I'll share something with you: like many of my clients, I am in the late stages of peri-menopause. I often share this information when the symptoms occur whilst I'm interacting with people because it helps them to understand why I sometimes can't think clearly, or am being seemingly over-anxious about things, or am repeatedly stripping off my jumper then putting it back on when it's a cold day. Before I began giving this simple explanation people would look at me with impatience or bewilderment; a few words of context and instead I get a sympathetic nod, often an empathetic one, and we move on feeling more comfortable with each other.Does massage have a place in helping women manage their menopausal symptoms? As ever, I'd say that massage therapy always has something positive to offer even though by itself it can't 'solve' the symptoms. Massage therapy can be part of a holistic approach involving, for instance: appropriate herbs, talking therapy, exercise, and changes to lifestyle and diet.
- Anxiety, insomnia, depression, heart palpitations and stress
Women may experience all or some of the above due to the hormonal fluctuations during peri-menopause and menopause. Mood can also be affected by the emotional and physical significance of this time of life; there may be emotions around the ending of a woman's fertile cycles and also around the changes in how the body looks and feels. Somatic and talking therapies can both be invaluable to help explore these issues and to re-frame them more positively. Massage therapy, so grounding in its physical touch, can soothe and relax the body, helping the woman to move away from an anxious and stressed state to one where she can feel her sense of well-being improve as the para-sympathetic nervous system takes over from the 'flight or fight' sympathetic nervous system. Lighter massage strokes help with the release of the 'feel good' hormones, dopamine and serotonin, as does the use of essential oils. Feedback from clients often mentions how well they sleep the night after a massage - in fact, sleep is what they would often like to do right then and there! Improved sleep can in itself help with other symptoms such as anxiety and fatigue. I feel that massage helps people to reconnect with their body in a positive way as touch brings the mind back into the body and they notice how they are feeling whilst in a safe space.
Do note that it's important if you are experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations, to see a medical professional so that other causes can be ruled out.
- Muscle aches and stiffness
Other common symptoms around this time are muscular aches and general stiffness, again largely due to the hormonal changes as oestrogen levels fall. Massage is well known for its positive effect in this respect - after all, when something hurts we instinctively 'rub it better'! Firm, consistent pressure attracts the attention of the neuro-muscular system which in turn begins a process that reduces the perception of pain and helps disperse the associated tension. Soft tissue therapy also involves moving the limbs which helps to lubricate the joints with synovial fluid and to reduce the feelings of stiffness. The 'feel good' hormones that can be released during massage may also help to alleviate inflammation exacerbated by stress.
It is well known that bone density begins to decrease from our 30s, and more so after menopause. All exercise, from walking to pushing weights, load bearing and aerobic, is beneficial. Massage can be an extremely helpful complement to this: addressing aches and pains from doing exercise, preparing the body before exercise, and noticing where areas of tension are building up before they manifest more painfully. The sense of well being from receiving massage can also translate to greater enthusiasm to do exercise!
So, lots of reasons to give massage a go! If you have any questions about whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you please do feel welcome to contact me - contact details are on my website https://katesheridan.org/
