The ancients described menopausal hot flashes as steaming bone disorder. If you have ever had a hot flash, you can agree, it sometimes feels like the bones are steaming. Hot flashes are the number one symptom that women experience on their journey through menopause. Symptoms can be moderate to severe and range from sudden heat travelling through the body, to sweating to feelings of anxiety. They can be mild to disruptive. On average, they impact women for 7 years.
Fortunately, they can be treated effectively with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If you would like to learn how TCM can help, please schedule a consultation. In the meantime, here are some acupressure points and dietary information you can use at home for relieving those steaming bones:
Acupressure Points
Sit or lay comfortably and use firm circular motions on each point for up to 10 minutes
KD 6
Chinese Name: Zhaohai. English translation: Shining Sea Location: On the medial aspect of the foot, in the depression below the tip of the medial malleolus.
Indications:
Dryness and soreness of throat, constipation, retention of urine
Irregular menstruation, bloody leukorrhea, prolapse of uterus, pruritus vulvae
Epilepsy
Eye disorders. Notes: KID 6 is one of the best points to nourish Kidney Yin.
KD 7 Chinese Name: Fuliu (English translation: Returning Current) Location: On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 2 cun directly above KID 3, anterior to tendo calcaneus.
Indications:
Edema, abdominal distention, diarrhea
Febrile disease without sweat or ceaselessly sweating, night sweating
Weakness, numbness and pain of the lower extremities
SP 6 Chinese Name: Sanyinjiao (English translation: Three Yin Intersection)
Location: On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun above the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia.
Indications:
Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, amenorrhea, mass and gathering in the abdomen, prolapse of uterus, dystocia, postpartum faintness, persistent lochia, infertility, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, impotence, premature ejaculation, pain in the penis, hernia, testicular atrophy
Enuresis, anuria, edema, dysuria
Spleen and Stomach deficiency, borborygmus, abdominal distention, diarrhea, paralysis of the foot, beriberi, muscular pain
Diseases of the skin, urticaria
Insomnia, headache, dizziness, bilateral hypochondriac pain
Notes: SP 6 is one of the most commonly used points and one of the most versatile. Because the point crosses the Spleen, Kidney and Liver meridians, it can treat many conditions associated with all three organs. It's an important point in the treatment of any digestive, gynecological and emotional condition.
TCM Dietary Guidelines for Steaming Bones
Eat more plants rich in phytoestrogens like soybeans, flaxseeds, whole grains and legumes. Bitter Foods operate as an internal air conditioner, because bitter foods disperse heat. Bitter foods include kale, green tea, watercress, turnips, asparagus and tangerine peels.
Cooling Foods help with hot flashes including apples, bananas, spinach, broccoli, eggs, cucumber, radish, cabbage, bok choy, cauliflower, carrots, romaine lettuce, watermelon, and pears.
Yin foods help hydrate and cool the body including juicy fruits like cherries, goji berries, and mulberries, and leafy greens.
Protein helps the body retain muscle. Examples include fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, beans, dairy, and tofu.
Water stay hydrated to help flush out toxins, absorb nutrients, and keep weight in check.
Things to avoid:
Minimize eating spicy foods
Don't smoke tobacco
Significantly reduce consuming caffeine and drinking alcohol
avoid stress
Delicious Cooling Recipe Watermelon Salad with Feta, Cucumber and Mint (Will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, serves 8)
Ingredients: Watermelon One small watermelon or ½ large watermelon cut into cubes or use a melon baller if you are feeling extra fancy Cucumber Sliced thin (English cucumbers work best for this recipe). Mint and Basil Leaves 1 cup packed of fresh leaves or 15 leaves of each, roughly chopped or torn. Creamy Feta Cheese: ½ cup or more of creamy crumbled feta. Feta packed in brine is the best as it is creamier.
Honey-Lime Salad Dressing
Honey – 2 TBSP Lime Juice – from one lime Extra virgin olive oil – 2 TBSP Salt – just a pinch.
Instructions
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil and pinch of salt. Set aside for a moment. Make the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter with sides, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs .Finish and Serve: Top the watermelon salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Top with the feta cheese and serve!
Note: Recipe by Suzy Karadsheh, The Mediterranean Diet All acupressure point information from: Acupuncture.com
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