VOYA introduces menopause spa treatments

For a long time menopause has been one of the most palpably ignored women's healthcare issues - underrepresented, undiscussed and unaddressed beyond the bare minimum. While everyone experiences menopause differently, lots of women find the most acute symptoms uncomfortable at best and distressing or debilitating at worst.

Thankfully, awareness is growing and is leading to conversations that support women at home, at work and in themselves. Amongst those leading the charge and recognising that they have a role to play in supporting women manage symptoms from a holistic perspective, is the spa world.

From Jennifer Young to Temple Spa, Comfort Zone and more, spa treatments and spa products are being tailored to help women thrive in menopause. As a leading skincare and spa therapy brand, VOYA is bringing its nourishing and restful treatments to market. Here's what they are contributing to women's wellbeing.

Menopause symptoms

To recap, menopause symptoms can be varied and wide reaching, ranging from well-known hot flushes, night sweats and mood swings to the lesser-known ones of anxiety, brain fog, nutritional intolerances and joint/muscle aches. During this time women also experience changes to their skin, energy levels, hair and an acceleration when it comes to many signs associated with ageing.

However, this also happens in an era when many women are leading more active lives for longer and have never been healthier. For lots of people, the menopause and post-menopause years are a time for being the best version of ourselves. VOYA aims to enhance that line of thinking with the launch of a series of spa treatments to alleviate and soothe the body and mind during this time in women's lives.

Seaweed, spa treatments and menopause symptoms

VOYA is best known for their seaweed-based skincare products and spa therapies, harvested sustainably from Strandhill, Co. Sligo in Ireland. So, it will come as no surprise that their menopause treatments also draw on the healing powers of their organic hero ingredient.

VOYA says:

"This is a time to ensure that the body and mind are nourished and in optimum health with good levels of vitamins and minerals such as A, B and E for healthy bones and teeth, and magnesium and iodine for mood swings and anxiety, all of which are found in seaweed.

Seaweed is a fully renewable natural resource and naturally absorbs its nourishment from the sea – over 80% of the seaweed plant is made up of essential minerals, vitamins and other bioactive compounds. Seaweed provides a broad range of vital nutrients including fibre, calcium, potassium and iron. It is known for its high iodine content which helps regulate hormone production by balancing thyroid activity. Balanced hormones can result in better sleep, more energy and better digestion as well as managing the effect of stress on the body.

Seaweed also supports the maintenance of normal, healthy skin and is additionally one of the few plant sources of vitamin B12, a key nutrient to support blood and nerve cells. The high fibre content of seaweed has been found to be beneficial to the gut microbial flora improving gut health, key to addressing menopausal symptoms."

Holistic healing for menopause symptoms

In addition to the product ingredients that they use, VOYA's spa treatments use carefully considered therapeutic methods to also ease the consequences of menopause.

They say: "Taking inspiration from Chinese culture where menopause is known as the “second spring”, where feminine potential is celebrated with a renewal of energy and fresh opportunities, VOYA have created three separate “tides” or treatments to address the different symptoms of menopause."

Therapists are trained to understand menopause symptoms and how different women may experience them. They will take that knowledge and use it to tailor spa treatments to the individual needs of each person using a combination of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology.

They say that each component has been selected for its proven benefits when it comes to menopause symptoms, highlighting the following information:

Aromatherapy for menopause:

Studies have shown that aromatherapy helps to reduce hot flushes, night sweats, depressed mood, irritability, anxiety and physical and mental exhaustion.

Reflexology for menopause:

Clinical trials have demonstrated that reflexology reduces hot flushes, sweats and night sweats.

Massage for menopause:

A recent study has shown improvements in sleep patterns and general quality of life following massage therapy.

VOYA menopause spa treatments

With all of this in mind, VOYA's three 'tides' - aka treatments, focus on different menopause symptoms which can be tailored to the individual client according to their needs. They include the following therapies, each of which includes different details and characteristics to help women get the support they need and feel their best post-treatment:

NOURISH TIDE: for the skin

Nutrition, hydration, protection

Menopause can cause changes to the skin. With a reduction in collagen, the skin tends to become drier, sensitive, and irritation prone, so increased hydration and nourishment from the inside out is required. Starting with fennel tea and including a thermal experience and VOYA Nourishing Cocoon therapy, this treatment is designed to hydrate and nourish the skin and body and promote optimum relaxation.

GROUNDING TIDE: for the mind

Sleep, mindfulness, vitality

Difficulty sleeping is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of menopause, with 84% women going through the menopause saying it is an issue*. This treatment begins with a calming chamomile tea and includes therapeutic experiences such as sound bathing and a VOYA Grounding session. It is designed around sleep, relaxation, and specific tools to help calm the mind, and ultimately encourage the best quality sleep.

FORTIFY TIDE: for the body

Metabolism, immunity, circulation

Menopause can be a time of increased aches and pains, and regular exercise, especially weight bearing exercises such as swimming, weights, yoga and Pilates can help alleviate certain symptoms, both mental and physical. Massage is also recommended to stimulate the lymphatic, circulatory and hormonal systems and can help regulate blood pressure and ease pain, as well as improve mobility, range of motion and coordination and reduce stress. This treatment begins with an invigorating peppermint tea and includes a yoga stretch experience, a bespoke thermal experience and a VOYA Fortify Face & Body treatment.

*Fawcett Society (2022) Landmark Study: Menopausal Women Let Down by Employers and Healthcare Providers