East Asian medicine refers to the period from the late reproductive years through menopause as the second spring. Puberty is the first spring of a woman’s life when hormones shift for the first time. Having been through perimenopause myself, I found this analogy lacking. Nothing felt “Spring-like” at all. There was no excitement of the endless possibilities that were unfolding, no understanding that the discomfort of the changes were growth and expansion. There was instead the feeling of dread and losing the hormones I didn’t even know I had grown to rely on to keep me calm, sleeping deeply, feeling fit and being healthy.
The stressors of life were taking their toll, and my body was breaking down with no respite in sight. Early in my career, I would see patients suffering from menopausal symptoms and tell them, “Honestly I think if you were alone on a deserted island and could just care for yourself how your body would like, I doubt you would have many symptoms.” Usually, the reality is very far from relaxing island life..
Moving from earth stage to the metal stage, of life. (Or learning to prioritize yourself and your body’s changing needs.)
Of course that is the problem. Women beginning this transition are often in a time in their lives where they are caring for households. They have careers they are committed to, and/or caring for elders. They have not put themselves first in the caring hierarchy. Doing that seems like an impossible task. They are still in the earth phase of mothering and caring for others. Yet, they are moving into the metal phase of valuing their life knowledge, experience, and needs.
So, I thought long and hard about what the “second spring” means. Running with the idea of moving into the metal phase of life, I thought perhaps cutting things away helps uncover the gifts of the future. Here is the analogy that works for me:
Pruning for Second Spring: Changing habits and lifestyle
If a fruit tree establishes itself for a season, and it is pruned as it approaches the spring of it’s second year, it gives the best yield and improves the overall health of the plant.
This I can get on board with. Women are established in their lives in their late reproductive years through menopause. This period has pulled their energies in many directions. Most of them externally to careers, families, and other commitments. Moreover, by pruning off those things that do not serve us and redirecting that energy inward we can focus on what matters most to us. It allows us to nourish ourselves the way we need.
Another lens we can use is that of the Metal phase. This phase is associated with Autumn in East Asian medicine. Autumn is thought of as the time to “let go.” In this case, letting go of attitudes, habits, feelings, and relationships is key. Jobs and more that no longer serve you are also included. Or in the case of a tree, allowing the fruits to drop. Pulling energy inward and pruning off those branches takes too much energy. This makes better healthier fruit on the second spring. Changes you make now will pay dividends on your risk of heart disease, brain health, obesity, and bone health.
Acupuncture works by returning the body to homeostasis, regulating hormones, reducing inflammation and promoting detoxification. It regulates your body through the ups and downs of falling and hormones reduces uncomfortable symptoms. It mitigates the effects of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline who are the real villains.
We can help you prune off those health habits that no longer serve you.
Give your body the fertilizer it needs to bloom in this next stage. It’s a great time to consolidate your energy through breathwork, meditation, and lifestyle changes. Are you able to take deep breaths to calm yourself? Or do you constantly find yourself taking shallow breaths? Acupuncture treatments unblock the diaphragm. They eliminate any stuckness in the digestion or abdomen. Use this stage to take a more inward and less outward focus. Learn to nourish yourself and your changing body deeply with good sleep, downtime, intentional food, appropriate exercise and acupuncture.
