thoughts: working with healing my period

a couple of months ago i began working with a naturopath to help support my journey around healing concerns struggles around my period. these include but not limited to:

- period pain

- feeling blue and anxious before getting my period

- lower back pain

- sugar cravings

- affected sleep

- drop in energy and motivation levels

at the moment we're working with getting some of my deficiencies up to level with herbal supplements, and doing monthly 'homework' such as incorporating more regular body movement (i.e. going for daily walks) or having a regular sleeping schedule.

i am however, at this stage with this journey where i'm beginning to question what i'm doing.

not only are the supplements working mostly on physical issues, but it is a costly situation. practicing transparency here: i have spent over $1000 since Sept 2020.

which may not seem like a lot on a grand scheme of things for four months worth of supplements, consultations and generally looking after your health. maybe it's actually cheap compared to hospital and medical bills when you are struggling with life-threatening diseases.

it is inviting me to reflect on what i spend my money on, and what i value in life and want to prioritise. yes, i do value my health and well-being and wish to prioritise it on a daily basis (this can sometimes be challenging, but perhaps i'll leave this for another post), but sometimes conflict still arises that make it tough to prioritise what you value.

at this stage, one of those things for me is finance.

i'm mindful that my circumstances are far better off than a lot of people. i recognise having a source of income and having the choice to work with or without a natural healer around health issues is a privilege.

but why is this?

why is it cheap to buy a box of painkillers that can contribute to your health degradation in the long run, than it is to access knowledge and support on how to eat properly or move your body in a way that is actually good for you?

why is it that when i arrive at a (female) doctor's clinic, and when i tell her that one of my PMS symptoms is that I feel depressed a few days before my period, one of her recommendations is to perhaps start taking anti-depressants?

why is it that information is more readily accessible these days via the internet around how to look after yourself, and yet we are sicker as a nation?

the australian government has rebates around seeking medical help, but a very one-sided help.

where is the financial support for herbalists? the naturopaths and nutritionists? the massage therapists? (and other holistic health practitioners)

i could be completely naive right now, and just lack research (may be good to note that this blog is a view of one person only**), but is the reason why 'alternative/complimentary' medicine is so pricey because they aren't receiving as much government help as conventional medicine practitioners?

i recognise that there is a hurdle around policies and regulations, which can be challenging considering some holistic health practitioners work with intuition and/or some traditions don't have scientifically proven evidence of health benefits and side-effects.

i also recognise that there there are people in the world doing work around this such as Chris Bobel [1] around menstrual stigma and menstrual movement, or associations like the Australian Holistic Healers & Counsellors Association [2] who provide support for for holistic practitioners (they also have a directory of practitioners in different fields for those who may be interested).

i also recognise that i need to do more research on this :p

this is, however a continuous journey. i may or may not share more about it down the track.

if you have any comments or pieces of info that you feel would be helpful i would love to hear it! you can contact me here.

on a last note, i found this article on Compare the Market that states "these government changes to private health insurance were designed to help make health insurance cheaper for customers" [3]. Turns out remedial massage, acupuncture and chinese medicine can be available in some health insurance, but as of April 2019 they removed these services from the insurance cover:

• Aromatherapy

• Naturopathy

• Yoga

• Kinesiology

• Homeopathy

• Western Herbalism

• Pilates

• Tai Chi

• Reflexology

• Iridology

• Alexander Technique

• Rolfing

• Shiatsu

• Feldenkrais

• Buteyko

• Bowen Therapy

once again, brings me back to the question of why products like birth control pills, anti-depressants, and pain killers are more readily accessible...

i shall continue exploring ✌🏽

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DISCLAIMER: as mentioned, this site is based on one person's experiences, thoughts, feelings, and opinions. i am not professionally qualified in any of the topics i write about.

you are more than welcome to disagree or give feedback on what is shared. please do so in a respectful manner, i welcome any constructive and compassionate feedback. disrespectful or thoughtless comments will not be tolerated.

if you are unsure about a topic shared, please do your own research or seek an expert's opinion.

listen to your inner wisdom, and practice trusting this.

my writing may sound legit and make sense, but you know yourself best.

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Footnotes and References:

[1] The Messy Politics of Menstrual Activism with Chris Bobel 2019, podcast, The Period Party, 14 October, accessed 02 January 2020, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-messy-politics-of-menstrual-activism-with-chris-bobel/id1294938797?i=1000453429572

[2] AHHCA 2020, About the Australian Holistic Healers & Counsellors Association, AHHCA, viewed 02 January 2020, https://ahhca.org/about/

[3] Compare The Market 2020, Natural therapies & remedies, Compare The Market, viewed 02 January 2020, https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/health-insurance/what-is-extras-cover/natural-remedies/