Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.
Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.
Imbolc (pronounced ‘im’olk’) is also known as Oimelc, Imbolg, or Candlemass. It falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget (a Christian disguise for the goddess Brighid), and Groundhog day in America.
Imbolc is seen as a celebration of the first day of spring, and is traditionally celebrated in the first week of February, as its halfway through the 90 day seasonal period following the winter solstice (21st December). Imbolc and Oimelc are said to come from the old Gaelic word meaning ‘Ewes milk’, and is the time when ewes start lactating in preparation for giving birth to lambs, meaning there will soon be milk available for people to drink. Imbolc is also reported to mean ‘in the belly of the mother’ and represents potential for growth however it may be needed in your life.
Imbolc was important in the Celtic calendar, as winter stores of food were getting low, and the festival marked the beginning of a new farming season. Even though there may still be snow and frost on the ground, Imbolc marks the rebirth of nature and fertility, and a recognition of life beginning to stir and awaken within the earth. It is a celebration of the long winter darkness beginning to break, and the return to lighter and longerdays as the sun, and the young god it represents is getting stronger. A virgin goddess is said to govern this celebration, and her breasts fill with milk to nourish her young.
Rituals were performed at Imbolc to harness the divine energy, which they hoped would ensure a steady supply of food in the next six months. In the past candle lighting, was part of the ritual of this sabbat, hence being renamed ‘candlemass’ or mass of candles. In a group pagan ritual a young woman would wear a crown of lighted candles on her head. Feasting was also very much an element of the Celtic festivals and at a time when new lambs were born, a dish made from their docked tails was traditionally eaten. The ritual also includes the blessing and eating of diary foods to celebrate the life of the young god and his virgin mother. This practice was said to have been made popular by Scandinavians, sometime after the tenth century when the Vikings invaded Ireland, and adopted the ritual after they populated much of the island, and married many of the women.
Imbolc also falls on the same day as Ireland’s feast of St Bridget. Bridgid is the Celtic goddess of fire, inspiration and fertility, and daughter of Dagda. As Bridgid was the goddess of fire, Imbolc celebrations centre around the lighting of fires. Many of the poor in communities really looked forward to these festivals, as they were a chance for them to get together with friends and family and take a break from work. People had been celebrating these old ways for centuries. Christians, who were trying to gain more followers, found they could not compete with the allure of these traditions. Therefore the Christian church in a bid to win people over, decided it was easier to assimulate Bridgid into their own faith, and so St Bridgid was created. They also created many stories about her in the hope that people would leave these old beliefs, and start following Christianity. One of the rituals they created was dressing a sheaf of oats in female clothes, and setting it in a basket called Brids bed.
Snakes were also a symbol commonly associated with Imbolc. They represent rebirth, as they shed their skin and re-emerge in the spring after a winter’s hibernation. Celtic healers often appear with snakes, that are associated with rivers and healing springs as these are thought to be the entrances to the underworld, where the giant ‘Ouroborous’, the earth dragon lives. Snakes and serpents often appear on ‘torcs’, the sacred neck ornaments worn by Celtic kings, as they embody eternal life and the power of the earth. In Celtic knot work, snakes patterns are still very popular. The coiled serpent, with its tail in its mouth represents a circle of eternity and the cycles of the earth’s evolution and reincarnation. It is reported that in Ireland, at a time when the Christian church was trying to gain followers, the Druids who vehemently opposed the church, often had tamed snakes as they used their venom for healing mixtures. However led by the warrior St Patrick, the church finally won the battle for followers over the Druids.
We may now dismiss many of these old beliefs, traditions, and celebrations, as mere superstitions. However, how we can say our beliefs today are any more credulous, especially when many of our celebrations today surround Christianity, which has actually adopted and claimed much of the folklore of old as their own.
Imbolc represents the end of winter (actual and emotional), and is seen as good time for growth. It can be a good time for putting new ideas into practice, taking the first steps of a new project. With so much dis-ease and ill health caused by trying to keep up with demands of the fast pace of life today, maybe returning to some of the beliefs of old, and becoming more in tune with the timing of nature is not such a bad idea.
Friday, December 03, 2010
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Samhain the festival of Wisdom Sunset 31 October to Sunset 2nd November
Before the advent of clocks and calendars, people were more in tune with nature’s timing; without electrical lighting they woke when the sun rose and slept when it went down, and they followed the cycles of the seasons as opposed to being a slave to the 24/7 hectic lifestyle most of us follow today.
Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.
Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is Gaelic for ‘the summers end’ and is known as the Celtic New Year; it marks the start of the winter, and the beginning of shorter days and longer evenings. It is a time for introspection, reflecting on the past year, looking forward to the future, and possible spiritual growth.
While Samhain has been celebrated for centuries and has its origin in Pagan Celtic traditions, later on it was adopted by Christianity. The modern day Halloween comes from the Christian festival called All Hallows eve. This and the following two days; All Saints and All Souls day (1st and 2nd of November) were for remembering and honouring loved ones who had passed away. This custom still continues today, in Countries such as France Spain and Mexico. In France All Saints day is a public holiday, and it is traditional for people to dress up in finest clothes and visit family graves and decorate them with flowers.
Samhain traditionally celebrated on October 31st is the night when the veil between the spirit world and our world is at its thinnest, and the souls of our ancestors can return to our world. It is a time to celebrate wisdom old and new, when the past and future join together for one night, and the dead could return to warm themselves by the fires of the living. In earlier times families would decorate altars to honour their ancestors, with mementos of those who had passed away and harvest foods such as; pumpkins, apples, and breads. They would also open their windows and place garlic on the window sills to allow the good family dead to enter. It was also believed at this time that some of the living (especially poets) were able to enter the otherworld through doorways at ancient burial mounds or ‘sidhe’ such as; at the Hill of Tara in Ireland.
Also known as the Feast of the dead; death is a central theme of this festival. This does not mean however that it is a morbid event, as the ancient Celts believed death is not a thing to be feared. They valued old age for the wisdom it brings, and saw death as an accepted part of the cycle of life. As with the other Celtic festivals, Samhain was a time for communities to get together and celebrate, which they did by lighting sacred bonfires, sacrificing animals, and bringing harvest food to share in a communal dinner. They would also dress up in animal heads and skins.
Many of the Samhain traditions still continue today such as: the hollowing out of a pumpkin and putting a lighted candle inside. This was traditionally known as a Jack o Lantern: a name which derived from a legendary character called Jack, who upon escaping hell was forced to walk in limbo carrying a hot coal for all eternity. While the veil between the worlds were so thin, the other world could also release fairies and mischievous spirits, and the Jack o Lantern was thought to keep evil spirits away and protect people from harm. Placing the lighted pumpkin on a window sill, facing the road, for 3 days until dusk on the 3rd of November was also believed to welcome home family ancestors. Another theory is that pumpkin lanterns originate from the ancient Celts placing the skulls of their ancestors outside their doors at Samhain.
The practice of trick or treat has also evolved from a time where children used to visit houses, to ask for soul breads to decorate their family altars (bread foods were thought to a favourite of the spirits). Nowadays children visit houses collecting sweets for themselves to eat, which are certainly not intended to honour the dead. Another belief is that at Samhain, fairies would take advantage of the thin veil, and dress up as beggars, visiting houses asking for handouts. If they received food people would be rewarded, but if they slammed the doors in the fairies faces they would find out how mischievous fairies could be.
In the agricultural wheel of the year Samhain marks the final harvest, when animals were slaughtered, food was stored away for the long months ahead, and activity moved from outdoors to indoors by the warmth of the fire. Fire played an important part in the rituals that took place at Samhain. Cattle would be brought down from the hills and passed between two fires to purify and cleanse them, as well as to protect them from any evil spirits that may be lurking while the veil between the worlds was so thin. It was believed to be bad luck to take all of the harvest, as something should always be left to keep the connection between the land and its produce throughout the long winter. Protection from evil was very important to the ancient Celts, especially at Samhain and Beltane (the two turning points of the year) when it was thought that the spirit world was very close at hand, and these were days of much evil activity.
