World menopause day: spa at Kimpton Blythswood Hotel launch massage to combat debilitating symptoms

Historically menopause has been avoided in larger conversations concerning health, reduced below its relevance considering around 50 percent of us will experience it during our lifetime. Collectively then our knowledge on the topic is generally less than what it should be and thus, when people do go through it they are often unaware of many of the symptoms and unsure how to address them. 

Seeking medical intervention for menopause through traditional means often involves hormone therapy which isn’t for everyone. Combatting this then, the spa at the Kimpton Blythswood Hotel in Glasgow is now offering the world’s first CIBTAC endorsed menopause massage - a 3-pronged approach designed to alleviate debilitating symptoms. A holistic approach that is customised to the client’s key concerns. 

Working with the Glasgow-based training centre The Academy the spa is the first to offer this treatment in Scotland.

Menopause symptoms include changes in mood, changes in skin, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, hot flushes, hair loss or thinning, joint stiffness and aches, problems with memory or concentration, vaginal dryness, increased risk of UTI’s, and loss of self confidence. 

Through this specialised therapy it is believed engaging with particular marma points - locations where tendons, bones, muscles, joints, veins, nerves and other tissues meet - will release stagnant energy, communicating with organs, hormones and other chemicals to help meet the needs of the body. 

“There wasn’t really a holistic treatment available for people who are suffering from menopausal symptoms, perimenopause so we linked up with The Academy who designed menopause treatments, they looked at the oils that would benefit and how it was conducted”, explained spa manager Melissa Gibson.

“They looked at marma points which are energy pathways within the body and it creates homeostasis and rebalances. The specific marma points would be related to specific symptoms people are going through.”

Feedback following a series of trials have shown the benefits of the massage can last from three to ten days, with clients reporting they “felt themselves again”, improved sleep quality, reduced hot flushes and minimised anxiety. 

“So the oils that we use in the treatments, we have an inhalation with geranium which is really good at balancing hormones. We use peppermint essential oils and lavender - really good for anti inflammatory and relaxation. People can suffer a lot of fatigue which allows a relaxing treatment and ensures a good nights sleep after as well.

“It’s quite a taboo subject so a lot of people suffer through it and don’t seek any help or realise there’s anything particularly wrong with the symptoms. It’s not talked about enough. 

“When you do go to the doctors it’s usually some sort of hormone replacement therapy you’re put on. These things can have quite serious side effects. We looked at a more holistic approach to help relieve these symptoms that won’t but anyone in any danger.”

The menopause massage is priced at £99 for 55 minutes.