How Can Shiatsu Help with Menopause?

Menopause…something women dread and look forward to at the same time.  Whilst “the change” can bring relief from monthly symptoms it can also bring on heart palpitations, hot flushes, night sweats, emotional changes, low libido, osteoperosis.

But why?....It seems a little unfair after years of dealing with a monthly bleeding cycle where there may have been pain, irritability, irregularity etc.

In western understanding menopause is regarded as the natural cessation of menstruation at the end of reproductive life.  The hormone system swings in and out of balance causing a variety of uncomfortable "symptoms". 

In shiatsu, the understanding is different.  Menopause is an imbalance in the Kidney Qi (energy).  Whilst shiatsu takes into account the anatomical functions of the kidney organ it also sees that energetically the Kidney governs the bones, birth, growth and reproduction, influences short term memory, determines will power and is the foundation of Yin and Yang for all the other organs.

When the Kidney Qi becomes imbalanced it means there is disharmony in the Yin and the Yang.  Yin is cooling and moistening, it is rest and softness and related to the blood.  Yang is heating and drying, it is activity and hardness and related to Qi. 

All the 'symptoms' of menopause are more Yang-like in nature.  We could think this means there is too much Yang in the body BUT it is actually that the Yin has become depleted from the years of blood loss and the body needs tonifying.  In shiatsu this means replenishing the Yin, the Blood and the overall body Qi.

The meridians of the Heart, Spleen, Liver and Kidney all have an influence over the Blood and the Yin. There are also general acupressure points that circulate the Blood, eliminate heat, tonify the Yin, have a calming influence and regulate the deeper energies that guide our life.  As always though, there is no one treatment, that suits everyone.  A woman's individual symptoms are assessed to determine which meridians are being more affected and require more attention to bring the body back into balance. This is how we alleviate the symptoms as well as treat the cause.

I find it quite ironic that I am writing this at a time when I'm just stepping into motherhood.  This is quite a life change and has already brought up many questions around my place in the world as a woman.  It gives me insight into how menopause could similarly rock a woman's world and bring focus onto how she feels about growing older as her time of reproduction comes to an end.

By ensuring the Kidney Qi is balanced Shiatsu can create a more positive experience for women at this time of their life. The Kidney's are part of the water element and deep within the body. Shiatsu connects her into her wisdom through it's deeply relaxing Yin nature. 

It goes without saying that stress and high expectations (lots of musts) will exacerbate menopausal symptoms.  It is important to eat well, be active, get enough sleep and rest deeply.  Menopause is a prime time for good self-care....and Shiatsu :).

At Soul Body Shiatsu in Bayside, Melbourne we specialise in helping women who are experiencing menopause.

To make an enquiry or book a Shiatsu massage to reduce menopausal symptoms call 0403 550 695 or email soulbodyshiatsu@gmail.com.