Feeling your best with holistic support from the spa world
From Davina McCall's Sex, Myths and the Menopause to menopause leave and whether HRT is right for you, menopause has come into the wellbeing spotlight in the last couple of years, and all things considered, that's a very good thing. Helping people to live their best life, so to speak, starts with information, conversations and sharing experiences - and nothing is quite like a community of women supporting one another.
There's always a risk with anything, particularly when it becomes a hot topic, that people feel there are binary solutions on how to handle it. As far as we can see, menopause is as individual as the woman going through it. So, having information and access to options to help you find the right path for you, seems like the best way forward.
Almost inevitably, with around 76 identified menopause symptoms (many being pretty nebulous), we will find that different things suit us at different times over the course of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. Some women will find HRT to be the perfect fit for them, others will want to explore other things alongside it, and some might want or need to avoid it altogether. The important thing is to help you to feel happy, healthy and comfortable.
“I’m my best self now that I’ve reached 56 years old. I have the most to offer. I have zero blanks to give anymore,” continuing: “I’m solidly in my womanhood. I finally realise what I have to say is valuable, even if no one else agrees.” - Halle Berry
On that note, the spa world is well placed to provide holistic support when it comes to menopause. It doesn't claim to 'fix' anything - it's just there to help - listen, sooth, support, and spoil you as well - just as things should be. To that end, more and more spas, spa skincare brands, and therapist trainers are creating products and protocols that specifically address the unwanted consequences of menopause.
As with all spa treatments, the specifics invariably depend on the individual, tailoring treatments to your experience. For example, your therapist might cool the products and the room if you’re having hot flushes. Equally, if you’re struggling with a lack of energy they might use a different combination of essential oils to support your wellbeing. At RE:TREAT at The Lowry you can even upgrade their Press Pause on Menopause spa experiences to include a pelvic scan you can give to your doctor if you have anything you want to discuss.
"I am a woman in my late 50s, and I don’t need to hide behind the clothes. I can’t even tell you how good it felt to do nude shooting. I was just so unashamed of my new body, you know, as a woman that is well into my menopause. I’m not even emotional about it; I just feel okay about it. It’s really liberating.” - Shania Twain
Amongst the spa brands who have brought beautiful experiences to the spa world, are:
VOYA has introduced their three separate “tides” or treatments to address the different symptoms of menopause. They include the Nourish Tide to address skin changes like irritation and dryness; the Grounding Tide for anyone with difficulty sleeping or relaxation; and the Fortify Tide to support physical aches and pains.
TEMPLESPA has combined its products and treatments with CBD, green mandarin and Himalayan salt rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium in their menopause spa treatments. Each ingredient helps to address common challenges women face in menopause relating to mood, skin and sleep.
[ COMFORT ZONE ]'s treatments help address all stages of the menopause (including post and perimenopause). Their core treatment – the SUBLIME SKIN HORMONE-AGING™ facial and massage - aims to enhance the functional performance of the professional products which stimulate cellular communication to support regeneration of the skin.
Skincare specialist Jennifer Young's products are 100% natural and employ the power of aromatherapy and phytohormones/ plant hormones. Meanwhile, treatments are tailored to the individual and use both her products as well as touch, acupressure and aromatherapy to support your hormonal wellness and circadian rhythm.
"Women are born with pain built in. It’s our physical destiny – period pains, sore boobs, childbirth. We carry it within ourselves throughout our lives. Men don’t. They have to seek it out. They invent all these gods and demons so they can feel guilty about things, which is something we do very well on our own. And then they create wars so they can feel things and touch each other and when there aren’t any wars they can play rugby. We have it all going on in here, inside. We have pain on a cycle for years and years and years, and then just when you feel you are making peace with it all, what happens? The menopause comes. The f**** menopause comes and it is the most wonderful f**** thing in the world. Yes, your entire pelvic floor crumbles and you get f**** hot and no one cares, but then you’re free. No longer a slave, no longer a machine with parts. You’re just a person. In business." - THAT monologue in Fleabag
In addition to the treatments themselves and the measures spas are taking to help women in menopause feel comfortable during their spa experience, they're also mindful that this is a safe space in which you can be yourself - no armour, just you. From finding someone to talk to, to reconnecting with your body, taking a moment to enjoy your wellbeing and finding a space where you can share your experiences with a group of friends during uninterrupted time together - that in itself is a powerful thing that spas can offer - for all stages of wellness.
As with all things health, this is an evolving space where spas are quietly seeking to do what they do best - provide support, and on World Menopause Day, that's something to celebrate.
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