A time to pause and reframe…
Menopause is a natural process and it is a journey that women will come through. Whilst perimenopause and menopause can be a pretty tough time, for many women there are things that you can do that may help and choosing reflexology can be a wonderful way to smooth this journey.
A little bit about Menopause
Menopause means the cessation of menstruation and you are classed as moving from perimenopause to menopause after you have had no period for 12 months. Perimenopause generally starts between the ages of 40 and 50 years and the first symptom most women will notice is irregular periods. In perimenopause hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate due to the declining egg reserve and over time these hormones will dramatically fall. It is these changes in hormones that are responsible for menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flushes, psychological problems – anxiety, low mood, brain fog, short term memory loss, short term focus, poor concentration are all menopausal symptoms experienced by many.
So how can reflexology help?
I would focus on the endocrine system reflexes, including the adrenal glands, thyroid and parathyroid glands. This supports the hormone ‘symphony’ of the body for the stress response and the multiple functions that our hormones have to perform and by calming the central nervous system to help with sleep disturbances and also include some acupressure meridian points.
Obviously with me being a male, this is not something I will experience, but I have completed specific training for menopause support and through research know that stress and life style can also play a major factor in menopausal symptoms so I will also introduce and encourage you to look at the Five Pillars for a healthy menopause and of course listen and support.
As with all complementary therapies there is a cumulative effect so if you are able to have treatments close together you should see quicker results. In an ideal world I would recommend 4-6 treatments a week apart and then a couple fortnightly with the aim to continue with monthly treatments for top ups.
Every women and her menopause is unique
- It’s all about lifestyle.
- A time to pause and plan the next phase of life.
- Learn to Focus on yourself.
- Learn to say No to others.
- Value your self-worth – be confident with who you are.
- Choose who you want to be.
