Jan07LivingWellohmyvaginaNaturalMenopause

Housewife Mafia presents some natural remedies
you may wish to consider for Natural Menopause Relief:

Homeopathy

Homoeopathy aims to kick-start the body's own system into healing itself.

There are approximately 100 homoeopathic remedies that may be
useful for treating symptoms of the menopause.

In 1999, a survey by the Women's Nutritional Advisory Service found
that 76% of women who had used homoeopathy at the time of the
menopause found it helpful.

There are a number of books available that can be used as guides to
self-treatment, and many homoeopathic remedies can be bought from health
food stores and pharmacies.
Unless you know a lot about homoeopathy, however, the best treatment will be
through a registered homoeopath. Some GPs are trained in homoeopathy and
in some areas it is available on the NHS.

Herbalism

Herbs have been used for centuries to aid healing. The herbalist, like other
holistic practitioners, will consider each woman's symptoms and health
background before creating a treatment plan. Herb doses and combinations will
vary from woman to woman. Some of the herbs used to ease symptoms of the
menopause include:

Black cohosh: many women find this herbal root helps reduce hot flushes and
vaginal dryness.

Ginseng: well known for reducing stress, ginseng contains essential fatty acids
which can reduce hot flushes.

Dong quai: improves circulation and can help relieve some symptoms of the
menopause. Some women, however, feel worse symptoms when using dong
quai. Women with fibroids should not use it as it may increase bleeding.

Agnus castus: thought to stabilise hormones, it may help relieve vaginal
dryness and hot flushes.

Herbs must be taken for at least three months for their effects to be noticed.
Some herbs may be dangerous in high doses or with certain medications.
Consult a qualified herbalist and tell her/him about any medication you are using.
Also inform your GP about herbs you are using or plan to use.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy treats symptoms by using essential oils from plants and flowers.
A small amount of oil is mixed either with a massage oil for the skin, or in water
to be used as a compress or to be inhaled. Some of the key oils used with
women at the menopause include:

Geranium: a hormone stabiliser that is often used for relaxation.

Cypress: thought to be helpful in reducing hot flushes.

Clary sage: used as an anti-depressant.

Bergamot: for its uplifting effects.

Lavender: to aid sleep and ease aches and pains.

Roman chamomile: to soothe and calm, and relieve dull pain.

Caution: Massage can be dangerous for people who have certain conditions
such as inflammatory arthritis or those at risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood
clots in the vein). For the most effective and safe use of aromatherapy, it is best
to consult a registered aromatherapist.

Contact the Aromatherapy Organisations Council for more information.

Nutrition and Supplements

Food can affect hormones in the body and it is best to avoid drastic changes in
diet around the menopause. Gradual and lasting changes, however, can make
the menopause easier and improve overall health.

A diet low in saturated fats (meat, cheese, eggs) and high in unsaturated fats
(nuts, seeds, oily fish and some vegetables) can help reduce some symptoms of
the menopause. Unsaturated fats have essential fatty acids which help the body
adjust to new hormone levels. Women at the menopause should also get plenty
of calcium, vitamins E, D and B, and magnesium (see the vitamin table in the
Menopausal symptoms section.

Oestrogen in food

Some plants have small amounts of natural oestrogens called phyto-oestrogens
('phyto' means 'plant' in Greek). Phyto-oestrogens are similar to the
oestrogen in women's bodies. Research shows that eating foods
high in phyto-oestrogens may help relieve symptoms, such as hot
flushes, that result from falling oestrogen.

Foods high in phyto-oestrogens:

Tofu: add to salads or just about any dish. Marinated tofu is also available from
supermarkets and health food stores.

Miso: fermented soya bean paste, miso is delicious as a soup or in gravy.

Soya milk : the calium-enriched type is a good milk subsititute.

Soya and linseed bread : now available at most large supermarkets.

Note: Concerns have recently been raised about soya. Some soya bean plants
are genetically modified (GM), and anyone who wants to avoid GM foods should
look for this when buying soya. Another concern is about possible harmful
effects of soya that have not been fully studied.

Exercise

Exercise is important for good health at all life stages, but is especially important
around the menopause. Thirty minutes of activity every other day (or as
often as you can manage) can benefit the body and the mind.

Keep active by joining a gym, walking with a friend, cycling to the shops, playing
tennis in the park or exercising with videos at home. Do what feels right for you.
The benefits of exercise will begin as soon as you start, but it may take a couple
of months to notice improvement.

Regular exercise:

encourages sleep
increases energy levels
improves strength, flexibility and balance
strengthens the heart and reduces blood pressure
improves emotional stability
builds strong bones

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture and acupressure are based on the idea of a universal energy
made up of yin and yang. These must be in balance for a healthy body and soul.
Acupuncture and acupressure are used to restore this balance and promote
health.

Acupressure may help relieve minor symptoms of the menopause. It involves
applying pressure to points on the body which match up with energy channels.

Acupuncture is used for more severe symptoms. An acupuncturist will use
needles rather than pressure to redirect energy. Tiny needles are inserted into
points on the body and are left in place for about 20 minutes. The needles tingle
or feel warm more than hurt. It generally takes eight to ten treatments to feel an
improvement.

If you choose to try this do find a registered acupuncturist or acupressurist

Hope these tips help get that kitty under control!