Massage for Menopause

Menopause is a natural passage in a woman's life that sometimes calls for extra self-nurturing. Massage for menopause can give a woman time and space to relax, increase blood circulation and lymphatic flow, reduce pain, and encourage a positive body image.

Understanding Menopause

The medical definition of menopause is that a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months. The time leading up to menopause is called perimenopause and most often starts when a woman is in her forties, although some women begin to experience changes as early as the mid-thirties. These changes are the result of fluctuating hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone. By the time a woman reaches actual menopause, her body has almost completely stopped producing progesterone and greatly decreased the production of estrogen.

Some women go through perimenopause with few concerns, while other women experience a wide range of either minor or severe menopause symptoms, including:

• Headaches


• Hot flashes and night sweats


• Irregular periods


• Memory lapses


• Mood swings


• Muscle tension


• Sleep disturbances


• Vaginal dryness, which can cause painful intercourse.

How Massage for Menopause Helps

For some women, approaching menopause brings anxiety, irritability, and fatigue. One of the greatest benefits of massage is relaxation, a chance to let go of tension and concerns.

Because many women feel stress about their changing bodies, massage is also an opportunity to get back in touch with their bodies and cultivate a positive body image. Reducing the feeling of stress can also reduce the severity of some menopause symptoms.

Another benefit of massage is improved circulation and lymphatic flow, which can help relieve headaches, leg cramps, muscle and joint pain, and muscle tension. Lower back and abdomen massage can be particularly helpful for relaxing tension and simulating circulation around the reproductive organs.

What Type of Massage for Menopause?

Each woman experiences menopause in a unique way and has individual needs. Choosing a type of massage means taking these needs into account. For example:

• Swedish massage is great for relaxation and circulation.


• Aromatherapy massage with a relaxing essential oil such as lavender is also an option. Another choice is clary sage essential oil, which may help promote hormone balance.


• Deep tissue massage may work best for a woman who has a lot of tension or pain. Or if a woman doesn't want a deep massage, myofascial release is also an option.


• Energy work, such as reiki or polarity therapy, may be the best choice for a woman who is feeling particularly sensitive or vulnerable.


• Lymphatic drainage massage can be a good choice if a woman is feeling bloated or has swollen joints.


• Acupressure, shiatsu, or reflexology from a properly trained practitioner may help balance hormones.

The most important thing for a woman to remember is to choose a massage therapist who listens to her and adjusts the massage to fit her needs, which can easily change from one massage session to the next.

Finding a Massage Therapist

Look for a properly trained and qualified massage therapist. If you live in a location where massage therapists are licensed, make sure the person is licensed. A competent massage therapist will ask questions about why you want a massage and about your physical condition, medical history, lifestyle, and stress and pain levels.