NAJA’S FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE
With over 20 years of clinical practice, Nadja’s journey as a massage therapist, traditional Chinese medicine and Japanese acupuncturist, birth and postpartum doula, and a mentor for matrescence and menopause has been shaped by a deep passion for understanding and supporting women. From preconception and pregnancy to the postpartum season, matrescence, and perimenopause/menopause, her extensive hands-on experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of women’s health—body, mind, and soul.
Nadja has been looking after me and my family for over 10 years, from pregnancy to birth, postpartum, kids illness or broken bones, she has been our absolute healer.
I am very grateful to have her here today and answer a few questions
Q- Tell me a bit about you, your work, the path that led you to here?
My name is Nadja, and I’m a 45-year-old woman deeply immersed in the transformative journey of perimenopause. I’ve always been drawn to living in harmony with nature, the cycles of life, and the wisdom of the universe. My introduction to acupuncture came at 16 when a belly button piercing went wrong, and my spiritual mother suggested I try it. That experience was profound—it left me feeling lighter, more at ease, and deeply aligned with myself.
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and I’ve now been a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for 17 years. From the very beginning, I was drawn to supporting women through their fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys—an area of my work that has been deeply fulfilling.
After having my twin girls, now 12, I took a deep dive into Matrescence—the powerful transition into motherhood. Much like adolescence, it’s a season of immense change across all areas of life, yet it’s rarely acknowledged or supported in our culture. I felt called to normalise the overwhelm and lack of preparation so many women experience, especially with the gaps in workforce support and societal expectations.
Through 1:1 work, online sessions, and in-person women’s circles, I’ve held space for mothers to share their experiences, unpack the influence of culture, family heritage, values, and beliefs, and explore how these shape our roles as women and mothers.
Now, in this midlife season, I’ve become increasingly aware of how little education and preparation exist for menopause. The mainstream medical approach often reduces it to HRT, overlooking the holistic support women truly need.
My own journey, along with the experiences of my clients, has led me to explore menopause through a broader lens—considering nutrition, daily rhythms, digestion, sleep, movement, stress, financial and social impacts, intimacy, self-love, and emotional well-being. TCM offers a beautiful perspective on this transition, viewing menopause as a woman’s ‘Second Spring’—a time of renewal, wisdom, and a shift into a deeply honoured phase of life. It’s a season to embrace, celebrate, and navigate with intention, knowing we have so much to offer ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Q- What does it mean to you to live a holistic lifestyle and how do you incorporate Chinese medicine everyday ?
Living a holistic life, to me, means being mindful of my body's needs and the environment around me. I consciously minimise my toxic load by choosing clean cleaning products, natural body care, and makeup. As much as possible, I opt for organic, locally grown produce. Living in the hinterland is a blessing—the air is fresh, our water comes from filtered rainwater, and we have the privilege of growing our own food.
Cooking is a big part of our lifestyle. We love baking a couple of times a week, and one of my favourite go-to recipes is a gluten-free banana bread packed with seeds and omega-rich oils. You can try it yourself here: Healthy Banana Bread. My daughters are also exploring their love for baking, making delicious biscuits and raw treats.
Our dinner table is a space for connection and reflection. We openly discuss our feelings, expand our perspectives, and practice gratitude. Sharing what we’re thankful for is a beautiful way to shift the energy, especially when things feel stagnant or heavy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), rooted in Taoist philosophy, teaches us daily practices to support longevity and well-being. One of my favourite rituals is grounding—walking barefoot on the earth to reconnect with nature’s energy. I visualise drawing up nourishing Yin energy through my body, flushing each energy centre with fresh Qi, and releasing it through my crown into the vastness of the universe. This practice reminds me that I am the bridge between heaven and earth, a vessel for divine energy to help uplift the world.
Nourishing my body with warm foods and drinks is another key practice. TCM encourages eating warm or room-temperature meals for optimal digestion, metabolism, and vitality. When we care for our digestion, it radiates through our Shen—our spirit—shining brightly through our eyes.
A strong daily routine sets the tone for well-being. I’m dedicated to being connected to astrology, the moon cycle and my menstrual cycle. This make me more aware of the collective and personal patterns and what certain symptoms are presenting. My mornings begin with tongue scraping, brushing my teeth, stretching on the yoga mat, and incorporating some strength training. Stepping outside, I soak in the morning sunlight, grounding myself barefoot in the grass, connecting to my breath, and setting intentions for the day. A warm lemon or apple cider vinegar water supports digestion and detoxification. If fasting interests you, I recommend listening to Dr. Mindy Pelz—she’s an expert in fasting for women in perimenopause: Dr. Mindy Pelz.
When it comes to food, protein and fibre are essential during this phase of life. Protein supports muscle and bone health, while fibre aids in hormone elimination. Prioritising well-balanced meals ensures that every system in the body functions optimally—our skin, hair, nails, mood, energy levels, and overall vitality all benefit.
Breaking the cycle of blood sugar crashes is also crucial. Many of us start our day with a small, carb-heavy breakfast (like cereal) and find ourselves starving 30 minutes later. A high-protein breakfast is a game-changer. If you need ideas, check out this great list: High-Protein Breakfasts Without Eggs.
Holistic living isn’t about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices that nourish and support you through every season of life.
Q- What are the changes you can observe during the peri-menopause, menopause years ? And How do you think those changes affect our skin ?
During the peri-menopausal years—typically starting in the 40s but sometimes as early as 35—you may begin to notice changes in your body. Your skin tone, pH balance, and texture can shift, with some women experiencing liver spots, acne, or increased sensitivity. Hair may thin, and weight gain, particularly around the belly, can become more stubborn. Other common changes include mood swings, anxiety, depression, fluctuating sexual desire, brain fog, headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, body aches, breast tenderness outside the usual PMS window, and even heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms.
That may seem like a long list, but every woman’s journey is unique—some experience only mild symptoms, while others feel the shifts more intensely. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, these changes are your body’s way of communicating with you, calling for more attention and care.
As women and mothers, we often put ourselves last, but this phase is a clear message that it’s time to prioritise your well-being. Collagen production naturally declines, impacting skin elasticity and complexion. Your body has worked hard for decades, and now is the time to support it. Think of perimenopause as an opportunity—a time to reassess what’s serving you and what isn’t. By nurturing your digestive health, reducing toxic exposure (from food, cleaning products, and even emotional stressors), and listening to your body’s wisdom, you can navigate this transition with greater ease and vitality.
Thank you Nadja XX
http://nadjasfamilyacupuncture.com
