 I've just finished reading an article in an old Association of Reflexologists magazine which reports on a very small uncontrolled study of 7 women who underwent 6 x weekly, 30 minute treatments of Reflexology for symptoms of menopause.
The author concluded "While this is a small uncontrolled study, it does suggest that both the severity and frequency of a range of symptoms associated with the menopause may benefit from a course of reflexology treatments." Symptom Reduction Number Treated Agree Positive Changes Hot flushes 7 57% Mood swing frequency 7 57% Mood swing severity 7 71% Insomnia 6 50% Headaches 3 66% Vaginal/bladder 3 66% Fatigue frequency 5 40% Fatigue severity 5 80% Forgetfulness 6 66% And the participants commented: "Hot flushes reduced in severity and frequency, thereby reduced feelings of being overwhelmed by the changes in my body! I therefore felt in control again, able to cope and enjoy my life." "I believe that the treatment has 'toned down' the general range of symptoms and made them more manageable … it felt very beneficial." Although my personal opinion and experience with Reflexology would support the above, I'd also recommend a multi-faceted approach incorporating reflexology, diet, nutritional supplements, herbs and environment. Reflexology As you can see from the comments above, Reflexology can provide a balancing and harmonising effect which may help to moderate some of the less pleasant symptoms of menopause. Diet Aim for a healthy, balanced diet which is designed to regulate blood sugar as this will help support adrenal health - the adrenal glands can be put under a lot of pressure from the hormonal changes that take place. Avoid caffeine and sugary foods, reduce dairy and red meat and avoid refined foods. Eat a high fibre diet with lots of fruit and veg, whole grain and legumes as fibre binds to oestrogen, so it excretes more efficiently and also helps to keep blood sugar stable. Nutritional Supplements Supplements important to support menopause are: Vitamins C (with bioflavonoids), E, B Complex, Magnesium, Calcium and Omega 3. A qualified nutritionist can help with more specific recommendations on diet and supplements. Herbs Herbs which are commonly acknowledged to support menopause are: Black Cohosh, Agnus Castus, Dong Quai, Sage and Milk Thistle. These can be powerful and have adverse and toxic effects, so are best used under the supervision of a herbalist. They should not be taken in conjunction with The Pill, Fertility Drugs, HRT or any other hormone treatments/medication. Environment As much as possible reduce the xenoestrogens (environmental oestrogens) around the home. These artificial oestrogens are found in: pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides (wash non-organic food well with a biodegradable non-toxic solution); plastic goods (which can leach xenoestrogens into the environment); creams and cosmetics that have parabens and stearalkonium chloride (cheap brands tend to include more toxic ingredients); nail polish and nail polish removers; fluoride; don't leave plastic containers, especially your drinking water, in the sun; fabric softeners (they contain petrochemicals that are absorbed by the skin); microwaving food in plastic containers - especially avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for microwaving; computer monitors, tvs, etc. that emit high levels of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). This multi-faceted approach offers a holistic way to support the body through menopause and reduce the more extreme and uncomfortable symptoms. More more information on how Reflexology might be able to support you through menopause, contact Doris Wylie at doriswylie@btinternet.com.
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