Episode 64: Awakening in Midlife: The Energetics of Perimenopause with Dr. Lorne Brown

Dr. Lorne Brown joins the TMI Talk podcast to offer a different framework for looking at menopause: one rooted in 26 years of clinical practice and thousands of years of Chinese medicine wisdom. Together, we unpack why your symptoms aren't a sign that your body is failing: they're a sign that your body is changing its priorities. Dr. Lorne is a CPA turned Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine. **What You’ll Learn** - Why menopause isn’t just a hormone deficiency, but a *whole-body transition* that Chinese medicine calls the Second Spring. - How fluctuating estrogen and declining progesterone trigger symptoms and why resilience, stress load, and emotional patterns affect this - How menopause can lead to a spiritual awakening - The energetic shift of midlife: why the body redirects resources from reproduction to the heart center, purpose, and leadership. - The truth about hormone therapy: who it helps, who it doesn’t, and why estrogen isn’t the universal solution - How stress, trauma, people-pleasing, and old subconscious programs can amplify perimenopause shift symptoms - The role of the nervous system in hot flashes, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation—and practical tools to calm it. - How emotions become “stored energy” in the body and how techniques like acupuncture, somatic awareness, and conscious work help release them. - A holistic toolbox for relief: acupuncture, herbs, low-level laser therapy, strength training, sleep support, diet, and mind-body practices. Timeline: 00:00 Episode Preview 01:32 Meet Dr Lorne Brown 03:03 Why Menopause Talk Feels Incomplete 05:33 Second Spring Explained 07:26 Hormones vs Resilience 12:53 Heart Center Shift 16:31 Spiritual Awakening Basics 24:35 Surrender and Nervous System 31:21 Stress Biology and Old Programs 38:05 Menopause Hormone Therapy Update 40:27 Safer Hormone Options 41:24 Who Needs Estrogen 42:10 When Hormones Backfire 44:13 Resilience Versus Band Aid 46:48 Access And Advocacy 55:22 COVID Perfect Storm 58:47 Holistic Support Toolkit 01:02:36 Nervous System First 01:05:55 Emotional Patterns Rewire 01:10:32 Somatic Release And Closing You can learn more about his practice Acubalance here You can find more information about Dr. Lorne here. **Want support for perimenopause that goes beyond hormones?** Whether you (or your clients) are taking HRT but still having symptoms, not ready for it, or can’t tolerate it...there’s more we can do. I’ll be sharing practical tools from a **movement and rehab perspective**, focusing on the **nervous system, fascia, lymph, viscera, and musculoskeletal system**. If you want updates on workshops, resources, and strategies to support this phase of life more fully, would love you to join my email list. Subscribe to my email list here I’ll see you in 2 weeks! PS: If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please fill out the form here.