Samhain was believed to be the night when the God of the old year dies and returns to the underworld. It is reported that the goddess enters to be reunited with the god (for three days only), returning on the third day of the festival to prepare for his rebirth at the Winter Solstice.
Throughout the wheel of the year the Celtic triple goddess goes through 3 stages (virgin, mother and crone). The Goddess is now in the crone aspect. She is not to be feared as she is the same goddess who gave us life in the summer. She has moved through being a maiden/virgin ready for a sexual union with the god at Beltane (May 1st), and the earth mother, recognised by the making of corn dollies at Lughnassadh (August 1st). She is the now the older woman wise but stern, and has much knowledge she can share with us. She comes in the form of Cerridwen, Hecate, Arianrhod and Persephone among others and is often symbolised by the wise old owl who is not blinded by darkness and travels by night.
Many of the traditions of Samhain have been incorporated into Halloween today such as; placing pumpkin lanterns in windows, and dressing up and getting together with friends and family to celebrate. However it could be argued that the origins of Samhain have become a little lost. As we dress up as witches, vampires, and scary monsters it could be said our celebrations today illustrate our fascination with the macabre, evil and death. Samhain is however a celebration of the cycle of life. It celebrates the renewal and rebirth not only of the earth, but also of the gods and goddesses and of ourselves. Samhain reminds us death is not to be feared, and that it is from death that life emerges. As the veil between the spirit world and ours is its thinnest, Samhain is an opportunity to honour, remember and reconnect with loved ones who have passed away. It is celebration of ancient wisdom, a time to reflect on the past, and look forward into the future.
Following the cycles of nature; eight seasonal festivals have traditionally been celebrated throughout Europe, predating Christianity. These festivals are often referred to as sabbats, a word which originates from the Greek work ‘sabatu’ meaning to rest or pause. The English word ‘sabbath’ and the Hebrew ‘shabat’ both also originate from ‘sabatu’ Four of the festivals (the solstices and equinoxes) celebrate the power of the sun and the moon at the time. The other four festivals, are Celtic in origin, and are linked more with the annual cycle of planting and harvesting of crops. Traditionally the festivals also reflect the lifecycle of the gods and goddesses throughout the year.
Samhain (pronounced sow-in) is Gaelic for ‘the summers end’ and is known as the Celtic New Year; it marks the start of the winter, and the beginning of shorter days and longer evenings. It is a time for introspection, reflecting on the past year, looking forward to the future, and possible spiritual growth.
While Samhain has been celebrated for centuries and has its origin in Pagan Celtic traditions, later on it was adopted by Christianity. The modern day Halloween comes from the Christian festival called All Hallows eve. This and the following two days; All Saints and All Souls day (1st and 2nd of November) were for remembering and honouring loved ones who had passed away. This custom still continues today, in Countries such as France Spain and Mexico. In France All Saints day is a public holiday, and it is traditional for people to dress up in finest clothes and visit family graves and decorate them with flowers.
Samhain traditionally celebrated on October 31st is the night when the veil between the spirit world and our world is at its thinnest, and the souls of our ancestors can return to our world. It is a time to celebrate wisdom old and new, when the past and future join together for one night, and the dead could return to warm themselves by the fires of the living. In earlier times families would decorate altars to honour their ancestors, with mementos of those who had passed away and harvest foods such as; pumpkins, apples, and breads. They would also open their windows and place garlic on the window sills to allow the good family dead to enter. It was also believed at this time that some of the living (especially poets) were able to enter the otherworld through doorways at ancient burial mounds or ‘sidhe’ such as; at the Hill of Tara in Ireland.
Also known as the Feast of the dead; death is a central theme of this festival. This does not mean however that it is a morbid event, as the ancient Celts believed death is not a thing to be feared. They valued old age for the wisdom it brings, and saw death as an accepted part of the cycle of life. As with the other Celtic festivals, Samhain was a time for communities to get together and celebrate, which they did by lighting sacred bonfires, sacrificing animals, and bringing harvest food to share in a communal dinner. They would also dress up in animal heads and skins.
Many of the Samhain traditions still continue today such as: the hollowing out of a pumpkin and putting a lighted candle inside. This was traditionally known as a Jack o Lantern: a name which derived from a legendary character called Jack, who upon escaping hell was forced to walk in limbo carrying a hot coal for all eternity. While the veil between the worlds were so thin, the other world could also release fairies and mischievous spirits, and the Jack o Lantern was thought to keep evil spirits away and protect people from harm. Placing the lighted pumpkin on a window sill, facing the road, for 3 days until dusk on the 3rd of November was also believed to welcome home family ancestors. Another theory is that pumpkin lanterns originate from the ancient Celts placing the skulls of their ancestors outside their doors at Samhain.
The practice of trick or treat has also evolved from a time where children used to visit houses, to ask for soul breads to decorate their family altars (bread foods were thought to a favourite of the spirits). Nowadays children visit houses collecting sweets for themselves to eat, which are certainly not intended to honour the dead. Another belief is that at Samhain, fairies would take advantage of the thin veil, and dress up as beggars, visiting houses asking for handouts. If they received food people would be rewarded, but if they slammed the doors in the fairies faces they would find out how mischievous fairies could be.
In the agricultural wheel of the year Samhain marks the final harvest, when animals were slaughtered, food was stored away for the long months ahead, and activity moved from outdoors to indoors by the warmth of the fire. Fire played an important part in the rituals that took place at Samhain. Cattle would be brought down from the hills and passed between two fires to purify and cleanse them, as well as to protect them from any evil spirits that may be lurking while the veil between the worlds was so thin. It was believed to be bad luck to take all of the harvest, as something should always be left to keep the connection between the land and its produce throughout the long winter. Protection from evil was very important to the ancient Celts, especially at Samhain and Beltane (the two turning points of the year) when it was thought that the spirit world was very close at hand, and these were days of much evil activity.
Samhain was believed to be the night when the God of the old year dies and returns to the underworld. It is reported that the goddess enters to be reunited with the god (for three days only), returning on the third day of the festival to prepare for his rebirth at the Winter Solstice.
Throughout the wheel of the year the Celtic triple goddess goes through 3 stages (virgin, mother and crone). The Goddess is now in the crone aspect. She is not to be feared as she is the same goddess who gave us life in the summer. She has moved through being a maiden/virgin ready for a sexual union with the god at Beltane (May 1st), and the earth mother, recognised by the making of corn dollies at Lughnassadh (August 1st). She is the now the older woman wise but stern, and has much knowledge she can share with us. She comes in the form of Cerridwen, Hecate, Arianrhod and Persephone among others and is often symbolised by the wise old owl who is not blinded by darkness and travels by night.
Many of the traditions of Samhain have been incorporated into Halloween today such as; placing pumpkin lanterns in windows, and dressing up and getting together with friends and family to celebrate. However it could be argued that the origins of Samhain have become a little lost. As we dress up as witches, vampires, and scary monsters it could be said our celebrations today illustrate our fascination with the macabre, evil and death. Samhain is however a celebration of the cycle of life. It celebrates the renewal and rebirth not only of the earth, but also of the gods and goddesses and of ourselves. Samhain reminds us death is not to be feared, and that it is from death that life emerges. As the veil between the spirit world and ours is its thinnest, Samhain is an opportunity to honour, remember and reconnect with loved ones who have passed away. It is celebration of ancient wisdom, a time to reflect on the past, and look forward into the future.
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Different perceptions of perfection Building a better body?
When I first wrote this article I had signed up for a sponsored swim, in which I was going to swim the length of the channel, 22 miles, over a twelve week period. As I had to up the amount I swam, one of my biggest worries was that my body shape would change, and that I could end up with a somewhat triangular swimmer’s physique. This got me to wondering why some people actually strive to completely change their body shape. (I have now signed up for the same sponsored swim as part of a team and I need to swim half the length of the channel, 11 miles, over a twelve week period) This article explores the history of body building, what attracts people to the pastime, and the lengths they will go to, to build a better body.
In today’s society we are constantly bombarded by unrealistic body images from on the catwalk, to in magazines, and on the television. The pressure to alter transform and modify our bodies to meet cultural ideals affects many people who can develop an obsession with body image. These messages suggest it’s not ok to leave our bodies in its natural state, and we should do what we can to try and change our bodies and our appearance. The body building industry is no different, and the pastime is promoted by suggesting you can: ‘build a better body’ and ‘build a strong muscular and impressive physique’.
