Reflexology for Menopause
Menopause is a natural and powerful transition in a woman’s life, yet for many, it arrives with uncertainty, changing symptoms, and the pressure to simply “get on with it.” In reality, menopause deserves space, understanding, and support.
My own journey
As a woman navigating perimenopause myself, I wanted to understand this transition on a deeper level.
I found myself lacking energy, anxious and grumpy – that last one my husband definitely agrees with 🙂
I’d gone from an independent woman capable of back packing around the world by myself to being completely overwhelmed at the smallest of tasks.
The more my own body began to change, the more I realised how important it was not only to support myself, but also the many women who sit in my treatment room experiencing the same shifts.
I began by reading Menopausing by Davina McCall, co-written with Dr Naomi Potter. This book is excellent at acknowledging the realities and difficulties of menopause, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a section referencing reflexology as a supportive therapy.
Wanting to take my reflexology knowledge further, I completed specialist Reflexology for Menopause training with Sally Earlam, one of the UK’s leading educators – an ex nurse and reflexology tutor. This training has deepened my understanding of the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that can occur, and how gentle, targeted reflexology techniques can bring comfort, balance, and a sense of grounding during this time of transition.
“The findings indicate that the foot reflexology technique can be effective for reducing womens’s depression during menopause.”
A randomized controlled clinical trial. F Mahdavipour et al. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 47, 2019
What Happens During Menopause?
Menopause isn’t a single moment; it’s a transition that can unfold over several years.
- Perimenopause – when hormones start to fluctuate
- Menopause – defined after 12 months without a period
- Postmenopause – the years after
During these phases, changes in oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones can influence:
- Sleep patterns
- Mood and emotional wellbeing
- Energy levels
- Temperature regulation (hot flushes, night sweats)
- Muscle and joint comfort
- Skin, hair, and digestive health
- Cognitive function (the well-known ‘brain fog’)
Every woman’s experience is unique. Some glide through with ease; others feel like they’ve been hit by a hormonal hurricane. Both are normal.
“Reflexology can be effective in decreasing vasomotor problems and increasing quality of life in the menopausal period.”
Gozuyesil E, Baser M. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016 Aug;24:78-85
The Power of Understanding Your Body
One of the most empowering aspects of menopause support is education. Through my training, I’ve learned just how important it is for women to:
- Know what’s happening in their bodies
- Recognise symptoms early
- Understand lifestyle factors that influence hormone health
- Feel confident asking for help and exploring support options
“Reflexology is an effective therapy for sleep disorders and hot flushes in menopause.”
Maryam Asltoghiri, Zahra Ghodsi. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, Volume 31, 2012, Pages 242-246
How Pumpkin Holistics Reflexology Can Support Your Menopause Journey
Using specific techniques and sequences tailored to menopause, reflexology aims to support menopausal women by aiding relaxation and relieving tension, improving mood and well-being and aiding better sleep.
- Release of tension
- Reduction of stress, anxiety and emotional strain
- Improved sleep
- Boosting relaxation
- Improved mood and emotional grounding
- General wellbeing and self-connection
Most importantly, reflexology offers a safe, quiet space where you can pause, exhale, and be cared for, something so many women desperately need during this time. When women leave their reflexology sessions feeling calmer, clearer, and more in tune with their bodies, it reinforces just how transformative this approach can be.
Whilst Reflexology does not claim to treat the menopause itself, studies have shown it supports the symptoms (see quotes).
After your first session you will receive (via email) a helpful and educational booklet created by Sally Earlam: Reflexology and the Five Pillars for Healthy Menopause.
You Don’t Have to Navigate Menopause Alone
Menopause is a journey — not a problem to fix, but a new chapter to embrace with kindness and support. Whether you are at the very beginning of perimenopause or deep into your postmenopausal years, reflexology can offer comfort, grounding, and a sense of coming home to yourself.
If you’d like to explore how reflexology could support your menopause journey, I’d love to help.
