Why Do They Say "Women at Seven-Seven, Men at Eight-Eight"?
Why Do They Say "Women at Seven-Seven, Men at Eight-Eight"?
A person's life can be divided into two cycles: the lifespan cycle, encompassing birth, growth, aging, and death, and the reproductive cycle, which differs for men and women. For women, it spans from menarche at twenty-eight (age 14) to menopause at seven-seven (age 49), while for men, it ranges from the peak of kidney energy at two-eight (age 16) to hair turning white at eight-eight (age 64).
The end of the reproductive cycle doesn't signify the end of life but indicates the entry into the "Jueyin Jing" period. "When both yins are exhausted, it's called Jueyin." When this phase begins, it's a signal that life has entered its countdown, and one can see the horizon of life's end. However, the Jueyin Jing phase can last a long time, varying from person to person based on their constitution.
So, what are the characteristics of the Jueyin Jing phase?
Early awakening: The Jueyin Jing governs the time from 1 AM to 7 AM. Early awakening exhibits two features: either waking progressively earlier each day or experiencing frequent awakenings around 3-4 AM, with difficulty falling back asleep.
Specific nocturnal symptoms: These may include itchy skin, often referred to as senile pruritus, or nighttime chest pain and palpitations, a condition known as unstable angina, which typically occurs at night. There's also a symptom of dry mouth and thirst, with a tendency to wake up at night for water, sometimes even requiring a bedside glass of water.
Irregular bowel movements: Stools are often loose, and consuming cold foods can lead to diarrhea.
Loss of appetite: Some individuals experience heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest along with reduced appetite.
Sensitivity to cold: Feeling cold, particularly in the hands and feet, even after warming them with hot water. Severe cases may involve coldness in the knees and below.
These characteristics are common symptoms during the Jueyin Jing phase and are indicative of aging. The more symptoms one experiences, the faster the aging process. Therefore, if these symptoms arise, it's essential to take them seriously. While they cannot be reversed, proper care and management can slow their progression and improve quality of life.
So, how can you manage this phase?
In the Jueyin Jing phase, organs gradually decline, Qi and blood weaken, and Yang energy diminishes. Therefore, the primary focus is on warming and replenishing Yang and Qi.
Regarding lifestyle, it's crucial to engage in moderate exercise, avoiding strenuous activities. Practices like Tai Chi, the Eight Section Brocade, and walking are beneficial. Exposure to sunlight helps replenish the body's Yang energy and supplements like calcium are useful.
Lastly, before bedtime, soaking your feet in warm water with Artemisia (mugwort) can promote Yang energy circulation throughout the body.
If the symptoms are particularly bothersome and affect your quality of life, traditional Chinese medicine can be employed to significantly improve your well-being.
A person's life can be divided into two cycles: the lifespan cycle, encompassing birth, growth, aging, and death, and the reproductive cycle, which differs for men and women. For women, it spans from menarche at twenty-eight (age 14) to menopause at seven-seven (age 49), while for men, it ranges from the peak of kidney energy at two-eight (age 16) to hair turning white at eight-eight (age 64).
The end of the reproductive cycle doesn't signify the end of life but indicates the entry into the "Jueyin Jing" period. "When both yins are exhausted, it's called Jueyin." When this phase begins, it's a signal that life has entered its countdown, and one can see the horizon of life's end. However, the Jueyin Jing phase can last a long time, varying from person to person based on their constitution.
So, what are the characteristics of the Jueyin Jing phase?
Early awakening: The Jueyin Jing governs the time from 1 AM to 7 AM. Early awakening exhibits two features: either waking progressively earlier each day or experiencing frequent awakenings around 3-4 AM, with difficulty falling back asleep.
Specific nocturnal symptoms: These may include itchy skin, often referred to as senile pruritus, or nighttime chest pain and palpitations, a condition known as unstable angina, which typically occurs at night. There's also a symptom of dry mouth and thirst, with a tendency to wake up at night for water, sometimes even requiring a bedside glass of water.
Irregular bowel movements: Stools are often loose, and consuming cold foods can lead to diarrhea.
Loss of appetite: Some individuals experience heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest along with reduced appetite.
Sensitivity to cold: Feeling cold, particularly in the hands and feet, even after warming them with hot water. Severe cases may involve coldness in the knees and below.
These characteristics are common symptoms during the Jueyin Jing phase and are indicative of aging. The more symptoms one experiences, the faster the aging process. Therefore, if these symptoms arise, it's essential to take them seriously. While they cannot be reversed, proper care and management can slow their progression and improve quality of life.
So, how can you manage this phase?
In the Jueyin Jing phase, organs gradually decline, Qi and blood weaken, and Yang energy diminishes. Therefore, the primary focus is on warming and replenishing Yang and Qi.
Regarding lifestyle, it's crucial to engage in moderate exercise, avoiding strenuous activities. Practices like Tai Chi, the Eight Section Brocade, and walking are beneficial. Exposure to sunlight helps replenish the body's Yang energy and supplements like calcium are useful.
Lastly, before bedtime, soaking your feet in warm water with Artemisia (mugwort) can promote Yang energy circulation throughout the body.
If the symptoms are particularly bothersome and affect your quality of life, traditional Chinese medicine can be employed to significantly improve your well-being.