Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support — is a clinically recognised approach for managing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, insomnia, and anxiety. At Qi Flow Wellness in St Lucia, Brisbane, practitioner Dr. Ge (Hannah) Chen has helped many women navigate perimenopause and menopause with personalised, evidence-informed TCM care.
Meet Helen: A Brisbane Woman Ready for a Different Approach
Helen was 51 when she first walked through the doors of Qi Flow Wellness. She had been experiencing menopausal symptoms for nearly two years — disruptive night sweats that left her exhausted, waves of daytime heat that made concentrating at work difficult, and an underlying anxious restlessness that felt entirely unlike her usual self. Her GP had discussed hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but Helen wanted to explore a complementary path first, one that addressed how she felt as a whole person rather than managing each symptom in isolation.
Like many women in Brisbane seeking natural menopause support, Helen had heard about acupuncture but wasn’t sure what to expect. Her first appointment with Dr. Chen involved a detailed health history, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and a conversation about her sleep, diet, stress levels, and emotional wellbeing. This holistic intake is central to TCM — the aim is to understand the root pattern of imbalance, not simply to suppress symptoms.
The TCM Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Dr. Chen identified Helen’s presenting pattern as Kidney Yin Deficiency with rising Empty Heat — a classic TCM pattern associated with menopause. In TCM theory, the Kidney system governs reproductive health and aging, and its Yin (cooling, nourishing) energy naturally declines with age. When Yin becomes insufficient, Yang energy rises unchecked, producing heat sensations, restlessness, and dryness.
Helen’s treatment plan included:
- Acupuncture — weekly sessions targeting points known to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, calm the nervous system, and tonify Kidney Yin. Commonly used points included Kidney 3, Spleen 6, and Ren 4.
- Chinese herbal medicine — a personalised formula including herbs traditionally used to nourish Yin and clear deficiency heat, reviewed and adjusted fortnightly as Helen’s presentation evolved.
- Lifestyle and dietary guidance — Dr. Chen recommended reducing spicy foods and alcohol (both aggravate heat in TCM), incorporating more cooling foods such as cucumber, pear, and mung beans, and establishing a calming pre-sleep routine.
- Moxibustion — applied to specific points to gently strengthen underlying Kidney Yang, supporting the balance between Yin and Yang energy.
A 2019 systematic review published in Menopause: The Journal of The Menopause Society found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flushes compared to no treatment, lending research support to the clinical approach Dr. Chen was taking with Helen.
Helen’s Progress Over 12 Weeks
By the end of her fourth weekly acupuncture session, Helen noticed she was sleeping through the night more consistently. The night sweats hadn’t disappeared entirely, but their intensity had softened noticeably. By week eight, she described her hot flushes as “manageable” rather than overwhelming — they were occurring less frequently and with less disruption to her daily life.
Helen also reported feeling calmer overall. The background anxiety she had been carrying began to ease, and she found herself more emotionally resilient at work and at home. By week twelve, she and Dr. Chen agreed to move to fortnightly maintenance sessions, with the herbal formula adjusted to a lighter maintenance dose.
“I feel like myself again,” Helen said at her three-month review. “I didn’t realise how much the symptoms were affecting my confidence and my mood until they started to lift.”
Helen’s experience reflects what many women discover when they pursue menopause TCM acupuncture in Brisbane: that addressing the underlying pattern of imbalance — rather than chasing individual symptoms — can create a more sustained and whole-body shift in wellbeing.
Is TCM Right for You During Menopause?
Every woman’s menopausal experience is unique, and TCM treatment is always tailored to the individual. Some women come to Qi Flow Wellness seeking an alternative to HRT; others use TCM alongside conventional medical care to enhance their overall comfort and resilience. Dr. Chen works collaboratively with each patient’s existing healthcare team when relevant, ensuring a safe and integrative approach.
Women experiencing any combination of the following may benefit from a TCM consultation:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Disrupted sleep or insomnia
- Mood changes, anxiety, or low mood
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Vaginal dryness or reduced libido
- Joint aches and muscle tension
If you are in perimenopause or menopause and looking for compassionate, personalised support in Brisbane, Qi Flow Wellness in St Lucia offers a warm and evidence-informed space to explore what TCM can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can acupuncture really help with menopausal hot flushes?
Yes — research supports acupuncture as an effective option for reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause. A 2019 systematic review found acupuncture significantly outperformed no treatment for vasomotor symptoms, making it a well-supported complementary therapy for menopausal women.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need for menopause symptoms?
Most women begin to notice meaningful improvements within four to six weekly acupuncture sessions, though a full initial course is typically eight to twelve sessions depending on symptom severity. Dr. Chen at Qi Flow Wellness assesses your progress regularly and adjusts your plan as your symptoms evolve.
Is TCM safe to use alongside HRT or other medications for menopause?
TCM is generally safe to use alongside HRT and other conventional menopause treatments, and many women find the two approaches complement each other well. Dr. Ge (Hannah) Chen is AHPRA-registered and will always review your current medications and health history to ensure your treatment plan is safe and appropriate for you.
Ready to find out how menopause TCM acupuncture could support your wellbeing? Dr. Ge (Hannah) Chen and the team at Qi Flow Wellness, St Lucia, Brisbane are here to help you feel like yourself again. Book your initial consultation online today and take the first step toward balanced, whole-body health.