Reflexology is a complementary therapy that can support your journey through perimenopause and menopause. It is based on the theory that different areas of the feet contain points which correspond to other parts of the body.
During a foot reflexology treatment, you are required to remove your socks and shoes, and are encouraged to relax whilst your Reflexologist uses specific massage techniques to work these points on your feet and lower legs.
Reflexology is generally considered to be a very relaxing experience, which may also help improve mood, release tension, aid sleep, and promote a sense of wellbeing. You may feel some other changes too, which vary from person to person.
In addition to the massage itself, the act of setting aside a regular time to relax, focus on yourself, and feel listened to, brings its own benefits, particularly during periods of heightened stress resulting from the constant demands on our time, our responsibilities, and changing hormone levels.
Looking specifically at experiences for those going through perimenopause and menopause, some studies have researched the effects of reflexology on the main symptoms. One study found a reduction in sleep disorder (1), whilst another found that reflexology is effective in reducing hot flushes, sweats and night sweats (2). A third study found that reflexology reduced ‘state’ anxiety and (3) cardiovascular activity within healthy individuals.
Reflexology is a non-invasive complementary therapy, and you may enjoy, and benefit from, ad hoc treatments that fit with your schedule.
¹- The effects of reflexology on sleep disorder in menopausal women. Maryam Asltoghiri, Zahra Ghodsi. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 31, 2012, Pages 242-246, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877042811029788
²- The effects of reflexology applied to women aged between 40 and 60 on vasomotor complaints and quality of life. Gozuyesil E, Baser M. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Aug;24:78-85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27502805/
³- Evaluation of anxiety, salivary cortisol and melatonin secretion following reflexology treatment: a pilot study in healthy individuals. A J McVicar 1 , C R Greenwood, F Fewell, V D’Arcy, S Chandrasekharan, L C Alldridge, Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2007 Aug;13(3):137-45.doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2006.11.001. Epub 2007 Jan 4.
