"As a practitioner specializing in women's health osteopathy, here are five unexpected methods I can offer to aid you"
In the heart of North London, The Backbone Osteopathic Practice is home to Ayshe Ibrahim, a women's health osteopath who is revolutionising the approach to menopause and other women's health issues.
Ayshe's unique practice combines various osteopathic techniques with additional therapies to create a holistic approach. By considering the body as a whole, she addresses issues such as the spine, organs, muscles, joints, alignment, circulation, lymphatic drainage, health conditions, medication, stress, sleep, and home and work life factors.
Osteopathy, a hands-on approach, aims to create an environment for the body to heal itself. Ayshe uses osteopathic techniques like massage and manual stretching to improve musculoskeletal function and support hormonal balance, alleviating symptoms like joint pain and fatigue often associated with menopause.
Diaphragmatic breathing, a relaxation technique taught by Ayshe, can help send de-stressing signals to the brain. This technique has personally helped Ayshe manage panic attacks.
In addition to traditional osteopathy, Ayshe also practices structural, cranial, and visceral osteopathy. She is trained in yoga therapy, neuro linguistic programming (NLP), breath work to calm anxiety, Reiki, energy healing, and Sufi practices.
Improper posture, such as sitting down for long periods, can create tension in the pelvis, leading to heavier periods and increased period pain. Ayshe advises posture tweaks, like sitting upright with shoulders back and chest open, to help with gut issues and improve digestion. Sitting upright with hips higher than knees and maintaining a neutral tailbone position can also help alleviate period pain and heavy bleeding.
Stress can lead to poor digestion and worsen symptoms in women suffering from IBS. An osteopath can help regulate digestion by working with the body's structure, improving circulation, and supporting the nervous system.
Hot flushes during menopause can be triggered by anxiety, and anything that calms the nervous system and boosts circulation can help manage this symptom. Making small, circular clockwise movements from the belly button can help reduce bloating.
An experienced osteopath like Ayshe can help find the cause of back pain that may be coming from inside the body, such as PCOS, fibroids, or endometriosis. Women with conditions like endometriosis may hold tension in their pelvic floor, affecting blood flow and causing back pain during periods.
Ayshe has helped clients manage chronic pain, such as painful periods and back pain, and has seen unexpected improvements in mental health from bodywork. Osteopathy can help with various health issues beyond just bones and bad backs, including bloating, painful periods, pregnancy and post-partum support, menopause, and managing stress and anxiety.
Preparing for a smoother menopause involves regulating the body ahead of time through gentle manipulation, massage, and stretching to improve blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and reduce inflammation. An osteopath can help reduce inflammation and improve pelvic alignment to create more space in the pelvic area, relieving tension and managing pain.
In conclusion, Ayshe Ibrahim at The Backbone Osteopathic Practice in North London is a beacon of hope for women seeking a holistic approach to managing their health during menopause and beyond. Her unique blend of osteopathic techniques, other therapies, and a deep understanding of the body make her a 'body whisperer' in every sense of the word.
