Until now, I have given examples of well-being and self-care tricks based on research conducted in our time, but would you like to talk about health-conscious women who lived in ancient times? In this blog, we will take a journey through time and delve into various topics ranging from personal care routines to the healing methods of powerful women who serve as examples to us. Get your notebooks ready, because I have compiled fantastic tips passed down from our ancient role models for you!
Holistic Herbal Remedies: Nature's Healing Bounty
Our journey begins with a beautiful view of the plants. In ancient times, plants were indispensable companions for women, and they possessed limitless knowledge about them. Let's open the notebooks of past women and see what they wrote about them. From our notebook, we are greeted with the fragrances of chamomile and raspberry.
Chamomile, especially when consumed by boiling over the years, is known to support stress reduction and relaxation. With these properties, it is particularly effective in reducing the effects of PMS. Our ancestors in ancient times also used chamomile for its anti-inflammatory properties in issues such as diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and urinary tract infections.
Red raspberry leaf, on the other hand, has long been known as a uterine tonic. It is highly beneficial for the uterine reproductive system. With its anti-inflammatory, nutritive, and relaxant properties, it was an indispensable plant for women in ancient times.
Mind-Body Connection: The Power of Yoga
How about exploring the connection between mind and body through the experiences of our ancestors? If you thought of yoga, congratulations; you're correct. Yoga was indispensable for women in ancient times as a discipline that could be shaped according to their special needs. Yoga can be particularly applied to support fertility, with benefits such as stress reduction, improved blood flow, hormonal balance, relaxation, and emotional well-being. Here are a few examples of poses that support fertility and are suitable for beginners:
Bhramari pranayama is a beginner-friendly yoga pose known for its stress-reducing properties.
Hastapadasana helps to increase body flexibility and again aids in reducing stress.
Supta baddha konasana strengthens the inner thigh and groin muscles and is also beneficial for menstrual cramps when practiced during menstruation.
Nutritional Wisdom: Traditional Diets for Women
Let's take a look at what types of diets our ancestors followed and what we can learn from them. As you might guess, the basis of our ancestors' diets was to eat foods that were available in the season they were in. Additionally, these diets varied greatly depending on the regions they inhabited. So, the first thing we'll learn is that we should eat what is fresh and in season in our region. Apart from that, let's briefly touch upon a few diet types:
Mediterranean Diet: Ideal for heart health, this diet, as the name suggests, is based on plants and seafood commonly found in the Mediterranean region. Our ancestors met their fat needs with vegetable oils and limited their consumption of red meat.
Asian Diet: Since Asia is a vast region, there are several different Asian diets, but there are common points among them. Similar to the Mediterranean diet, the Asian diet also limits red meat consumption and emphasizes the consumption of seafood. In addition to fresh vegetables, soy products are also consumed.
Moon Cycle Wisdom: Honoring Menstrual Rhythms
Now it's time to cast our eyes to the sky on our journey through time. Don't worry, you don't need sunglasses because we're looking at the moon. In ancient times, women used to apply different personal care rituals according to the phases of the moon, and in many cultures, the moon is still seen as a symbol of fertility. There are scientific studies on whether there is a connection between women's menstrual cycles and the moon's movements, but no conclusive results have been reached yet. Nevertheless, there's no harm in following our ancestors' rituals; after all, we should continue to do what works best for us.
Especially the 28-day lunar cycle, which correlates with the average 28-day menstrual cycle for most women, was recognized by our ancestors. Going back to very ancient times when even finding a calendar was extremely difficult, tracking menstrual days using lunar cycles has been an invaluable method for women. Although it may not be as relevant for us today, engaging in meditations during different lunar phases can be beneficial for our spirits, and each glance at the moon can serve as a reminder of our ancestors.
Sacred Self-Care Rituals: Nurturing the Soul
When we look at the personal care routines of our ancestors, traditional massages and aromatic oils greet us. Massage, which helps relax muscles, also aids in reducing issues like anxiety by promoting relaxation. People who offer traditional massages professionally are trendy nowadays. In addition to opting to visit them and entrusting yourself to the hands of professionals, you may also consider learning small massages that you can do for yourself and your loved ones.
Aromatic oils, which you can use in the massages you learn, are also among the personal care products used by our ancestors. Depending on the oil you use, you can apply it to your skin to help it appear healthier or benefit from its relaxing scents through the use of a diffuser. Oils derived from herbal extracts, such as the relaxing effect of lavender, the calming scent of jasmine, and the invigorating aroma of citrus, create a sensory feast. Through this feast, you can reconnect with your inner self and find relief from stress.
Community Support: Sisterhood and Traditions
As our journey through time slowly comes to an end, I want to remind you that you are not alone. You should know that many women frequently embark on these time travels and have turned our ancestors' traditional self-care rituals into a way of life. In times when women were often forced to suppress their identities, our ancestors came together, found the strength to be themselves, and passed down their traditions to us. By taking inspiration from them, we too can become much stronger.
Through sisterhood and compassion, we can strengthen our respect for ourselves and each other, creating a positive and healing atmosphere around us. It's very likely that together we can engage in meditations and rituals, share our own self-care practices, and find solutions to each other's problems. Remember, while each of us is individually powerful, by combining our experiences and offering advice to one another, we can become an incredible community.
Immerse Yourself in Wellness with Cybele
Don't hesitate to use modern technology to integrate the notes you've taken on topics inspired by tradition and nature into your life. There are apps available, like Cybele, that provide personalized advice and track changes in your body based on your menstrual cycle. Cybele, offering meditation practices inherited from our ancestors along with personalized recommendations, promises its members a unique experience aimed at better self-understanding for women. Be one of the first to join the Cybele community by filling out the early membership form now.
Conclusion
At the end of our journey, I hope you leave with unique insights filling your notebooks. No matter how much time changes, human nature, and the mind remain constant, and their basic needs always lead to the same door. Embracing the personal rituals of our ancestors, who serve as a source of inspiration for us, will enrich our lives with successes built upon their wisdom, adding unique experiences for both ourselves and our future sisters.
Comments