World Menopause Day is held every year on October 18th, so I decided it was time to share what I do from the hypnotherapy standpoint. When first discussing menopause, I was shocked and dismayed when my doctor said that my symptoms could last 10 years or more, and he was right! We may all have different menopause symptoms – mood swings, anxiety, sleep issues, hot flashes, night sweats, just to name a few – and we all know what a challenge it can often be to manage them. Did you know that hypnotherapy can often help reduce the severity of many of your physical and or emotional symptoms? These are all self-care techniques that you can pick and choose from and see which ones appeal to you to try and use as needed. And symptoms do ebb and flow, as I have found out; a spate of broken bones brought them back, as did surgery. Oy!
How Hypnotherapy can help with Menopause symptoms
Here are a few quick tips to get you started with using hypnotherapy to help with menopause symptoms. Thankfully, using hypnotherapy techniques as an alternative and/or as a complementary support to reduce symptoms on a regular basis has helped many of my clients as well as me, along with other energy tools.
What is Menopause?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It’s diagnosed after you’ve gone 12 months without a menstrual period.” For many women this is a time to rejoice! Not dealing with periods anymore, but for others, various pesky symptoms can be an ongoing trial. This is why I recommend turning to hypnotherapy as way to help you manage some of these symptoms.
What is Hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy isn’t like what you see in the movies – a person swinging a pocket watch in front of your face telling you you’re feeling sleepy. In actuality, hypnotherapy is a combination of techniques, including mindful breathing and guided imagery. It’s nothing to be fearful of and no one can suggest or otherwise make you do something you don’t actually want to do, no matter how deep your hypnotic trance.
As a hypno-coach, I stress that if you’re open to it, and practice it, it’ll work. Certified through the HCH Certified Hypnotherapy Institute, I’ve spent many years guiding clients in relaxation techniques, guided visualization, stress management, and mind-body pain management. The results I’ve seen are incredible and I’m confident if you utilize the techniques I’m about to share, you’ll find relief from some of your menopause symptoms
Hypnotherapy for Sleep Issues During Menopause
Are you dealing with sleep issues? Hot flashes and night sweats are common issues with menopause. Personally, having fibromyalgia to begin with makes productive sleep a challenge at times, and still having intermittent nite sweats doesn’t help!
Envisioning Relief
Imagine yourself taking a cool shower or underneath a cool waterfall; allowing the cool water to cascade off of you, taking with it all the uncomfortable sensations of hot flushes, night sweats, and or hot flashes. Allow them to run down the drain and disappear. Feel your body relax and start to feel refreshed. Repeat as needed to train your brain to quickly lower your body thermostat with ease.
The Discomfort Dial Technique
Another technique is to utilize the The Discomfort Dial, affectionately housed in “The Control Room.” Imagine that there is a big dial knob in front of you, numbered 1 to 10, located in The Control Room. Imagine where you are in terms of discomfort, with 10 being unbearable and 1 being no problem. For example, if you are at an 8 for discomfort over night sweats, imagine reaching out and turning down the dial to a lower number that feels more comfortable to you, lessening the severity of your night sweats. After turning down the dial, take in a few deep breaths to anchor in the lower number of comfort. Do as often as needed. This technique can be used for both physical and emotional symptoms caused by menopause.
Hypnotherapy for Moodiness/Irritability During Menopause
There are many techniques you can try such as meditation and exercising regularly. You might also explore more mindful movement activities such as Tai Chi, Feldenkrais, or Qigong. I just took my first Qigong class online. I loved it so much, I added it to my regular monthly exercise routine. Next time you feel yourself losing it or feeling very moody, try some slow and relaxing breathing techniques.
Focus Your Breath
One of my current favorites is mindful breathing by gently focusing your attention on your breath. You begin noticing the breath coming in and going out, either through your nose or mouth. You are not trying to change your breathing in any way. Just simply and with no judgement observing your own natural breathing rhythm. Build up to doing for a few minutes daily.
If you need someone in your ear guiding you further, definitely check out HeadSpace – my favorite meditation app!
Hypnotherapy for Reducing Stress and Anxiety Caused by Menopause
Learning self-hypnosis and using it on a regular basis can really help to reduce menopausal anxiety. But like with any ‘tool’ if you don’t use it, you lose it! The more you practice it, the easier it is to go into trance quickly. It is a great mood elevator as well. That’s why working with a hypnotherapist to learn how to do self-hypnosis correctly is so important. What helps some clients is having a recording of how to do it so that they can replay it over and over. To me, there is no greater tribute than a client saying, “Your voice puts me into trance so easily!”
Have you ever tried hypnotherapy techniques for menopause symptoms? Post in comments. If not, let’s chat! I’ve got spots on my calendar open now, book your free connection call and let’s see how hypnotherapy can help you find relief from menopause!