Written by Hannah Sutton (Chinese Medicine Practitioner)

In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the cycles of seven hold profound significance in understanding women's health and development. When we are born, we are gifted with something called Jing. This is the inherited Essence that is passed from our ancestors and parents through the egg and sperm that conceived us. It contains the blueprint of our life = our DNA.

Our environment, relationships, how we look after ourselves, traumas and significant events that occur in each cycle of our life has an impact on our Jing or “blueprint”. Each cycle of seven years in a woman's life, from early adolescence through to menopause, presents challenges as we transition from once cycle to the next. Despite the challenges we face in these transitions, they represent opportunities for change and growth. This blog explores these cycles in relation to Chinese medicine, fertility, self-discovery, development and aging.

In TCM we emphasis the importance of working with these cycles to help protect our Jing – to not be in a rush to “grow up” in the teens, not leave it too late to plan a family and to start slowing down to avoid burn out in the later years. Each transformative cycle is an invitation to reevaluate life - to embrace change, optimize vitality to age gracefully.

1. Ages 0 to 6: Foundation and Growth

You are born into the world with your ancestral Essence. The first seven years of a woman's life are vital for establishing a solid foundation for overall health. This includes the Jing gifted by your parents but is also shaped by how you are nurtured by those around you – breastfed, cuddled/loved, fed wholesome food, active & imaginative play, books, adventures etc. Chinese medicine focuses on nurturing physical and emotional development during this stage, laying the groundwork for a balanced and harmonious life ahead.

2. Ages 7 to 13: Transition and Transformation

After laying the foundation this phase, between the ages of 7 and 13 is all about establishing roots. Girls undergo significant physical and emotional changes here – it’s important for them to feel secure, begin to feel a sense of self and learn how to establish healthy boundaries. This period is also associated with building abundance for the emergence of the menstrual cycle. TCM emphasizes the need for guidance and support during this transformative phase to foster a positive relationship with fertility and womanhood.

3. Ages 14 to 20: Blossoming and Self-Discovery

The teenage years brings on the rapid physical and emotional development, as hormones flood the body. Yearning for independence, issues with accountability and struggles with identity - it is a time where young women begin to embrace their own unique journey as they start to cut ties from parental figures. During this stage Chinese medicine identifies the importance of nurturing emotional well-being, balancing hormones, and helping teens recognise the patterns of a healthy menstrual. Encouraging teens to become more independent, begin forming their own opinions/beliefs and make informed healthy choices for their own well-being.

4. Ages 21 to 27: Vitality and Spiritual Awakening

In this phase, women experience their peak physical and reproductive potential, but are still developing their spirituality/identity. Hence, falling pregnant and becoming a mother in this phase is not ideal. This cycle it’s about focusing on discovering who you are without “attachments” and enjoying freedom from the constraints of parental rule. It’s a time to develop confidence as oneself while forming romantic relationships and exploring sexuality. It’s about fun and adventure, and in the process working out what you want to do for a career. Chinese medicine emphasizes the preservation of Jing in this cycle by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Not partying too hard, managing stress, and maintaining healthy lifestyle practices without the need of parental guidance.

5. Ages 28 to 34: Fertility, Nurturing and Balancing

At age 28 women enter their peak years of vitality and fertility – women reach full maturity, both physically and spiritually. During these years women tend to focus on building careers or starting families, OR BOTH! Women often discover that trying to maintain a harmonious work-life balance is not an easy task, which may need to be reassessed. Women can optimize their chances of conceiving if they continue to prioritise their well-being and not overworking in order to conserve their Jing. To support fertility, hormonal balance and overall vitality, Chinese Medicine encourages self-care practices such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, healthy diet and stress management techniques.

6. Ages 35 to 41: Reflection and Refinement

As women enter their late thirties and early forties, the body and fertility starts to go into slow decline. This cycle is an opportunity for reflection, refinement and embracing change. What is and isn’t working for you? Chinese medicine places emphasis on the importance of nurturing well-being to maintain vitality and slow the depletion of Jing to avoid premature aging. If conception issues are occurring in this cycle then it is recommended to explore alternative paths for fertility if still desired.

7. Ages 42 to 48: Maturing and Letting Go

This is a period of transformation, maturing and the preparation for peri-menopause. These years can be just as tricky as the teen years. It is a time where we naturally pushed, whether we want to or not, to examine past wounds and traumas that we have gathered throughout our life. It is an invitation to process and let go of accumulated emotional baggage so that we can move forward with the second half of our life with freedom. Chinese Medicine recognizes the importance of embracing change and letting go of expectations in this cycle. Accepting our fertile years are coming to an end and continuing to cultivate a sense of self is important. It encourages women to focus on self-care, explore holistic health practices, and embrace the unique opportunities this stage brings.

8. Ages 49 to 55 and beyond….. : Wisdom and Slowing Down

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman's life, the age of wisdom. TCM recognizes this stage as a time to honour the body's natural changes and adapt to a new chapter - a time to give back to yourself. The menstrual cycle has ceased, reproductive years have come to an end and children no longer demand constant mothering/nurturing (hopefully!). Time to take a deep breath and rediscover your own wants, needs, desires and purpose. Do you feel depleted from overexertion and taxation over the years? If so it’s time to start slowing down – perhaps work part-time and start planning retirement. Embracing self-care practices, such as herbal therapies, acupuncture, yoga/Qi Gong and mindfulness, can help alleviate menopausal symptoms and promote overall well-being. If you have taken good care of your Jing you will enjoy many great years of great health and vitality in this final legacy phase of life!

To Finish……

The cycles of seven, as understood through the lens of Chinese medicine, offer valuable insights into women's physical and emotional health, fertility, personal development and aging. Embracing change at each transformative stage is an important part of nurturing Jing in order to empower and help women lead fulfilling lives. To manifest and reach their full potential in this world and achieve their life purpose as per the “blueprint” they were born with.

By honouring these cycles, practicing self-care practices, and seeking professional support at key stages in your life will help assist the transformative power of these cycles as you embark on a journey of health and self-discovery. It doesn’t matter which cycle you are up to, it is never to late to start making changes!

What cycle are you currently in?

Are you facing challenges and discomfort in your transition?

If so, please know there are ways to help make these transitions smoother. I invite you to make an appointment to see a holistic health practitioner. Depending on your health concern this could be an Chinese medicine practitioner, Acupuncturist Holistic counsellor, Kinesiologist or Naturopath. If you are unsure who you should see please reach out and we can guide you 🙏

If you would like to book an appointment with one of our holistic practitioners you can call the clinic on (03) 5429 3610 or book online by clicking the link below.

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