The Huangdi Neijing divides a woman’s life cycle into seven-year stages, listing the physiological characteristics of each period, and it also contains specific health-preservation implications.

Zhang Qin explains that the TCM classic Huangdi Neijing discusses the physiological changes of female growth, development, reproduction, and aging using seven years as a node. This was the ancients’ exploration of gynecological physiology, and after thousands of years of practical verification, it became the theoretical cornerstone of modern TCM gynecology. Although average female life expectancy has increased in modern society, the seven-year cycle theory still conforms to the patterns of contemporary female growth, development, and reproductive capacity; the wisdom of the ancients can still accurately guide modern women’s health management

Nurturing is required during the growth and development period

“1x7” to “2x7” is the female growth and development period.

At “1x7” girls’ yin and yang are immature, qi and blood are not full; they are prone to colds and indigestion. Avoid raw, cold foods and tonic supplements; avoid excessive sweets. Black soybeans, walnuts, and Chinese yam can be eaten to tonify the kidney and strengthen the spleen. Parents can help massage the Zusanli (ST36) point, pinch along the spine to strengthen spleen and stomach, and moxibustion on Shenzhu (GV12) to support upright qi.

At “2x7” the heavenly menstrual essence arrives and adolescence begins; with menarche, menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea can occur from stress, late nights, or excessive raw/cold intake. It is recommended to exercise more, keep regular routines, and maintain menstrual hygiene. Before menstruation, consume mugwort (Aiye), brown sugar, and eggs to warm the menses and disperse cold; moxibustion on Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Guanyuan (CV4), and massage Taichong (LR3). Yin nourishment and heat clearing are needed; avoid raw/cold, spicy, drying, and greasy foods, and avoid staying up late and anxiety.

Golden age should be "harmonized"

Women in the "three-seven" and "four-seven" stages experience increasingly mature physiological function, robust health, and strong fertility. However, this stage is also the critical period for modern women to pursue advanced study and professional shaping, or to enter the workforce, personal growth, and career development. Influenced by various pressures and unhealthy lifestyles, menstrual disorders and female reproductive system inflammations are common diseases in this stage, and these factors can also lead to decreased ovarian reserve function.

For women at this stage, modest sexual behavior and avoidance of unclean sexual activity and unhealthy habits are advocated. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the correspondence between heaven and humans, holding that the human yin-yang movements correspond with the diurnal rhythm; sufficient sleep is the best way to nourish yin and replenish qi, and it is recommended to sleep before 22:00. This time corresponds to the Hai hour, governed by the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian. The Sanjiao meridian is the pathway of yuanqi rising and falling, able to regulate the body's yin, yang, qi, and blood. After Hai comes the Zi hour; sleeping before then is considered "combining yin," to adequately nourish yin and blood. If yin and yang are chronically displaced and imbalanced, it will result in disorder of the five viscera's qi and blood, disruption of Chong and Ren, and menstrual irregularities.

During the period of physical and psychological transformation, one should "relax the mind"

From “five sevens” to “six sevens,” women enter a stage of aging and degeneration: ovarian function begins to decline, gradually leading to insufficient nourishment of qi and blood, a sallow complexion, hair loss, and even the appearance of white hair, progressively transitioning toward the perimenopausal period.

During this stage, one should maintain an optimistic mindset, promptly soothe the liver and relieve depression to avoid emotional fluctuations; keep regular daily routines; pay attention to nourishing qi and blood and caring for the spleen and stomach; avoid blind weight loss or dieting so as not to damage kidney qi and accelerate aging; in winter, taking medicinal paste prescriptions (gaofang) can enhance supplementation; exercises such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin are particularly suitable for women in this stage. Rubbing acupoints such as Taichong, Zusanli, Taixi, and Guanyuan can also nourish the liver and kidneys.

Zhang Qin reminds that many women nowadays pursue beauty and try various methods to lose weight, such as the current trend of reducing carbohydrate intake or skipping staple foods to slim down. But this behavior is not healthy, especially for women over forty. It is recommended that women in this stage eat a variety of whole grains and maintain consumption of legumes and dairy for a balanced diet.

Entering old age requires “skillful supplementation”

After "seven sevens" (around age 49), women gradually enter old age and reproductive function ceases. Women in this stage are prone to menopausal syndrome. Common health complaints during menopause include hot flashes, sweating, irritability, insomnia, or anxiety and depression, as well as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

During this stage, women should pay more attention to routine medical checkups. Under a physician's guidance they can use dietary regulation: those with liver and kidney yin deficiency may choose foods such as lily bulb, goji berry, and soft-shelled turtle to nourish liver and kidney and tonify yin and clear heat; those with heart and spleen deficiency may choose lily bulb, jujube, and Chinese yam to tonify heart and spleen; those with kidney yang deficiency may appropriately eat more lamb, walnut kernels, and Chinese chives to tonify the kidney and assist yang. In addition, psychological adjustment is very important. After women successfully pass through menopause, they gradually enter old age, at which time the emphasis is on supporting and promoting spleen and stomach function and protecting the postnatal root; at the same time, osteoporosis prevention and fracture prevention should begin early; prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease; regular checkups and tumor prevention and treatment.

Women rely on kidney qi as the root, tian gui as the function, and the Chong and Ren vessels as the pivot. Grasping the "female seven" rhythm and combining precise conditioning with modern medicine can delay aging, improve quality of life, and allow women at every age to gracefully display the radiance of life.