The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon states that at the age of seven, a woman's kidney qi is strong and her teeth are longer; On the seventh day of the lunar calendar, the heavenly Gui arrives, and the Ren meridian is unobstructed... This is the first discussion on the growth rhythm and reproductive laws of women who follow the seven degree cycle. Since then, Chinese medical practitioners have inherited and developed unique traditional Chinese medicine wisdom to protect women's health. From the sprouting of youth to the calmness of silver hair, women's lives go through different stages such as adolescence, childbearing age, pregnancy and childbirth, and perimenopause, each with its own physiological characteristics and health needs. On the occasion of Mother's Day, let us explore the ways of traditional Chinese medicine health protection throughout the entire life cycle for every "she" who is experiencing different stages of life. Adolescent women: regulate menstruation and nourish blood, do not indulge in cold. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of "preventing before illness, preventing transformation after illness, and preventing relapse after fever". As a result, Chai Songyan, chief physician of Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital affiliated with Capital Medical University and a master of Chinese medicine, stated the core of women's health throughout the entire life cycle: "Do not blindly supplement, reduce, or force, follow the rhythm of life, and steadily go through each stage." During adolescence, the key is to regulate the meridians and nourish the blood, avoid being greedy for cold drinks, and prevent cold coagulation and blood stasis. In traditional Chinese medicine, essence and blood are the fundamental sources of life. For women, this is particularly important, "said Chai Songyan. Women have special physiological processes such as menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, all of which belong to the category of blood. If one does not take good care of their body when they are young, they are prone to problems such as decreased physical strength, forgetfulness, lower back and leg pain, and mild swelling in middle age. You Zhaoling, chief physician of the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine and a nationally renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, provided a refined plan from the perspective of menstrual cycle management. She introduced that usually, a menstrual cycle is divided into four stages: menstrual period: the flow of qi and blood decreases, and the "old blood" is discharged. The key to treatment lies in "promoting circulation", warming the meridians to dispel coldness, and promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. It is advisable to have a warm diet and avoid being cold, bitter, astringent, or astringent, in order to prevent cold and stagnant qi and blood from causing menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea. Commonly used medicines include motherwort, fragrant herb, and angelica. Postmenstrual period: Menstruation ends, and the uterus is in a state of empty excess. This stage is like harvesting bare land that requires "irrigation" and "fertilization". The key to treatment lies in "tonifying". Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses nourishing yin and blood products such as Ligustrum lucidum, Goji berry, Rehmannia glutinosa, and mulberry to provide a nutritional basis for the synchronous growth of follicles and endometrium. Ovulation period: a critical turning point between yin and yang in the menstrual cycle, which determines whether menstruation is normal. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is called "qi", which is like sowing seeds in fertile soil at the right time. At this time, the focus of treatment is on "promoting" by warming yang and promoting qi circulation to stimulate yang qi, promote the transformation of yin and yang, and push eggs out of the nest. Commonly used drugs include dodder, raspberry, Buddha's hand, and fragrant herb. Early stage: Just like planting seeds, it is necessary to cultivate soil and seedlings. The focus of treatment in this stage is on "warmth", which should be achieved by warming the yang and tonifying the kidneys to keep the "soil" warm and accumulate energy for later development. At this time, if the yang qi is insufficient and yin cold is endogenous, it may lead to problems such as uterine cold and infertility. Commonly used drugs include Morinda officinalis and goji berries. We regulate menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea by using a staged approach of 'tonifying, promoting, warming' to conform to the inherent rhythm of the female uterus, regulating yin and yang qi and blood. ”You Zhaoling gave an analogy, "It's like planting crops, different management needs to be applied according to different stages of sowing, growth, and harvest." In response to the common problems of multiple diseases such as dysmenorrhea, insomnia, and acne among adolescent women, Xiong Weihong, chief physician and director of Jianguomen Community Health Service Center in Dongcheng District, Beijing, emphasized the need for "co disease co management", which comprehensively judges menstrual cycle, menstrual volume, menstrual color, physical condition, sleep, emotion, and diet. Xiong Weihong suggests that in addition to taking traditional Chinese medicine based on syndrome differentiation, patients with dysmenorrhea can also massage or moxibustion acupoints such as Guanyuan and Sanyinjiao to