We live in a society that medicalizes the normal and natural phases of a woman’s lifecycle. Contraceptive pills, hormonal medications, strong painkillers, and antidepressants are often used to counteract some of the symptoms that arise during the transitional phases. Cultural attitudes have also resulted in many women having difficulty trusting their bodies and connecting with the positive features experienced along the female life journey. Many women view menstruation as a nuisance or define it as “the curse.” Pregnancy and childbirth may be thought of as an inconvenience rather than a joy-filled time and one of nature’s greatest gifts. Western attitudes around menopause are also generally negative, as it is often considered the end of youth rather than a time of freedom and energy. As a result, many women become consumed with fear and anxiety in relation to their bodies, their sexual lives, illness, and the prospect of getting old. These feelings of fear, worry and depression can impact health, and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) result in the development of disease.
In contrast, traditional Chinese culture honours and celebrates the stages of a woman’s life, referring to menstruation as “Heavenly Water,” pregnancy as “Ripening Fruit,” post-partum is known as “Golden Month” and menopause as “Second Spring.” TCM treats patients differently, by advocating the support of the body’s own natural healing mechanisms. It views these stages as being normal and healthy.
In TCM it is understood that disease is a representation of the whole person, therefore specific symptoms are not treated in isolation. It is believed that body and mind are inseparable and therefore people’s emotional and physical wellbeing are interlinked. It is also the belief that humans respond to the external environment and that the body communicates and responds to factors such as weather, nature, and its immediate surroundings such as work and home environments. If we struggle to cope or adapt to such changes or pressures, diseases are more likely to occur.
In TCM the flow of energy is regulated using treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, moxibustion and fire cupping. These therapies are combined with lifestyle and nutritional advice to gently bring the body and mind back to a consistent and optimum state of balance.
At Blossom health NI there is a belief that these ancient traditions are needed more than ever in our society where women are often stressed and exhausted beyond what they can endure. I am passionate about sharing the gifts of TCM to prevent illness, protect vitality and provide awareness of peoples own capacity to heal themselves.
The Blossom Pathway offers support and guidance in a discreet and safe environment, where women are empowered by exploring the use of natural medicine as they transition through the natural cycles of life.
The approach works well as an alternative solution but is also beneficial when used alongside conventional methods recommended by general practitioners, specialists, and other health care professionals.
Conditions commonly treated:
- digestive issues
- pain
- endometriosis
- hormone imbalance
- menopause
- menstrual issues – irregular periods, painful periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- insomnia
- hot flushes
- weight gain
- irritability
- anxiety
- polycystic ovarian syndrome
- assisted reproduction (IVF, IUI, ICSI)
- recurrent miscarriage
- pregnancy conditions
