A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective for Women in Perth
By Dr Alicia Araujo | Wellness Zone Warwick, Perth
How Your Emotions Affect Your Body
At Wellness Zone Warwick in Perth, many women say:
“I know stress is affecting me—but I don’t fully understand how.”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the connection is clear: Your body and mind are deeply interconnected through Qi (vital energy).
For women over 40—especially during perimenopause and menopause—this connection becomes more sensitive.
When emotions are balanced → your body functions well.
When emotions are suppressed or prolonged → symptoms begin to appear.
Why This Matters More After 40
Hormonal shifts can amplify how your body responds to emotional stress.
- This may present as:
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety or irritability
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Weight fluctuations
TCM looks beyond symptoms to identify the underlying imbalance.
The 5 Emotional Patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Stress & Frustration → Liver Imbalance
- Tension (neck, shoulders)
- Headaches
- Bloating or IBS
- Mood swings
- Hormonal imbalance
Anxiety & Overstimulation → Heart Imbalance
- Poor sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Palpitations
- Restlessness
Overthinking & Worry → Spleen Imbalance
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Bloating
- Cravings
- Sluggishness
Grief & Sadness → Lung Imbalance
- Shallow breathing
- Tight chest
- Low immunity
- Ongoing sadness
Fear & Burnout → Kidney Imbalance
- Deep fatigue
- Hormonal imbalance
- Lower back weakness
- Feeling overwhelmed
When Emotions Become “Stuck”
In TCM, imbalance occurs when emotions are:
- Suppressed
- Chronic
- Unprocessed
- This disrupts the flow of Qi and can lead to:
- Pain
- Digestive issues
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormonal imbalance
“Where there is blockage, there is pain. Where there is flow, there is ease.”
How Acupuncture Helps Restore Balance
At Wellness Zone Warwick, acupuncture works by:
- Regulating the nervous system
- Reducing stress hormones
- Improving sleep
- Supporting hormonal balance
- Restoring the smooth flow of Qi
Many women report feeling calmer, clearer, and more energised.
How Counselling Supports Emotional & Physical Health
Alongside acupuncture, our counselling services provide an essential layer of support—especially for women navigating stress, life transitions, and hormonal changes. Counselling helps to:
- Process and release suppressed emotions
- Reduce mental overload and overthinking
- Build resilience to stress
- Improve emotional awareness and coping strategies
- Support nervous system regulation
When emotions are acknowledged and processed—rather than suppressed—the body can begin to rebalance.
This complements acupuncture by addressing both:
- The physical effects of emotional stress
- The root emotional patterns behind it
For many women, combining acupuncture and counselling leads to:
- Deeper emotional relief
- Improved sleep and mood
- Reduced anxiety
- Greater sense of control and clarity
Simple Ways to Support Emotional Balance
- Move your body regularly
- Eat warm, nourishing foods
- Take breaks from constant stimulation
- Practice breathing or mindfulness
- Allow yourself space to feel and process emotions
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or not quite in balance, you don’t have to push through it alone. At Wellness Zone Warwick, we offer a personalised approach combining acupuncture and counselling to support both your body and mind. Whether you’re navigating stress, hormonal changes, or emotional overwhelm, the right support can make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do emotions affect physical health in women over 40?
Emotions can influence hormones, digestion, sleep, and energy levels. In TCM, emotional stress disrupts Qi flow, which can lead to physical symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and pain.
Can acupuncture and counselling be used together?
Yes. Acupuncture supports the physical body and nervous system, while counselling helps process emotions and reduce mental stress. Together, they provide a more holistic approach to healing.
How does counselling help with physical symptoms?
Counselling helps release emotional tension, reduce stress responses, and improve coping strategies. This can positively impact sleep, digestion, hormones, and overall wellbeing.
Why do I feel more stressed or anxious after 40?
Hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can increase sensitivity to stress, making emotional and physical symptoms more noticeable.
What are signs that stress is affecting my body?
- Common signs include:
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
- Digestive issues
- Muscle tension
- Mood swings
- Hormonal imbalance
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your individual needs. Some women notice improvements within a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing support.
Is this approach suitable for menopause symptoms?
Yes. Both acupuncture and counselling are commonly used to support menopause-related symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.