Women's Health
1: Therapies and Pregnancy
2: Therapies and Hormone Imbalances in the Over Forties
3: Therapies and Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
4: Therapies and Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
1: Therapies and Pregnancy
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy has several practical applications during pregnancy. In the first trimester we can create a nasal inhaler using a combination of oils that can be used to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness.
Oils such as cypress, niouli and lavender are often combined in a massage oil to help relieve aching legs during the second trimester. An aromatherapy massage can be beneficial during the third trimester to help with back and hip pain.
Hormonal Inbalance & Essential Oils
If you suffer from Polycystic Ovaries, or find that your menstrual cycle is irregular then a combination of essential oils can be blended together to create a nasal inhaler that can be used to assist the body in re-balancing.
Meditation
During the course of your pregnancy there may be times where you feel anxious about the process of change happening in your body. Meditation techniques and affirmations can be used to help you to stay calm and positive about your body and help you to connect with the energy of your baby. You can also learn techniques that can be applied during labour. The relaxation tools of meditation can also be used during the process of IVF to help you keep your body relaxed during what is often an anxious time.
Reflexology in Pregnancy
Reflexology is the gentle application of massage to various points on the feet that correspond with areas of the body. For example your big toe represents your Brain, including your Pituitary Gland and Pineal Gland which play an important role during pregnancy and labour. According to Dr Motha it is instrumental in helping 45.5% of her patients give birth at the optimum gestation of 40weeks. And stimulation of the pituitary, adrenal and uterine reflex areas during labour can help with contractions.
Some of the benefits noted by Dr Motha in her research of the Gentle Birth Method include:
> Reduce and normalise high blood pressure (hypertension). Weekly treatments of Reflexology for 30 – 45 minutes usually reduces high blood pressure and can help you avoid repeated admission to hospital for rest and observation.
> Normalise low blood pressure
> Eliminate oedema and reduce swelling in feet and ankles
> Prevent heartburn
> Improve sleep quality & clear headaches
> Relieve varicose veins
> Clear pelvic congestion & improve lymphatic drainage.
> Oxygenate the baby by improving the blood flow within your whole body, your uterus and the baby’s placenta
> Help you carry your baby to term
> Can be used to initiate labour if you are overdue, thereby reducing the need for medical induction at hospital.
It is recommended that Reflexology treatments begin from 13 weeks once the placenta has been established. Regular treatments during the second and third trimester can help to relieve pelvic pain, particularly around the sacrum. Your reflexologist will be able to advise you on the most beneficial times during your pregnancy to have a treatment.
Reflexology and Fertility Issues
If you are trying to conceive then Reflexology should be considered as a way to help you to relax and assist in the balancing out of your menstrual cycle. It is recommended that your treatments take place during the middle of your cycle at approximately days 12-16 and again at around day 21-24. These two windows appear to offer the most effective results in helping the body to conceive.
Reiki
Traditionally a hands-on energy therapy, carried out through clothing, Reiki can be safely used throughout the course of your pregnancy from weeks 6 to 40. During the course of your treatment you may feel heat from the practitioner as the Reiki energy is channelled to you. Clients often describe a deeply relaxed state and find that it helps reduce any anxiety or emotional imbalances they may have during the pregnancy. Your Baby also loves Reiki too! And you may find that the baby will turn towards the healing energy if the hands are placed on the abdomen.
| Books on Therapies and Pregnancy | |||||
| These products are available directly from Amazon. These links are provided here for your convenience, as quite frankly, we couldn't possibly compete on price with Amazon. However, they are items we highly recommend. | |||||
2: Therapies and Hormonal Imbalances in the Over Forties
What is the Menopause?
The menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive life and can begin at any time from the age of around 40 to 55. Occasionally a small percentage of women start their menopause in there 30’s but this is very rare.
Symptoms include hot flushes or night sweats, mood swings and weight gain, vaginal dryness and headaches. Some women also suffer from poor concentration and insomnia.
As hormone levels fluctuate it can be a difficult time as you make the transition in to the next phase of your life. Emotionally some women feel delicate and can have low self-esteem. Existing roles in life are often re-evaluated and new ones found.
What sort of Complementary Therapies can help you through the Menopause?
There are a few treatments that you will find beneficial. Reiki for example could be used to strengthen how you feel on an emotional level. Reflexology pressure points for the endocrine, reproductive and nervous systems can be stimulated to help the body balance your energies.
There is no cure for the symptoms of the menopause, it is simply a question of trying to find a way to reduce the effects on your body, for example renowned author Dr Marilyn Glenville promotes the use of Complementary Therapies alongside a healthy diet and exercise.
| Books on Health for Women in the Over Forties | |||||
| These products are available directly from Amazon. These links are provided here for your convenience, as quite frankly, we couldn't possibly compete on price with Amazon. However, they are items we highly recommend. | |||||
3: Therapies & Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
What is PMS?
Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) can begin at any time from two weeks to two days before the start of menstruation (your period). Physical symptoms can include fluid retention, weight gain, constipation, breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, skin eruptions and nervous tension. Psychological symptoms include depression, tearfulness and low self-esteem.
A small percentage of women can also suffer from an extreme form of PMS know as Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PDD).(See separate section).
What causes PMS?
PMS isn’t fully understood and some doctors even argue that it is psychosomatic. What is certain however is that the condition is exacerbated by stress and poor diet. Holistic practitioners argue that PMS reflects an imbalance in the hormonal system as well as the emotional insecurity a woman might be feeling about her current position in life.
What sort of complementary therapies will help me cope with PMS?
There are two treatments, which you will find particularly beneficial – Reflexology and Aromatherapy.
