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Menopause Hair
What does hair go white? Why does it become coarser and drier? Why does it thin and fall out for some women? Menopause hair is something I look out for in clinic, as it's an indication of symptoms going on at a deeper level.
According to the Nèi Jīng 内经, the ancient Chinese text that is the source of acupuncture theory has a lot to say on this topic. The outward expression of the Kidneys are the hair and the teeth. Inside the body, bones are an expression of the Kidneys. With age it is normal for Kidney qì to decline. This happens for everyone and the expression of that change can be hair whitening, thinning and becoming coarser, less able to hold moisture. The Nèi Jīng 内经 discusses how women change every 7 years. Aged 7 the baby teeth fall out and are replaced with adult teeth, a girls hair grows long. At 14 girls start their periods and their fertility arrives. At 42, hair begins to turn white and skin changes. Women are different, these changes may happen slightly earlier or slightly later and the shifts are incremental. But these indications show the rise and fall of Kidney qi for a woman.
So what can you do?
Kidneys relate to cold, Water and the salty taste. So keep warm, especially around the midrift. Japanese samurai would wear special scarves around their waists, specifically to keep that area warm. Don't allow yourself to get too cold, ice baths are not suitable for women around the menopause. If you want to go cold water swimming, wear a wetsuit and ensure you warm up properly afterwards. A deep cold can be difficult to shift and lead to illness. The following food suggestions will support the health of your kidneys:
Black beans
Seaweed
Black sesame seeds
Celtic salt (grey unprocessed), sprinkled on food
Stock made with broken bones to release marrow
Avoid ice drinks and cold foods
The temptation is to drink a lot, but this actually puts pressure on the kidneys, dilutes the salts needed for healthy body functioning. Eating warm porridge, soups and stews will be far better for kidney health. A cup of green tea or ginger tea is far more supportive than a litre of cold water.
Menopause Hair Treatments
Ask your hairdresser for treatments that nourish courser drying hair. You may need to change the kind of shampoo & conditioner you use and consider what products are suitable for you. A visit to Amber in Hove for Menopause Awareness Month was an insightful experience. For many women their hair is an important part of their expression. It isn't vain to prioritise something that makes you feel good and boosts confidence.
Find out more
If you want to know more about your health during perimenopause transition and menopause, join Abigail and other Anahata practitioners are holding a workshop with the theme of "Menopause & Neurodiversity".
