According to the National Library of Medicine, “40% of women who experience clinical symptoms [such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia] during the menopause seek medical assistance. The search for complementary therapies is increasing, massage therapy being among these.” Because the menopause can impact arterial and venous blood flow, the lymphatic system and muscle tissue, massage can promote improved function and allows the women who get regular massages to regain some semblance of ‘normality’.
Fluctuating hormone levels during the menopause, or peri-menopause, and a reduction in oestrogen can cause symptoms such as:
- Irregular, heavy or absent periods
- Depression, mood swings and anxiety
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Difficulty sleeping
- Joint pain
- Memory and concentration problems
For some women, HRT isn’t available or isn’t possible to take – and for others, they’d rather manage the symptoms of menopause holistically. Massage, specifically Swedish Massage – which targets deep muscle tissue and carried tension, allows those living with menopause to take some time for themselves, relax mentally and physically and recharge.
Menopause or Ovarian Failure can begin anytime, but is most common in women in their late 40s / early 50s. Because it has such a big impact on sleep, other symptoms such as irritability and depression are exacerbated.
We’ve written before about the positive impacts massage can have on your emotional and mental state – that even allowing your body to fully relax can unlock tensions trapped within muscle tissue. Massage supports the return of blood through the muscles, circulating oxygen and releasing the toxins collected from the change in hormones and weight caused by menopause.
Studies have shown that regular massage therapy can help reduce any sleep-related symptoms of perimenopause and menopause by reducing the time it takes to get to sleep and increasing the quality of, and length of deep sleep.
As massage therapy decreases the levels of cortisol, it allows the body to restore its equilibrium of dopamine and serotonin, allowing the body to fully relax and help you get a good night’s rest.
So whether it’s a full back massage, or just shoulders and neck, you can get the full relaxing package. This also means that, if you do suffer from joint pain or tender tissue, we can focus on and away from certain areas to suit you and your recovery.
If you’d like to know more about how we can tailor this service to you, contact us today.