Foot massages provide health benefits to postmenopausal women

A recent study found that foot massage during menopause can lengthen daily sleep duration by a median of 1 hour and lower fatigue and anxiety, according to a press release from NAMS.

In a randomized controlled trial, the results of which were published in Menopause, researchers studied the effects of foot massage in postmenopausal women in regard to sleep, anxiety and fatigue.

According to the press release, no previous studies have simultaneously assessed the impact of foot massage on these three factors in postmenopausal women.

“Sleep disturbances, fatigue and anxiety symptoms are common during menopause,” Stephanie Faubion, MD, MBA, FACP, NCMP, IF, medical director of NAMS and member of Healio Women’s Health & OB/GYN Peer Perspective Board, said in the release.

“This small study in Turkish women shows how a simple, inexpensive intervention such as foot massage can improve these bothersome symptoms in postmenopausal women,” Faubion continued. “Although additional study is needed to confirm these findings in other populations of postmenopausal women, there is little downside to recommending foot massage as a nonhormone option to help relieve symptoms.”

References:

• Foot Massage Effective in Improving Sleep Quality and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Women. https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/press-release/foot-massages-improve-sleep-and-anxiety.pdf?sfvrsn=c83060da_2. Published Sept. 21, 2022. Accessed Sept. 21, 2022.
• Gökbulut N, et al. Menopause. 2022;doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002062.