A Few Thoughts from Lindy McDonnell, Acupuncturist and Female Wellbeing Guru
1. What does female wellbeing mean to you?
As women in the 21st century we have been handed the reins and the rights to be informed, make our own decisions, economically, socially, politically. Big question; short answer. The struggle continues... but we are resilient.
2. Female nutrition advice for hormonal balance?
In TCM, ice is for dead people! Our internal organs are warm and nourished not only by food and drink but by synovial fluid, blood flow and so on. Shocking the stomach, spleen and intestines with icy cold or cold damp foods or drink is just cruel to our internal organs from that perspective. However, we all have our vices, we all like treats so a compromise would be suggested. Salads yes, but complemented with a warm broth on the side.
3. How does stress affect menstrual cycles from a TCM perspective?
One example (to which there can be many) is from the aetiological perspective that prolonged emotional or physical stress has a significant impact on Qi, Xue (blood) and Liver Qi. The Liver stores menstrual blood among its many functions it is associated with emotional regulation. Qi (energy, lifeforce and internal fluids) leads the Blood around the body therefore if the Qi of the Liver is obstructed it will not lead the Blood smoothly throughout the uterus.
Menstrual disorders are referred to as Yue Jing Bing. Yue = Moon. Jing = channel or vessel or regular. Bing = disease. Pathological cycles are seen as yin-yang paired. Qi = yang. Blood= yin. Put very simplistically, as practitioners we aim to relieve stress and pain by harmonising the interdependence of both yin and yang to bring efficient blood flow and regulate the cycle.
4. What does the body tend to need more of when periods feel painful, heavy or absent?
Herbs, broths, warmth, emotional and physical nourishment. Obviously, it depends on the unique circumstances of each client. One thing to mention when it comes to pain is during the pregestational phase (post ovulation), some women are reliant on Ibuprofen (analgesic compound) which blocks the production of prostaglandins secreted from the hypothalamus. Overuse could increase swelling, inflammation and worsen the pain due to its relationship with progesterone (compound of prostaglandins). Age and circumstance all needs to be considered.
5. One piece of literature and one place that has inspired your own wellbeing journey?
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith. I bought it when first published in 1996. Yes, I am showing my age! I like to gift this book to clients sometimes!
Ireland. It’s home and with a rich and deep connection to nature, wisdom of the ancestors and storytelling, Ireland reminds me that the journey of wellbeing and knowledge is endless therefore there is no point in being in a hurry.
6. One tip I would give others to find their happy place and get them through bumps in the road?
Enjoy getting to know yourself. The journey is endless. See the funny side. Enjoy admitting you were wrong, who likes a ‘know it all’. Talk, communicate, bring back your true sense of awe.
7. Advice to support women during TCM cycle changes
Traditional Chinese Medicine holds the perspective of Men and Women through the lens of life stages. There are 8-year stages for men and 7-year stages for women.
8 = yang, 7 = yin.
According to the Huang Di Nei Jing each stage has its own unique spiritual, emotional and physical development. It makes sense (to me). For the sake of clarity, here is a chart as a guideline. This chart by no means is the be all and end all. Us + 50yr old women gain the wisdom and experience of all the previous stages hence our second spring!
