Massage and Menopause

Understanding the difference between hot flashes and night sweats is one of the bittersweet burdens every woman bears in life. But for those of us in the throes of this midlife rite of passage we know as menopause, the good news is there are many natural ways to make the transition a little easier for all of us.

The naturopath researcher estimates that approximately 4,000 women enter menopause each day. The need for comfort and relief for all of us is needed from the very first stages of perimenopause through to the final transition.

Menopause is certainly not an easy passage for women or their partners. Those infamous hot flashes are the most recognizable symptom, but the effects of menopause include a host of other problems: dry skin, night sweats, poor memory, urinary incontinence, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, headaches/migraines, bone loss, erratic menstrual cycles, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and depression. For women in the midst of change, menopause is a daunting laundry list of symptoms that only seems to produce greater challenges each day.

Taking Menopause Back

The following can give some Menopausal relief:

- Menopausal or Ayuvedic massage, with special attention being paid to the abdomen and lower back.

- Relaxation techniques, Meditation, Sound healing & Yoga, to alleviate stress. - Aromatherapy massage and treatments with Clary Sage.

- Seaweed baths, body wraps for dry, sensitive skin. - Acupressure to rebalance hormonal systems, as well as shiatsu and lymphatic drainage. - Hydrotherapy algae baths to detoxify and rebalance the body. - Reflexology as a natural alternative to synthetic hormones.

- Reiki Energy sessions

Besides physical and emotional comfort, a woman going through the life-changing forces of menopause can find she is in need of reassurance of her strength, beauty and womanliness. It offers both a time for solace and inner thought, as well as a chance to attend solely to her body and spirit. Don’t underestimate the very basic need for comfort and support that can be so important in a hormone-ravaged body and don't be afraid to ask for help and support in this time.

It’s Still About Stress

An Internet-based survey recently found a correlation between stress and menopausal symptoms — the greater the stress, the greater the symptoms. It only makes sense to implement as many stress-reducing activities as possible, which puts massage and complementary therapies at the top of the list.

Here at Natural light, we really do understand this phase of your life and how we can help you.

Don’t forget your own role in the process. Recognize your symptoms; find ways to walk away from stress; attend to your physical, emotional and spiritual needs; research your options; and above all else, try to talk about how you are feeling and ask for support.