TAMMY FRAY
Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, is often viewed negatively, however, Monqiue Weschta, a health coach and Iyengar yoga teacher from Buffalo City, wants to debunk the stereotypes associated with it.
Yoga promotes health and wellbeing for all ages and Weschta says that with its focus on breathing, relaxation and stretching, yoga more so than any other form of exercise is a great way to alleviate menopausal flare ups.
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and this period can be marked with symptoms that include fatigue, depression, crankiness, insomnia, weight gain, hair loss, and so forth.
Weschta explains that stress aggravates these symptoms, forcing doctors to prescribe medication that through diet and exercise women can often do without.
Yoga, as opposed to high-intensity exercises, has a palliative effect on the neuroendocrine system, forcing the brain to quiet the mind and in turn relax the nerves.
As menopause tends to start after the age of 40 or 50, Weschta focuses mainly on working with women in this age group.
She has worked with many women in Buffalo City in one-on-one sessions, as well as group classes, while also providing them with dietary and other wellness-related advice.
“For hormonal health, a healthy, balanced diet is important,” she says.
”I help clients become familiar with a blood sugar balancing way of eating.
“To relieve menopausal symptoms it’s best to avoid or reduce alcohol or stimulants such as caffeine and sugar and to drink lots of water and include plenty of organic fruit and vegetables in one’s diet.”
One draining symptom of menopause is insomnia, however, Weschta says yoga is a good tool to curb this nightmare.
She says the earlier yoga is integrated as a practice into one’s life, the better, so that when menopause sets in, the transition is not harrowing and the body has the capacity to regulate itself hormonally.
Weschta will be teaching restorative menopause yoga classes on July 25 and 28, from 5.30-7pm, in Vincent, for all interested.
The classes are R100 and booking in advance is important as space is limited.
In addition, Weschta is also offering in-person and online health coaching programmes, giving advice on healthy living.
For GO! readers, she is currently offering free 30-minute online sessions providing health-related advice.
For a booking or for more information, contact Weschta on: moniquew100@gmail.com