Brief history of Body Building
There are reports that suggest body building goes back as far as 11th century India, where lifting heavy stones called ‘Nals’ was a popular pastime. In ancient Greece and Egypt they also lifted stones in order to gain strength and power, and transform the body. However whether this was done to keep fit or to look good is unsure. Prior to the 19th century strongmen contests were about showing strength and not muscles, however by the end of the century, the emphasis was beginning to change from athletic body building to aesthetic body building.
Known as the ‘father of body building’ Eugen Sandow from Prussia advocated obtaining the ‘perfect physique’, which he believed was close to the proportions of the classical Greek and Roman statues. He was one of the first people to display his muscles in front of an audience, and along with his manager; Florenz Ziegfield was the subject of the Oscar winning 1936 film ‘The Great Ziegfield’ which told the story of modern day body building. Sandow developed the first body building machinery using dumbbells, spring pulleys & tension bands, and set up business selling his weight training equipment.
Sandow also helped organise one of the first body building contests which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1901. In 1904 the first contest in America took place at Madison Square New York, and the winner Al Treloar was said to be ‘the most perfectly developed man in the world’. The popularity of body building carried on with regular contests such as Mr Olympia.
The Amateur Athletic Union established Mr America in 1939, and although the contest was meant to be about demonstrating athletic skills, it was suggested that the participants had more chance of winning, if they had specifically trained to improve their physique and this further increased the popularity of body building. With this rise in popularity the quality of the contestant’s physique’s also needed to improve, and so the use of chemical tanning to enhance the definition of muscles became a popular practise.
The International Federation of Body builders (IFBB) was established in 1946 and the popularity of body building continued. In the 1970’s the film industry started recruiting actors who were particularly muscular, and celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger promoted body building further. The growth of the body building industry with more and more emphasis on aesthetics, demanded a more extreme approach to physical development, and so the use of anabolic steroids became widespread. As the expectations of body builders have increased this trend has continued, and it has been reported that many body builders take different types of steroids at the same time (known as stacking), and the use of insulin and growth hormones has also become commonplace.
So why do people body build?
The main method of building muscles is of course weight lifting, and as with any exercise there are health benefits. Weight lifting can help lower cholesterol, raise your metabolic rate, improve your posture, and release feel good endorphins which help combat depression. Building a little extra muscle can actually reduce the likelihood of injury, as strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments can withhold more stress. Weightlifting can also help offset some of the degeneration associated with aging such as; building up muscle mass which we can lose as we grow older. Weight bearing activity can also increase bone density and can help prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Unlike weight lifting, which may be taken up by people wanting to become fitter and healthier, body building is completely concerned with body image. The thrill and the prestige of competing may influence many people to take up the pastime. However many people who take up body building do so because they don’t like their body’s appearance, and underlying a negative body image is often insecurity and low self esteem. Body building offers a chance to transform their bodies, and comments on progress can make them more determined to carry on. Searching through body building websites, gaining confidence, and getting more attention from the opposite sex were often cited as being reasons why people got into bodybuilding. Similar to people trying to lose weight reading diet magazines, body builders are constantly subjected to images of ‘strong muscular and impressive physiques’, which is quite likely to increase the pressure on them to transform their bodies.
Body builders are often perfectionists, and while they may feel they can not control areas of their life such as work and personal relationships, their body shape is something they can control. They can control how hard they train and what they eat, and often feel a sense of accomplishment by being able to achieve and maintain the muscular body. However it could be argued instead of a perceived mastery of their body shape, they actually become slaves to the discipline, and the regulation of these bodies.
The addictive nature of Body building
It is suggested that body builders are particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to training. They may be spurred on at first by people making positive comments about their physiques; however the upkeep of their muscular bodies requires a lot of work. Many body builders report that their obsession with building muscles can affect their lives completely, from not spending time with their families, to missing work, through to completely planning and controlling what they eat. An obsession with body building can often lead to overtraining. Training too frequently and not allowing adequate recovery from intensive exercise, can wear your body down and cause long term physical problems such as painful joints in later life. So inevitably spending too long pumping iron, as opposed to helping someone become fitter and healthier, can actually lead to an increased risk of injuries.
Worrying obsessively about their appearance and undertaking excessive exercise could also be a sign that someone is suffering from ‘muscle dsymorphia’, which is an under-recognised type of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with muscle dsymorphia or ‘bigorexia’ as it’s become unofficially known, suffer from a form of ‘reverse anorexia’ where they believe their muscles are smaller than they actually are and train harder to increase their size. Similarly women who may have BDD, can develop an obsession with toning up any areas of their bodies that they feel look fat or flabby, even if they are actually lean and muscular. Whatever form of body dysmorphic disorder a person may suffer from they are quite likely to do whatever they can to achieve their ‘perfect body’, and are generally not concerned about any risks involved, such as the risks of taking steroids or human growth hormone.
When obsession goes too far. Drug use in body building
Anabolic steroids are a group of compounds which produce effects similar to that of the male sex hormone testosterone (anabolic means ‘building body tissue’). They help the body convert protein to muscle, and body builders claim they also enable them to train harder and can help them recover from strenuous exercise faster. Although they are only available on prescription steroid tablets or liquid (suitable for injecting) are very easily available to buy. Steroid use has escalated, and it’s suggested that boys as young as 12 are taking them to build muscles and get girls. It is estimated around one in ten gym users take steroids, and it is reported that the majority of people using needle exchange schemes are now sports men and women. There is also a rise of women taking a range of steroids which are promoted as effective fat burners, turning fat into lean tissue.
There are many ways that people take steroids: ‘Cycling’ involves stopping and starting taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time. ‘Stacking’ as mentioned above involves taking two or more different types of steroids, as they believe they interact with each other to produce an effect greater than taking them individually. ‘Pyramiding’ is when the dosage and frequency of taking steroids are increased to reach a peak and then slowly reduced again, often followed by a drug free period. The idea behind pyramiding is that increasing the amount slowly allows the body to adjust to high doses, and drug free periods allow for recuperation.
There are many side effects of taking anabolic steroids many of which are not reversible. They can affect a person’s mood, make them more irritable, aggressive and it has been reported that steroid users can also become quite paranoid, and suffer from extreme jealousy. Physical side effects can include high blood pressure, a reduction in good cholesterol, fluid retention and oedema. It is also suggested steroid use increases the risks of developing cancer, heart and liver disease, and atherosclerosis. Further risks for men include; erectile dysfunction even though their sex drive may be increased, a reduced sperm count, baldness and the shrinking of their testicles.
The trend in adolescents taking steroids is very worrying, as they are at risk of suffering irreversible side effects such as accelerated puberty changes and stunted growth. The effect on women of taking a substance closely related to testosterone (a male hormone) can include them experiencing a deepened voice, excessive body and facial hair, acne, disruption of the menstrual cycle, permanent enlargement of the clitoris, and infertility.
Stimulants cover a range of substances from caffeine in coffee to ephedrine and amphetamines, and they typically used to increase energy, alertness and boost athletic performance. They can also reduce fatigue and suppress appetite. As stimulants provide short lived energy the body inevitably pays for this later, and the short term effects of stimulant use can be irritability, anxiety, and paranoia. Long term use or higher doses can have more worrying effects on the body including; convulsions, brain haemorrhages, hallucinations and heart problems such as palpitations, and rhythm abnormalities. There is also a real danger of death from overdosing.
Synthetic Human Growth Hormone (HGH) was created to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones produced by the pituitary glands, which stimulates growth and cell formation. It is used for treating a range of rare conditions, such as dwarfism in children or for people with an HIV/AIDS-related wasting disease. However it has also become a popular drug of choice for body builders. These hormones naturally produced by the body are responsible for normal growth in children and teenagers and can regulate the metabolic process, as people get older the levels of these hormones decrease and this can result in an increase of fat storage. The appeal of HGH is therefore quite understandable, as the use of HGH intends to stop the changes that are associated with aging. It is reported by body builders that injections of the HGH can increase lean muscle, and increase strength. It is also used to help speed up recovery from injuries. There is however no evidence that this is true. Side effects from taking HGH include swelling in the arms and legs, arthritic type symptoms, muscle pain, hardening of arteries and high blood pressure.
