Menopause as a source of power.
The best metaphor I've heard is that menopause is like AUTUMN. We slow down—menoPAUSE—go inward, and gather the harvest from previous seasons or periods of our life. We harvest the seeds we planted in SPRING (our teenage years), and the quality of the harvest reflects how we cared for our garden during SUMMER (our productive years). Essentially, menopause or the harvest is a direct reflection of the care and compassion we provided ourselves throughout our lifetime. It's a call to wake up, pause, and take care of ourselves and those “harvested fruits” that will nourish our joy and good health while we will enter WINTER, the period of Crown & Aging.
You know my approach: My inner knowing aligns and inspires from spiritual and indigenous perspectives, but at the same time, I like to confirm for my self and explain spiritual and intuitive knowledge from a scientific and logical approach. So here is a short summary.
Menopause, the natural biological process marking the end of a woman's menstrual cycles, has diverse interpretations and treatments across different cultures. Here, we explore how indigenous and spiritual perspectives view menopause compared to its medicalisation in Western culture.
Indigenous and Spiritual Perspectives on Menopause
Rite of Passage:
Many indigenous cultures see menopause as a significant rite of passage. It is often viewed as a transition from the role of a mother and caretaker to that of a wise elder or spiritual guide.
For example, in some Native American cultures, menopause is considered a time of gaining spiritual power and wisdom. Women are often honoured for their life experiences and contributions to the community.
Spiritual Growth:
Menopause is frequently associated with spiritual growth and self-realisation. It is seen as a period where women can focus more on their inner lives and spiritual practices.
Practices such as meditation, prayer, and rituals are often emphasised during this transition, helping women to connect with their inner selves and the spiritual world.
Holistic Health:
Indigenous and spiritual perspectives often emphasise a holistic approach to health, which includes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Natural remedies, such as herbal treatments, dietary changes, and physical activities like exercise, yoga or tai chi, are commonly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
These practices aim to balance the body and mind, promoting overall well-being rather than just treating symptoms.
Abnormalisation of Menopause in Western Culture
Medicalisation:
In Western cultures, menopause is often abnormalised, meaning it is treated as a medical condition that needs to be managed or cured.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), pharmaceutical treatments, and clinical interventions are common approaches, focusing primarily on alleviating physical symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and osteoporosis.
Negative Tone:
Menopause in Western culture is frequently associated with negative tone, such as aging, loss of fertility, and decreased femininity.
This perspective can lead to stigmatisation and a sense of loss or inadequacy among women going through menopause, rather than celebrating it as a natural and empowering transition.
Commercialisation:
The pharmaceutical industry and media often exploit menopausal symptoms for commercial gain, promoting products and treatments that promise to "cure" or "manage" menopause.
This commercialisation can lead to over-reliance on medical treatments and a diminished appreciation for natural and holistic approaches.
Lack of Support:
Unlike many indigenous cultures where menopause is a communal and celebrated event, Western culture often lacks sufficient support systems for menopausal women.
The focus tends to be on individual medical treatments rather than community-based support and shared wisdom.
Bridging the Perspectives
Integrative Approaches:
Integrating holistic and natural remedies with medical treatments can offer a more balanced approach to managing menopause.
Practices like mindfulness, yoga, and herbal supplements can complement medical treatments, addressing both physical symptoms and overall well-being.
Cultural Sensitivity:
Recognising and respecting diverse cultural perspectives on menopause can enhance understanding and support for women going through this transition.
Healthcare providers can benefit from being aware of and incorporating cultural and spiritual beliefs into their practice, offering more personalised and compassionate care.
Empowerment and Education:
Educating women about the natural and spiritual aspects of menopause can empower them to embrace this transition positively.
Promoting a more holistic view can help reduce stigma and encourage women to seek a variety of support and treatment options.