Menopause Awareness Month
"I know, I know, I know what you’re thinking – we’ve gone from a wall of menopause silence to menopause awareness primetime media saturation. I for one, think it’s bloody great. Because quite frankly, menopause has been all around us since time immemorial – you’ve encountered it in family and friends, colleagues, your teachers at […]…"

I know, I know, I know what you’re thinking – we’ve gone from a wall of menopause silence to menopause awareness primetime media saturation. I for one, think it’s bloody great. Because quite frankly, menopause has been all around us since time immemorial – you’ve encountered it in family and friends, colleagues, your teachers at school. Maybe yourself. But it’s been quiet.

Aging or even admitting to aging is scary in Western society. There is a long-held fear of women “of a certain age”. This fear resulted in actual witch hunts, where people were killed. (Not the modern cry of those who have been caught out for behaving badly). Keep it quiet, then we don’t have to deal with the health, financial and emotional inequalities the menopause transition brings with it. Menopause awareness changes this.

But we are at the dawn of a new empowerment and education. Knowledge is power when the perimenopause comes calling. There are so many factors within our control so and many great resources out there. The simple act of talking about it with others is so powerful. In my area of specialism, the main rallying cry is about managing stress.

The effects of cortisol and stress on the body and mind is well documented. In perimenopause this adds fuel to the inflammation fire which perimenopause ignites. When I see clients for menopause support reflexology, I make no promises about relieving their many and varied symptoms. But what I can do is offer a way for women to dial down the effects of stress, to help the nervous system restore some equilibrium. I offer a chance to have some high-quality rest, a sympathetic ear, a safe space to chat, laugh, cry or precious quiet.

There’s so much out there it can be overwhelming. If I can offer one piece of advice from all the work I’ve done it’s this – look after your brain – nutritionally, stress-wise and exercise. If you do what’s best for your brain health, it’s good for the whole of you.

To book a Menopause Support Reflexology Consultation email hello@gracewellbeing.co.uk or call 07821350235.