Insulin which is normally given to diabetics to help control blood sugar levels, is being injected by body builders as it can boost their muscle mass. Unlike steroids it is virtually undetectable so it is a popular choice for body builders who compete. Using insulin if you are not diabetic could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels which could lead to coma or even death. Using insulin in the long term can cause irreversible damage. As the body’s natural mechanism to produce insulin is compromised it is likely to stop working so that the user may actually end up becoming diabetic themselves.
Drug taking is definitely very much part of the body building culture. What is worrying is that while researching the drugs commonly used by body builders for this article (of which the ones mentioned above are only a few), is that the searches consistently came up with body building websites, and sites selling supplements for sport. Upon visiting body building sites, visitors are bombarded with advertisements selling various performance enhancing products. The extent of some body builder’s willingness to try drugs in order to achieve the ‘perfect’ physique, without thinking too much about the consequences, is something Lee Sweeney a geneticist from the University of Pennsylvania found out. He had to stop answering the phone to sports men and women begging him to be his first human guinea pig, after they read about his experiments creating ‘Schwarzenegger mice’. Sweeney had been trying to find a remedy for people with muscle wasting diseases, and managed to isolate a gene responsible for manufacturing a type of protein which he administered to the mice. The results were dramatic as the mice developed biceps and thighs twice as strong as normal mice.
Natural body building
The good news is there are people who are taking a stand and choosing not to take drugs to help them workout and build muscles. Organisations such as the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation, and the Association of Natural Body Building, promote body building without the use of drugs. The natural movement may be becoming more popular as people are increasingly finding the freaky body shapes that body builders who use drugs can develop, distasteful. Many body builders are also deciding they don’t want to put their health at risk by taking drugs. However natural body building may not always be an easy option for body builders, especially if they want to compete, as they are unlikely to be able to compete with body builders using drugs who are bigger and more muscular. The temptation to take drugs will always be there, as they find it takes a lot more hard work and patience to reach their goals, and that they are unlikely to achieve the same results as body builders who do use drugs. Whether body builders take drugs or not the drive for physical perfection is still there, and while natural body building is healthier, it could be argued that to achieve the physiques they want without drugs, body builders have to train much harder, and take more control of what they eat.
In conclusion
What is very clear is that body building by its very nature signifies difference; body builders want people to notice their muscular physiques, and in order to do this they need to be somewhat obsessive. Low self esteem and insecurities are often reasons people become immersed in the body building culture, as they can build up their muscles and receive positive comments on how they are looking. The body building culture can be a very destructive pastime and definitely has its ‘dark side’ including: drug taking, body image issues such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and obsessive exercising. Drug taking and obsessive exercising can be, and is, a factor in many other sporting activities; however anyone who wants to achieve competitive success in body building has little choice but to go to extremes. I think I may just stick to my swimming.
In today’s society we are constantly bombarded by unrealistic body images from on the catwalk, to in magazines, and on the television. The pressure to alter transform and modify our bodies to meet cultural ideals affects many people who can develop an obsession with body image. These messages suggest it’s not ok to leave our bodies in its natural state, and we should do what we can to try and change our bodies and our appearance. The body building industry is no different, and the pastime is promoted by suggesting you can: ‘build a better body’ and ‘build a strong muscular and impressive physique’.
Brief history of Body Building
There are reports that suggest body building goes back as far as 11th century India, where lifting heavy stones called ‘Nals’ was a popular pastime. In ancient Greece and Egypt they also lifted stones in order to gain strength and power, and transform the body. However whether this was done to keep fit or to look good is unsure. Prior to the 19th century strongmen contests were about showing strength and not muscles, however by the end of the century, the emphasis was beginning to change from athletic body building to aesthetic body building.
Known as the ‘father of body building’ Eugen Sandow from Prussia advocated obtaining the ‘perfect physique’, which he believed was close to the proportions of the classical Greek and Roman statues. He was one of the first people to display his muscles in front of an audience, and along with his manager; Florenz Ziegfield was the subject of the Oscar winning 1936 film ‘The Great Ziegfield’ which told the story of modern day body building. Sandow developed the first body building machinery using dumbbells, spring pulleys & tension bands, and set up business selling his weight training equipment.
Sandow also helped organise one of the first body building contests which took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1901. In 1904 the first contest in America took place at Madison Square New York, and the winner Al Treloar was said to be ‘the most perfectly developed man in the world’. The popularity of body building carried on with regular contests such as Mr Olympia.
The Amateur Athletic Union established Mr America in 1939, and although the contest was meant to be about demonstrating athletic skills, it was suggested that the participants had more chance of winning, if they had specifically trained to improve their physique and this further increased the popularity of body building. With this rise in popularity the quality of the contestant’s physique’s also needed to improve, and so the use of chemical tanning to enhance the definition of muscles became a popular practise.
The International Federation of Body builders (IFBB) was established in 1946 and the popularity of body building continued. In the 1970’s the film industry started recruiting actors who were particularly muscular, and celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger promoted body building further. The growth of the body building industry with more and more emphasis on aesthetics, demanded a more extreme approach to physical development, and so the use of anabolic steroids became widespread. As the expectations of body builders have increased this trend has continued, and it has been reported that many body builders take different types of steroids at the same time (known as stacking), and the use of insulin and growth hormones has also become commonplace.
So why do people body build?
The main method of building muscles is of course weight lifting, and as with any exercise there are health benefits. Weight lifting can help lower cholesterol, raise your metabolic rate, improve your posture, and release feel good endorphins which help combat depression. Building a little extra muscle can actually reduce the likelihood of injury, as strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments can withhold more stress. Weightlifting can also help offset some of the degeneration associated with aging such as; building up muscle mass which we can lose as we grow older. Weight bearing activity can also increase bone density and can help prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones).
Unlike weight lifting, which may be taken up by people wanting to become fitter and healthier, body building is completely concerned with body image. The thrill and the prestige of competing may influence many people to take up the pastime. However many people who take up body building do so because they don’t like their body’s appearance, and underlying a negative body image is often insecurity and low self esteem. Body building offers a chance to transform their bodies, and comments on progress can make them more determined to carry on. Searching through body building websites, gaining confidence, and getting more attention from the opposite sex were often cited as being reasons why people got into bodybuilding. Similar to people trying to lose weight reading diet magazines, body builders are constantly subjected to images of ‘strong muscular and impressive physiques’, which is quite likely to increase the pressure on them to transform their bodies.
Body builders are often perfectionists, and while they may feel they can not control areas of their life such as work and personal relationships, their body shape is something they can control. They can control how hard they train and what they eat, and often feel a sense of accomplishment by being able to achieve and maintain the muscular body. However it could be argued instead of a perceived mastery of their body shape, they actually become slaves to the discipline, and the regulation of these bodies.
The addictive nature of Body building
It is suggested that body builders are particularly vulnerable to becoming addicted to training. They may be spurred on at first by people making positive comments about their physiques; however the upkeep of their muscular bodies requires a lot of work. Many body builders report that their obsession with building muscles can affect their lives completely, from not spending time with their families, to missing work, through to completely planning and controlling what they eat. An obsession with body building can often lead to overtraining. Training too frequently and not allowing adequate recovery from intensive exercise, can wear your body down and cause long term physical problems such as painful joints in later life. So inevitably spending too long pumping iron, as opposed to helping someone become fitter and healthier, can actually lead to an increased risk of injuries.
Worrying obsessively about their appearance and undertaking excessive exercise could also be a sign that someone is suffering from ‘muscle dsymorphia’, which is an under-recognised type of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). People with muscle dsymorphia or ‘bigorexia’ as it’s become unofficially known, suffer from a form of ‘reverse anorexia’ where they believe their muscles are smaller than they actually are and train harder to increase their size. Similarly women who may have BDD, can develop an obsession with toning up any areas of their bodies that they feel look fat or flabby, even if they are actually lean and muscular. Whatever form of body dysmorphic disorder a person may suffer from they are quite likely to do whatever they can to achieve their ‘perfect body’, and are generally not concerned about any risks involved, such as the risks of taking steroids or human growth hormone.
