Menopause if a perfectly natural process. It takes time and is a journey that women will come through.

 

One of my aims is to support this transition so that menopause becomes part of a healthy ageing journey. Every woman and her menopause is unique and as a reflexologist I am here to:

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• Listen and support

• Provide relaxation and to ease symptoms

• Offer general lifestyle advice

• Refer where necessary

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Menopausal symptoms, which affect eight out of ten women in the UK, are believed to be due to changing hormone levels, particularly oestrogen.

 

Lifestyle factors also play a crucial role in influencing the acuteness of symptoms. Identifying where lifestyle changes could be made can be a really good place to start including: exposure to stress, diet, exercise, relaxation, sleep and having a sense of purpose.

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Some example lifestyle factors to consider are:

• Exercise - aerobic (e.g. brisk walking, jogging, biking, swimming), strength training, stretching

• Healthy diet - lots of fresh fruit and vegetables!

• Limit sugar and stimulant (e.g. caffeine, tobacco) intake

• Establish a regular sleep routine

• Build in relaxation and learn to focus on yourself more if this isn't something you're used to doing...

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Reflexology aims to support menopausal symptoms, of which there are many - the most common being hot flushes, night sweats, headaches or migraines. Clients who are also able to take on lifestyle changes tend to achieve the best results.

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I have undergone training with Sally Earlam, Head of Training and Education for the Association of Reflexologists.

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Here are a few studies which have shown the effects of reflexology on menopausal symptoms including sleep disorders, hot flushes, depression and vasomotor complaints:

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7512096/

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https://cyberleninka.org/article/n/987877

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27502805/

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