Massage Magazine, April 2001
Massage Eases the Journey
Through Menopause
by Moryt Milo
"Massage can help empower women to feel
good about the changes they're going through. The combination of touch, talk
and nurturing can connect women with the wisdom of their bodies. … That
place of wisdom knows that menopause is an important journey in each woman's
life." Moryt Milo
Massage therapy to relieve the symptoms of
menopause is discussed in Moryt Milo's article, "Massage Eases the
Journey Through Menopause." The three stages of menopause,
perimenopause, menopause and post menopause, are detailed by Milo.
Throughout her article, Milo refers to Pat Rackowski, a massage therapist
and member of the North American Menopause Society. Rackowski believes
massage therapists "are the first line of health care" for women
going through menopause, and that simply talking about menopause with her
clients is of utmost importance. Milo examines how touch therapy can reduce
menopausal symptoms by increasing the flow of lymph and circulation,
decreasing headaches, migraines and neck and shoulder tension, and
re-establishing a connection with the body to "honor the changes
they're experiencing." Susan Weed, author of Menopausal Years: The Wise
Woman Way, contributes her opinion in Milo's article. "Menopausal women
want menopausal mentors … bodyworkers and massage therapists are really
well-set-up to be that," Weed states. A sidebar of 10 common physical
symptoms of menopause and a sidebar giving therapist-to-therapist advice on
how to deal with menopause while working are included.