Therapeutic fasting in the menopause

A holistic, respectful and inspiring approach

The menopause marks a profound change in a woman’s life, with hormonal, metabolic and energy upheavals. These changes can lead to hot flushes, sleep disorders, weight gain, fatigue and emotional fluctuations.

In the face of these challenges, therapeutic fasting appears to be a powerful tool for restoring the natural balance of body and mind, provided it is practised with care, patience, listening… and above all accompanied by competent professionals.

Fasting acts as a real physiological reset:

• Hormonal regulation: improved insulin sensitivity and reduced chronic inflammation.
• Weight management: helps to reduce abdominal fat, which is often resistant to menopause.
• Activation of autophagy: cell cleansing and repair, reduction in oxidative stress.
• Cardiovascular support: lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Mental and emotional balance: clarity of mind and better stress management.

“Intermittent fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about learning to listen to your body and respect its true needs. It’s an invitation to get back in touch with a natural rhythm, which is beneficial at every stage of life, particularly at the menopause.” (Dr Valter Longo, researcher in the biology of ageing)

Between tradition and modernity

Ruimin Zhang, an expert in integrative medicine, sees the menopause as a global imbalance affecting the energetic, digestive and emotional levels.

For her, therapeutic fasting is a tool for gentle detoxification and energy rebalancing, adapted to the specific fragilities of this period. Based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), her approach focuses on :

• Adapting fasting to a woman’s energy rhythm.
• Taking account of frequent imbalances in Yin and Qi.
• This is combined with targeted dietary and phytotherapeutic support to nourish the kidneys and liver.

“The menopause is a time when the body’s wisdom requires special care, combining energy and gentleness. Chinese herbal medicine offers invaluable support by respecting these subtle balances.” Ruimin Zhang, expert in integrative medicine

Therapeutic fasting during the menopause requires special attention. This sensitive stage of life requires precise adaptations to avoid excessive fatigue, deficiencies or aggravated imbalances.

Being accompanied by trained professionals – doctors, nutritionists, naturopaths, phytotherapists or TCM practitioners – guarantees :

• Appropriate follow-up.
• Regular assessment of general condition.
• Protocols tailored to each individual’s needs and limitations.

“The path to well-being lies in paying attention to your own sensations. The key is patience, respect, kindness towards yourself… and the support of an enlightened guide.” Deepak Chopra, doctor and author of integrative medicine

with personalised support from Ruimin Zhang

Therapeutic fasting can be carried out safely at home, in a familiar and comfortable environment, encouraging relaxation and self-awareness.

Under the expert supervision of Ruimin Zhang, you’ll receive personalised support tailored to your specific needs, your pace and your condition, so you can get through this stage with complete peace of mind.

This monitoring includes :

• An individual assessment before fasting to determine the most suitable method.
• A personalised protocol based on the principles of integrative and traditional Chinese medicine.
• Precise advice on diet, herbal teas and complementary practices.
• Regular support by telephone or videoconference to answer your questions, adjust the process and ensure your safety.
• Post-fasting follow-up to optimise the reintroduction of food and prolong the benefits.

Why choose remote monitoring?

• Staying at home, in a reassuring environment that suits your habits.
• Benefit from professional support with no travel constraints.
• Adapt fasting to your schedule and your energy.
• Ongoing support to maximise benefits and prevent discomfort.

The synthesis of modern and traditional knowledge invites us to consider therapeutic fasting as an act of holistic care, rooted in a relationship with the body and its natural rhythms.

These are :

• Respecting each woman’s individuality.
• Proceed with patience.
• Support the process with a rich, warming diet.
• Incorporating appropriate medicinal plants.

“Fasting is a powerful catalyst for inner healing, helping the body to rid itself of toxins and restore its deep balance. It does, however, require gentleness and respect for one’s limits”. (Dr Christophe Carrio, sports doctor and natural health expert)

“Body and mind are inseparable. Learning to breathe and relax the mind amplifies the physical benefits of fasting and promotes lasting calm.  (Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen master and spiritual author)

1. Start with intermittent fasting•

• Fast for 12 to 16 hours a day (e.g. light dinner at 7pm, then breakfast between 7am and 11am).
• Keep well hydrated with water and warming herbal teas (chamomile, liquorice, orange blossom).
• Nutritious, balanced meals outside the fasting period: cooked vegetables, wholegrain cereals, quality proteins, good fats.

2. Short cycles of moderate fasting (24-36h)

• Once a week or every fortnight.
• Choose a calm day and avoid strenuous exercise.
• Prepare the body the day before (soups, broths).
• During the fast: water, detox herbal teas (dandelion, ginger), clear salted broth if necessary.

3. Phytotherapeutic support and nutrition according to TCM

• Plants and foods that nourish Yin and Qi: liquorice, ginseng, goji berry, black sesame seeds.
• Favour warm, easily digestible meals, avoid excessively cold/crusty foods.

4. Complementary alternative practices

• Deep breathing, meditation, Qi Gong, self-massage.
• Gentle yoga or regular stretching.

5. Listening to the body

• Never force fasting if you feel tired, dizzy or weak.
• Adjust the frequency and duration according to how you feel, under professional supervision.

Therapeutic fasting, thanks to its hormonal, metabolic and energy-regulating effects, is an invaluable ally in getting through the menopause gently and with vitality.

Ruimin Zhang’s integrative approach reminds us that the practice gains in effectiveness and safety when it is personalised, respectful of women’s rhythms, and practised in a professional and caring environment.

Références :

• https://zhangruimin.fr/stage-de-jeune/