Complementary therapies have been used in many cultures for as long as history has been recorded in writing. Indeed, the essential components of many complementary therapies today form the basis for many conventional drug therapies. In this environment it is critically important to recognise the need to establish both effectiveness and safety of all therapies.
Due to a lack of regulation of both products and practitioners in the complementary field, the opportunity exists for everyone to be exploited. Yet many complementary therapies and well-trained practitioners have a great deal to offer.
Further ongoing research to establish safety and effectiveness and improvement in regulation of the industry can only be in the best interests of all consumers.
About natural therapies
Naturopathy is concerned with treating the whole person, and the underlying cause. Often called holistic medicine, it treats the body as an integrated system, and the person is viewed as having individual physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cultural aspects.
Treatment is adapted to meet the different needs and circumstances of each individual. This means that two women who consult a natural therapist with hot flushes may be given two totally different treatments.
Natural therapists usually ask the person a lot of questions before suggesting treatment. This has many benefits. People may be more likely to follow treatment when they are involved in locating the possible causes of their condition and in making decisions about treatment. They may be motivated to change things that contribute to their condition, and can often provide valuable information on possible causes and factors that may make the condition worse.
A woman might decide to meditate, take a dance class, learn yoga, have regular massages or use aromatherapy.
Whatever way a woman might choose to take care of herself can contribute to and enhance her health and well being.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies are used around the world and many have been used for centuries. Herbs or mixtures of herbs can be dried and combined with boiling water to make teas (infusions), concentrated in alcohol, water or vinegar to make extracts or made into tablets and powders.
Herbal remedies are an option for many women in the management of perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal changes.
Not all the symptoms experienced by women in midlife are the result of declining oestrogen levels. Herbal therapies may manage mood changes such as anxious thoughts and depressed feelings, sleep disturbances, as well as fatigue and low energy.
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The best way to use herbal remedies for the treatment of symptoms at menopause is under the guidance and advice of a qualified naturopath. |
Are all natural therapies safe? 
Women often use natural therapies because they think they are ‘natural’ and therefore safe. This is not always the case. There are also a few remedies, which may interfere with other prescribed medications. It is important that women tell both their health professional and natural therapist about all of their medication.
| It is important to remember that natural does not mean safe. |
When used properly, natural medicines and therapies generally do not cause side effects. Not all natural medicines are free from potential harmful effects, so it is important to seek the advice of a qualified natural therapist. Another excellent reason for seeking professional advice is to ensure that remedies are not taken indefinitely, but rather prescribed for the duration of time necessary to address the symptoms. For example, a remedy for hot flushes should only be taken for as long as a woman experiences hot flushes.
It may not be advisable to purchase over the counter natural therapies. It is preferable that a qualified natural therapist assess a woman’s individual needs and her state of health before any treatment is given. Quality of medicines, especially herbal medicines also varies and is often more reliable from a practitioner.
Also, an understanding of potential interactions with other therapies is important.
Why do some women choose natural therapies for menopause?
Many women regard menopause as a ‘natural event’ and prefer to take something ‘natural’ to treat symptoms.
Some women have concerns about hormone therapy and prefer to take complementary therapies for what they perceive to be a natural event. Some women may be interested in treating themselves for menopausal symptoms that they regard as a transitional phase that will pass and they may feel this is safe.
Evidence also suggests that some people turn to alternatives because they are disillusioned with western medicine or dissatisfied with the doctor-patient interaction.
Women may also choose to use both conventional and complementary approaches in combination to alleviate difficulties encountered at midlife.
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Naturopathy, or natural therapies, are terms that cover many different therapies or approaches, including:
Herbal medicine is the oldest known form of medicine, prescribing herbs for the treatment of complaints.
Homeopathy uses substances that, in their basic form, produce symptoms in a healthy person, but will cause a similar set of symptoms to disappear when given in a highly diluted (homeopathic) form. Homeopathy works on the principle that 'like cures like'.
Nutrition provides advice about diet including the use of nutritional supplements.
Acupuncture is based on an understanding that Qi (energy) is transported around the body through a network of channels. Therapy involves the use of acupuncture needles inserted in specific acupuncture points on these channels, to regulate the flow of Qi.
Remedial therapy is therapeutic massage for the treatment of muscle tension, tendon and ligament injuries. Massage techniques may include relaxation, sports massage, deep tissue, shiatsu, trigger point techniques and aromatherapy (using essential oils). These are helpful for relaxing, increasing circulation and joint flexibility.
Traditional Chinese medicine includes the use of Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture and Chinese remedial therapy.
Osteopathy and chiropractic are manipulative therapies based on the science of human mechanics. They are often used to treat spinal pain, as there is a strong belief that the structure of the spine greatly influences health. Chiropractic places great importance on the balance alignment of the spine. The osteopath also emphasises the role that soft tissue has on the skeletal framework and general health.
