Balancing Hormones for a Healthy Heart and Body

Hormones play a crucial role in reproductive and heart health. Estrogen, for example, regulates menstrual cycles and supports fertility. It also helps keep blood vessels flexible, reduces inflammation, and balances cholesterol levels. The thyroid hormone also plays a key role in metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and ovulation.

As we enter perimenopause, estrogen, and thyroid levels begin to decline. This can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and a lower sex drive. It can also increase bad cholesterol, affect heart health, and contribute to bone loss, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Helps Balance Hormones and Heart Health

TCM takes a whole-body approach to regulating hormones and improving heart health. Treatments such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, nutrition therapy, and Qi cultivation help balance hormone levels naturally. These therapies also have estrogen-like effects on the body and focus on calming the nervous system to reduce stress, which in turn supports hormone balance.

Common Causes of Hormone Decline in TCM

Several factors can contribute to hormonal imbalances, including:

  •  Natural aging

  •  Lifestyle habits such as staying up late, consuming alcohol, and drinking caffeine

  •  Overworking and chronic stress

  •  Eating too many cold/raw foods or excessive spicy foods

  •  Excessive sexual activity

  •  Genetic factors

TCM Patterns of Hormonal Imbalance

Depending on the symptoms, hormone imbalance can manifest in different ways:

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency: Insomnia, dry mouth/throat, night sweats, hot flashes, dizziness, brain fog, constipation, sore lower back and knees

  • Kidney Yang Deficiency: Cold lower back and limbs, weight gain, puffiness, fatigue, loose stools, low libido

  • Heart Yin Deficiency: Palpitations, anxiety, worry, night sweats

  • Spleen Qi Deficiency with Damp Accumulation: Fatigue, bloating, loose stools, feeling of heaviness in the body

How Acupuncture Supports

Hormone Balance

Acupuncture helps regulate hormones by:

  •  Supporting the endocrine system

  •  Balancing the nervous system and neurotransmitters that influence hormone levels

  •  Reducing stress and improving blood flow to the heart and reproductive organs

Key Acupuncture Points:

  • Sp-6 (Sanyinjiao): Located in the inner legs, this acupoint supports hormone balance, nourishes the blood, and promotes heart and reproductive health.

  • Ren-4 (Guanyuan): Located in the pelvic area, this acupoint regulates estrogen and the endocrine system.

Herbal Remedies for

Hormone and Heart Health

Chinese herbs like Passages Plus can help balance hormones and improve heart health. Two key herbs include:

  • Chinese Angelica Root (Dang Gui): A phytoestrogen-rich herb that reduces inflammation, stabilizes mood, eases hot flashes, and supports blood circulation.

  • Chinese Peony Root (Bai Shao): Helps regulate estrogen levels and reduces excessive testosterone.

Lifestyle Tips for

Hormone and Heart Health

Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods

  • Phytoestrogens: Found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), flaxseeds, nuts, and soy products

  • Antioxidants: Berries help combat oxidative stress and support heart health

  • Iodine: Found in seaweed (kelp, nori, wakame), supports thyroid function

Exercise Regularly

  • Cardio: Walking, running, and cycling boosts circulation and heart health

  • Qi Gong: Stimulates the endocrine system

  • Weight training & Tai Chi: Help maintain bone density and strength

Take Nutritional Supplements

  • DIM: Supports estrogen balance

  • Super B Vitamins: Aids hormone production and energy metabolism

  • Omega-3s: Promote heart and brain health

  • Probiotics: Support gut health, which influences hormone balance

Personalized TCM Treatments at Tao of Wellness

If you are looking to optimize your hormone and heart health, we got you covered! Tao of Wellness offers customized treatments, including:

  • Targeted Acupuncture Sessions: To regulate hormones and support heart function.

  • Personalized Herbal Formulas: Custom blends tailored to your unique symptoms.

  • Nutritional Consultations: Includes food journaling, meal plans, and recipes for optimal hormone health.

Good hormone balance leads to a healthy heart and a vibrant life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of imbalance, the time-tested tradition of Chinese medicine can provide natural solutions to restore your well-being.

February 2025Dr. Shannon Lawrence, D.A.O.M, L.Ac, Dipl. O.M.Fertility, hormones, estrogen, Heart Health, menopause, nutrition