STRESS AND MENOPAUSE – its Time for a massage
As we approach the end of Menopause Awareness Month, I thought I would talk to you about the benefits of massage during your menopause….
During peri-menopause oestrogen produced from your ovaries declines, but did you also know that during perimenopause and post menopause your adrenals take up the slack of oestrogen production? It’s a slightly different oestrogen from the one your body makes from the time of puberty within your ovaries, but it’s wonderful that the body has this back-up ready for you once menopause is under way. However, stress will deplete that production.
You’ve probably heard of your adrenals; they sit above your kidneys and are part of the intricate Endocrine (hormone) System. I say intricate because our hormones are influenced by so many aspects of our life. What we need for an optimum level of hormones within our body is balance, and that is something we find hard to achieve in our hectic, fast paced world!
Our adrenal glands are most well known for producing cortisol and adrenaline, both vital for our daily life and there for good reasons. However, if we are producing too much of these ‘stress’ hormones we become depleted, and our adrenals are less likely to produce the oestrogen that we need beyond menopause.
This is where massage comes in! Massage is known to:
- reduce stress hormones
- reduce muscle tension
- improve circulation
- stimulate the lymphatic system
- induce relaxation
- increase joint mobility and flexibility
- improve skin tone
Menopause is a big topic right now and a large part of managing your menopause is to look after yourself, and why shouldn’t you!
Most people see regular massage as a luxury, maybe it’s time to change your mind.
As an aromatherapist I will also create a bespoke blend of essential oils just for you and apply them in a full body massage. Taking into consideration how you are feeling that day AND how you would like to feel after the treatment!
See my previous blog ‘Menopause Goes Mainstream’ where I talk about the properties of some essential oils that can help some common menopause symptoms.
Having a regular aromatherapy treatment during any stage of the menopause will offer you the opportunity to focus on how you feel, soothe some of the physical and emotional aspects that are showing themselves to you. Massage allows you time to relax, process thoughts and emotions and encourages you to feel more in tune with your body. SOUNDS GOOD TO ME!
Why not use massage and aromatherapy for your menopause journey?
To find a registered aromatherapist in your area visit the IFPA directory, this way you can be assured of the level of expertise as all IFPA therapist are trained to a high standard.
Or if you have any questions do get in touch, I am always happy to answer your queries.