When obsession goes too far. Drug use in body building
Anabolic steroids are a group of compounds which produce effects similar to that of the male sex hormone testosterone (anabolic means ‘building body tissue’). They help the body convert protein to muscle, and body builders claim they also enable them to train harder and can help them recover from strenuous exercise faster. Although they are only available on prescription steroid tablets or liquid (suitable for injecting) are very easily available to buy. Steroid use has escalated, and it’s suggested that boys as young as 12 are taking them to build muscles and get girls. It is estimated around one in ten gym users take steroids, and it is reported that the majority of people using needle exchange schemes are now sports men and women. There is also a rise of women taking a range of steroids which are promoted as effective fat burners, turning fat into lean tissue.
There are many ways that people take steroids: ‘Cycling’ involves stopping and starting taking multiple doses of steroids over a specific period of time. ‘Stacking’ as mentioned above involves taking two or more different types of steroids, as they believe they interact with each other to produce an effect greater than taking them individually. ‘Pyramiding’ is when the dosage and frequency of taking steroids are increased to reach a peak and then slowly reduced again, often followed by a drug free period. The idea behind pyramiding is that increasing the amount slowly allows the body to adjust to high doses, and drug free periods allow for recuperation.
There are many side effects of taking anabolic steroids many of which are not reversible. They can affect a person’s mood, make them more irritable, aggressive and it has been reported that steroid users can also become quite paranoid, and suffer from extreme jealousy. Physical side effects can include high blood pressure, a reduction in good cholesterol, fluid retention and oedema. It is also suggested steroid use increases the risks of developing cancer, heart and liver disease, and atherosclerosis. Further risks for men include; erectile dysfunction even though their sex drive may be increased, a reduced sperm count, baldness and the shrinking of their testicles.
The trend in adolescents taking steroids is very worrying, as they are at risk of suffering irreversible side effects such as accelerated puberty changes and stunted growth. The effect on women of taking a substance closely related to testosterone (a male hormone) can include them experiencing a deepened voice, excessive body and facial hair, acne, disruption of the menstrual cycle, permanent enlargement of the clitoris, and infertility.
Stimulants cover a range of substances from caffeine in coffee to ephedrine and amphetamines, and they typically used to increase energy, alertness and boost athletic performance. They can also reduce fatigue and suppress appetite. As stimulants provide short lived energy the body inevitably pays for this later, and the short term effects of stimulant use can be irritability, anxiety, and paranoia. Long term use or higher doses can have more worrying effects on the body including; convulsions, brain haemorrhages, hallucinations and heart problems such as palpitations, and rhythm abnormalities. There is also a real danger of death from overdosing.
Synthetic Human Growth Hormone (HGH) was created to mimic the effects of naturally occurring hormones produced by the pituitary glands, which stimulates growth and cell formation. It is used for treating a range of rare conditions, such as dwarfism in children or for people with an HIV/AIDS-related wasting disease. However it has also become a popular drug of choice for body builders. These hormones naturally produced by the body are responsible for normal growth in children and teenagers and can regulate the metabolic process, as people get older the levels of these hormones decrease and this can result in an increase of fat storage. The appeal of HGH is therefore quite understandable, as the use of HGH intends to stop the changes that are associated with aging. It is reported by body builders that injections of the HGH can increase lean muscle, and increase strength. It is also used to help speed up recovery from injuries. There is however no evidence that this is true. Side effects from taking HGH include swelling in the arms and legs, arthritic type symptoms, muscle pain, hardening of arteries and high blood pressure.
Insulin which is normally given to diabetics to help control blood sugar levels, is being injected by body builders as it can boost their muscle mass. Unlike steroids it is virtually undetectable so it is a popular choice for body builders who compete. Using insulin if you are not diabetic could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels which could lead to coma or even death. Using insulin in the long term can cause irreversible damage. As the body’s natural mechanism to produce insulin is compromised it is likely to stop working so that the user may actually end up becoming diabetic themselves.
Drug taking is definitely very much part of the body building culture. What is worrying is that while researching the drugs commonly used by body builders for this article (of which the ones mentioned above are only a few), is that the searches consistently came up with body building websites, and sites selling supplements for sport. Upon visiting body building sites, visitors are bombarded with advertisements selling various performance enhancing products. The extent of some body builder’s willingness to try drugs in order to achieve the ‘perfect’ physique, without thinking too much about the consequences, is something Lee Sweeney a geneticist from the University of Pennsylvania found out. He had to stop answering the phone to sports men and women begging him to be his first human guinea pig, after they read about his experiments creating ‘Schwarzenegger mice’. Sweeney had been trying to find a remedy for people with muscle wasting diseases, and managed to isolate a gene responsible for manufacturing a type of protein which he administered to the mice. The results were dramatic as the mice developed biceps and thighs twice as strong as normal mice.
Natural body building
The good news is there are people who are taking a stand and choosing not to take drugs to help them workout and build muscles. Organisations such as the British Natural Bodybuilding Federation, and the Association of Natural Body Building, promote body building without the use of drugs. The natural movement may be becoming more popular as people are increasingly finding the freaky body shapes that body builders who use drugs can develop, distasteful. Many body builders are also deciding they don’t want to put their health at risk by taking drugs. However natural body building may not always be an easy option for body builders, especially if they want to compete, as they are unlikely to be able to compete with body builders using drugs who are bigger and more muscular. The temptation to take drugs will always be there, as they find it takes a lot more hard work and patience to reach their goals, and that they are unlikely to achieve the same results as body builders who do use drugs. Whether body builders take drugs or not the drive for physical perfection is still there, and while natural body building is healthier, it could be argued that to achieve the physiques they want without drugs, body builders have to train much harder, and take more control of what they eat.
In conclusion
What is very clear is that body building by its very nature signifies difference; body builders want people to notice their muscular physiques, and in order to do this they need to be somewhat obsessive. Low self esteem and insecurities are often reasons people become immersed in the body building culture, as they can build up their muscles and receive positive comments on how they are looking. The body building culture can be a very destructive pastime and definitely has its ‘dark side’ including: drug taking, body image issues such as body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and obsessive exercising. Drug taking and obsessive exercising can be, and is, a factor in many other sporting activities; however anyone who wants to achieve competitive success in body building has little choice but to go to extremes. I think I may just stick to my swimming.
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Extreme Bodies The history of tattooing
Throughout history people have painted, pierced, tattooed, adorned and even reshaped their bodies. ‘Extreme Bodies’ is a series of articles (posted once a month) exploring the history of body modification. As the first two articles in the series discussed the traditional practice of female genital surgery and then foot binding in China, this month I thought it was probably time for a bit of light relief, with an exploration of the history of tattooing.
The word tattoo comes from Tahitian word ‘tatu’ meaning to mark something. People have been marking their bodies with permanent designs for thousands of years, and it is quite remarkable how there doesn’t seem to be a corner of the earth that tattooing hasn’t reached. From marks of pride, to marks of shame, signs of religious belief, or membership of a group, declarations of love, or simply for adornment, the purposes and styles of tattoos have varied through history and from culture to culture. This article takes a brief look at some of the reasons put forward as to why people have taken to marking their bodies, followed by exploration of the distinctive tattoos of the Maori people.
Tattooing to illustrate social status
In the past, one of the reported similarities of tattoos from different cultures was that tattoos illustrated a person’s status, such as their position within a tribe. In Borneo, for example, it was traditional for women to be the tattooists, and they tattooed symbols of their skills and profession on their arms, which in turn would illustrate their status and marriageability. Similarly, they tattooed men with designs indicating their station in life and the tribe they belonged to. In some cultures tattooing was just reserved for the dominant figures in the community, and was supposed to signify their importance and power.
In other areas of the world tattoos seemed to have completely the opposite meaning, and demonstrated a lower social standing in society. Ancient Greeks and Romans commonly used tattooing as a punishment. Branding marks were tattooed on slaves, and convicts and gladiators would be tattooed on the face. It is also reported that in sixth century Japan, tattooing was used to identify criminals, and the symbols used would identify where they carried out their crimes. Tattooing was portrayed as one of the most severe forms of punishment.
