Women go through major physiological changes every 7 years. This is known as the 7 year cycle in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The two most significant changes occur at around 14 years when menstruation begins and approximately 49 years when menstruation becomes less frequent and ceases.

Our bodies are a sea of qi (energy), blood and essence. Essence is like a refined nectar of qi, blood and fluids that enable us to grow, reproduce and regenerate. A part of this essence has been transferred to us from our parents.

As we age our essence becomes consumed giving the dry withered, degenerative appearance. Blood carries essence and qi therefore much vital essence and nutrients can be lost in monthly periods.

A year before and after each 7 year cycle it is wise to put in extra effort to nourish your body. The change is like a blueprint for the next 7 to 10 years. Therefore if you get very healthy and balanced through this time you lay a good foundation for the next few years.

'Signs' of our essence, fluids, blood and qi being consumed can be....
-Excessive wrinkles
-Sagging of skin tissue (such as under the   upper arm, neck, face and legs )
-Tiredness (weak voice)
-Pallor (lacking a pink/reddish healthy glow)
-Dryness of skin, hair and nails (brittle)
-Dull eyes
-Lacking passion for life
-Long term memory loss
-Greying of hair
-Degenerating bones

Some people appear to have loads of energy, look bright though are withered on closer examination. These people constantly run on an empty tank or on their reserve energy, not from an abundant overflow.

Please note that the above sign's can obviously be a normal part of the aging process. They are though brought about quicker and more severely through unhealthy lifestyle habits such as the following.

Lack of drinking pure water and eating water rich foods such as fruit and lettuce as an example. (Remember our body is composed mainly of water). Excess cooked and refined foods, coffee and tea, lack of sleep, inadequate rest, over work and not enough play. Stress from many areas. Inadequate nutrient intake, lack of deep breathing, exercise and sunshine. Excessive thinking (very draining particularly on the digestion). Poor eating habits that weaken digestion ( not chewing well and drinking with meals etc.). (It takes massive amounts of energy to digest food). Negative thought indulgence. Smoking, alcohol and drug use to name a few.

Drink plenty of water (not with meals). Eat mainly fresh vital foods (such as whole grains, vegetables and fruit). Take deep breaths as often as possible throughout the day. Maintain good posture and smile regularly. Doing physical exercise a few times a week (increases oxygen to the cells therefore increasing your energy level). Be playful, go for what you want in life and get passionate about it.

Menopause is seen as consumption of the yin (essence and fluids) in Chinese medicine. The body becomes dry and then the dryness generates heat (there is the drying up, so to speak, of hormonal essence as well).

Any substances that cause dryness are best avoided. Cigarette smoke for example causes, much dryness of the lungs and stomach. Alcohol particularly wine and spirits, are very volatile and hot by nature and will generate heat in the body. So even one strong drink a day can throw the body out of balance causing excessive heat. Coffee is a diuretic, stimulant and hot by nature. Stress agitates us also causing heat.

Here we can see then that 2 coffees a day, a glass of wine of an evening and a little stress can generate much dryness in the body which leads to heat accumulation that agitates us, which leads to restless sleep which can further compound what began as a minor imbalance into a major one presenting many symptoms.
The specific yin and blood tonics in Harmony Womens Balancing Formula help to moisturise, nourish, harmonise and cool the body, though avoiding the substances and foods that are heating, helps a lot in the longer term.

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