Menopause; How Reflexology Can Help

Some breeze through it and others can feel like their world is falling apart.  That’s not surprising when you read the list below of physical and emotional symptoms that menopause can bring.

• Hot flushes

• Night sweats

• Low libido

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Aching joints

• Weight gain

• Drier skin

• Vaginal dryness

• Hair loss

• Depression

• Mood swings

• Forgetfulness

• Loss of confidence

• Low self esteem

• Anxiety

• Tearfulness

No wonder this can be such a tough time for so many women.

So what is Menopause?

Menopause is the stage of life when your body will begin to change as it goes beyond its child bearing years.

Your oestrogen levels decline, your ovaries are running out of egg cells leading to the change in hormonal balance and the lining of your womb becomes thinner, leading to a change in your menstrual cycle and reduced periods.

The symptoms in the list above can be very debilitating but there are lifestyle changes that can be made to relieve the symptoms. These include changes to your diet, exercise and awareness of your wellbeing. All are super important in supporting you during your menopause years.

Awareness is increasing but there is more to achieve in allowing women to talk without shame; without feeling ignored or dismissed when they try to express what is happening to them.

Ways to nurture yourself through menopause

We could view the menopause as a transition into the next phase of life that women experience. It’s the phase when you look within, nurture and reconnect with your body before progressing into the next chapter.

Different ways to nurture yourself through menopause can include any of the following”-

• Eat more wholesome foods

• Reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and carbohydrates which can be hormone disruptors

• Take part in exercise classes. There are many targeted to women who are experiencing similar symptoms

• Join a women’s group that will allow you to share your experiences and ways to alleviate the symptoms

• Discuss your symptoms with your GP as they may be able to offer supportive remedies

Davina MccCall’s channel 4 programme Sex, Myths and Menopause highlighted that the NHS and GPs are moving forward to bring better care for menopausal women and covered many useful hints and tips. It’s well worth a watch – both for menopausal women and for partners, family members or friends that are close to a woman experiencing the menopause.

How can Reflexology help menopausal women?

Reflexology is a deeply relaxing, non-invasive therapy, based on the theory that the foot provides a map for the rest of the body.  It uses the technique of applying general pressure to the reflexes on the feet and hands. You will experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation during your Reflexology session which will encourage a state of balance and wellbeing to combat the effects of the menopause and help provide the following:-

• Improved mood

• Boost to your immune system

• Better sleep

• Enhanced wellbeing

• Boost to energy levels

There are specific reflexology sequences that focus on the hormone and reproductive areas. A small study that was held by the Association of Reflexologists invited 6 menopausal women to receive one treatment per week over 6 weeks. At the end of the study, the women were asked if any of their symptoms had improved and the following results had been achieved:-

Symptoms improved by

• 66% for Menstrual problems

• 57% for Hot flushes

• 71% for Mood swing severity

• 505 for Insomnia

• 66% for Headaches

• 80% for Fatigue severity

• 66% for Forgetfulness

Feedback included:

• “I felt really good and very at peace after each session”

• “I believe the treatment has ‘toned down’ the general range of symptoms and made them more manageable…..it felt very beneficial”

• “Hot flushes reduced in severity and frequency, thereby reduced feelings of being overwhelmed by the changes in my body.  I therefore felt in control again, able to cope and enjoy my life”

Whilst this is a small uncontrolled study, it does suggest that both the severity and frequency of a range of symptoms associated with the menopause can benefit from a course of reflexology treatments.

If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms and would like to discuss how reflexology could alleviate your particular symptoms please call for an initial assessment. Call Jane Long at Jane Long Wellbeing on 07734 695 964 or email jane@janelongwellbeing.com

Jane Long Wellbeing … supporting women through menopause.