Tattoos signifying membership of groups
Throughout history and across the diverse cultures that practised tattooing, designs identifying the bearer to a certain tribe are commonplace. Celtic tribes, Native Americans, Maori tribes, and tribes from Borneo, and the Polynesian Islands all had their own designs for tattoos. Tribal tattoos were of great importance to their members, who could read each others tattoos to reveal their origin, and the hierarchy of the person within the group.
Tattoos identifying people to a group has remained popular in modern culture. One example is gang tattoos, where members are tattooed with their gang’s symbol. The purpose of these tattoos would be to show their commitment to their gang, as well as the tattoos revealing the beliefs of the gang, such as if they are a racist group. They may also have tattoos done which could identify whether the bearer has been in jail or killed anyone.
Other examples of tattoos signifying membership of a group include biker tattoos, and religious tattoos which could be considered to identify people to a certain religious group.
Tattooing for health
In many cultures it was believed tattooing could help ward off illness. One common practice would be to tattoo a symbol of a god onto someone who was ill, to help them fight the illness. In ancient Egypt it is reported that women were tattooed on the leg to protect them from the dangers of childbirth. In 1991 a frozen body of Bronze Age man was discovered, which made the headlines all over the world. ‘Otzi the ice man’ (as he was named) had 57 tattooed marks on him including; a cross of his inside left knee, and straight lines positioned above his kidneys. Theorists have suggested these marks may have been tattooed for health reasons to possibly help treat arthritis.
Tattoos for protection and spiritual well-being
A recurring belief in many cultures was that certain tattoos could help with a safe passage to the after life. From the tribes in Borneo to the Sioux in North Dakota, tattoos have been seen as a passport to the world beyond, and in many cultures this was believed to have involved crossing a river to the land of the dead. Having the right tattoo was considered very important, as without it a person would not be recognised, and therefore be able to pass to the land of the spirits.
In other cultures, animals images and totems were tattooed to help people identify with the animal spirit, and to evoke their power to help with hunting and to ensure protection. In Polynesian culture it was believed having tattoos illustrated and increased the ‘mana’ (spiritual power) of the adorned, and enabled them to communicate more closely with the gods.
Even within Christianity, despite the marking of the body being prohibited in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19.28), crusaders going into battle would tattoo small crosses on their hands to ensure they got a Christian burial. Tattoos have long since been used as a symbol by people to express their identity and faith, and religious tattoos such as crosses, angels and doves are popular tattoos today.
Maori Tattoos
According to Maori legend, the art of tattooing started with a young man ‘Mataora’ who fell in love with a princess from the underworld called ‘Niwareka’. One day Mataora beat Niwareka and she fled to her father’s realm ‘Uetonga’. Wracked with guilt Mataora went to the underworld to find his love, and eventually managed to get to Uetonga with his face all muddy and dirty from his journey. Niwareka forgave him and before they returned to the human world, her father taught him the art of ‘Ta Moko’ (the process of tattooing).
Probably the most distinctive tattoos in the world are Maori tattoos. The tattoos are known as ‘moko’ and are an important part of Maori culture. Apart from slaves and commoners most Maori men were tattooed on the face, often with big spiral designs and curved shapes. Maori moko were unique as the process also involved making incisions into the skin, so that scars are formed. The tattoos were done using a bone chisel with a serrated or extremely sharp edge, which was then struck with a mallet. After grooves had been made in the skin, the chisel would be dipped in a sooty pigment such as a mixture of vegetables and dead caterpillars or burnt wood, and colouring would commence. Tattooing for men commenced at puberty and marked a young mans rite of passage. As a man went through life, any important milestones would be interpreted into a design and tattooed onto their bodies.
Ta Moko (the process of tattooing) was long and painful, and as battles occurred frequently there often wasn’t much time for healing. There were also strict rules to follow while the moko was healing, including absolutely no sexual intimacy, as well as not being able to eat any solid food. This meant that food needed to be liquidised and fed to them through a wooden funnel. Sometimes leaves from the native ‘Karuka’ tree were placed on the wounds to aid healing, and it was also believed that flute music and chanting poems would help alleviate the pain.
Facial moko were a great source of pride for men which they believed made them more attractive to women and fierce in battles. For women tattoos were not as elaborate, and having their lips outlined and coloured in with solid blue was considered very beautiful. For men their moko served as a sign of identity. Different areas of the face related to different aspects of their identity. For example; moko on the central forehead referred to their rank, moko on their cheek referred to what they did for work, and moko on each side of the face indicated their ancestry, one side from their mother’s side and the other from their father’s side.
It is suggested that the art of tattooing along with other Maori traditions, started to die out after the coming of European settlers
Since the 1990’s Maori traditions seem to be having a revival, and also spreading to the West, which has caused a lot of controversy. The bold patterns and symbols used in moko are very appealing to people wanting tattoos. However the messages contained within the moko are of great importance to the Maori, as they tell of the wearer’s value, genealogy and social standing. Copying these designs would be considered to be stealing a part of someone’s identity and therefore insulting to the Maori people. For anyone interested in having a Maori inspired tattoo it would be a good idea to search out a tattooist who is knowledgeable about these issues, and can design a tattoo without the symbolic ties.
More recent history
Whereas in the past tattoos were often associated with the higher classes within society, by the 1900’s they was losing their popularity and it could be said the popularity of tattooing crossed the classes, when tattooing became popular among sailors. It almost became a ritual for sailors to mark their visits to ports by getting drunk, laid and tattooed. This most probably contributed to the negative stigmatisation of people with tattoos that occurred from the 1940’s onwards. In the 1960’s rock stars such as Janis Joplin started getting tattoos, and these were seen as a political statement of their non conformity and rebellious streak. The perception of tattooing has certainly changed a lot over the years and is not now confined to people from certain classes or cultures, or to illustrate a person’s non conformity. Tattoos also generally don’t have the deep meanings, importance and symbolism they may have had in the past. Today an increasing number of people from all walks of life, from white collar professionals to middle aged mums, are choosing to get tattoos to express their individuality and ultimately decorate their bodies.
The word tattoo comes from Tahitian word ‘tatu’ meaning to mark something. People have been marking their bodies with permanent designs for thousands of years, and it is quite remarkable how there doesn’t seem to be a corner of the earth that tattooing hasn’t reached. From marks of pride, to marks of shame, signs of religious belief, or membership of a group, declarations of love, or simply for adornment, the purposes and styles of tattoos have varied through history and from culture to culture. This article takes a brief look at some of the reasons put forward as to why people have taken to marking their bodies, followed by exploration of the distinctive tattoos of the Maori people.
Tattooing to illustrate social status
In the past, one of the reported similarities of tattoos from different cultures was that tattoos illustrated a person’s status, such as their position within a tribe. In Borneo, for example, it was traditional for women to be the tattooists, and they tattooed symbols of their skills and profession on their arms, which in turn would illustrate their status and marriageability. Similarly, they tattooed men with designs indicating their station in life and the tribe they belonged to. In some cultures tattooing was just reserved for the dominant figures in the community, and was supposed to signify their importance and power.
In other areas of the world tattoos seemed to have completely the opposite meaning, and demonstrated a lower social standing in society. Ancient Greeks and Romans commonly used tattooing as a punishment. Branding marks were tattooed on slaves, and convicts and gladiators would be tattooed on the face. It is also reported that in sixth century Japan, tattooing was used to identify criminals, and the symbols used would identify where they carried out their crimes. Tattooing was portrayed as one of the most severe forms of punishment.
Tattoos signifying membership of groups
Throughout history and across the diverse cultures that practised tattooing, designs identifying the bearer to a certain tribe are commonplace. Celtic tribes, Native Americans, Maori tribes, and tribes from Borneo, and the Polynesian Islands all had their own designs for tattoos. Tribal tattoos were of great importance to their members, who could read each others tattoos to reveal their origin, and the hierarchy of the person within the group.
