Menopause has for too long been shrouded in mystery and secrecy and has tended to be seen in a negative light, as a time when women is no longer ‘useful’, a time when she loses her vigour and slowly fades into old age. As our life expectancy goes up, most of us can now expect to spend at least 1/3 of our life in a stage of the menopause!
There has recently been a massive shift in attitude towards the menopause, helped by the media and health professionals speaking out, by proper scientific research, and by detailed studies and data being released.
Women are beginning to talk openly about this profound transition and sharing their experiences with their peers as well as passing their wisdom and experience on to younger women.
Menopause is gradually being re-framed as an opportunity for self-insight and empowerment, a time when a woman can redirect her energy from menstruation and reproduction, to new areas of her life, fulfilling new passions and projects, reprioritising, with a sense of returning to her ‘self’ again.
Menopause Yoga is designed to provide women at all stages of the menopause, with techniques that will guide her through this profound physical and psychological transition from perimenopause, through menopause and into post-menopause or ‘Second Spring’.
Classes are designed to educate, support and empower, for all levels of yoga experience, fitness or ability, using specific postures, breathwork, relaxation and meditation. These practices are based on a combination of recent scientific research and more ancient ‘eastern’ techniques – there is already huge crossover and between these approaches and more and more health professionals are now recommending yoga to their patients.
Menopause Yoga can help to alleviate and manage symptoms of the menopause such as joint pain and stiffness, headaches, hot flushes, lethargy, anxiety, brain fog and low mood. It can help improve muscle strength, bone density, sleep patterns, digestion and energy levels. In these classes there will also be information about how diet and other changes in lifestyle can help manage your symptoms as your hormones shift and rebalance.
As a menopause yoga student, no matter what stage of the menopause you are at, you will be coming to a safe, supportive, nurturing space where you can be yourself. There will be opportunities to share and connect with other women, offering a sense of validation and helping each other to move forward in a positive way.
Qualifications
I recently completed a specialist Yoga and Wellbeing Teacher Training Course which is a 40-hour course run by Menopause expert Petra Coveney and recognised by the BWY and Yoga Alliance Professionals.