Newsletter August 2023

Navigating Menopause and Reclaiming Balance

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman’s life, brings about a range of physical and emotional changes. Dealing with the side effects was a rollercoaster, but I refused to let it define me.

Menopause drastically took over my life, leading to hair loss, body and joint pain, insomnia, night sweats, and massive weight gain. Recognising the need for a deeper understanding of my condition, I decided to first find the root of it by undergoing blood tests, which revealed that my liver functions and cholesterol levels were impacted. This served as a catalyst for me to take charge of my health, and, like many women, I opted for alternatives rather than hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

My approach to tackling menopause:

1. Homoeopathy

The natural remedy, tailored to my specific needs, was my respite from night sweats. It helped me find solace and also allowed me to sleep better.

2. Herbal Supplements

As sleep often eluded me before I started down this path, I frequently found myself feeling tired and drained by the end of the day. To combat the sleepless nights, I incorporated Tulsi, Brahmi, and Ashwagandha tablets into my night routine, and their calming effects helped restore my sleep patterns.

3. Mind-Body Connection

Upon recognising the importance of a holistic approach, I embraced the power of regular massages, yoga sessions, and exercising, which not only alleviated my body and joint pain, but played a huge role in strengthening my bones.

4. Nurturing Hair Health

I turned to Gua Sha, an ancient Chinese technique that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation. This method, traditionally used to alleviate pain and tension in the body, showed surprising benefits when applied to the scalp, presenting notable results in addressing my challenging hair loss concerns.

5. Kinesiology

Kinesiology, at its core, is the scientific study of human movement and body mechanics. However, within the holistic health sphere, it’s understood as a therapeutic approach that combines traditional Chinese medicine principles with Western techniques. It employs muscle testing to gauge the body’s response to stimuli, often to identify allergies or nutritional deficiencies. By applying kinesiology to my nutrition, this personalised approach discerned specific foods that resonated with my body’s needs. It provided invaluable insights, empowering me to make dietary choices that harmonised with my unique constitution, bringing a newfound equilibrium to my nutritional intake.

6. Liver Detoxification

The guidance of detoxification experts helped me undertake a liver detoxification process, promoting optimal function during this transitional phase.

7. The Power of Food

Crafting a personalised food plan and supplement regimen proved to be a game changer amongst all the other interventions in my wellness journey. Here’s what I did:

A Nutrient-Dense Approach:

For two complete weeks, I followed a carefully curated food plan, eliminating gluten, dairy, caffeine, sugar (including fruit), and grains. My meals revolved around vegetables and minimal spice. Breakfast included avocado and boiled eggs with rice crackers, while lunch consisted of various veggies, with nutritious and nourishing soups becoming my go-to dinner. When hunger struck, a handful of nuts kept me company, with Tulsi herbal tea and ample water keeping me hydrated throughout the day.

These steps helped me rediscover my balance, and I saw a remarkable improvement in my well-being within two weeks. I lost weight, experienced reduced aches and pains, and bid farewell to my torment of night sweats. I am now confident in my ability to navigate menopause, no longer finding the journey daunting.

I share my journey in the hopes of empowering others towards wellness during menopause. Together, let’s get through this with strength and resilience.

A Nutrient-Dense Approach:

For two complete weeks, I followed a carefully curated food plan, eliminating gluten, dairy, caffeine, sugar (including fruit), and grains. My meals revolved around vegetables and minimal spice. Breakfast included avocado and boiled eggs with rice crackers, while lunch consisted of various veggies, with nutritious and nourishing soups becoming my go-to dinner. When hunger struck, a handful of nuts kept me company, with Tulsi herbal tea and ample water keeping me hydrated throughout the day.

These steps helped me rediscover my balance, and I saw a remarkable improvement in my well-being within two weeks. I lost weight, experienced reduced aches and pains, and bid farewell to my torment of night sweats. I am now confident in my ability to navigate menopause, no longer finding the journey daunting.

I share my journey in the hopes of empowering others towards wellness during menopause. Together, let’s get through this with strength and resilience.

What I discovered

Japan Airlines’ new initiative, “Any Wear, Anywhere,” offers passengers the opportunity to rent clothing for their stay in Japan, thereby minimising luggage and carbon emissions. This groundbreaking service exemplifies the merger of sustainable fashion and eco-friendly travel. For more great ideas on environmental well-being, tune into my new podcast season dedicated to the subject.

Recently, I stumbled upon an exciting article by CNTraveler: “Japan Airlines Will Now Rent You Clothes So You Don’t Have to Pack.” Introducing a new initiative called “Any Wear, Anywhere,” it allows passengers flying with Japan Airlines to rent clothing for their stay in Japan, eliminating the need to bring their own luggage.

With this programme, that’s currently being tested until August 2024, the airline aims to reduce the weight of their aircraft fleet, minimising the carbon emissions and contributing to a more eco-friendly travel experience. Partnering with Sumitomo Corporation to manage the procurement, delivery and cleaning of the rented clothes, the initiative ensures a seamless and sustainable fashion experience for travellers.

Reducing luggage weight can have a significant impact on carbon emissions. According to the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, if each passenger packed one less pair of shoes (approximately 2 lbs/1 kg), it would save fuel equivalent to taking 10,500 cars off the road for a year. With Japan witnessing a surge in tourism, especially with the return of visa-free travel, cutting carbon emissions on long-haul routes is becoming increasingly crucial.

To partake in this initiative, interested travellers can register on the programme’s website at least one month in advance. This groundbreaking service not only streamlines travel but also aligns with the principles of sustainable fashion. The innovative approach sets a stage for a future where sustainable practices intertwine with convenient and eco-friendly travel experiences.

For more insights into the ever growing world of sustainable fashion, don’t miss my new podcast episode: Tailored to Last: Innovations that are shaping the future of fashion, where we delve deeper into the world of fashion and its commitment to sustainability.