Women’s Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Health

Attending the "Women Should Know Summit" was a transformative experience that offered a wealth of knowledge about women’s health and development through the various stages of life. Hosted by Dawn Combs, the summit took place at Soda Farm in Marysville, Ohio, and was designed to educate women about the different phases of their life cycles - from adolescence and puberty to fertility, perimenopause, and beyond. The event was more than just a conference; it was an opportunity to delve deep into understanding how these stages affect not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being.

One of the most fascinating takeaways from the summit was the concept of generational connections, particularly how the choices made by our grandmothers can impact our lives today. This idea struck a chord with me and many others in attendance, as it highlighted how deeply interconnected we are with the generations that came before us. I learned that when our grandmothers were pregnant with our mothers, we were already present as eggs within our mothers' ovaries. This fact underscores the profound influence that our grandmothers' lifestyles, traumas, and even nutritional choices have on our health and well-being today. It made me reflect on the choices I’ve made and continue to make, not just for my own health, but for the well-being of future generations.

This realization led to a broader discussion about the impact of generational trauma. While Dawn didn’t specifically delve into studies, I recalled research on how trauma can be passed down through generations, even in animals. For instance, studies involving rats have shown that when one generation experiences trauma, like an electric shock paired with a specific smell, the subsequent generation reacts to that same smell with fear, despite never having experienced the shock themselves. This concept, when applied to human experiences, helps explain why certain fears, anxieties, or health issues might appear in a family lineage, even if the original trauma occurred generations ago.

Understanding this connection has profound implications for how we approach therapy and healing. As a holistic therapist, I emphasize the importance of looking at the whole picture - your personal history, family background, lifestyle, and even the unspoken stories of your ancestors. It’s not just about addressing the symptoms you present with today; it’s about understanding the deeper, often hidden, influences that shape your experiences. The summit reinforced the need for this comprehensive approach to wellness, particularly for women as they navigate the various stages of their lives.

Another significant topic covered at the summit was the importance of understanding our bodies, especially when it comes to hormonal health. The discussions focused on how our menstrual cycles are not just a monthly inconvenience but a vital sign of our overall health. It was eye-opening to learn that while a 28-day cycle is often touted as the “norm,” each woman’s cycle is unique, and slight variations are perfectly natural. However, significant deviations from your normal cycle can indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed. This knowledge empowers women to track their cycles closely, recognizing patterns and changes that might warrant further investigation.

The summit also delved into the distinction between what is “common” and what is “normal.” Just because a health issue is common doesn’t mean it’s normal or healthy. For example, many women experience severe PMS symptoms; but, while this is common, it’s not necessarily normal - it could be a sign of hormonal imbalance or other health issues that need attention. This distinction is crucial in a world where we are often told to accept certain health challenges as just part of being a woman. The summit encouraged attendees to challenge these assumptions, seek deeper understanding, and advocate for their health.

As a result of attending the summit, I am more equipped to help my clients navigate their health journeys. I now feel more confident in encouraging them to explore their hormonal health, track their cycles, and consider how their family history might be impacting their current experiences. The summit reinforced the idea that therapy is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to wellness. To truly support someone’s mental and emotional health, it’s important to consider all aspects of their life - physical health, lifestyle choices, and even the legacy of their ancestors.

In addition to hormonal health, the summit also touched on the broader implications of lifestyle choices. What we eat, how we manage stress, and the environments we live in all play a role in our overall well-being. For example, the toxins we’re exposed to can affect not just our health but the health of future generations. This was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we have to make informed, healthy choices - not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.

The summit was also a reminder that change is hard, but necessary. Even when armed with new information, implementing it in our lives can be challenging. It takes time to digest new concepts, integrate them into our daily routines, and make them a part of our lives. This process of change is something I experience alongside my clients. I’m not just a therapist; I’m also someone who is continually learning, growing, and trying to make better choices for myself and my family. The summit reminded me that while we can’t change the past, we can influence the future by making thoughtful, informed decisions today.

The "Women Should Know Summit" was an enriching experience that provided a deeper understanding of women’s health, the importance of recognizing our unique life cycles, and the impact of generational influences on our well-being. It reinforced the need for a holistic approach to health, one that considers the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. As I continue to integrate what I learned into my practice, I’m excited to help my clients gain a more comprehensive understanding of their health, empowering them to make choices that support not just their well-being, but that of future generations. The summit was a powerful reminder that we are all connected, not just to each other, but to those who came before us and those who will come after us.