This years Spring Womb-Journey has been one for the books. Not only did we discuss amazing eye-opening subjects, but you all journeyed with me in the midst of a global quarantine...come through tribe💥! I hope the topics were informative and therapeutic, as well as enjoyable for you.
Our final walk continues down the road of RESTORATION. I felt this weeks womb talk topic was necessary due to the increasing percentage of women who undergo hysterectomies per year. A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove all or part of the uterus. Each year in the United States over 500,000 women have hysterectomies, which is the second most common procedure among women (the most common surgery is childbirth by cesarean delivery). Some may not understand the importance of, or deem it necessary, continuing a self-care routine for the womb after she has been (physically) removed from her throne. This weeks post will address the purpose of maintaining reproductive system health post hysterectomy.
To clarify, the female reproductive system consists of the internal reproductive organs (vagina, cervix/uterus, fallopian tubes, ovary), and the external components (labia major and minor, clitoris). Depending on the type of procedure had, only a portion of the reproductive system may be removed. For example, if you've had a partial hysterotomy, the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes are in place, meaning they still need to be cared for to maintain healthy female function. Here is why:
Ovaries provide estrogen which maintains the health of all female reproductive tissues, including vaginal tissue (keeping it thick, moist and flexible), and testosterone which is known to help regulate a healthy libido.
The cervix secretes mucus near ovulation which provides additional lubrication. Yes, if your ovaries are healthy and present, you will still ovulate.
The mighty vagina! Although the vaginal lining has no glands, plasma from vaginal walls due to vascular engorgement (arousal) is considered to be the chief lubrication source, as well as the Bartholin glands located at the lower left and right of the vaginal opening.
So what should your self-care routine now look like after a hysterectomy? Very similar as it did before, with the addition of restorative affirmations.
Continue with yoni steaming
- If you recall our May 21st post on yoni (vaginal) steaming, it lists the benefits of allowing the herbal steam mixture to penetrate through the soft tissue into the bloodstream, providing complex compounds to various organs and bodily systems.
Drink herbal teas
- Red Clover Flower relaxes the nervous system, restores and balances hormonal functions, alkalinizes the body balancing pH levels of the vagina
- Nettle Leaf strengthens the kidneys and adrenals, and balances the hormonal system
- Red Raspberry Leaf tones pelvic region muscles, detoxes the body, increases immunity
Affirmations
- Your spiritual and emotional wellbeing are necessary when balancing the physical work of the above self-care tips. Feeling a little down or having a sense of loss after surgery is normal for your womb is deeply connected to your womanhood. Countering emotions of inadequacy comes when speaking positively over the space your womb once occupied. Your womb is more than just an organ, it is a mindset of the nurturing power you posses as being a part of this tribe called WOMAN. And that can never be removed from you.
Again, I so appreciate you taking the time to travel with me. Until our next womb-journey, be safe beloved! 💛💛💛
