Which woman doesn’t wish she could slow down aging? The aging process often feels like a gradual journey, but for women, it can sometimes manifest as a sudden shift, famously referred to as “cliff-type aging.” As women approach their mid-40s, visible changes such as wrinkles and dark spots can emerge almost overnight. Yu Ya-Wen, director of the ShangXi Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan, shares three essential tips to stave off this rapid aging process, drawing from the rich well of traditional Chinese medicine.
Understanding the ‘cliff-type aging’ risk period
According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Medicine, women’s skin rapidly ages between 43 and 47.
This period aligns with the Chinese medicine perspective, as noted by Yu, which identifies aging milestones in seven-year cycles. Ancient texts like Huang Di Nei Jing suggest that women begin showing signs of aging as early as 35 and enter menopause by 49. Between the ages of 42 and 48, women transition into menopause, a stage termed the “Three Yang Veins Decline,” underscoring the intricate dance between age and hormones. This foundational understanding invites us to view aging not merely as wrinkles but as a broader physiological transformation.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the human body’s organs are classified into two categories: the five organs — heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney — responsible for essence storage, and the six bowels, which handle digestion, absorption, and excretion. As the saying goes: “After 40, the yin is half of the yin,” pointing to the gradual decline of yin and hormones, manifesting in skin and hair changes and a shift in menstrual cycles.
Aging’s connection to cardiovascular health
Yu underscores that aging is not just skin-deep. An invisible companion is hinting at the toll of time — cardiovascular disease (CVD). As female hormone levels drop, so does the protective shield they offer against such diseases.
The American Heart Association’s 2020 Scientific Statement highlights an increased CVD risk post-menopause, linked to hormonal fluctuations causing symptoms like night sweats and sleep disturbances.
Unlike men, whose cardiovascular symptoms are more pronounced, women often misattribute symptoms like fatigue and back pain to daily exertions, delaying the crucial medical attention that these signs demand. Interestingly, severe hot flashes are a key indicator of heightened cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of vigilance in recognizing these clues.
The three pillars to slow down aging
Yu Ya-Wen advises that sleep, diet, and exercise are integral to decelerating aging.
1. Sleep
Sleep is paramount. It’s the gateway through which hormones are regulated and secreted. Yet modern lifestyles, often characterized by stress and late-night work, disrupt our body’s natural repair processes. To counter this, it’s advised to fall asleep between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m., reaching deep sleep by 11 p.m. for optimal hormone secretion.
2. Diet
Diet is another powerful ally in the fight against aging. As collagen loss accelerates before and after menopause, many turn to supplements. However, Yu recommends forgoing collagen powders to consume high-quality proteins like pork, chicken, and fish. These provide essential amino acids naturally. Adding citrus juices like orange or lemon juice post-meals can enhance collagen synthesis. At the same time, foods like wolfberry and red dates boost heart and kidney health, facilitating better nutrient delivery throughout the body.
3. Exercise
Finally, exercise is a cornerstone for maintaining youthful skin and overall health. It enhances blood circulation, bolsters skin elasticity, and elevates metabolism. Other methods, such as acupuncture, massage, and SPA treatments, can complement exercise, fostering well-being and vitality.
These tips are ways to delay the inevitable and embrace aging as a journey that can be navigated with intention and knowledge. Balance is key to fully harnessing traditional Chinese medicine’s wisdom alongside contemporary insights. Through sleep, diet, and exercise, the path to graceful and slower aging becomes clearer, offering a way to cherish this remarkable life phase.
Translated by Eva
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