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Information about treatment alternatives for heavy menstrual bleeding. Including a recipe for a western herbal formula. Yarrow, oats and Shepard purse. Directions your can make it at home!

Dr. Tara’s Take on Birth, Pregnancy, and Postpartum care. What to eat, what challenges are vegans facing when trying to get pregnant? Does the medical system care about women? What are the most important things to consider according to Traditional Asian Medicine?

Growing your own, harvesting and drying. What to know about Mugwort, Ai ye, and Moxibustion

Perimenopause brings changes in sleep, energy, mood, weight, and menstrual cycles. But what if we understood this phase through a completely different medical system? In this episode of Own Your Becoming, I speak with Dr. Tara Foster, Doctor of Chinese Medicine and licensed acupuncturist, about how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands perimenopause. Instead of looking at symptoms in isolation, TCM views the body as an interconnected system of organs, energy circulation, blood, fluids, and nervous system load. From this perspective, many symptoms that appear unrelated may actually come from the same underlying imbalance. In Chinese medicine, perimenopause is sometimes described as a “Second Spring”, a transition where energy shifts away from reproduction and toward nourishment of deeper systems that support longevity, wisdom, and vitality. In this conversation we explore how Chinese medicine interprets midlife changes, and how approaches like acupuncture, herbs, nutrition, and lifestyle shifts are used to support women through this transition. TOPICS WE DISCUSS • How Traditional Chinese Medicine understands perimenopause • Why TCM focuses on patterns rather than individual symptoms • What “organ systems” and “energy” mean in Traditional Chinese Medicine • Why hot flashes, sleep issues, and fatigue may share the same root imbalance • How acupuncture supports the body during perimenopause • Lower back pain and why it often worsens around the menstrual cycle • Sleep disturbances in perimenopause and what TCM suggests • The role of herbs and lifestyle changes in supporting the transition Perimenopause is often framed as a problem to fix. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a different perspective — one that views this stage as a natural transition that can be understood and supported. If you're curious about how different medical traditions interpret this phase of life, this conversation will give you a new lens. CHAPTERS 00:00 Understanding Perimenopause through Traditional Chinese Medicine 02:38 The Concept of Yin and Yang in Perimenopause 08:50 Emotional Sensitivity and Expression during Perimenopause 11:24 Distinguishing Between Yin and Yang Deficiencies 14:15 Nourishing Yin: Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations 15:46 The Importance of Warm Water in TCM 18:14 Assessment and Diagnosis in TCM for Perimenopause 20:28 Common Patterns and Symptoms in Perimenopause 21:46 The Role of Acupuncture in Managing Symptoms 25:22 Acupressure Techniques for Self-Care 28:57 Acupressure Techniques and Points 31:47 Understanding Kidney and Liver Health 33:45 Nourishing Kidney Chi and Self-Care 38:06 Sexual Health and Kidney Jing 41:54 Sleep Challenges in Perimenopause 49:31 Lower Back Pain and TCM Perspectives 49:58 Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Its Remedies 56:26 Hormones and Traditional Chinese Medicine 58:24 Herbal Remedies for Perimenopause and Menopause 01:00:19 Lifestyle Changes for Support During Menopause 01:03:15 Embracing the Transformation of Menopause GUEST Dr. Tara Foster Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Acupuncturist & Herbalist Website https://www.tiliaintegrativehealth.com Instagram @TiliaIntegrativeHealth Herbal Shop http://golddragonalchemy.com MORE FROM OWN YOUR BECOMING Explore more resources on perimenopause and midlife health: https://ownyourbecoming.com Subscribe for more conversations on perimenopause, health, and midlife transitions. #Perimenopause #TraditionalChineseMedicine #TCM #Menopause #WomensHealth #Acupuncture #Hormones