keep warm during menstruation; If adolescent women experience menstrual disorders, such as not having menstruation for more than 3 months, or accompanied by symptoms such as obesity and hirsutism, they should seek medical attention promptly to rule out organic lesions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Women should protect their ovaries from a young age. ”Chai Songyan emphasized that girls between the ages of 7 and 14 have basically matured in terms of physiology and sexual function, but nowadays there are many children with precocious puberty, and "we must be highly vigilant about this". She explained that there are only a few hundred follicles that women can use in their lifetime, and if they are expelled early on, it will not be enough when they truly need them for adulthood in the future. Therefore, it is recommended that girls avoid consuming foods such as pigeon eggs and shrimp skin that may disrupt normal development. Workplace women: Soothing the liver and relieving depression, harmonizing body and mind. "Modern workplace women are under pressure from various aspects, coupled with unhealthy habits such as staying up late and sitting for long periods of time, which most often invade the" liver "referred to in traditional Chinese medicine. ”You Zhaoling told reporters. According to You Zhaoling's analysis, breast hyperplasia, thyroid nodules, and severe hair loss - these problems that plague countless working women - can be traced back to "liver depression and qi stagnation" and "qi and blood deficiency" in traditional Chinese medicine. She further explained that the breast and thyroid are both places where the liver meridian follows. If the liver qi is stagnant for a long time, blood stasis and phlegm coagulation will occur, and nodules will arise; In addition to shedding blood, thoughts and staying up late quietly consume qi and blood, causing hair to gradually dry up and even fall off without nourishment. In response to this series of issues, You Zhaoling proposed the "prevention, management, regulation, and treatment" four part plan of "harmonizing body and mind, soothing the liver, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the kidneys": prevention, which refers to conforming to the circadian rhythm, falling asleep before 11 o'clock every night, and allowing blood to return to the liver to nourish the liver; Get up and move around every hour, avoiding prolonged sitting; Regularly massage and press the Taichong acupoint (the depression between the first and second toe bones on the instep) and Fenglong acupoint to soothe the liver, dissolve phlegm, and disperse lumps. Manage emotions and lifestyle, and engage in 2-3 sessions of moderate to low-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Regulating qi and blood internally, eating more blood nourishing foods such as spinach, red dates, black sesame seeds, mulberries, etc; Daily consumption of liver soothing tea (3 roses, 3g dried tangerine peel soaked in water). Treatment, that is, for nodules that have already formed, regular follow-up examinations and individualized adjustments should be carried out by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners based on syndrome differentiation and treatment. Wang Li, chief physician of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated with Fudan University and director of the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine gynecology department, recommended a simple and easy meridian massage method: "Every morning, you can tap the liver meridian - the inner thigh, gently tap from the inner thigh to the knee direction with your fingertips, or press the Taichong acupoint for 3 minutes, which can effectively relieve the stagnation of liver qi and alleviate the breast swelling pain before menstruation every month." Currently, many working women choose to diet and lose weight in pursuit of a slim figure, but in the eyes of experts, excessive dieting or blind weight loss can actually damage qi and blood. Be very cautious when it comes to weight loss! ”Chai Songyan reminds women that blood is the foundation, and excessive weight loss can lead to qi and blood deficiency, menstrual disorders, worsening hair loss, and even ovarian dysfunction. She suggests that female friends maintain a healthy body shape through regular sleep, balanced diet, and moderate exercise. In fact, women are born with the liver, and the liver qi is smooth and the liver blood is sufficient. Only then can qi and blood shine on the face, manifested as a rosy complexion, shiny skin, and happy spirit. ”Wang Li stated that the liver is responsible for regulating the flow of qi and regulating the overall Qi system; The liver is responsible for storing blood, storing blood, and regulating blood volume. Therefore, women focus on regulating the liver and nourishing blood. At present, Wang Li has proposed the principle of "less acidity and more sweetness" for internal conditioning. Sour taste enters the liver meridian, excessive consumption can cause excessive liver qi and damage the spleen and stomach; And sweet foods such as jujubes, yams, honey, etc., when eaten in moderation, can nourish qi and stomach, and nourish qi and blood. The spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood biochemistry. Only when the spleen and stomach are well, can the source of qi and blood be sufficient. In terms of external investigation, Wang Li suggests "sleeping at night and getting up early, walking widely in the courtyard", going to bed early and getting up early to follow the rising yang energy. Exercise should