Although many women find the alternative treatments below helpful for easing symptoms of menopause, more research is required to fully understand their mechanism of action and effectiveness. However, in my opinion when used properly, they can prove extremely helpful.

• Acupuncture: This is an ancient Chinese medicine system, which is based on “life force” energy or “Qi”. A qualified acupuncturist aims to balance the body’s energy along pathways called meridians. This is aided by the insertion of very fine needles into the pathways. Acupuncture is thought to raise the levels of endorphins in the brain that may help with the function of the temperature-controlling centre and has been shown to reduce flushes.
• Alexander technique: This technique is a method of adopting the ultimate posture to allow good breathing technique and help energy flow. This creates “postural harmony” which allows body and mind spiritual freedom. Although there is no evidence of the effect of the Alexander technique specifically on menopausal symptoms, the breathing technique of paced respiration has been shown to reduce flushes by 39%.
• Aromatherapy: Essential oils are produced from different parts of aromatic plants. They are then concentrated and their properties become more potent. They can be used blended in carrier oils before coming in contact with skin. The smell or inhalation of them also has an effect. The oils can be used in the bath, or for massage.
• Bergamot reduces depression
• Chamomile like the tea can aid a feeling of calm
• Clary sage is useful for
• PMS Fennel helps alleviate water retention
• Geranium has a regulation effect and can help with anxiety and feelings of restlessness
• Jasmine helps with depression tension and anxiety
• Juniper has a detoxifying effect
• Lavender is useful in aiding sleep
• Roesmary helps prevent fluid retention when used regularly for massage.

The whole feeling is most enjoyable when combined with a good massage technique. Although little is known about the effect of aromatherapy specifically on menopausal symptoms, any therapy which allows you valuable “timeout” – is an investment in yourself and, in my opinion, will help you cope with the menopause better.

• Homeopathy: Homeopathy consists of the use of minute doses of a substance that has matching characteristics to the patient’s symptoms, to stimulate the body’s own healing processes and reduce or eliminate the symptoms and the disorder. Studies have shown a beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms. Some of the preparations commonly used are:
• Aconiitum
• Lycopodium
• Natrum Muriaticum
• Nux vomica
• Pulsatilla
• Sepia
• Sulphur
• Belladonna
• Bryonia
• and Argentum
• Yoga: The discipline of yoga promotes stretching, deep breathing and relaxation which are helpful for all areas of health. Yoga can have a broad impact on your ability to cope with the menopausal changes and improve your general well-being as well as helping to control hot flushes. Try to find out what classes are available locally to you.

For nutritional and herbal supplements for the menopause see next month’s issue: Menopause: Supplements A to Z.

Q: How can I minimise or prevent scaring naturally?

A: The best way to prevent scarring is to make sure the wound heals properly if you cut yourself. If you get a scrape or gash apply pressure to the area to stop the flow of blood and wipe away any dirt.

If you don’t keep the wound clean the immune system will try to engulf the foreign particles and cause pus and slow down the healing process. Rinse the cut in sterile salt water: boil filtered water, let it cool and stir in one tablespoon of salt per pint of liquid. Then mix a pinch of powdered goldenseal which is rich in antibacterial berberine and moist slippery elm bark which is a natural skin healer with a few drops of healing aloe-leaf gel to make a thick paste. Spread the paste over the surface of the wound to form a poultice.

If the cut is deep and open you may need stitches to prevent scarring as wounds left gaping are more likely to cause scars. After the cut is secure take 500 to 1000 milligrams of antioxidant vitamin C twice a day to speed the healing process. If a scar does form use can a good quality vitamin E and pierce the capsule and rub in the oil.

• Essential oils: A few drops of essential oil in your bath are a cheap non-chemical alternative to bubble baths that is chemical free and won’t dry out your skin. As an added bonus, different oils have different properties to match your mood – lavender is calming and relaxing, lemon stimulating and invigorating.
• Thyme Bath Bags: A refreshing herbal bath to soothe the skin and relax aching muscles. Place dried thyme in an 8-inch square of cheesecloth, add a little raw oats to soften the water. Tie with string and either hang from the tap as bath runs or let it float in the water.
• Steaming: This is the most thorough, deep-cleansing method of cleansing your skin and is beneficial to all skin types. Once a week normally, less often if skin very dry, daily if very greasy lean over a bowl of boiling water, cover your head with a towel and make a tent around the bowl. Stay one to two feet away from the water surface and add herbs or essential oil to the water for even more benefit. Use lavender, thyme and rosemary for a stimulating cleanse. 
• Muslin face soak: Soak a muslin cloth in warm water laced with several drops of essential oil such as rose or lavender. Wring out and press to your face, inhaling the calming properties. The heat oxygenates and the cloth loosens dead skin cells.
• Oatmeal skin scrub: Take 1 tsp of finely ground oatmeal (available from health food shops) in the palm of your hand, mix with a little water and wash your face with the paste.  
• Avocado Mask: Mash and sieve an avocado and add a few drops of lemon juice to stop it discolouring. Add 1tsp liquid honey, mix together and apply to skin, leaving on as long as possible. It counteracts the drying effects of the sun, softens, moisturises and nourishes the skin. 
• Skin smoothing spritz: Boil dried chamomile flowers with mineral water. When cool, add a drop of lavender oil and decant into a spray bottle and use as a skin smoothing spritz.
• Lemon Hair Rinse: Use diluted lemon juice in your final rinse when washing fair hair to increase shine. (1 part lemon juice to 8 parts water).
• Hands: Never throw a squeezed lemon away without first using it to rub over yours hands and elbows. It softens, cleans and bleaches them. Rinse fingernails and hands daily in a lemon rinse. 
• Camomile Eye Freshener: After a cup of camomile tea, don’t throw the bag away – squeeze out excess water and put over your eyes for ten minutes. Reduces puffiness and refreshes tired eyes. Thin slices of cucumber placed over closed eyes are also refreshing and soothing and can relieve eyestrain, pink eyes and sunburn.
• Herb Deodorant: Grind:
  • ½ tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp myrrh
  • 1 tbs coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp cassia
  • 2 tbs lavender flowers
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • With a pestle and mortar. Use under arms as a deodorant. Some skins are sensitive to dried herbs so test a little first.
• Teeth: Rubbing sage leaves across the teeth cleanses them and sweetens the breath. Mix 2 tbs salt with 3 tbs of bicarbonate of soda and use as a toothpaste. Chew cloves to sweeten the breath.