Why does it happen?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, one of the core challenges during menopause involves changes in the body's blood and body fluid systems.
As menstrual cycles lengthen and bleeding gradually decreases, the body no longer goes through its regular rhythm of blood renewal that previously occurred on a monthly basis. Over time, this may affect the smooth circulation of blood, making it easier for stagnation and imbalance to develop. When circulation slows, tissues may receive less nourishment, and discomfort can become more noticeable.
At the same time, hormonal transitions during menopause are often associated with a reduction in body fluids. In TCM theory, these fluids play an important role in moistening and supporting the joints, connective tissues, and overall flexibility of the body. When lubrication decreases, joints may feel stiffer, movement may become less fluid, and wear on the musculoskeletal system may increase.
These internal changes do not occur in isolation. Sleep quality, emotional balance, and stress regulation are often affected as well. When discomfort, fatigue, or emotional strain are repeatedly pushed aside—whether due to family responsibilities, career demands, or the pressure to "keep going"—the body has fewer opportunities to release accumulated strain.
Over time, unaddressed physical tension and emotional burden may build upon one another, creating a reinforcing cycle of imbalance. Blood circulation, fluid support, rest, and emotional regulation all influence each other, and when one area is compromised, the effects may gradually spread throughout the body.
As these changes progress, discomfort may present in areas such as the lower back, including sciatic-related tension, the spine and rib joints, or the neck and shoulders, especially when long-standing imbalances become more apparent during menopause.
