Put a Positive Spin on Menopause by Embracing Your Second Spring.

Menopause is a transformative stage of a woman’s life, yet in the modern world, especially in the West, it’s often portrayed in a negative light. From hot flashes to mood swings, the physical and emotional changes can be overwhelming for some. However, there is a more empowering perspective, one rooted in ancient Taoist wisdom, that invites us to see menopause not as a decline but as a powerful new beginning — a ‘Second Spring.’

In the ancient science of Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a woman’s energetic physiology is understood through the lens of three distinct life stages, each representing unique phases of growth, transformation, and energy.

1. Pre-Puberty: This is a time of strong physical growth and development. The body begins to prepare for the onset of menstruation.

2. First Spring: With the arrival of menstruation, a woman enters the second stage. As her reproductive system comes into full bloom, this is a period of fertility, creativity, and vitality.

3. Second Spring / Menopause: This marks a shift from fertility and reproduction to a deeper connection with oneself, offering a unique opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. It is a time of renewal, growth, and spiritual awakening.

Reconnect & Renew Women's Midlife Wellness Retreat Venue in Byron Bay Hinterland

Positive Principles and Practices to Embrace During Your Second Spring.

Here are some important and positive Taoist principles to apply, to ensure a balanced and harmonious experience, in the lead-up to and during your Second Spring. They involve the sacred practices of Yang Shen (self-care to promote health and longevity) which are considered most important during this time of midlife.

#1 - Nourish Your Yin Energy.

This stage of life is naturally associated with a decline in Yin energy. Yin represents the cooling, calming, feminine and restorative qualities of the body. To help nourish and replenish your vital Yin energy:

• Avoid overwork and stress: Overexertion, excessive competition and stress all deplete Yin. Rest and relaxation are key to replenishing Yin energy. Give yourself permission to slow down and embrace quieter, restorative activities.

• Eat foods that support Yin: Add foods to your diet that ‘build Yin’ such as wheat germ, mung beans, mung bean sprouts, string beans, seaweed, spirulina, millet, black beans, tofu, kidney beans, barley, and black sesame seeds.[i]

• Avoid Yin depleting foods and habits: It is advised to avoid alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, excessive red meat, processed meat, and ultra-processed foods.

[i] Healing with Whole Foods. Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition. 3rd Edition ~ Paul Pitchford, 2002, North Atlantic Books.

#2 - Support Your Kidneys.

The Kidneys store your ‘Jing’ (life essence), which naturally decreases with age. The health of the Kidneys directly impacts the transition into menopause. So, it is important to support your Kidney energy during this season of your life, and we can do this by:

• Gentle, nourishing exercise: Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yin Yoga support the Kidneys and promote a healthy flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.

• Keep hydrated: Drink warm or room-temperature fluids, such as herbal teas.

• Sleep: Ensure you’re getting sufficient, good-quality sleep to replenish your Kidneys.

• Reduce your work hours: Less stress and more rest are key to supporting the Kidneys.

#3 - Surround Yourself with Beneficial People.

The people you spend time with greatly influence your well-being. Surround yourself with individuals who:

• uplift and support you,

• assist your growth,

• bring joy and meaning to your life.

  
  

#4 - Balance Your Qi.

During perimenopause and menopause, many women experience imbalances in Qi, particularly in the form of hot flashes, achy joints, mood swings, or irritability. These disruptions in energy flow are often a result of excess Yang or heat. To balance your Qi:

• Exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, qigong, yin yoga and dancing help to balance energy in the body and prevent Qi stagnation.

• Breath work: Deep breathing techniques, such as abdominal breathing or Dantian Breathing, can help calm the mind and regulate the flow of Qi.

• Herbal support and/or acupuncture: Certain herbs, such as Dong Quai and Chrysanthemum, can help balance Yin and Yang by cooling internal heat and regulating hormonal fluctuations. A good Traditional Chinese Medical doctor can personalise an herbal formula for you and offer acupuncture.

• Complementary therapies: Massage, Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, and other therapies can be helpful to move and balance your Qi.

• Spend time in nature: Nature has a calming and restorative effect. Whether it's a walk in the woods, gardening, or simply sitting in a park, make time to connect with the natural world and align yourself with its ever-changing seasons.

  
  

#5 - Embrace the Spirit of Transformation.

The Second Spring is a time of personal and spiritual transformation. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your deeper self, release outdated roles, and step into a new chapter. Embrace this transformation with:

• Regular meditation and introspection: Each day prioritise time for quiet reflection, meditation and/or journaling.

