Supporting Women’s Wellbeing through Massage -

Menstrual issues, fertility, perimenopause & menopause – this treatment is designed to support and empower women.

By Georgie Russell, Massage Therapist at Exmoor Massage

Ask any woman and I expect they may agree being a woman can be a rollercoaster! Each stage of life from menstruation to menopause brings its own set of health changes and emotional challenges. Menstrual issues to fertility struggles, and from the transitions of perimenopause to menopause, every phase is transformative, and wouldn’t it be nice to feel supported as we step into each phase?

In 2024, I did additional training in Women’s Wellbeing Massage. Combining Eastern and Western principles of massage and acupressure, I feel that this treatment could be beneficial to women who feel disempowered in their own health. Having been on my own women’s health journey, I know what it feels like to be in limbo, to not feel understood and to feel completely overwhelmed by all the information out there.

While you must continue to see your doctor or specialist for medical care, I hope that this treatment can complement your primary care and offer nurturing support and an oasis of calm and relaxation while you are on your health journey.

Women and Medical Gaslighting

Women and western medicine is a fascinating story… and crikey have we come a long way since the “wandering womb” & “hysteria” phase. The wandering womb | Library | Royal College of Nursing (rcn.org.uk) Western medicine can be wonderful and life-saving but … there’s a bit of a gender gap in treatment quality and often women’s experiences with the healthcare system can be painful, sometimes even suffering from medical gaslighting.

Women have traditionally been overlooked in western medicine, for example, until fairly recently women were not included in most clinical trials and are still underrepresented. This gender gap in scientific knowledge around many approved drugs means women are more likely to have adverse effects and unsafe dosing. Making pharmaceutical research and regulation work for women | The BMJ

Not to mention, women’s pain (and in particular black women’s pain) is often dismissed:

“A survey of 5,100 UK women and men reveals that over half of women (56%) feel their pain is ignored or dismissed by healthcare professionals. Nearly half (48%) of all adults believe there is a ‘gap’ in the identification and treatment of pain between genders.” Wellbeing of Women

And to add insult to injury, women typically have much longer diagnosis times. For example, the average diagnosis time for endometriosis is 8 years and 10 months (www.endometriosis-uk.org). For recurrent pregnancy loss, a woman must suffer 3 consecutive early miscarriages before full fertility testing is carried out on the NHS (although this is hopefully improving and depends on your GP) (www.tommys.org)

Menopause has been taboo for so long, many women have had no education on this and have no idea what to expect, often being misdiagnosed. According to Newson Health Research and Education, 1/3 of women have to wait 3 years for their Menopause symptoms to be correctly diagnosed. (www.themenopausecharity.org)

This is something that is very close to my heart and I know a lot of friends and family who have suffered in silence because of the stigma but I hope that through awareness and education, women will feel empowered on their health journeys and get the support they need.

I wanted to create a treatment that allowed clients to be honest and leave their shame at the door. Combining massage with acupressure and linking western and eastern techniques, I hope that my clients can feel the stress and tension melt away and feel the energy revitalise them as they continue on their women’s health journey.

What is Women’s Wellbeing Massage?

Women’s Wellbeing Massage is a comprehensive therapy that goes beyond traditional massage techniques. It includes a relaxing full-body massage combined with Japanese ‘hara’ (abdominal) massage, acupressure points, energy holds, and breathwork. This multifaceted approach aims to treat both physical and emotional symptoms, providing relief and promoting overall wellness.

Relaxing Full-Body Massage
- This massage helps to ease muscle tension, reduce stress, and promote a deep sense of relaxation. It’s the perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate, setting the stage for more targeted treatments.
Japanese ‘Hara’ (Abdominal) Massage
- Hara massage focuses on the abdomen, an area often associated with various women’s health issues. This technique helps to stimulate internal organs, improve digestion, and balance the body’s energy flow, addressing concerns related to menstrual issues and fertility.
Acupressure Points
- Acupressure is used to target specific points on the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and treat various health conditions. By applying pressure to these points, the massage can alleviate symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue.
Energy Holds and Breathwork
- These techniques help to balance the body’s energy, enhance emotional well-being, and promote a sense of inner peace. Breathwork, in particular, is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety and improving mental clarity.

Benefits of Women’s Wellbeing Massage

Supports Menstrual Health
- Women’s Wellbeing Massage can help to alleviate menstrual cramps, reduce bloating, and regulate menstrual cycles. The combination of hara massage and acupressure provides relief from common menstrual discomforts.
Can be Beneficial on Fertility Journeys through Relaxation
- By promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving circulation, this massage supports reproductive health.
May Ease Perimenopausal and Menopausal Symptoms
- The targeted acupressure points and energy holds are used to manage symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue. The holistic approach ensures that both physical and emotional symptoms are addressed.
Promotes Emotional Wellbeing
- Women’s Wellbeing Massage provides a safe space to discuss your medical history and offload any stress. This emotional support, combined with the therapeutic benefits of massage, helps to enhance overall well-being and resilience.
Can Improve Overall Health
- Regular sessions can lead to improved digestion, better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a stronger immune system. The holistic nature of this massage ensures that all aspects of health are considered.

A Safe Space for Healing

At Exmoor Massage, we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for women. We understand the unique health concerns that women face and are committed to offering personalized care. During your session, you will have the opportunity to discuss your medical history, share any stresses, and receive guidance on the most appropriate support for your condition. Our goal is to empower you with the tools and resources needed to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Book your Women’s Wellbeing Massage today. Experience the holistic approach that addresses both your physical and emotional needs.

About the Author: Georgie Russell is a massage therapist based on Exmoor i the UK. Georgie is passionate about supporting women by providing nurturing and safe space for women to relax and receive massage.