Alternatives
Therapies > Other techniques
OTHER TECHNIQUES
Over the last few years there has been increasing interest in and
use, not only of Alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms, but also
Alternative techniques. As with the Alternative therapies, although many
women may find some of these techniques helpful, more research is required
to fully understand their mechanism of action and effectiveness. However,
when used properly with advice from qualified professionals, it is unlikely
that any harm will be caused. Some of the techniques commonly used for
menopausal symptoms are described.
ACUPUNCTURE - This is an ancient Chinese medicine system which
is based on "life force" energy or "Qi". A qualified acupuncturist aims
to balance the body's energy along pathways called meridians. This is aided
by the insertion of very fine needles into the pathways. Acupuncture is
thought to raisethe levels of endorphins in the brain which may help with
the function of the temperature controlling centre. Many medical
doctors are trained in this, ask your own GP. Acupuncture has been shown
to reduce flushes, though more research is needed - see news
item. British Acupuncture Council, 63 Jeddo Road, London
W12 9HQ Tel: 0208 7350400 www.acupuncture.org.uk British
Medical Acupuncture Society, BMAS House, 3 Winnington Court, Northwich,
Cheshire CW8 1AQ Tel: 01606 786782 www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk
ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE - This technique, developed by an Australian
actor, is a method of adopting the ultimate posture to allow good breathing
technique and help energy flow. This creates "postural harmony" which
allows body and mind spiritual freedom. Although there is no evidence
of the effect of the Alexander technique specifically on menopausal symptoms,
the breathing technique of paced respiration has been shown to reduce
flushes by 39%. Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique, 1st
Floor, Linton House, 39-51 Highgate Road, London NW5 1RS Tel: 0845 2307828
AROMATHERAPY - Essential oils are produced from different parts
of aromatic plants. They are then concentrated and their properties become
more potent. They can be used blended in carrier oils before coming in
contact with skin. The smell or inhalation of them also has an effect.
The oils can be used in the bath, or for massage.
- BERGAMOT reduces depression
- CHAMOMILE like the tea can aid a feeling of calm
- CLARY SAGE is useful for PMS
- FENNEL helps alleviate water retention
- GERANIUM has a regulation effect and can help with anxiety and feelings of restlessness
- JASMINE helps with depression tension and anxiety
- JUNIPER has a detoxifying effect.
- LAVENDER is useful in aiding sleep
- ROSEMARY helps prevent fluid retention when used regularly for massage.
There are many others and best used in the hands of an experienced
therapist-check for qualifications and years of experience. The whole
feeling is most enjoyable when combined with a good massage technique.
Although little is known about the effect of aromatherapy specifically
on menopausal symptoms, any therapy which allows you valuable "timeout" is
an investment in yourself and will help you cope with the menopause
better.
Aromatherapy Council, PO Box 6522, Desborough, Kettering,
Northants NN14 2YX Tel: 0870 7743477 www.aromatherapycouncil.co.uk
AYURVEDA - This is the "Science of life" an Indian system
of health care which deals with the physical, mental, spiritual and
emotional aspects of health and illness. The pulse and nails are examined
for different qualities. The treatment is detoxifying but can include
massage, baths but also enemas and laxatives. Herbs are prescribed,
and meditation and dietary advice would also be given. Practitioners
will most often be found where there is a large Asian population; the
practitioners will have trained for 6 years in India. Ayurvedic
Medical Association UK, 59 Dulverton Road, Selsdon, South Croydon,
Surrey CR2 8PJ Tel: 0208 6576147
BACH FLOWER REMEDIES - Dr Bach, a medical doctor, developed
38 flower remedies from petals of flowers to benefit different personalities,
states of mind and emotions. He categorized patients' emotional upsets
into 7 basic groups: - Fear, Apathy, Loneliness, Oversensitivity,
Despair, Over-concern for others, Uncertainty and Indecision. After
a consultation with a practitioner a set of approximately 6 remedies
would be recommended to take. The Bach Centre has a register
of practitioners- the Edward Bach Centre, Mount Vernon, Bakers Lane,
Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Oxon OX10 0PZ Tel:-01491 834678 www.bachcentre.com
HOMEOPATHY - Homeopathy consists of the use of minute doses
of a medicine which has matching characteristics to the patient's
symptoms, to stimulate healing processes and reduce or eliminate
the symptoms and the disorder. Studies have shown a beneficial effect
on menopausal symptoms. Try to get good quality advice from a trained
HOMEOPATHIST - often there will be a GP in your practice or area
that has been trained. Some of the preparations commonly used are:
Aconiitum, Lycopodium, Natrum Muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla,
Sepia, Sulphur, Belladonna, Bryonia, and Argentum. The Society
of Homeopaths, 11, Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park, Northampton
NN3 6WL Tel: 0845 4506611 www.homeopathy-soh.org
HYPNOSIS - seek advice on where to find a qualified
practitioner from the Medical and Dental Hypnosis Society (They
keep a list of individuals in each area who are trained and
seeing patients). British Society of Medical and Dental
Hypnosis, 28 Dale Park Gardens, Cookridge, Leeds LS16
7PT Tel: 07000 560309 www.bsmdh.org
MAGNETIC THERAPY - Magnetic therapy has been used
for many years for problems such as joint aches, stiffness
and general aches and pains. Magnetic fields are thought
to enhance the natural process of healing, perhaps by improvement
in circulation, an effect on nerve signals or a change in
cells involved in healing. A British trial on 508 women in
2006 showed a reduction in menopausal symptoms in women wearing
a magnetic device. Although results are encouraging, the
trial did not compare the effect against women wearing a
placebo (inactive) device but further such trails are planned.
REFLEXOLOGY - This is a gentle therapy stimulating,
massaging and putting pressure on the feet and sometimes
the hands. A trained reflexologist uses their skill to pinpoint "reflex
points" which correspond to different parts of the body or
function. Association of Reflexologists, 5 Fore Street,
Taunton, Somerset TA1 1HX Tel: 0870 5673320 www.aor.org.uk
YOGA - The discipline of yoga promotes stretching, deep breathing and relaxation which are helpful for all areas of health. It is likely that yoga may have a broad impact on coping with menopausal changes and improving well-being rather than specifically controlling hot flushes. Try to find out what classes are available locally to you. There are a few different types of yoga, so do not give up if the first one does not suit you. British Wheel of Yoga, 25 Jermyn Street, Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire NG34 7RU Tel: 01529 306851 www.bwy.org.uk
Other useful addresses
- BRITISH COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION, PO Box 5122, Bournemouth, BH8 0WG Tel: 0845 3455977 www.bcma.co.uk
- INSTITUTE FOR COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES (operating the British Register of Complementary Practitioners) PO Box 194,London SE16 7QZ Tel: 0207 2375165 www.i-c-m.org.uk
Page last updated: 6 May 2008
