For the past 15 years, the palms of my hands have varied in colour from dark pink to bright red. Down the side of each hand is a white stripe matching the back of my hand, and a red stripe matching the palm. It does not hurt, but is unsightly. I am 56.

According to Chinese medicine, changes in skin colour show the state of the connecting, superficial and minute channels, which carry energy through the skin. Purple indicates stagnation of blood in the channel, red indicates heat, and white cold. The colours and pathways would need to be assessed by an acupuncturist and then treated accordingly. 'Down the side of each hand' might correspond to the heart channel, the small intestine or the colon. For a local therapist, contact the British Acupuncture Council (020-8735 0400, acupuncture.org.uk).

I'm 58 and going through a late menopause. I get hot sweats and a bloated feeling. Is there a natural way to combat these?

Harmonise menopausal imbalances by taking Australian Bush Flower Essences, developed by Ian White, a naturopath, homeopath and fifth-generation herbalist. Woman Essence restores hormonal, emotional and spiritual balance. It's made from a combination of flower essences from the plants mulla mulla (for hot flushes), old man banksia (for energy, enthusiasm and enjoyment of life), crowea (anxiety), peach-flowered tea tree (mood swings) and she oak (water retention and oestrogen/progesterone imbalance). Take seven drops on waking and retiring every day for a month, then for two weeks of subsequent months (from FlowerSense, 020-8567 9412, flowersense.co.uk).

· Emma Mitchell is a natural health therapist. Before following Emma's recommendations, you should consult your GP about any medical problems or special health conditions.

· Send your questions to Wellbeing, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER. Email: ask.emma@theguardian.com.