• Cultivate creativity: Menopause is not the end of creativity; it’s a shift in how you express it. This is a time to explore new hobbies, passions, creative expression and/or intellectual pursuits.

• Let go of societal expectations: Free yourself from cultural narratives that diminish the power of this season. Embrace the wisdom, clarity, and peace that comes with letting go of societal pressures surrounding youth, fertility, and beauty.

• Create healthy habits: This includes prioritising nutrition, exercise, sleep, reflection, and meditation. Establish a routine that promotes balance and health, allowing for both restful moments and energising activities that strengthen both body and mind.

• Connect with others: This is also a time to seek community, whether it’s through support groups, friends, or a trusted mentor. Sharing your experiences with others can help you feel more supported and understood.

• Grow your self-compassion: Cultivate kindness and love towards yourself. Understand that menopause is a natural and beautiful part of life, not something to be feared or ashamed of. Be gentle with yourself as you transition.

  
  

"Once a woman has entered her 'Second Spring', she should find she has a more settled mind. There should be less in the way of extreme emotional swings and it should be much simpler to enter into deep internal work such as meditation or advanced alchemical training. If a woman learns to trust herself, then her intuition should increase, along with her sensitivity to the energy around her" – Roni Edlund and Damo Mitchell, Daoist Nei Gong For Women.

#6 - Trust Your Inner Wisdom.

The Second Spring is a time where many women experience heightened intuition and inner wisdom. It is the perfect period to learn to trust your instincts and embrace the deep knowledge you’ve accumulated throughout your life. Don’t rush this process, gently and patiently allow yourself to listen to what your body, mind, and spirit are telling you. Reconnect to your inner wisdom by:

• Trust your body’s signals: Your body’s natural rhythms become even more important during your Second Spring. Listen to the changes in your body and honour your body's needs.

• Embrace your role as a mentor: With the experience you have gained from life, this period often calls for you to step into the role as a guide or teacher.

• Expand your spiritual practices: Deepen your spiritual practices, whether through prayer, meditation, energy healing, and/or other modalities that you feel aligned with.

#7 - Honour Your New Season.

In the Second Spring your energy shifts. It is no longer focused on fertility and/or outward production, but rather towards inward growth, creativity, and spirituality. The key to thriving during this period is recognising that your energy now moves in a different way:

• Pace yourself: Be mindful of your energy and learn to pace yourself. Avoid pushing yourself too hard (this depletes your Kidneys) and embrace a more balanced lifestyle.

• Focus on yourself: It is often the case that women rarely make time for themselves and put everyone else’s needs ahead of their own. This is the season when women need to focus upon themselves and make sure their needs are met.

• Cultivate new goals and intentions: Set new intentions that align with this new phase of your life. What do you want to create in this period of your life? Allow yourself to explore a new interest, or simply embrace a more holistic and balanced way of living.

• Find stillness and peace: This is a time to honour your body’s need for stillness. The focus is less on external achievements and more on cultivating inner peace, relaxation, and balance.

  
  

By applying these Yang Shen principles and practices you can make the most of your Second Spring.  I invite you to embrace this season as a time of powerful transformation and renewal, honour your body’s wisdom and your spirit’s journey.

If you are looking for more guidance and support, consider joining our “Reconnect and Renew Women’s Midlife Wellness Retreat” in the serene Byron Bay Hinterland, Australia, from October 11-14, 2025.

This one-of-a-kind retreat offers women the opportunity to reconnect with their inner wisdom, refresh their body, mind, and spirit, and embrace their new season. It is a completely immersive wellness experience, where "you" are the agenda.

Engage in transformational activities and inspiring workshops to support you in midlife. Enjoy walking and exploring Wybalena farm, live music and song around the fire pit, relax by the dam and/or magnesium pool, and nourish yourself with medicinal food and Pasifika cacao. Because when you’re relaxed, inspired, and surrounded by wonder, that's when the magic happens!

You’ll return home with new strategies, valuable connections, and a renewed inner sense of direction and empowerment that only comes from immersing yourself in a powerfully restorative environment. This retreat is designed to offer a perfect balance of structure, reflection, and stillness, ensuring a deeply enriching and restorative experience. Reserve your spot today.

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A Final Note:

Please remember to seek advice from a health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling during this midlife transition; perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Your well-being is essential, and a healthcare professional can provide the guidance and support you need during this time.

If you have any helpful experiences or comments please post them in the section below.

With love,

Freya