Tattoos identifying people to a group has remained popular in modern culture. One example is gang tattoos, where members are tattooed with their gang’s symbol. The purpose of these tattoos would be to show their commitment to their gang, as well as the tattoos revealing the beliefs of the gang, such as if they are a racist group. They may also have tattoos done which could identify whether the bearer has been in jail or killed anyone.
Other examples of tattoos signifying membership of a group include biker tattoos, and religious tattoos which could be considered to identify people to a certain religious group.
Tattooing for health
In many cultures it was believed tattooing could help ward off illness. One common practice would be to tattoo a symbol of a god onto someone who was ill, to help them fight the illness. In ancient Egypt it is reported that women were tattooed on the leg to protect them from the dangers of childbirth. In 1991 a frozen body of Bronze Age man was discovered, which made the headlines all over the world. ‘Otzi the ice man’ (as he was named) had 57 tattooed marks on him including; a cross of his inside left knee, and straight lines positioned above his kidneys. Theorists have suggested these marks may have been tattooed for health reasons to possibly help treat arthritis.
Tattoos for protection and spiritual well-being
A recurring belief in many cultures was that certain tattoos could help with a safe passage to the after life. From the tribes in Borneo to the Sioux in North Dakota, tattoos have been seen as a passport to the world beyond, and in many cultures this was believed to have involved crossing a river to the land of the dead. Having the right tattoo was considered very important, as without it a person would not be recognised, and therefore be able to pass to the land of the spirits.
In other cultures, animals images and totems were tattooed to help people identify with the animal spirit, and to evoke their power to help with hunting and to ensure protection. In Polynesian culture it was believed having tattoos illustrated and increased the ‘mana’ (spiritual power) of the adorned, and enabled them to communicate more closely with the gods.
Even within Christianity, despite the marking of the body being prohibited in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19.28), crusaders going into battle would tattoo small crosses on their hands to ensure they got a Christian burial. Tattoos have long since been used as a symbol by people to express their identity and faith, and religious tattoos such as crosses, angels and doves are popular tattoos today.
Maori Tattoos
According to Maori legend, the art of tattooing started with a young man ‘Mataora’ who fell in love with a princess from the underworld called ‘Niwareka’. One day Mataora beat Niwareka and she fled to her father’s realm ‘Uetonga’. Wracked with guilt Mataora went to the underworld to find his love, and eventually managed to get to Uetonga with his face all muddy and dirty from his journey. Niwareka forgave him and before they returned to the human world, her father taught him the art of ‘Ta Moko’ (the process of tattooing).
Probably the most distinctive tattoos in the world are Maori tattoos. The tattoos are known as ‘moko’ and are an important part of Maori culture. Apart from slaves and commoners most Maori men were tattooed on the face, often with big spiral designs and curved shapes. Maori moko were unique as the process also involved making incisions into the skin, so that scars are formed. The tattoos were done using a bone chisel with a serrated or extremely sharp edge, which was then struck with a mallet. After grooves had been made in the skin, the chisel would be dipped in a sooty pigment such as a mixture of vegetables and dead caterpillars or burnt wood, and colouring would commence. Tattooing for men commenced at puberty and marked a young mans rite of passage. As a man went through life, any important milestones would be interpreted into a design and tattooed onto their bodies.
Ta Moko (the process of tattooing) was long and painful, and as battles occurred frequently there often wasn’t much time for healing. There were also strict rules to follow while the moko was healing, including absolutely no sexual intimacy, as well as not being able to eat any solid food. This meant that food needed to be liquidised and fed to them through a wooden funnel. Sometimes leaves from the native ‘Karuka’ tree were placed on the wounds to aid healing, and it was also believed that flute music and chanting poems would help alleviate the pain.
Facial moko were a great source of pride for men which they believed made them more attractive to women and fierce in battles. For women tattoos were not as elaborate, and having their lips outlined and coloured in with solid blue was considered very beautiful. For men their moko served as a sign of identity. Different areas of the face related to different aspects of their identity. For example; moko on the central forehead referred to their rank, moko on their cheek referred to what they did for work, and moko on each side of the face indicated their ancestry, one side from their mother’s side and the other from their father’s side.
It is suggested that the art of tattooing along with other Maori traditions, started to die out after the coming of European settlers
Since the 1990’s Maori traditions seem to be having a revival, and also spreading to the West, which has caused a lot of controversy. The bold patterns and symbols used in moko are very appealing to people wanting tattoos. However the messages contained within the moko are of great importance to the Maori, as they tell of the wearer’s value, genealogy and social standing. Copying these designs would be considered to be stealing a part of someone’s identity and therefore insulting to the Maori people. For anyone interested in having a Maori inspired tattoo it would be a good idea to search out a tattooist who is knowledgeable about these issues, and can design a tattoo without the symbolic ties.
More recent history
Whereas in the past tattoos were often associated with the higher classes within society, by the 1900’s they was losing their popularity and it could be said the popularity of tattooing crossed the classes, when tattooing became popular among sailors. It almost became a ritual for sailors to mark their visits to ports by getting drunk, laid and tattooed. This most probably contributed to the negative stigmatisation of people with tattoos that occurred from the 1940’s onwards. In the 1960’s rock stars such as Janis Joplin started getting tattoos, and these were seen as a political statement of their non conformity and rebellious streak. The perception of tattooing has certainly changed a lot over the years and is not now confined to people from certain classes or cultures, or to illustrate a person’s non conformity. Tattoos also generally don’t have the deep meanings, importance and symbolism they may have had in the past. Today an increasing number of people from all walks of life, from white collar professionals to middle aged mums, are choosing to get tattoos to express their individuality and ultimately decorate their bodies.
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Extreme Bodies Bone Breaking Beauty
In my article; ‘An exploration of an obsession with body image’ (February 2008), one of the areas I explore is the rising popularity of plastic surgery. In 2006 the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons reported a 31% rise from the previous year, in plastic surgery procedures, and an almost 90% rise in liposuction procedures. However body modification is not just a modern practice. Throughout history people have painted, pierced, tattooed, adorned and even reshaped their bodies.
‘Extreme Bodies’ is a series of articles exploring the history of body modification. Last month ‘Extreme Bodies’ started off with a discussion of the traditional practice of female genital surgery, and this month looks at the practice of foot binding in China.
Perceptions of ‘beauty’ differ over time, and from culture to culture. Throughout history people have strived to achieve ‘beauty’, often with severe health consequences. Tales such as modern day breast implants rupturing, and ribs being broken as a result of wearing corsets in the 19th century are commonplace. However deliberately breaking bones in the pursuit of beauty is something we may have difficulty understanding in today’s society. The ancient Chinese tradition of foot binding involved just this, and at the time tiny ‘lotus flower’ or ‘golden lily’ feet were not only considered beautiful, but also determined women’s role and status in society.
Foot binding was a practice that was carried out on young girls for around a thousand years, until it was made illegal at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was thought to have started out as a practice only carried out by the elite, as a way of illustrating their higher status in society. However by the 11th and 12th century it became popular in families of people of all social classes. Only girls from the poorest families, who needed women as well as men to be able to work the fields, did not go through this process
Foot binding occurred between the ages of 4 and 7. It was thought this was the best time as young girl’s bones were still flexible. Also they were mature enough to understand they had to go through this period of intense pain in order to become women, meet the ideal of feminine beauty (at the time), and to gain status within a male dominated society.
It was during this time that daughters would often bond with their mothers, as their mothers imparted knowledge about female survival, and they grew to understand how their mothers had gone through the same pain. Going through and surviving the process of foot binding became a rite of passage for young girls, and demonstrated patience and selflessness, which were considered important qualities by prospective husbands.
The process involves wrapping young girl’s feet in tight bandages so they would not grow past 3 to 6 inches. In preparation the foot was soaked in hot water and massaged to soften it up. Then the toes of the feet were turned under and pushed against the sole of the foot, to form a concave shape and were bound with linen strips. The big toe would be left to ensure the girls still had some balance. Every couple of days the binding would be taken off and rebound even tighter. The girls were also encouraged to walk, so that their weight would crush the feet into the desired shape. In Lisa See’s illuminating novel ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’ the central character, Lily, describes going through the process:
“The bindings were then removed, and Mama and Aunt checked our toenails, shaved calluses, scrubbed away dead skin, dabbed on more alum and perfume to disguise the odour of our putrefying flesh, and wrapped new clean bindings, even tighter this time.”
