, and look forward to becoming wiser.
We need (have to, must...) to change our lifestyle, food, and exercise, and unload emotional burdens. And then we become free enough. The body, as a vessel, becomes ready to contain new pathways for energy — moving from the womb to the heart center. Up, heat wave - yes, its about hot flashes.
In terms of the Five Elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood), the seventh cycle brings us back to the Water element, which is associated with the Kidneys and winter. It is Yin in nature, which means a time to go within, reflect, recuperate, nourish, and look forward to new beginnings.
All the intense symptoms during perimenopause and menopause tell us that the body is filled with emotional information, stress, and a sense of unsafety. Emotional regulation and body-oriented psychotherapy are often needed.
Conflicts that arise on a bodily level cannot be solved with words or analysis alone.
Like any other female transition, this is a female domain. What does it mean? It is irrational, overwhelming, difficult to control, dark, and scary — but powerful, like the depth of the primordial ocean.
But why should you be scared of this darkness?
You are the ocean.
And you are the darkness itself.
P.S. Why am I, an art therapist, talking about TCM?
Because I see this energy flowing and revealing meaning in the images my clients intuitively draw. This gives me evidence that it is real. It’s not about beliefs, religion, or philosophy. It is simply the intuitive knowledge of the body’s realm. I respect it.
Perimenopause is a period of preparation. It is a time to detoxify, reflect on life events, process trauma, and look forward to becoming wiser.
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