Menopause. There! I said it.
We all know the euphemisms - The Change. Midlife transition. Women of a certain age - but let’s just call it what it is. Say it with me this time: menopause.
Phew! How did that feel?
For many women, the word carries a lot of weight, and the journey to get there—perimenopause—can be downright overwhelming.
(Did you know that menopause is just one day? It’s the anniversary of your last period. Perimenopause, the transitional phase before the big day, is what we should be focusing on!)
If you’re experiencing mood swings, hot flashes, or other wild symptoms, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: natural treatments like red light therapy and contrast therapy can offer real relief.
Keep reading to discover holistic ways to support your health and wellbeing during this transformative phase of life.
Anxiety: one of perimenopause’s not-so-fun surprises
While we might expect hot flashes or broken sleep, many women are blindsided by the stranger, more surprisingly symptoms. A metallic taste. Crawling skin and an electric shock sensation. Voice changes and new allergies. Fun!
And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the impact on mental health.
Even if you’ve never struggled with your mental health, fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause can leave you feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, and anxious. It’s a natural part of this transition, but that doesn’t make it any easier.

So, how can red light therapy help?
There’s excellent research emerging on how red light therapy can help tackle a range of common (or not-so-common) perimenopausal symptoms. Red light therapy stimulates your cells to produce more energy, helping to reduce inflammation and promote healing. And when it comes to anxiety, red light therapy works wonders by calming the nervous system, which gives your brain the space it needs to breathe.
Contrast therapy and infrared sauna to help with hot flashes
Ah, the dreaded hot flashes. They can range from mildly annoying to downright disruptive. If you've experienced them, you know the joys of being comfortable and in control one moment, and being flushed, sweaty, and overwhelmed the next.
But there is relief! Contrast therapy—alternating between hot and cold treatments—is one of the best ways to beat the heat.
If you’ve ever been in a hot flash, the thought of an ice bath probably sounds like heaven. An infrared sauna might be less appealing in the moment, but shifting between a warm sauna and an icy cold plunge improves circulation and helps your body regulate temperature, reducing both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
Beyond just cooling off, contrast therapy also helps with muscle relaxation, improved mood, and a boost in energy levels. A win-win for both body and mind!

Support your body through perimenopause with a focus on holistic health
We all experience perimenopause differently, and while a lucky few breezes through it, others find it incredibly challenging.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting yourself through this life phase, but small lifestyle changes can make a world of difference. (In fact, these holistic health tips can benefit women of all ages!)
Consider trying:
Deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and reduce stress.
Restorative yoga to ease tension and improve flexibility.
Mindful nutrition to nourish your body and support hormone balance.
Looking for relief from hot flashes, anxiety, or other symptoms?
Whether you are well-versed in self-care or have been putting your own needs on the back burner, caring for yourself during perimenopause is incredibly important. Gaia Wellness and Recovery in Papamoa offers natural solutions like red light therapy and contrast therapy: book your session today!
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