"Menopause symptoms are a major issue in both Asia and Europe": In conversation with Li Wu and Natalie Lauer

"We look at the issue holistically and do not see the symptoms as a vice, but as part of a development towards a new phase of life." Prof. TCM (Univ. Yunnan) Li Wu and Dr. Natalie Lauer talk about their new guidebook "TCM for a calm journey through the menopause" , explain the perspective of Chinese medicine and give recommendations. "For over 4,000 years, this form of therapy has been very successful in China and in many parts of Asia." This is also the aim of their book and their work, which relies on acupressure, Qi Gong and medicinal herbs for menopausal symptoms.

You both work with alternative healing methods. How did the (joint) idea for your new book “TCM through the menopause” come about?

Li Wu: Menopausal symptoms are a big issue in both Asia and Europe. Conventional medicine's knowledge and treatment only cover a portion of these symptoms. For a long time I have wanted to write with Dr. Lauer about this topic, the use of TCM for menopausal symptoms. Many practical methods in our books have helped numerous patients in our practice.

Natalie Lauer: My best friend is undergoing anti-hormone therapy as part of breast cancer treatment. Like many other breast cancer patients, she has been suffering from typical menopausal symptoms since then. That gave me the impetus to look more closely at alternative remedies for hot flashes and the like.

There are already various guides on the topic of menopause. What makes your book so special?

Li Wu: In TCM, menopausal symptoms are not only viewed in terms of symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, hair loss, psychological fluctuations, etc., but also as a reaction of the entire body, which is expressed, for example, by an unstable immune system, metabolic disorders, a weak circulation or a weak autonomic nervous system. We therefore do not see symptoms as individual problems, but try to find out individual backgrounds or causes. With our book, we want to offer an overall concept from the perspective of TCM with concrete solutions such as acupuncture, acupressure, Qi Gong, medicinal herbs and so on. This form of therapy has been very successful in China and in large parts of Asia for over 4,000 years.

Natalie Lauer: We look at the topic holistically and do not see the symptoms as a vice, but as part of a development towards a new phase of life. The aim is not just to relieve the hot flushes, for example, but to bring the patient back into harmony with herself. In the back of the book, all the ailments associated with the menopause can be quickly and easily looked up. All the applications are then presented at a glance. For this reason, the book is very practical to use. In addition, with a few exceptions, the applications require herbs and foods that almost everyone has at home.

In your experience, what are the most common symptoms women suffer from during menopause?

Li Wu: According to TCM, menopausal symptoms are caused by yin-yang imbalances in the six important hormone glands: pituitary gland, thyroid, thymus gland, pancreas, ovaries in women or prostate in men, adrenal glands. This disrupts the functions of many meridians. It is possible that individual gland functions work normally, but not in harmony with other glands. As a result, the disrupted hormones often cause hot flushes, insomnia, and hair loss in women. Cysts, myomas, or even tumors - benign or malignant - can also develop. Men, on the other hand, often suffer from irritability, anger, or a midlife crisis that even puts a strain on relationships.

Do you think women also make mistakes when dealing with menopause?

Li Wu: Many women believe that they have to accept their symptoms or simply hand the problems over to their doctor. They often forget that the years of menopausal symptoms are a phase of development, or that their body is now starting a new phase of life with a different hormonal status. In our book, we give our readers the opportunity to analyze the causes themselves and offer many practical methods such as proper nutrition, herbal therapy, Qi Gong exercises, etc.

Natalie Lauer: There are two camps: some immediately take hormones, others tolerate the symptoms and do not associate their depression, irritability, anxiety, etc. with the hormonal changes they are going through. You do not have to become a victim of the symptoms. The book shows that the challenges of menopause can be mastered with the help of numerous gentle methods.

What are the biggest benefits of TCM for menopausal symptoms?

Li Wu: TCM is based on five pillars: acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion; herbal medicine; nutrition based on the five elements; healing massages (Tuina therapy); Qi Gong and Tai Chi Quan. Chinese medicine offers both analysis and therapy options. Dr. Lauer and I have described this in a way that everyone can understand.

Natalie Lauer: The treatments have no side effects, can be carried out by yourself (except for acupuncture) and are affordable. They bring the Qi and thus body, mind and soul back into balance. The result is a better quality of life.

In your book you recommend a 7-day TCM treatment. What does such a treatment involve?

Li Wu: We created this 7-day treatment to combat the most common causes of menopausal symptoms. In order to bring the body back into yin-yang balance, we need to bring both the hormonal balance and the immune system into harmony. Many treatments are helpful for this, such as herbal teas, healing oil massages, healing baths, Qi Gong exercises and the right diet. But walking and cycling are also part of it.

Natalie Lauer: The treatment integrates different pillars of TCM into everyday life in the form of a daily plan and is intended to make it easier to start a life with TCM. After the 7-day treatment, you will by no means suddenly be free of all your symptoms, but you will gradually notice an improvement, and that motivates you to continue. Healing is a journey, it doesn't happen overnight!

Do you have any immediate help tips for our readers?

Li Wu: Sit down, breathe deeply and drink a large cup of our "TCM menopause tea". This will help you to relax and forget your everyday problems. You can look up the recipe in our book in the chapter "Medicinal teas" (page 94 ff.). Going for a walk and doing some exercise in the fresh air can definitely improve your tense situation.

Dr. Natalie Lauer: Meditation and therefore correct breathing. This reduces stress, calms you down and immediately promotes well-being.

Book tip:
Prof. TCM (Univ. Yunnan) Li Wu and Dr. Natalie Lauer: With TCM, calmly through the menopause. Mankau Verlag 2018, paperback, 13.5 x 21.5 cm, 239 pp., ISBN 978-3-86374-465-6, 15.95 euros (D) / 16.40 euros (A).

Link recommendations:
More information about the book "With TCM calmly through the menopause"
To the reading sample in PDF format
More about the author Prof. TCM (Univ. Yunnan) Li Wu
More about the author Dr. Natalie Lauer
To the Internet forum with Prof. TCM (Univ. Yunnan) Li Wu