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I would like to share with you my top 3 fixes for menopausal aches and pains.
Different cultures have different experiences of menopause, and while aches and pains are common in menopause, in our culture they are often put down to just ‘getting older’. However, in Nigeria, ‘shoulder pain’ is the most reported symptom of menopause, and in Japan, ‘muscle aches’ feature at the top of the list.
Personally, shoulder pain has been a real feature of my perimenopause so far, so I thought I would share my favourite tips for dealing with it.
Sound like another language? Maybe, but these three remedies in combination are a staple of homeopathic medicine. Arnica for bruised and sore tissues, Ruta for joints, and Rhus tox for easing muscle pain.
I use this combination daily when my shoulders are aching and sore, and after a few days the pain subsides, normally not returning until I reach the same stage in the following cycle. You could use this combination for any aches and pains, either associated with menopause, or just from over exertion! With repeated use each month I expect this symptom to gradually disappear as my hormones settle down.
I take Arnica/Ruta/Rhus tox 200 combination daily When I have aches and pains. You can purchase it from Helios Pharmacy
Another wonderful solution to muscle aches and pains is Arnica Oil. This is a beautiful massage oil from Weleda, which has been in my medicine chest since I was a teenager training as a ballerina! I used it after every training day and performance, to ease the aching and soreness from extreme physical exertion. It is great for pain, but is just as good used as a conditioning muscle rub.
I recently discovered Doterra Deep Blue Essential Oil combination, and I now add a drop of this to my Arnica oil to give it extra depth. Deep Blue is a wonderful mix of high grade essential oils that promotes relaxation and repair of muscle tissue. It really is a great addition!
Take time after a bath or shower to apply these oils to any aches and pains, and it will make a huge difference! I often use them at bedtime, as the aromas are very relaxing and help with sleep. (Menopause and Sleep!!! A whole other topic for another day!)
Not always a popular option, but I don’t necessarily mean you have to join a gym and pursue the body of your dreams.
I really mean movement! Roll your shoulders, move your head from side to side, swing your arms, stretch your legs. Just keep moving.
Take regular breaks to get moving while at work. Go for a walk at lunchtime.
Start Pilates or Yoga, both of these are especially good as they offer time to rest your mind and stretch your body in one session!
If it is possible, do go for more vigourous exercise too. Running, dancing, all those activities that raise endorphins and get the blood flowing...they are all good for conditioning your body and protecting it against the symptoms of menopause.
I hope all these tips will be useful, and for further advice and information, you can find me here
Photo by Arek Adoye on Unsplash
