Menopause Support: 5 Ways Holistic Therapies Help Midlife Wellbeing

If you're going through menopause and feeling like your body is suddenly unfamiliar territory, you're not alone. The hot flushes, sleep problems, mood swings, aches and emotional ups and downs can be overwhelming.

However, you don’t just have to ‘put up with it’. Massage therapy can be a powerful ally through this stage of life. It’s not just about relaxation (although that’s a big part of it!). Regular massage can support your hormones, improve sleep, ease joint and muscle pain, lift your mood and help you feel more like you again.

In this post, I’ll explore how massage can support women in midlife — especially during perimenopause and menopause. I’ll also look at the specific benefits of different therapies offered at AB Mind & Body and how you can choose the one that’s right for you.

1. Relieve Muscle Aches and Joint Pain

One of the most common complaints during menopause is aching muscles and stiff joints. Hormonal shifts can affect your body’s ability to regulate inflammation, which may lead to discomfort in your back, neck, shoulders or hips.

Therapeutic massage is particularly effective for easing general tension and stiffness. Its long, flowing strokes increase circulation, warm up the muscles and release knots and tight spots. You’ll leave the session feeling looser, lighter and more mobile.

If you’re dealing with deeper muscular tension or long-standing tightness, Deep Tissue massage can work more intensely to release chronic patterns. It’s especially helpful for neck, shoulder or back pain — common areas of stress for many women.

Hot stone massage is another option that can help melt away stiffness. The warmth from the stones increases blood flow and makes it easier for muscles to release tension. It’s a wonderful option if you’re feeling both physically and emotionally tense.

2. Calm Anxiety and Mood Swings

Mood changes can be intense during menopause. For most women, this stage in life is already full: family demands, work responsibilities, ageing parents and changing relationships. Add fluctuating hormones to the mix and it’s no wonder many women feel overwhelmed or on edge.

Massage helps by calming the nervous system. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Many women report feeling lighter, more grounded and emotionally balanced after just one session.

Aromatherapy massage can take this even further. The essential oils used in this therapy don’t just smell nice — they work with your body to promote balance. For menopausal symptoms, the following oils are particularly helpful:

• Clary sage: Helps balance hormones and calm anxiety.
• Lavender: Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
• Geranium: Balances mood and supports emotional stability.
• Peppermint: Useful for hot flushes and fatigue.

Avoid oils like fennel or aniseed unless you’ve discussed them with your therapist, as they may not be suitable for everyone during menopause.

At AB Mind & Body, your massage is always tailored to your specific needs and preferences — so you can feel completely supported.

3. Support Better Sleep

Sleep problems are a common challenge during menopause. Whether it’s waking in the night, trouble falling asleep or feeling unrested in the morning, poor sleep can affect every part of your life — from your mood to your memory to your energy levels.

Massage promotes deeper, more restful sleep by helping the body shift into a relaxed, parasympathetic state. The rhythm of the strokes, the release of tension and the feeling of being cared for all help signal to the body: “It’s safe to rest.”

Indian Head Massage is a wonderful option if your mind is constantly racing, or if you carry stress in your head, neck and shoulders. It helps release mental tension, soothes the nervous system and encourages a calmer state before bed.

Reflexology, another gentle treatment, works on specific points on the feet that correspond to different systems in the body. It’s particularly good for promoting hormonal balance and helping you sleep more soundly.

4. Boost Self-Confidence and Body Connection

Menopause can be a time of huge emotional change. You might feel out of touch with yourself, question your identity or simply feel disconnected from your body. That’s completely normal — and massage can be a powerful way to reconnect.

Unlike other health approaches that focus only on symptoms, massage invites you back into your body with care, compassion and attention. It creates a space where you can pause, breathe and check in with how you’re really feeling.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage offers a particularly gentle way to reconnect with your body. It’s calming, nurturing and helps reduce puffiness and water retention — something many women notice more during hormonal shifts. It also supports your immune system, which can be affected by stress and poor sleep.

Touch has an emotional power. Even one hour of supportive, respectful touch can help you feel more at home in yourself again.

5. Take Time Just for You

This is your time. After years of giving to others, many women in midlife start asking, What do I need? Massage gives you a space to slow down, tune in and listen to your body’s wisdom. It’s not self-indulgent — it’s self-supportive.

At AB Mind & Body, every therapy is a safe space just for you. Abi works holistically, meaning she considers your physical, emotional and mental wellbeing in every session. Whether you’re looking for stress relief, support through menopause or simply some nurturing time out, she’ll help you find the right treatment for your needs.

You might even consider combining massage with Wellbeing Life Coaching — a space to talk, explore what you want in this new chapter of life and find practical steps forward. Together, coaching and massage can be a powerful combination.

You Deserve to Feel Good

Menopause is a natural phase of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through it feeling exhausted, anxious or disconnected. Massage and other holistic therapies offer a gentle, nourishing way to support your body, calm your mind and bring you back to centre.

At AB Mind & Body, you’ll find a variety of therapies designed to meet you exactly where you are —physically, emotionally and energetically. Each session is an opportunity to pause, breathe and restore balance.

3 Simple Actions You Can Take Today

#1. Book a therapy that feels right for you: Whether it’s aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, reflexology or another treatment, take that first step toward feeling better.

#2. Talk to me about what you’re going through: I’m here to listen and help you find the right support.

#3. Make time for regular self-care: You’re worth it. Consistent care makes a big difference over time.