The Big Picture

Menopause is a major life transition, but it can also be a time to reconnect with your energy, priorities, and sense of self. In this video, University of Utah researcher and licensed acupuncturist Lisa Taylor-Swanson, PhD, LAc, explores how East Asian medicine offers one way to think about that transition—and how supportive care can help women feel more informed and heard.

What’s Happening

In East Asian medicine, the body is understood through interconnected systems and changing reserves of energy. Taylor-Swanson describes a traditional framework in which the energy that once supported menstruation can be cultivated and redirected as a person moves through menopause. She connects that idea to “menopausal zest”: the possibility of renewed purpose, will, and vitality in midlife and beyond.

This is a traditional framework, not a substitute for a medical explanation of menopause. Menopause is a natural transition, but symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption, and mood changes can be difficult and deserve attention. Care may include evidence-based medical options, lifestyle support, and integrative approaches such as acupuncture. Herbal products can have side effects or interact with medications, so discuss them with a qualified clinician.

Why It Matters

Too many women are left to navigate menopause without clear information or support. Taylor-Swanson’s work with MENOGAP—a four-week group medical visit model—brings women together to learn about symptoms, discuss treatment options, and share practical strategies alongside a prescribing provider. The program combines conventional care with integrative approaches, including group acupuncture.

Early pilot findings described in the project’s press release showed improvements in menopause symptom scores and participants’ confidence in managing their health. These results are encouraging, while further research can help clarify how well the model works across different communities and settings. The larger point is that women should not have to choose between being taken seriously and exploring care that feels right for them.

The Bottom Line

Menopause is not something to simply endure in silence. East Asian medicine offers a lens for thinking about energy and renewal, while evidence-based care can help address symptoms and protect long-term health. If something feels off, talk with a clinician, ask about your options, and keep looking for support that listens to you.