With recent studies highlighting that over 13 million of the UK’s female population are experiencing menopausal symptoms, Europe’s number one on-demand wellness app, Urban, is on a mission to provide customers with bespoke treatments to help alleviate some of the most common side effects.
Ranging from the mental impacts, with sharp mood changes, increased anxiety, and higher levels of stress; through to the physical afflictions of hot flushes, night sweats, headaches, and insomnia: this period of time can be uncomfortable for many and debilitating for some. However, with stigma surrounding the menopause meaning that women often suffer in silence, Urban wants to shine a light on one of the options available to women who need it, in the hopes that they can offer relief.
Commenting on the most effective massage treatments for menopausal women, one of Urban’s professional practitioners, Brumilda Marshall, said:
“In general, almost all types of massage can help menopausal women to feel more comfortable and to ease common symptoms, such as headaches and insomnia. However, based on client feedback and recent studies, Swedish massage techniques seem to be the most effective in providing relief for women dealing with the menopause. This type of massage focuses on increasing circulation and blood flow, which in turn, helps to promote relaxation and reduces stress.
“Reflexology is also great, as it focuses on individual reflex points such as the hypothalamus and thymus, as well as stimulating certain glands including the pituitary gland – a small, bean-shaped organ situated at the base of your brain, which produces hormones.”
Adding to this, fellow Urban London-based practitioner, Remy Kay, suggests focusing on Myofascial release. She explains:
“Poor posture, physical injury illness and emotional stress can force the body out of alignment, which results in creating knots or tightness within your muscles. These factors contribute to the fascia tissue becoming restricted, amplifying a range of menopausal symptoms. Myofascial release as a technique helps stretch the fascia so that it releases restriction on these areas, in hand restoring the tissue.”
Overall though, research shows one of the most beneficial things menopausal women can do to help is find ways to relax and recharge. Milena Flores Chagas, an Urban practitioner in Manchester comments:
“Massage isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment: everybody has a different concept about what is relaxing for their body and whether they prefer deep pressure or light strokes. In my opinion, a relaxing massage is the best option for women experiencing the menopause, as the body can be especially sensitive to touch. During this particular moment in a women’s life, a stress-free and low-intensity treatment is best to ensure we can reduce any physical tension within tight muscles, whilst also creating a relaxing atmosphere that will boost the overall wellbeing and physical health of menopausal women.”
Determined to empower people to live happier and healthier lives by making wellness more accessible, Urban has been pioneering the way for people to unlock self-care solutions to their door since 2014. Founded by co-founders Jack Tang and Giles Williams, Urban offers a range of at-home treatments in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Paris, including over 15 styles of massages, including specialisms like osteopathy and physiotherapy.
To find out more, head to: https://urban.co/.
