Navigating Menopause Through A Holistic Approach
Using Massage Therapy
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life, but it can come with a range of physical and emotional challenges. In this blog post, Neena Patara from Soul City Health and Wellness chatted with us about the often hidden symptoms of menopause and the importance of seeking both physical and emotional support during this transition through a massage therapy lens.
Many women associate menopause primarily with hot flashes and mood swings, but there are numerous hidden symptoms that women endure. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest symptoms below.
JOINT PAIN
Many women seek treatment for shoulder and joint pain, often assuming it stems from muscle strains due to regular activity. However, they may be unaware that they have developed frozen shoulder or bursitis, which can be hidden symptoms of menopause. The decline in estrogen during this phase affects connective tissues and collagen production, leading to increased stiffness and inflammation that are unrelated to muscle strains.
How can massage therapy help?
Techniques such as deep tissue massage can help relieve tension and improve mobility. These can promote relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and enhance blood circulation, which can alleviate pain and stiffness in affected areas. Additionally, massage helps release endorphins, improving mood and reducing anxiety often associated with hormonal changes.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES
Many women experience insomnia or restless sleep due to hormonal fluctuation which may result in insomnia, night sweats, and mood changes, all of which can disrupt sleep patterns.
How can massage therapy help?
Relaxation techniques, including Swedish massage and aromatherapy, can promote better sleep quality. Also incorporating acupuncture can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and balance hormones, by enhancing the body’s natural production of melatonin. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that massage therapy can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the severity of insomnia symptoms in menopausal women.
ACTIVATED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
Changes and shifts in body and mind can be a constant source of worry, anxiety and stress for many women, specifically when these changes are unexpected and sudden. This can lead to stress on the central nervous system.
How can massage therapy help?
When we/our body feels calm and relaxed through a regulated central nervous system, our muscles will also relax thus at times allowing us to handle stress in a calmer manner. By reducing muscle tension and pain, massage can help lower cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can negatively affect the CNS. Research has shown that massage therapy can significantly reduce cortisol levels in menopausal women, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.
HOT FLASHES AND NIGHT SWEATS
These are perhaps the most well-known symptoms of menopause, but their impact on daily life can be underestimated. Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, cause discomfort, and affect overall quality of life.
How can massage therapy help?
While massage can’t directly stop hot flashes, it can help manage their frequency and intensity. A study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine found that massage therapy can help reduce the number of hot flashes women experience and improve their overall quality of life. Techniques like Swedish massage and aromatherapy can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which may help in managing these symptoms.
Incorporating Massage Therapy with Psychotherapy
It’s recommended to start with an initial consultation with a massage therapist. This way, both you and the massage therapist can create a tailored plan that fits your specific needs. Scheduling regular massage sessions can help manage physical symptoms, while psychotherapy can provide ongoing emotional support. Both forms of support can really complement each other as emotional stress often manifests in physical symptoms as well.
Incorporating other natural healing approaches such as Reiki and acupuncture has also been reported as helpful by individuals who are in perimenopause or menopause by improving sleep, reducing pain or balancing energy levels. A holistic approach that combines various therapies can provide comprehensive support during this transitional phase.
Remember, every woman's experience with menopause is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. It's important to listen to your body, communicate openly with your healthcare providers, and be patient as you find the right combination of therapies to support your journey through menopause.
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SOURCES
Climacteric “Effect of therapeutic massage on insomnia and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women”
Clinics (Sao Paulo) “Effect of massage in postmenopausal women with insomnia – A pilot study”
Journal of Nursing and Health Science “Massage Therapy for Alleviating Menopausal Transitional Period Symptoms among Women Employed at Suez Canal University Hospital”
Menopause “Effect of aromatherapy massage on menopausal symptoms: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial”
