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.

Cold weather can harden your skin’s natural oils so they are distributed less effectively leaving you with dry, seemingly moisture proof patches. The dullness is due to a slowdown in natural exfoliation, while chapping occurs when dryness has weakened the skin’s barrier to the extent that irritants creep in leaving you with rough, chapped, sometimes itchy skin.

The good news is that by making simple changes to your skin care routine, your diet and lifestyle you can protect your skin from looking dull, lacklustre and dry:

• First and foremost, healthy skin starts with good nutrition. To keep your skin in top shape this winter, be sure to eat foods rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids (EFAs), nutrients that protect and moisturise your skin. Berries, sweet potatoes and broccoli are especially important, as they are high in vitamins A, C, and E—powerful antioxidants that improve the health of your skin by beneficially affecting oil production, helping in the production of collagen, and protecting against cell damage.
• Also, be sure to eat foods that are high in essential fatty acids (EFAs), particularly omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated oils, which help create moister, softer skin and tissues.
• Add more salmon, tuna, flaxseed, raw pumpkin seeds and almonds to your diet, and consider supplementing at least 1,000 mg of EFAs per day, mainly as omega-3s. (You could add in both Omega 3 Plus and Nutriguard (a good antioxidant mix) to get you through the winter – see Resources page).
• Drink as much water as you possibly can, regardless of the time of year. Drinking the recommended 8 glasses of water per day, will flush countless toxins from your body and will help keep your skin healthy and fresh. Herbal teas are counted as part of your 8 glasses a day.
• Try to avoid taking long, hot showers this winter. We all know how wonderful a hot shower can feel on a cold day, but try to resist the urge as best as you can. Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural moisturisers. Instead take a short, warm shower. Try to pat your skin almost dry, and apply a natural moisturiser while your skin is slightly damp. This is a great strategy to help you avoid dry skin.
• Avoid long hot baths too and go for warm instead. Try adding a few spoonfuls of olive oil to your bath water. It will help to moisturise your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
• Another thing to consider is your home heating system. As your boiler will be in constant use in the colder months, the air in your home can become extremely dry. Some people find a portable humidifier a good investment. Using a humidifier can prevent your skin from drying out, and it can help you avoid dry nasal cavities.
• If you do suffer from a dry or bleeding nose in the winter, apply some petroleum jelly for short-term relief.
• Swap foaming cleansers and soaps with a gentler lotion or skin cleanser and instead of vigorous exfoliation (which can remove some of the skin’s protective barrier function) use a gentler exfoliant instead. Use a richer moisturiser and you’ll notice an immediate difference to the way your skin feels and if your skin is really rough and chapped apply a night cream skin protector. Use natural products for your skin that do not contain a list of ‘nasties’ that will be absorbed into your body.
• A good exercise programme can activate and rejuvenate the skin and improve circulation and blood flow. Also, sweating triggers production of sebum, which is the skin’s own natural moisturiser.
• Finally, getting adequate sleep helps maintain the oxygen levels and promotes renewal of skin cells, thus delaying the winter degenerative skin ageing that usually sets in during the cold season.

It may seem peculiar, but a sore throat is not necessarily the precursor to disaster and doom, or even a dose of the dreaded flu. This is because your body, however unhealthy your diet and lifestyle may be, maintains a stubborn determination to clear out toxins.

One way of doing this is to raise the temperature in the glands to burn up old rubbish – much like having a grand bonfire with all your garden junk. Another method is to expel toxins via mucous secretions. The upshot of such activity can be a sore, swollen throat with catarrhal congestion and a general feeling of concrete in the head – but this isn’t always a sign that you are going down with a cold it could be a sign that your body is trying to detox.

Although a sore throat can be a sign that your body is trying to detoxify itself if it persists for more than a few days consult your doctor. In the meantime plenty of water will help flush the system through and keep you energised. Regular doses of Vitamin C will help your immune system perform efficiently and prevent a clearout deteriorating into a serious cold or flu. Echinacea tincture can help lubricate the throat whilst delivering its immune boosting herbal effect to the body.

At the first sign of a sore throat, gargle with sage, an herb that has traditionally been used for throat infections, due to its antiseptic qualities. It can be used for mouth ulcers and inflammations, for the same reason. Sage also helps to regulate body temperature, keeping you cool whilst your body battles the bugs.