The Farm at San Benito is the first holistic medical wellness resort to launch a comprehensive menopause retreat that addresses women’s health issues.
This month, the spotlight shines on women as we celebrate the achievements of all women while also raising awareness about many forms of violence and other hardships that women face daily. As we honor women’s empowerment this Women’s Month, there is one aspect of femininity that we don’t always get to talk about—menopause.
Menopause is a natural phenomenon that every woman experiences as she ages. It is a time of significant hormonal and social changes that affect not just the physical health, but also the emotional and mental well-being of a woman. During this phase, women experience a decline in the levels of estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. The changes in hormone levels can also increase the risk of developing health conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.
As the number of women experiencing menopause increases each year, it has become crucial to address the unique health needs of this population. The Farm at San Benito, a world-renowned health and wellness resort in the Philippines, has taken a holistic approach to menopausal health. The Farm offers a range of programs and services that cater to the specific needs of peri/menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women.
Demographic characteristics of menopausal and post-menopausal women
According to recent studies, around 25 million women pass through menopause each year. In 1990, it was estimated that there were 467 million post-menopausal women in the world, with an average age of about 60 years. By 2030, the world population of menopausal and post-menopausal women is projected to reach 1.2 billion, with 47 million new entrants each year.
The Farm at San Benito recognizes the growing need for menopausal health services and has designed specialized programs that cater to the specific needs of this population. With a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, nutritionists, and therapists, it offers personalized care and attention to each guest, ensuring that each one receives the best possible treatment and care.
The implication of menopause for mortality risks
Studies also reveal that the mortality implications of menopause are substantial. Around the time of menopause, ratios of female-to-male mortality risks from all causes (except cancer) decline to low levels and then rise again to unity. This pattern shows evidence that the female reproductive period is broadly protective of health, but that this protection disappears after menopause. The main protective effect is through reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, partially offset by increased risks of cancer mortality, particularly of the breast and endometrium.
The Farm at San Benito understands the importance of reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. With its focus on holistic health and wellness, it offers a range of programs that help women maintain optimal health and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
Programs and services offered at The Farm
The Farm at San Benito offers a range of programs and services that cater to the specific needs of peri-menopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. The program is designed to help women achieve optimal health and well-being by addressing the underlying causes of health issues, and is conducted by internationally-trained integrative doctors supported by licensed health professionals.
The program includes vegan meals and nutritional juices. The meals are low glycemic yet high in nutrients, helping to boost the body’s natural defenses. The consultation with the nutritionist aims to assess the individual’s food intake and lifestyle history in order to formulate a sustainable meal plan that suits her individual needs.
In addition to nutrition, the retreat includes a holistic health consultation, which explores the individual’s state of well-being. Understanding the disharmony between the individual’s physical, psycho-emotional, and spiritual aspects helps their doctors to create a treatment plan to address any issues that may be present. A series of psycho-emotional clearing sessions are integral to achieving our guest’s treatment goals.
Cellular health screening is integrated into the program to foster a deeper appreciation of the working of the body at a cellular level. This is an educational experience that uses one’s blood as seen live under a dark field microscope to give a glimpse of what’s happening inside the body. It can show manifestations of oxidative stress and internal organ imbalance, providing valuable insights into possible nutritional deficiencies and toxicities.
The retreat also includes several colon hydrotherapy treatments, which help to detoxify the body and improve digestive health. The Farm’s diagnostics is supported by certified fitness coaches with a complimentary Fitness Consultation & Assessment.
Treatments include a vital test for heavy metals, minerals, and vitamins, a 60-minute Personalized Kidney Cleansing, a 30-minute Liver Compress, a 45-minute Empress Facial, a 60-minute Acupuncture Session, and a 30-minute Dolphin Neurostim. The retreat also includes a 90-minute personalized Hilot Lakambini, which is a traditional Filipino massage that helps to restore balance and harmony to the body.
Aside from these, the retreat also offers several activities and workshops, including yoga, meditation, nature walks, organic farm tours, sound healing, interactive wellness workshops, and functional fitness activities. This provides guests with an opportunity to connect with their bodies and minds, and to learn new skills that will help them cope with the changes that come with menopause.
The Farm at San Benito has a range of accommodation options that cater to the needs of different guests. It has received 90 international awards and accolades including “Best Medical Wellness Resort in the World” for its exceptional services and facilities. In 2021, the resort was awarded the Best Wellness Resort in the Philippines by the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards. The resort has also been featured in top international publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes.
Menopause can be challenging for women, and it often involves physical and emotional symptoms that may disrupt their daily lives. A holistic program such as what The Farm offers helps women navigate this phase of their lives and embrace the changes their bodies are going through.
For more details, visit www.thefarmatsanbenito.com. For feedback, I’m at joba.botana@gmail.com.
