A Relief to Some-Witchcraft to Others...
By Carrie E. Pierce and menopauserus.com
Let's face it, Menopause happens to all women- eventually- and
brings with it numerous physical, emotional and psychological
changes.
This process might be met with feelings of relief, peace and
acceptance-or depression, anxiety and illness.
How a woman accepts this inevitable time in her life depends
largely upon the cultural and societal norms that prevail in her
day to day life.
For instance, it's been shown that European women seem to fear the
decline of their mental health during Menopause, while Jewish women
take very little issue with the process as a whole.
Arab women seem to fear the loss of love from their spouses, once
their ability to bear children declines, yet in several studies,
Japanese and Filipino women seem to weather Menopause rather easily.
Why is this-and what makes it so?
Women's responses to the Menopause process vary significantly from
culture to culture.
The more the culture in question views Menopause as a natural
occurrence in a woman's life- and not a disease process to be
conquered, cured or overcome- the easier and more enriching the Menopause experience will be.
The more Menopause is viewed as a 'loss' -of youth, vitality,
beauty- the more likely that a woman will experience pain, illness
and emotional issues as she makes the transition.
To prove this phenomenon let's take a closer look at various
cultures and how Menopause and aging in women are perceived:
Most Western Cultures, where birth control is prevalent and the
cultures are rather 'youth driven', (such as the US and Australia)
find Menopause to be a ‘loss’ that is to be mourned, and/or battled
at all costs.
Studies conducted in these countries reveal more negative physical and
emotional symptoms accompanying the Menopause process.
In studies conducted in Australia, findings were high: almost 80%
of women suffer with various Menopause-related ailments, while
women in non-Western cultures seem to have a much easier time with
the transition.
So, why this startling difference?
Is it just a genetic phenomenon? Something strictly related to diet
and/or lifestyle?
You just might be surprised...
The African approach to Menopause varies depending upon culture and
also the childbearing history of each woman.
Throughout Africa, menopause is seen mostly as a blessing.
It affords equality between men and women for the first time in a
woman's life- and can be a very welcomed transition, as childbearing
comes to an end.
The downside to Menopause in Africa:
Spotting or bleeding after Menopause is often viewed as a mark of
Witchcraft, and that opens up an entirely different, undesirable
can of worms!
In Italy, Menopause is thought to be the 'Third Age' and is
approached positively-as a totally natural part of a woman's life.
Physical symptoms may get to these Italian women a bit, but their
peace with the process helps them prevail and thrive-all the while
maintaining their sexuality.
In Japan, Menopause is viewed as a very positive occurrence, as
this particular culture is rather Age-friendly.
Women moving through Menopause in Asia are viewed as having
increasing worth; gaining honor in society instead of being pushed
aside.
Sikh, Mayan, East Indian, Filipino and Asian women all share
positive Menopausal experiences.
The common denominator surrounding the Menopause process in these
cultures seems to be this:
Women- in these countries, once menstruation and childbearing
cease- gain importance, recognition, respect and parity in what are
predominantly male-dominated cultures.
This then frees them for the first time in their lives- and on many
planes.
The women in these cultures are actually transitioning TO
something, rather than away from something.
-This appears to be key in having a healthy Menopause experience.
As we are within, so are we without...
Society dictates a woman's self esteem, and self perception.
This is most unfortunate- but true.
In societies where aging is considered a loss, handicap or journey
toward death, Menopause has proven to be a rather bumpy ride for
women.
On the other hand, in cultures where it is viewed as being a
natural, normal process- and a time of true freedom- Menopause
proves to be a rather easy time of transition- and a time of self-growth
and self-actualization.
-Never has the saying 'Change your thoughts, Change your Life been more true!
Carrie has worked exclusively in the skin care, health and beauty industry for over 25 years.
She’s a licensed Aesthetician, is certified in Color Analysis and has built a solid, international reputation in the field of holistic, menopausal skin care; specializing in harmful cosmetic ingredients and industry practices.
She’s a recognized speaker and published writer- having written numerous articles in women’s health and beauty publications and she is Founder and President of Menopauserus.com- The ultimate natural help and support site for women in need of peri menopause and menopause relief.
It’s her mission to help make menopause ‘The Change for the Better’- for women everywhere!
