7 Hormone-Healthy Lifestyle Tips Inspired by TCM
Hormonal health is a key player in our overall well-being. Our hormones influence numerous physiological processes in our body that affect things like mood, energy levels, metabolism, and sexual health. When their balance is disrupted, it can lead to a range of health issues, including stress, sleep disturbances, weight gain, low energy, skin conditions, decreased mental clarity, low libido, fertility issues and more.
Hormones Through a TCM Lens
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hormones are non-existent in its philosophy but the concept of hormonal balance is closely related to the concept of Yin Yang balance. Let’s explore how TCM helps to harmonize your hormones.
In TCM, Yin is downward, contracting, cooling, moisturizing. It’s our physical body, physical organs, and the physical substances that nourish every cell of our body such as blood and fluids. Yang is upward, expansive, warming, its energy. Yang is associated with the metabolic functioning of our physical body. Yin Yang relationships are interdependent and delicate. One cannot exist without the other.
As such, every component of our body is seen as having a Yin and a Yang aspect. Hormones can be viewed the same. The Yin aspect of a hormone is it’s physical structure. They can be lipid-based, amino acid-based, and peptide-based. The Yang aspect of a hormone is it’s metabolic activity and involvement in energy production. Hormones depend on one another to function properly and too much or too little of one will tip the balance immediately, leading to a cascade of feedback loops as the body attempts to rebalance itself.
How We Treat Hormone Imbalance
The TCM strategy to balance hormones is to addressing the underlying imbalances that contribute to hormonal disruptions, whether its Qi or Blood deficiency, Qi or Blood stagnation, Yin or Yang deficiency. There are also holistic approaches that you can incorporate into your daily routines and rituals. This is about creating sustainable habits, not making drastic changes that are difficult to maintain! Here are some hormone-healthy lifestyle tips inspired by TCM principles:
Mindful Eating: Hormones thrive on a balanced and nourishing diet based on TCM principles. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. Incorporate warming foods and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric to support digestion and circulation. Avoid excessive consumption of cold or raw foods, as they can weaken the digestive system and contribute to hormonal imbalances.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, breathwork, tai chi, or qigong – choose one that works for you! Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance and negatively impact overall health. By cultivating mindfulness and relaxation, you can help regulate the stress response and promote hormonal harmony.
Limit Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: EDCs are found everywhere! Some mimic certain hormones in our bodies, other inhibit them from doing their job. They have been linked to numerous adverse human health outcomes including alterations in sperm quality and fertility, abnormalities in sex organs, endometriosis, early puberty, altered nervous system function, immune function, certain cancers, respiratory problems, metabolic issues, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular problems, growth, neurological and learning disabilities, and more. Do your research and limit where you can. A good start would be to aim for clean food, home cleaning products, personal hygiene products, and clothing.
Regular Movement: Engage in regular, moderate exercise to support circulation, metabolism, and overall vitality. Choose activities that you enjoy and that suit your body’s needs, whether it’s walking, yoga, swimming, or dancing. Avoid excessive or strenuous exercise, as it can deplete qi and disrupt hormone balance.
Quality Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support hormone regulation, energy levels, and overall well-being. Create a conducive sleep environment by minimizing exposure to screens, reducing noise and light, and ensuring comfort.
Emotional Well-Being: Cultivate emotional resilience and balance through practices such as journaling, spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, and seeking support when needed. TCM views emotions as integral to health, and unresolved emotional issues can contribute to hormonal imbalances – in TCM we call this Qi Stagnation. By acknowledging and processing emotions in a healthy way, you can create a healthy flow of Qi and promote hormonal harmony.
Acupuncture and TCM Therapies: Consider incorporating acupuncture and other TCM therapies into your wellness routine to support hormonal balance and overall health. Acupuncture, nutrition, cupping, and moxibustion are among the modalities that TCM practitioners may use to address hormonal imbalances and promote holistic well-being. Consult with a qualified TCM practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals.
When it comes to hormone health, there can be lots of different factors at play. It’s important to note that everyone is unique, and treatment often looks different for different people! It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional to receive more individualized support.
If you’re looking for guidance and support for your health, you can book an appointment with me and follow me on Instagram @josephcoccagna.acu to learn more.