Women in their 40s need to know about this traditional Chinese treatment

Women who are experiencing perimenopausal symptoms may find relief in gua sha, a traditional treatment.

A Chinese medicine technique using a smooth-edged instrument to scrape or rub certain areas of the body may relieve troublesome symptoms women experience in the years leading up to menopause, according to a new study.

Perimenopause, or premenopause, can begin eight to 10 years before menopause, as oestrogen levels fluctuate and start declining but menstrual cycles continue. During this time, and for another year or more after menstruation stops, women may experience hot flashes, insomnia, tiredness, mood swings, forgetfulness, aches and pains, vaginal dryness and pain during sex.