Natural Relief for Menopause: Aromatherapy and Yoga
With Jo Kellett and Lindsey Brown.
Menopause can bring a host of symptoms, but natural therapies like aromatherapy and yoga offer some relief.
Aromatherapy: Essential Oils to the Rescue
Aromatherapy uses essential oils from plants, which can be inhaled or applied to the skin when mixed with a base oil. It's been around for ages and is great for menopause.
How Aromatherapy Helps
Mood Swings: Oils like rose, geranium, and clary sage can help balance emotions. As Joe Keller, an aromatherapist, says, "They’re really supportive for the female hormonal cycle."
Better Sleep: Lavender is a go-to for sleep issues. It's well-researched and known for its calming effects.
Brain Fog: Rosemary is great for memory and alertness. Joe notes, "It’s like a breath of fresh air."
Using Essential Oils
You can add a few drops to your pillow for better sleep or use a diffuser to fill the room with calming scents. For physical symptoms, applying oils to the skin can be more effective.
Yoga: Move, Breathe, Relax
Yoga is a fantastic way to manage menopause symptoms through movement and breath work. Lindsay Brown, a yoga therapist, highlights the importance of "regulating the nervous system" to tackle anxiety and hot flushes.
Yoga Benefits
Breathing: Simple breathing techniques can calm the mind and body.
Flexibility and Strength: Yoga helps keep joints flexible and builds strength, which is crucial as muscles can weaken during menopause.
Emotional Health: Yoga encourages mindfulness, helping women manage emotional ups and downs.
Tackling Specific Symptoms
Hot Flushes: Cooling breath techniques can help, though results vary.
Emotional Balance: Yoga helps process emotions, making it easier to handle mood swings.
Bringing It All Together
Combining aromatherapy with yoga can enhance the benefits. Essential oils can create a calming atmosphere during yoga sessions, supporting both emotional and physical well-being.
Final Thoughts
Natural therapies like aromatherapy and yoga offer personalised ways to manage menopause symptoms. As Joe suggests, "Find an oil that really speaks to you," and as Lindsay advises, "Start paying attention to how you breathe." Always check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.
