The Yoga of Menopause - Alternatives to Hormone Therapy
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Women s Issues.
The Yoga of Menopause: Exploring Alternatives to Hormone Therapy
Summary:
The debate around hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal women is a major topic in medical circles today. However, this is not new to Susun Weed's readers, as she's been highlighting the risks of both conventional and alternative menopause treatments for years. This article delves into the Wise Woman approach to managing menopause.Introduction
Susun Weed asserts that menopause is not an illness but a transformative journey akin to puberty. Globally, wise women regard menopause as a health-promoting event, seeing hot flashes as power surges and the process as a unique spiritual voyage. Common treatments like ERT, HRT, or progesterone creams may hinder this natural progression and potentially harm women’s health.Menopause as Enlightenment
I find the energetic aspects of menopause particularly fascinating. As a long-time yoga practitioner, I noticed striking similarities between menopausal symptoms and the spiritual goal of "awakening the kundalini." Though these ideas might seem complex, they carry profound insights into menopause from the Wise Woman perspective.Kundalini, a concept recognized across various cultures, is a powerful energy likened to a coiled serpent at the spine's base. During menopause, a woman's kundalini becomes challenging to manage, triggering numerous symptoms. Yogis dedicate their lives to awakening this force, experiencing heightened energy that impacts the endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. This journey parallels the menopausal transition, with hot flashes serving as kundalini training sessions.
Herbal Alternatives for Women on Hormone Therapy
Many American women turn to herbal remedies for menopausal issues, even if they use ERT/HRT. These herbs address side effects and mitigate problems caused by hormones.
Herbal Helpers for Side Effects
Water Retention: A common complaint among hormone users. Herbal tinctures like dandelion or cleavers and certain foods can alleviate discomfort and prevent recurrence.- Dandelion Root Tincture: Strengthens the liver, aiding in hormone processing. Dosage: 10-20 drops in water or juice, 2-3 times daily.
- Cleavers Herb Tincture: Promotes lymphatic movement, quickly relieving edema. Dosage: 20-30 drops in water or juice, repeat hourly if needed.
- Effective Foods: Asparagus, nettles, corn, grapes, cucumbers, watermelon, parsley, celery, black tea, and green tea.
Headaches: Another common issue, even among those not on hormones. Herbs like dandelion, yellow dock, and milk thistle can alleviate headaches safely.
- Liver-Strengthening Herbs: Dandelion, yellow dock, milk thistle seed, and burdock.
- Garden Sage Tea: Provides immediate relief and prevents future headaches, reducing night sweats.
- Skullcap and St. John’s Wort: Tinctures ease pain and muscle spasms. Dosage: 5-20 drops of skullcap and a dropperful of St. John’s at headache onset, repeat every five minutes.
Preventing Hormone-Induced Problems
Breast Cancer Risk: Increases with hormone use over five years. Red clover and certain foods can minimize this risk.
- Red Clover Blossoms: Brewed as a strong infusion, providing phytoestrogens that counter harmful effects of hormones. Dosage: 2-4 cups daily.
- Recommended Foods: Beans and yogurt, which bolster immunity.
Other Concerns:
- Dry Eyes: Affect more than 9% of hormone users. Herbs like oatstraw, chamomile, and chickweed offer relief.
- Heart Health: Contrary to past beliefs, ERT/HRT may increase stroke and heart attack risk. Protect your heart with motherwort, hawthorn, and cherries.
More than three-quarters of American women over fifty have opted against ERT/HRT. Consider reducing your dosage gradually, using herbs like dandelion, motherwort, and red clover.
Understanding Estrogens
Hormones are made by women, plants, and chemicals. Pharmaceutical estrogens, derived from various substances, interact differently with the body.
Women produce several types of estrogen, with estradiol being linked to breast cancer. Phytoestrogens, found in foods, compete with the harmful effects of estradiol. It’s crucial to maintain active gut flora to utilize these plant hormones effectively.
Incorporating Phytoestrogens Safely
Phytoestrogen-rich foods, herbs, and food-like herbs should be used according to specific guidelines:
- Foods: Enhance a healthy diet with grains, seeds, beans, leafy greens, fruits, olive oil, and garlic.
- Food-like Herbs: Use citrus peel, dandelion, and green tea as longevity tonics.
- Medicinal Herbs: Use cautiously; examples include black cohosh and wild yam.
News and Warnings
Recent studies and insights highlight the varying effects of phytoestrogens and their impact on health. It’s essential to understand these nuances to use them effectively and safely.Conclusion
Menopause is a natural and empowering journey. Embracing herbal allies and phytoestrogens can offer safer alternatives to hormone therapy, supporting overall well-being during this transformative phase.You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Yoga of Menopause - Alternatives to Hormone Therapy.
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