The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic: "At the age of 49, the Ren Mai becomes weak, the Tai Chong Mai declines, Tian Gui diminishes, the Earth Channel is blocked, and thus the body deteriorates and barrenness occurs."

Publication Date: 2026-07-10 Updated on: 2026-07-14 Feverish sensation with sweating Insomnia with frequent dreams Yin Deficiency with Exuberant Fire Observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse-taking Combination of the four examinations

Key Points

The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic describes the profound transformation that occurs in a woman's body around the age of 49, highlighting the decline of fertility and the onset of menopause. TCM explains this process through the depletion of kidney Yin, leading to a variety of symptoms associated with menopause. Understanding these changes can help in managing the symptoms and promoting overall well-being during this phase of life.

Title: The Significance of the Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic in Understanding Menopause

Author: Li Mingjiu, a practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician (Practice License No.: 141330522000349). This article is written by Dr. Li Mingjiu, based on classical TCM theories and clinical experience, and is intended for educational purposes only. The qualifications can be verified on the official website of the National Health Commission of China.

This passage describes a profound transformation that occurs in a woman's body around the age of 49. The Qi and blood in the Ren Mai gradually weaken, and the Tai Chong Mai also begins to decline. Tian Gui, the energy that drives fertility, diminishes over time. Many people understand this passage solely as the end of fertility, but they overlook the essence of menopause it reveals: it is a process where the body's Yin and Yang Qi re-establishes a new balance point. Hot flashes, sweating, and irritability are the external signals of this internal regulation.

Why do hot flashes and irritability always accompany menopause?

Why exactly during menopause? In TCM theory, the kidneys store essence and govern reproduction. Kidney Yin is the foundation of the body's Yin fluids. As kidney Yin naturally diminishes with age, it is akin to water drying up. This depletion leads to a series of physiological changes, including hot flashes and irritability, which are the body's attempt to restore balance.

Title: The Role of Kidney Yin in Menopause

In TCM, the kidneys are considered the root of life and are crucial for reproductive health. Kidney Yin, which is the essence of all Yin fluids in the body, plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of Yin and Yang. As kidney Yin decreases with age, it can lead to a deficiency in Yin, which manifests as the symptoms of menopause. This deficiency affects the entire body, leading to a variety of symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

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The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic: "At the age of 49, the Ren Mai becomes weak, the Tai Chong Mai declines, Tian Gui diminishes, the Earth Channel is blocked, and thus the body deteriorates and barrenness occurs."

Title: The Significance of the Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic in Understanding Menopause

Title: The Role of Kidney Yin in Menopause

Related TCM Disease Encyclopedia

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