Kinesiology uses muscle testing to access the body’s energy patterns and show where stresses are held in the system. The body 'tells' the therapist the appropriate corrections needed to rebalance the energy. Women at midlife may decide to try a variety of complementary therapies to manage symptoms or create more comfort for themselves. |
Naturopath’s self help advice
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Add two dessertspoons of freshly ground linseed (containing phytoestrogens) to your daily diet.
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Eat tofu or legumes (pulses) (containing phytoestrogens) at least twice a week.
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Do exercise that is fun at least three times a week.
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Buy a good relaxing herbal tea and drink it!
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Make time for rest, relaxation and recreation.
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See a qualified naturopath for advice on natural therapies. You can try:
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Keeping a diary and writing down your thoughts and concerns.
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Yoga includes postures that help to stretch the muscles, and breathing exercises that will increase the flow of oxygen and meditation.
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Massaging your ears can give your head and ears a relaxed feeling.
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Visualisation uses the imagination to find images to heal the mind and the body.
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Therapy and counselling with a qualified health professional can give a woman an opportunity to understand how her behaviour can affect her health.
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Meditation can be particularly helpful for relaxing and finding peace of mind. It uses a variety of techniques such as taped voice or music, chanting and concentration on breathing.
An example of a meditation strategy
Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted for at least 15 minutes.
Sit comfortably, supporting your spine to be upright. You may choose to have peaceful music playing in the background.
Close your eyes and begin to focus on your breath going in and out.
As thoughts come in notice them and then let them go and return to your breathing.
Now as you breathe in visualise yourself breathing in a beautiful golden white light.
Feel this light flow into your body from your nose down your throat into your lungs and then into your entire body.
As you breathe out allow the outgoing breath to release any negative thoughts or feelings that you may be carrying.
Continue breathing in this way, allowing yourself to relax as you fill with light.
When you feel you are relaxed and your body is full of light begin to come out of the meditation.
Pay attention to the sounds around you as you come back into the room. |
About our Author
Sandra Villella is a Naturopath, Herbalist and Acupuncturist. She uses herbal medicine, incorporating Chinese medicine, as well as nutritional supplements and dietary advice in her practice.
Her special interest is women’s health, particularly in the management of menopause.
Sandra has consulted at The Jean Hailes Foundation for over five years. Here she talks about her passions, motivators, challenges, and her hopes for women.
My passions
Good food, live music and anything that brings joy to my heart.
What drives me The desire to make a difference - whether it be in my work or in how I can give to people in my personal life.
Why women’s health
I love the stories and experiences that a woman brings with her to a consultation. It is the nature of women themselves rather than the health problems unique to women.
What motivates me
My Mars Bar approach to life - I must have a balance of work, rest and play: not enough of one, or an excess of another makes for an unhappy Sandra.
What do I find challenging
Not always knowing the answers. I also find trying to bridge the gap between natural therapies and conventional medicine to achieve a true complementary health model challenging.
In a perfect world... No person would go without while another can afford to be wasteful.
My hopes for Australian women regarding their health
That the right messages get through about disease prevention and health promotion by encouraging positive changes with nutrition and lifestyle. |
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Recipe: Basil Pesto
Basil, pre-eminently the herb of summer, is a kitchen companion to tomatoes (they are a good garden companion too). It is an essential ingredient of pesto, a basil paste or sauce much favoured originally by the people around Genoa, in the province of Liguria in northwest Italy, where basil and olives flourish.
If you have a mortar and pestle, use them to make pesto. You can also make it in a food processor.
If possible, grow basil in the garden or on a balcony or in a courtyard.
Pesto
Serves 4 – 6 for pasta
Ingredients
1 clove garlic
salt
bunch basil
1 tablespoon pine nuts
3 – 4 tablespoons grated parmesan
extra virgin olive oil (about half a cup)
Method
Pound the garlic with a little salt, then add the basil leaves and pound until smooth. Pound in the pine nuts, stir in the cheese, alternating with olive oil.
If using a food processor, process the garlic first, then add the basil and pine nuts together. Turn into a clean bowl and add the cheese and oil by hand.
If not using immediately, use slightly less oil and cover the pesto with a thin film of olive oil so that it does not oxidise and lose its bright green colour.
Serve with gnocchi or pasta. Delicious also with roast vegetables, zucchini frittata, baked tomatoes, and with meat, especially lamb.
From Color Me Healthy: Why you should eat almost everything by Rita Erlich and Dr Alice Murkies.
Available for purchase from The Jean Hailes Foundation. Call tollfree 1800 151 441 or
visit our website  www.jeanhailes.org.au
The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended that The Jean Hailes Foundation magazine provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health professional. The Jean Hailes Foundation does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of information or advice) which is provided in this magazine or incorporated into it by reference. Information is provided on the basis that all persons reading the magazine undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.
© The Jean Hailes Foundation. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under copyright legislation, no part may be reproduced or reused for any commercial purposes.
Note: This article is an archive. Whilst the Jean Hailes Foundation for Women’s Health has made every effort to ensure this information was accurate at the time of publication, the article content has not been updated since the date listed below.
Content created November 01, 2004
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