be gentle and soothing, such as taking walks, jogging, and practicing Eight Section Brocade and Tai Chi. I hope everyone starts from daily small things, and women can take good care of their liver and have a good complexion naturally, "she said. Pregnant women: Safety first, scientific regulation. Pregnancy is a special physiological period for women, and whether it is regulation or treatment, safety is the primary principle. Preparing for pregnancy requires adjusting one's psychology, maintaining emotional stability, and avoiding excessive excitement. ”Chai Songyan emphasized the importance of adequate sleep, avoiding overeating or spicy food, and ensuring sufficient nutrient intake. She reminded, "Medication should be taken with utmost caution at this time, as certain medications may interfere with ovarian function or cause menstrual irregularities. Of course, if diagnosed with a disease, targeted treatment is necessary." Many women experience various physical discomforts during pregnancy. You Zhaoling said that if there is mild discomfort during pregnancy, it can be adjusted reasonably through changes in diet and lifestyle in a timely manner. But when serious discomfort occurs, do not force it, and seek timely treatment. Under the premise of traditional Chinese medicine's principle of "there is no death without cause", pay attention to the dosage and treatment course, which can help pregnant women smoothly pass through pregnancy. She proposed three targeted solutions: morning sickness is the most common physiological reaction in early pregnancy. For mild nausea and vomiting, you can try dietary therapy first: take thin raw ginger slices, or use 3-5 slices of ginger, add 5 grams of tangerine peel, perilla leaves, and loquat leaves each, boil water as a tea drink. Edema during pregnancy often occurs in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, with lower limb and ankle edema being the main cause, known as "swelling" in traditional Chinese medicine. At this time, we should pay attention to light diet, and eat appropriate food to strengthen the spleen and promote water, such as carp red bean soup, Winter melon soup with skin, etc. We should ensure adequate rest in life. Insomnia during pregnancy is also very common. At this time, do not take sleeping pills without authorization. The focus should be on relaxing the mind and relieving emotions. Soak your feet and gently massage acupoints such as Yongquan, Neiguan, and Shenmen before going to bed. Drinking warm milk, lotus seed and lily soup in moderation can also help you fall asleep as soon as possible. Wang Li divides the health regulation of women during the postpartum period (6-8 weeks postpartum) into four stages: in the first week, "removing blood stasis and generating new vitality" can be achieved by taking biochemical soup to help eliminate lochia; In the second week, you can take Poria cocos, yam, and winter melon to strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, promote diuresis, and reduce swelling; In the third week, you can use Eucommia ulmoides and Parasitic Soup to nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen muscles and bones; From the fourth week to two months postpartum, "consolidation and conditioning" can be achieved by consuming warm and moisturizing supplements such as sesame oil chicken, provided that the lochia has been cleared and the wound has healed well. Wang Li reminds women to have a scientific postpartum confinement. Women can wash their hair and take a shower during the postpartum period, but they should take a shower and quickly dry and wipe dry after washing to prevent catching a cold. They should maintain a happy mood and adhere to breastfeeding, which is beneficial for both mother and baby. Menopausal women: smooth transition, prevention of geriatric diseases. After entering middle and old age, I do not advocate nourishing the kidneys. ”Chai Songyan analyzed that because the kidneys have already declined at this stage, it is necessary to ensure a stable transition and not make them active again, otherwise it will weaken the function of the kidneys. Chai Songyan summarized the core of health preservation for middle-aged and elderly women with the word "stability" - not to fuss or force, to follow the natural rhythm of the body. How to deal with perimenopausal syndrome, which is a problem that troubles many middle-aged women, including hot flashes, insomnia, frequent dreams, irritability, and soreness in the waist and knees? Wang Li said, "Our goal is not to return to youth, but to have a smooth transition and prevent age-related diseases." The traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis of perimenopausal syndrome is based on "kidney deficiency," which often affects the heart, liver, and spleen. Wang Li said that according to different symptoms, syndrome differentiation and recuperation should be carried out: kidney yin deficiency (typical symptoms are hot flashes, waist and knees are sore): emphasis should be placed on nourishing kidney yin, and application of ligustrum lucidum, dry lotus, prepared rehmannia, cornus, etc. Liver Qi Stagnation/Liver Yang Hyperactivity (typical symptoms include irritability and restlessness): It is recommended to soothe the liver, relieve depression, and calm the liver's latent yang. Xiaoyao Powder or Chaihu Shugan Powder can be used, and rose, acacia, and rose flowers can be used as tea drinks to help relieve stagnation and improve mood. Heart kidney failure (typical symptoms include insomnia, frequent dreaming, palpitations, and restlessness): can be taken