My Significant 7-Year Cycles

This past weekend, my beautiful daughter Maya graduated from high school. Fourteen years ago, on June 10th, my mom passed away. All that I could think was, I can only imagine how proud she would have been to see Maya graduate high school.

Around this time, 14 years ago, we celebrated Maya's 5th birthday early, so my mom could be a part of it. Maya is turning 19 at the end of this month. Grief is a wild beast. 14 years ago this week, my divorce was also finalized. It feels like something monumental is shifting in my life. A new cycle turning and beginning.

In recognizing an old chapter completing and a new one beginning, I acknowledge that I've done a lot of growing up over these last 14 years. The practice of forgiving myself for past mistakes and allowing the losses to carve out more depth and love has support my evolution. In this time of changing cycles, I feel immense gratitude for my love, Adam. He brings such joy into my life, and we sure do have a lot of fun. I know that my mom would have loved him. Here's to the next chapter in my life, feeling more fun and light. 🌟🥂

The symbolism of 14 years, reminded me of the significance of 7 year cycles for women in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This blog will speak on those seven years cycles and I ask that as you read this blog, you reflect on your own cycles, your own seven year marks, the changes and patterns you may find… perhaps take a moment to journal with this prompt ~ “What significant events have fallen in each of my seven year cycles? Where am I now in my journey and what healing support could help me?”

An Overview of the 7-Year Cycles According to TCM

TCM offers a holistic perspective on health, emphasizing balance and natural rhythms in the body. One of the intriguing concepts is the idea that women's lives are marked by 7-year cycles. These cycles reflect physical, emotional, and spiritual changes that align with natural patterns observed over millennia. Understanding these cycles can provide insights into the dynamic nature of a woman's life journey.

• The First Cycle: Birth to Age 7

Rapid growth and development, this stage is characterized by the flourishing of "Jing," or essence, which is essential for growth. The "Kidney Qi" (energy associated with the kidneys) becomes strong, leading to the development of baby teeth. Children at this stage are usually more active, curious, and start to develop their intellectual abilities.

• The Second Cycle: Age 7 to 14

This phase is marked by the maturing of "Jing," leading to the onset of menstruation towards the end of the cycle. This is a significant milestone for girls. Typically this is viewed as the transition from childhood to adolescence. This signifies the maturation of the "Tian Gui" (heavenly water), an essential fluid in TCM related to reproductive health. Emotional and physical changes are prominent, and it's a crucial time for nurturing both body and mind to ensure balanced development.

• The Third Cycle: Age 14 to 21

This cycle sees women moving into young adulthood. Physical growth continues, and reproductive capabilities fully mature. It's a period where the energy ("Qi") and blood are strong, and many women experience a peak in vitality. This is also a time for exploring identity and establishing one's place in the world. By this age, emotional and mental maturity continue to develop, leading to greater stability and understanding of oneself.

• The Fourth Cycle: Age 21 to 28

The “Prime of Life” ~ a woman’s physical body is strong and reproductive capability is at its highest. During this cycle, women often focus on career and family-building. TCM views this period as one of strength and stability, with robust health and energy. It's a time of peak reproductive potential and physical vitality, making it an optimal period for childbearing.

• The Fifth Cycle: Age 28 to 35

The fifth cycle brings the first signs of subtle shifts in energy. According to TCM, this is when the first signs of aging might start to appear as the "Yang Ming" channels begin to decline. However, with good lifestyle practices, this can be managed well. While many women still maintain strong health, this is a critical period for maintaining balance and preventing depletion of "Jing." The focus often shifts towards maintaining health and managing the increased responsibilities of midlife. Attention to maintaining health through diet, exercise, and TCM practices becomes crucial.

• The Sixth Cycle: Age 35 to 42

In this cycle, TCM emphasizes the importance of nurturing "Yin" energy to counterbalance the natural decline in "Yang." Women may begin to experience perimenopausal symptoms as the "Ren" (Conception Vessel) and "Chong" (Penetrating Vessel) channels weaken. This is a time for paying close attention to diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. It is a time of wisdom and a deeper understanding of life.

• The Seventh Cycle: Age 42 to 49

The approach of menopause characterizes the seventh cycle. This marks the typical age of menopause, where the reproductive energy declines significantly. The "Tian Gui" is exhausted, and menstruation ceases. TCM encourages practices that support "Yin" and manage stress to ease the transition into menopause, promoting longevity and overall well-being.

• Beyond the Seventh Cycle

Post-menopausal years are seen as a time of wisdom and reflection. In TCM, the focus shifts towards cultivating "Shen" (spirit) and ensuring the continued balance of "Yin" and "Yang." Embracing this phase with mindfulness and care can lead to a fulfilling and vibrant life in the later years.

Why Should We Care About the Significance of the Seven-Year Cycles?

These cycles provide a framework for understanding the holistic development of a woman’s body, mind, and spirit at different life stages. By recognizing these cycles, TCM practitioners can offer preventive health measures tailored to each stage, aiming to balance Qi (energy), Blood, and the body's organ systems. They help us to understand life transitions, allowing us to move through them smoothly. This concept underscores the importance of personalized care in TCM, emphasizing that each woman's health needs are unique and change over time.

How TCM Practices Support Each Cycle

1. Diet and Nutrition: Adjusting diet to support the changing needs of the body, such as more nourishing foods during puberty and menopause.

2. Herbal Medicine: Using specific herbs to support reproductive health, boost energy, and manage symptoms of menstruation, pregnancy, & menopause.

3. Acupuncture and Moxibustion: These techniques are used to balance energy flow, alleviate pain, and support overall well-being. Not only helping physically during these changes, but mentally and emotionally.

4. Exercise and Qi Gong: Regular physical activity and Qi Gong exercises to maintain vitality and balance.

In summary, the seven-year cycles for women in TCM represent a profound understanding of the natural rhythms of life, emphasizing the need for tailored health practices to maintain harmony and balance throughout different stages of a woman's life.

If you are looking for tailored, specialized care for your health and wellbeing, please schedule here to receive TCM support from
Dr. Krystal.

In TCM, men follow an 8 year cycle and we will have more information coming about this soon… stay on the lookout :)