The menopause often comes with a host of unwelcome and inconvenient symptoms, ranging from hot flushes, to mood swings, to insomnia, to name but a few. In these challenging times, massage can be incredibly helpful. The soothing and therapeutic touch of massage offers a multitude of benefits, making this holistic approach a powerful tool for managing menopausal symptoms and improving overall wellbeing. It can help with the following:
Stress Relief
Menopause is often accompanied by increased stress, which can make symptoms worse and negatively impact the quality of life. Massage is well known for its stress reducing abilities. It can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, and lower the levels of stress hormones. As a result, there can be a significant reduction in anxiety, depression and overall stress levels.
Hormone Regulation
Regular massage can help regulate hormonal changes. Studies have shown that massage can influence hormone levels by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn, can help stabilise hormone production, and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Hot Flush Relief
Hot flushes are one of the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause. The relaxation and improved circulation induced by massage, can help lessen them. When the body is more relaxed, it is less likely to overreact to triggers that cause hot flushes. Additionally, improved blood flow from massage, may help to regulate body temperature, reducing the frequency and intensity of this unwelcome symptom.
Improved Sleep
The menopause can cause a range of sleep disturbances, including insomnia and night sweats. The relaxation that massage brings, can help with stress reduction, hormone regulation and relief from hot flushes, which can result in a better quality of sleep.
Pain Management
Joint pain, headaches and muscle tension can also cause problems. Massage can provide effective pain management, by loosening tight muscles, improving circulation and releasing endorphins. Whether it’s a tension headache or sore muscles, massage can provide much-needed relief.
Enhanced Emotional Wellbeing
The menopause can often take an emotional toll, due to the hormonal changes and associated symptoms. Regular massage sessions can lead to improved emotional wellbeing, which can mean feeling more balanced, emotionally resilient and better equipped to cope with the challenges that can arise during the menopause.
Improvements to the Skin
The physical benefits of massage also extend to the skin. Many women experience changes in their skin during this time, such as increased dryness and decreased elasticity. Massage can stimulate circulation, which in turn nourishes the skin, leaving it brighter and healthier.