On Wednesday evening of September 10th, a seminar on menopause was held at Guild Hall on Williams Highway. The goal was to provide “an uplifting, empowering journey through the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of perimenopause and menopause.”

Speakers included Donna Schmid, Robin Miller, Janet Moret, and Caryn Gehlman.

Donna Schmid opened the seminar by discussing her own personal experiences with the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, delivering the topic to the audience with a sense of humor and open honesty that was well received. Donna organized the event because “…women really need to know the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.” She felt the seminar went perfectly, and everyone “walked away with something that empowered them.”

Following Donna, Janet Moret – a licensed acupuncturist, gave a brief introduction to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. She went on to discuss different points such as the yin/yang balance, changes women go through during menopause, foods to avoid, the importance of exercise, the cautious use of herbs, and how to ease certain peri and menopausal symptoms.

Caryn Gehlman brought a treat for all to share. She provided a variety of essential oils and encouraged women to go ahead and inhale! As everyone passed around the little brown bottles and made paper samples of their favorites, Caryn spoke of the benefits of various oils women can use for menopausal symptoms. She provided scent recipes for many forms of relief, from hot flashes, to simple relaxation.

When Dr. Robin Miller stood up to speak, she quickly made a point of stating that menopause is a normal process all females go through, and it is not a disease. The statement was followed with a discussion about hormones, and how the decision for testing and treating for imbalances should be made based on many sources of information, including personal study, rather than relying on just one source. Dr. Miller included information on vitamins, herbs, and stressed the benefits of complementary approaches to health care such as acupuncture, massage, and other realms within the healing arts. She also spoke of options and alternatives when it comes to Estrogen Replacement Therapy, which many women seem unaware of.

While the seminar was scheduled to end at 9 p.m., such a wealth of information was given that women stayed around to chat and talk with the speakers and each other afterward. It was a great night for all involved. Those who provided the seminar look forward to repeating it in the future, and the guests walked away extremely satisfied and armed with an abundance of information, tips, and hints for living well during this time in their lives.