Let's chat about a subject close to my heart— wellness ways to manage menopause that allow females to FLOURISH & EVOLVE . I truly believe it needs to be spoken about more as it's a significant chapter for women, symbolising the conclusion of monthly menstruation and the natural ebb in fertility.
For some, this transition may begin as early as their 30s, while others find themselves at the threshold in their 40s or 50s. Clinically speaking, menopause officially sets in after a woman has experienced a full 12 months without a menstrual period, thanks to those shifting hormone levels.
Does any of this sound familiar?
The notorious hot flushes
The ever-tired companionship of fatigue
Mood swings and increased stress and anxiety
Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
Brain fog
Weight gain due to lower levels of estrogen
Joint Pain and Muscle Aches
Changes in Libido
Irregular Menstrual Cycles
And that is just a few!!!!!
It's essential to note that while these symptoms are common, not every woman will experience all / or any of them, and the severity can vary. Additionally, individual responses to menopause are influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.
While there is NO one-size-fits-all solution for managing the MANY symptoms of menopause, I am here to help you explore therapeutic ways to incorporate wellness into your self-care routine that are renouned for regulating mood, boosting energy levels, reducing hot flushes, balancing menstrual cycle, boosting libido and supporting overall hormonal health.
As a yoga teacher and aromatherapist I firmly believe in holistic approaches, and one avenue that ignites my passion is the use of ESSENTIAL OILS.
Essential oils are my go-to for a holistic lifestyle.
How can essential oils help provide relief?
Essential oils have been used for hundreds of years and are believed to be helpful to manage menopause due to the natural compounds they contain, extracted from various parts of plants. These aromatic oils are rich in phytochemicals (known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other bioactive properties) that can provide many benefits to the body and mind.
Below I have put together a few suggestions of oils that you can explore that may help combat specific menopausal symptoms.
My go-to Essential Oils for:
Mood Regulation (Lavender & Geranium)
Lavender Oil:
Known for its calming properties, lavender oil may help manage stress and anxiety, promoting a more stable mood.
Geranium Oil:
With its balancing effects on hormones, geranium oil may contribute to emotional stability and mood regulation.
Add a few drops to a diffuser. Once the oils enter the body through inhalation they will adapt to the bodies internal environment and beneficially influence the nervous system to boost mood.
Hot Flush Relief (Peppermint & Sage)
Hot flushes are a common symptom of menopause and applying an essential oil like Clary Sage could help to cool the sudden change in body temperature
Peppermint Oil:
One of the most popular essential oils for menopause is peppermint. The cooling sensation of peppermint oil may provide relief from hot flushes, offering a refreshing and calming effect. This oil may also help relieve any cramping you may experience during this time. Although not common once menstruation has ended, it’s typical to experience menstruation-related cramping (dysmenorrhea) during perimenopause.
Sage Oil:
Believed to have hormone-balancing properties, sage oil may help in reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flushes. The active compounds in sage are believed to have estrogenic effects, which may contribute to its potential effectiveness in addressing hormonal fluctuations.
Good night sleep (Lavender & Chamomile)
Lavender Oil:
Beyond its calming effects, lavender oil is often used to promote better sleep. Inhaling its scent or applying it before bedtime may support a more restful sleep.
Chamomile Oil:
Chamomile is known for its soothing properties and may contribute to improved sleep quality.
Create a calming bedtime routine by scenting the room with a relaxing essential oil mist. RELAX MOOD MIST Enhance the relaxing experience by practicing nasal breathing.
Brain fog, Anxiety & Stress Reduction (Rosemary & Patchouli)
The practice of inhaling the scent of essential oils, is believed to stimulate the limbic system in the brain, which is associated with emotions and memories. Use essential oils that are earthy and grounding.
Rosemary Oil:
Rosemary oil is believed to have cognitive-enhancing properties. It may help improve focus and concentration, making it beneficial for combating brain fog.
Patchouli Oil:
Patchouli oil has an earthy and grounding scent. It may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, providing a calming effect.
Joint Pain Management (Frankincense & Ginger)
Essential oils with anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, like frankincense, may offer relief from joint pain and muscle aches that can accompany menopause.
Frankincense Oil:
The anti-inflammatory properties of frankincense oil may provide relief from joint pain that can accompany menopause.
Ginger Oil:
Ginger essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint pain. It can be used topically or in a diluted form for massage.
Choose creams, body oils, or lotions that contain Frankincense, and apply them topically for a refreshing sensation. This is especially pleasant after a warm shower or bath. Another quick easy option is to use roll-on Essentials on the back of the neck or feet.
Check out our ROLL-ON ESSENTIALS
Labido (Ylang Ylang & Clary Sage):
Oils that are traditionally believed to have aphrodisiac or mood-enhancing properties.
Ylang-Ylang:
Ylang-ylang is known for its sweet and floral scent and is often considered an aphrodisiac. It may also help to promote relaxation and enhance mood.
Clary Sage:
Clary sage is believed to have hormone-balancing effects and may help reduce stress. It is sometimes associated with supporting overall well-being, including sexual health. Clary sage is also thought to help slow the development of osteoporosis. Women experiencing menopause have an increased risk for osteoporosis due to a decline in estrogen. During this time, bone breakdown overtakes bone development. For this reason we also advocate strength training and cardio workouts along side using essential oils.
WAYS TO USE OILS:
MIST: Inhale the scent directly from the bottle or Mist your space. | DIFFUSE: Add a few drops of essential oil to a diffuser to fill the air with the aroma. | APPLY: Dilute essential oils in a carrier oil to apply topically |
Greater understanding and support are crucial for women navigating the challenges of menopause. This transitional phase can be exceptionally trying, and the more knowledge available about this natural progression, the better equipped females are to manage it.
While essential oils don't provide a cure, they can serve as a valuable component in your daily self-care routine, offering a natural approach to alleviate some of the more challenging symptoms associated with menopause.
Disclaimer
It's essential to note that essential oils should be used safely ie properly diluted, and individual sensitivities may vary. its a good idea to perform a patch test before incorporating them into your routine and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns or are pregnant. Essential oils are not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
Wishing you wellness
The Elliotts x
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