Menopause & You: How Lifestyle Medicine Can Be Your Ally

It’s been around five years since I became post-menopausal, and as I was moving through that stage of life, many of my clients were too. After a little lull, where my focus shifted to supporting busy mums in their late 30's and early 40's, I now find myself drawn back to working closely with women navigating the perimenopause phase and I’m so pleased to be offering Menopause Reflexology regularly once more.

When I trained with Sally Earlam, one thing became very clear: menopause is a time to reassess how we live our lives. For so long, we pour our energy into children, partners, family, and work and this stage asks us to gently shift the balance and place ourselves higher on our own list of priorities. That doesn’t mean neglecting those we love — it means recognising that balance is essential.

This year’s Menopause Day theme is Lifestyle Medicine — and that couldn’t feel more fitting.

When I hear the phrase Lifestyle Medicine, I think of self-care that runs deeper than the occasional pamper but with nourishing food, regular movement, good sleep, meaningful friendships, and permission to nurture ourselves without guilt.

Because when we feel our best, we can give our best.

There comes a point in every woman’s life when the outside noise quiets, and the inner voice becomes louder. Menopause is often that time — a period of awareness, reflection, and the realisation that self-care is no longer optional but essential.

At R&R Therapy, I see Lifestyle Medicine as something emotional, restorative, and deeply personal. Through reflexology, reiki, and holistic facials, I create space for women to pause, rebalance, and reconnect. These treatments aren’t indulgences — they’re part of a lifestyle that sustains wellbeing, clarity, and vitality. And boy, we need that don't we?

Reflexology - Our feet carry us through life, often without much thought until something goes wrong — a blister, an ache, or a pain that demands attention. Reflexology offers a different approach, one where your feet are cared for with intention. A treatment begins with cleansing, either in a warming foot soak or with heated mitts, followed by the use of a gentle, softening wax to moisturise and prepare the skin.

Reflexology works with the body’s natural pathways, making it especially supportive during the perimenopause journey. This stage can bring physical and emotional shifts: disrupted sleep, low energy, cravings for sugar, and the knock-on effect of feeling too drained to exercise, socialise, or cook a nourishing meal. Over time, this can lead to tension, frustration, even sadness as life as we know it changes.

There is evidence that reflexology can support women through this chapter — helping to balance hormones, improve sleep, ease digestion, boost circulation, and elevate feelings of wellbeing. Above all, it offers time to pause, feel grounded, and restore your sense of self.

Sound tempting?

Reiki Reiki is a natural method of healing — gentle, yet deeply powerful. As a complementary therapy, it encourages the body’s own self-healing systems to work more effectively, bringing harmony and balance where it’s most needed.

During menopause, Reiki can be particularly supportive. It helps calm the nervous system, ease emotional overwhelm, and restore balance to the endocrine system — the part of the body responsible for releasing hormones. With regular treatments, many women notice a shift in how they feel both emotionally and physically.

When the mind feels calm, the body responds positively. Reiki creates a nurturing space where you can release what no longer serves you, reconnect with yourself, and invite deep rest. It’s a therapy that continues to grow in popularity because it offers exactly what so many of us need: time to relax, restore, and focus on our own wellbeing.

Holistic Facials - A holistic facial is so much more than a treatment for the skin — it’s an experience that nurtures both body and mind. Of course, it leaves the complexion looking refreshed and radiant, but the benefits run deeper than that. By improving circulation, it encourages a natural, healthy glow while supporting the skin’s ability to renew itself.

I use the gorgeous Tropic Skincare range throughout, products that are gentle yet effective, rich in natural ingredients, and a delight to experience. Combined with a soothing massage routine, the treatment helps to ease tension held in the face and jaw — areas that often tighten and carry tension when we’re under stress or feeling tired...and when we hold on to our words rather than let go!

Holistic facials are not just about appearance; they offer time to pause from the treadmill of everyday life. The calming massage movements activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to reduce stress levels, lift mood, and support emotional wellbeing. Many clients tell me they leave not only with brighter skin but also with a sense of lightness and calm that lingers long after the treatment has ended, generally resulting in a good night's sleep so a complete win win don't you think?

This is time dedicated entirely to you — to breathe, to slow down, and to feel truly cared for, inside and out.

You could also opt for one of my Season's of Change Experiences, find out more here

In my therapy room in South Gosforth, I hold space for your journey with warmth and care. If you’d like to talk more about how holistic therapies can support you, or if you’re ready to book, I’d love to welcome you to R&R Therapy

https://www.randrholistictherapy.co.uk/book-online