Reflexology for the Menopause

Menopause is a natural change in the female reproductive system that normally occurs between the ages of 41 and 55, although perimenopausal symptoms may occur earlier.

The menopause is a process when the ovaries stop producing the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, so the body reacts to the loss those hormones through varying symptoms which can include:

● hot flushes

● night sweats

● tiredness

● depression

● weight gain

● anxiety

● poor concentration

● memory lapses

While going through the menopauses some women are happy to take medication such as Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT) whilst many others prefer to go down the holistic therapy route. Whatever type of therapy you choose to use please consult with your general practitioner first!

One of the most common problems most women have experienced are a very low self-confidence and fighting the unattainable victory against ageing.

If you're going through the perimenopause or the menopause, it is important to know that it is a perfectly natural process that will takes time, try to remember, that you’re not ill (even though it may feel that way at times).

Every woman and her menopause are unique and as a therapist I am here to.

● listen and support.

● provide relaxation and ease symptoms.

● offer general lifestyle advice.

● make your menopausal journey easier.

● help you find your zest for life again.

For you, it's a time to pause and reframe. For example, replace negative thoughts with more positive ones such as who do you want to be for the next phase of your life? How do you want to achieve this?

How Can Reflexology Help with the Menopause?

Research has shown according to Gozuyesil, E and ,Baser, M. (2016) that both foot Reflexology and foot massage reduced menopausal symptoms of anxiety, depression, hot flushes and night sweats by 30%-50% of what they were at the outset.” Sessions were for 45 minutes, 9 times over 19 weeks (once a week for six weeks followed by once a month for three months). Reflexology has also been found to be effective in helping both the physical and emotional symptoms of the menopause without the side effects associated with drug-based treatments. It truly is a wonderful therapy to help women in their journey through the menopause.

Reflexology will help put your hormones into balance to relieve stress and restore harmony in your mind, body and the spirit. I will also offer support to my clients by encourage them to look at additional ways to aid this process by looking into the Five Pillars of Menopause, which are.

1. Sleep - how can you achieve your 8 hours?

2. Exercise - weight-bearing, strength, flexibility, aerobic and balancing

3. Relaxation - deep relaxation allows the body to heal and repair

4. Diet - which foods will optimise your health?

5. Purpose - find your flow!

The five pillars of the menopause are derived from research according to Poulain, M(200)who says the places where woman don’t really get menopausal symptoms are known as the Blue Zones and the women in these countries have a lot in common in their diet, lifestyle and outlook. For example, Blue zones are regions in the world where people are claimed to live or have recently lived longer The concept of blue zones resulted from demographic work done by, Poulain, M,(200) where they identified Sardinia's Nuoro Province as the region with the highest concentration of male centenarians, referring to the area as the "blue zone"