In Reflexology, specific pressure points on the feet are stimulated to help the body to balance out the endocrine system, helping you to feel more relaxed and calm. Ideally a treatment should take place at around the middle of your menstrual cycle e.g. between days 10 & 17. A further treatment should be carried out just before menstruation, for example day 24.
Herbal remedies, vitamin supplements and balanced diet and exercise will also help to improve the condition (see the information under PDD).
Aromatherapy massage is extremely beneficial during your menstrual cycle because there are a number of essential oils that have a direct action on the female reproductive system. Frankincense and Geranium are two oils in particular that are recognised as good hormone balancers. Other oils such as Clary sage and Lavender are thought to ease period pain.
| Books on Therapies and PMS | |||||
| These products are available directly from Amazon. These links are provided here for your convenience, as quite frankly, we couldn't possibly compete on price with Amazon. However, they are items we highly recommend. | |||||
4: Therapies & Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
What is PDD?
For the 5% of menstruating women who suffer from Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) the symptoms of the condition are so severe that they can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
In the weeks building up to a period women with PMDD often feel overwhelmed by daily life and unable to function normally at work and at home. They often have increased anxiety levels, mood swings, violent out bursts and a feeling that they are out of control. Other physical symptoms can include an increase in body temperature, palpitations, forgetfulness and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms build up over several days and in a severe attack can leave the sufferer with severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts, yet as soon as a period begins symptoms disappear. Most women suffering from PMDD agree that the most productive and normal week of their cycle is during a period.
With such severe symptoms it is inevitable over time that the condition will affect relationships with husbands, children and work colleagues, which can be distressing for the PMDD suffer.
Diagnosis and treatment
In order for a GP to make a correct diagnosis of the condition the sufferer must first keep a diary of their menstrual cycle for a minimum of three months. A pre-designed diary can be downloaded from the Facts for Health Website at www.pmdd.factsforhealth.org this can be used to track symptoms in detail to show a GP exactly what is going on emotionally and physically at certain points in the cycle.
Once the diary is complete the symptoms can be discussed with a GP, but while most are sympathetic to the condition, conventional medicine is limited in the treatments available, with most suggesting the use of hormones or an anti-depressant such as Fluoxetine.
While a great deal of research suggests that Fluoxetine is successful at treating the symptoms, the drug may need to be prescribed on a long-term basis. Side effects to the drug can include headaches, nervousness, nausea, diarrhoea, itching, and low sex drive. While the manufacturers of Fluoxetine suggest that the side-effects do subside, sufferers of PMDD should question how beneficial it would be to live life on prescribed medication when there are other alternatives available that can alleviate the symptoms.
Treating PMDD with complementary medicine
While complementary medicines are by no means a quick fix to the condition in quite the same way as anti-depressants, if taken regularly symptoms will improve. Here are just a few alternatives that have shown to be beneficial in the treatment of PMDD.
Evening Primrose Oil
This is a safe dietary supplement which when taken in a dosage of 4 grams a day has shown to reduce some of the symptoms associated with PMT and PMDD.
Rhodiola
This is an adaptogenic herb that improves mood by working on the hypothalamus to enhance the transportation of serotonin in the brain.
Vitex Agnus Castus
This herb from the Chaste Tree regulates progesterone levels in the body by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) and decreasing follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) in the pituitary gland. Study trials of the herb have shown that an improvement in symptoms could be seen after just four weeks of daily use.
Dong Quai
This herb has been used for thousands of years as a tonic for the female reproductive system. It helps to promote uterine health and regulate the menstrual cycle. As an adaptogen Dong Quai will work successfully with either high or low Estrogen levels and can be used in combination with Vitex.
Homeopathic remedies
Sepia and Pulsatilla are successfully used to treat the depression associated with PMDD. A dosage of 30c is recommended twice a day for the 14 days prior to menstruation.
Vitamin Supplements
Taking Magnesium, Calcium and Vitamin B6 as daily food supplements will also help to reduce the symptoms of PMDD.
Reflexology
A gentle foot massage will not only help to alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety but it will also help to balance out the hormone levels. A Reflexologist will work on the reflexes of the foot that correspond with the endocrine system, which regulates the body’s hormone levels, and gently massage the reflexes that correspond with the reproductive system. A monthly Reflexology treatment can also be beneficial to women who suffer from severe period pains. Research has shown that after several treatments period pain is substantially reduced.
Exercise
Aerobic exercise is beneficial in regulating hormone levels; it increases the level of endorphins, which are the body’s mood enhancing substances. PMDD sufferers should also try incorporating either Tai Chi or Yoga in to a fitness regime; both combine relaxation techniques with gentle exercise.
Sleep
PMDD sufferers should ensure that they get a full 8 hours sleep each night and try to stick to a regular sleeping pattern even on weekends.
Diet
It is important not to aggravate the symptoms by eating and drinking products, which will have a negative effect on mood. Women with PMDD should avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol, and reduce their intake of salt and sugar. They should increase their intake of complex carbohydrates and protein. One of the side effects of PMDD is over eating, so women with PMDD should try and eat smaller more frequent meals to combat this.
All too often sufferers of the disorder feel as though the symptoms rule their life, but through a balanced diet, gentle exercise, the use of herbal remedies and complementary therapies it is possible to live with PMDD. Learning how to manage the symptoms, and by putting coping strategies in place you can beat PMDD.
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I do: Aromatherapy Massage, Baby Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Hot Stone Therapy (Massage), Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Reiki.
I do it for: all in the areas of Barwell, Earl Shilton, Leicester, Hinckley, Atherstone, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Coventry, Sheepy and Twycross.
I could help you with conditions such as: stress, digestive disorders, back and shoulder pain, muscle strain, joint pain, fertility issues, women's health, anxiety, tension headaches and migraines, sleep disorders, emotional problems, skin disorders, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, and more. Why not browse this website or get in touch for more information.