If they were bound right the four small toes of each foot would break within the first year, and in time the bones in the arch of the foot would also break:
“One day, as I made one of my trips across the room, I heard something crack. One of my toes had broken. I thought the sound was something internal to my own body, but it was so sharp that everyone in the women’s chamber heard it. My mother’s eyes zeroed in on me. “Move! Progress is finally being made!” Walking my whole body trembled. By nightfall the eight toes that needed to break had broken, but I was still made to walk. I felt my broken toes under the weight of every step I took, for they were loose in my shoes. The freshly created space where once there had been a joint was now a gelatinous infinity of torture.”
From ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’ by Lisa See 2005
The result over time was ‘lotus feet’ which would fit into tiny lotus shoes.
Each rebinding of the feet would be accompanied by bleeding, and peeling of the skin and rotten flesh. The very nature of foot binding affected the circulation of blood to the feet, and that could result in toes completely dying and falling off. In some cases the foot would die altogether, which would leave a smell that stayed with them for life, as well as excruciating pain. The increased risk of infection and gangrene could, and often did, ultimately lead to death.
The health consequences of foot binding were likely to continue into adulthood. Women would often suffer from lower back problems resulting from their body weight being borne by their heels, which would jar their spine. There was almost more likelihood of falls, and studies have suggested women with bound feet had lower bone density, so were more likely to suffer from broken bones.
It was believed the smaller a woman’s feet the more desirable they were to prospective husbands. They were therefore able to marry into a good family and command a good bride price. This was important to ensure the families status in society, and provide security. A girl with a three inch sole would be considered more attractive than a girl who was a natural beauty, but had big feet. Indeed women without bound feet were the subject of ridicule, and were thought to be freaks. The practice became so prominent that families would demand a woman with tiny feet when looking for a wife for their sons.
There are many theories and explanations as to why the practice of foot binding was so popular and carried on for so long? One being that it was an erotic turn on for men. It was reported that seeing and holding small feet, would have the same effect on Chinese men than seeing a firm young bosom would have on European men. The disfigured female foot was often the centre of foreplay, and men would caress their wife’s slippered feet. Ancient love manuals illustrated many ways of playing with a woman’s bound feet, and the delights and beauty of bound feet was also the subject of much poetry of the time. Women with bound feet appeared fragile and delicate, and walked as if they were floating. Their feet were hidden under beautifully embroidered shoes which gave a sense of mystery. All these elements were considered erotic, and increased the allure of the female.
Another theory is that foot binding was a form of social control over women. Women who had their feet bound were more easily controlled by their husbands. Women with bound feet couldn’t walk long distances without aid, and were therefore confined to home, meaning they were less able to be independent and this ensured their subservience to their husbands. At the time women were considered to be second class citizens, with their only purpose in life being to be a wife and a mother of sons. It is argued that foot binding was a practice which reinforced the idea of women as a commodity, and suggested they had no use in productive work.
When foot binding was outlawed, women were ordered to remove bindings, and this was met with a mixed response. It had after all been part of Chinese culture and history for as long as people could remember, and ideas and beliefs were unlikely to change overnight. Many women, especially in rural areas, still believed they would be unable to find husbands with big feet, and continued the practise in secret. By doing this they risked becoming social outcasts, and being fined or punished.
It has taken a long time for foot binding to become a part of history, as opposed to an integral part of Chinese life, and there are still a few women around today with bound feet. Their feelings about the custom are divided. Some talk about it with a sense of pride, while others recall their experiences with anger and resentment, and feel although they had to do it to guarantee their futures, it ultimately lead to much suffering.
I would like to thank Lisa See for giving me permission to reproduce a couple of paragraphs from her book (for this blog posting). For anyone interested in Chinese women’s history I would recommend reading Lisa’s novel ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’; which offers a great insight into the lives of women in 19th century China. It follows the friendship of Lily and her ‘old same’; Snow Flower, and how they communicated by passing messages, written in an exclusively female secret language called ‘nu shu’, on a silk fan. Coming from different social and economic backgrounds the story follows Lily and Snow Flower as they go through foot binding, arranged marriages, the birth of their children, disease, war, and family tragedies at a time when women were regarded as subordinate in a male world.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See 2005 is published by Bloomsbury.
‘Extreme Bodies’ is a series of articles exploring the history of body modification. Last month ‘Extreme Bodies’ started off with a discussion of the traditional practice of female genital surgery, and this month looks at the practice of foot binding in China.
Perceptions of ‘beauty’ differ over time, and from culture to culture. Throughout history people have strived to achieve ‘beauty’, often with severe health consequences. Tales such as modern day breast implants rupturing, and ribs being broken as a result of wearing corsets in the 19th century are commonplace. However deliberately breaking bones in the pursuit of beauty is something we may have difficulty understanding in today’s society. The ancient Chinese tradition of foot binding involved just this, and at the time tiny ‘lotus flower’ or ‘golden lily’ feet were not only considered beautiful, but also determined women’s role and status in society.
Foot binding was a practice that was carried out on young girls for around a thousand years, until it was made illegal at the beginning of the twentieth century. It was thought to have started out as a practice only carried out by the elite, as a way of illustrating their higher status in society. However by the 11th and 12th century it became popular in families of people of all social classes. Only girls from the poorest families, who needed women as well as men to be able to work the fields, did not go through this process
Foot binding occurred between the ages of 4 and 7. It was thought this was the best time as young girl’s bones were still flexible. Also they were mature enough to understand they had to go through this period of intense pain in order to become women, meet the ideal of feminine beauty (at the time), and to gain status within a male dominated society.
It was during this time that daughters would often bond with their mothers, as their mothers imparted knowledge about female survival, and they grew to understand how their mothers had gone through the same pain. Going through and surviving the process of foot binding became a rite of passage for young girls, and demonstrated patience and selflessness, which were considered important qualities by prospective husbands.
The process involves wrapping young girl’s feet in tight bandages so they would not grow past 3 to 6 inches. In preparation the foot was soaked in hot water and massaged to soften it up. Then the toes of the feet were turned under and pushed against the sole of the foot, to form a concave shape and were bound with linen strips. The big toe would be left to ensure the girls still had some balance. Every couple of days the binding would be taken off and rebound even tighter. The girls were also encouraged to walk, so that their weight would crush the feet into the desired shape. In Lisa See’s illuminating novel ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’ the central character, Lily, describes going through the process:
“The bindings were then removed, and Mama and Aunt checked our toenails, shaved calluses, scrubbed away dead skin, dabbed on more alum and perfume to disguise the odour of our putrefying flesh, and wrapped new clean bindings, even tighter this time.”
If they were bound right the four small toes of each foot would break within the first year, and in time the bones in the arch of the foot would also break:
“One day, as I made one of my trips across the room, I heard something crack. One of my toes had broken. I thought the sound was something internal to my own body, but it was so sharp that everyone in the women’s chamber heard it. My mother’s eyes zeroed in on me. “Move! Progress is finally being made!” Walking my whole body trembled. By nightfall the eight toes that needed to break had broken, but I was still made to walk. I felt my broken toes under the weight of every step I took, for they were loose in my shoes. The freshly created space where once there had been a joint was now a gelatinous infinity of torture.”
From ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’ by Lisa See 2005
The result over time was ‘lotus feet’ which would fit into tiny lotus shoes.
Each rebinding of the feet would be accompanied by bleeding, and peeling of the skin and rotten flesh. The very nature of foot binding affected the circulation of blood to the feet, and that could result in toes completely dying and falling off. In some cases the foot would die altogether, which would leave a smell that stayed with them for life, as well as excruciating pain. The increased risk of infection and gangrene could, and often did, ultimately lead to death.
The health consequences of foot binding were likely to continue into adulthood. Women would often suffer from lower back problems resulting from their body weight being borne by their heels, which would jar their spine. There was almost more likelihood of falls, and studies have suggested women with bound feet had lower bone density, so were more likely to suffer from broken bones.
It was believed the smaller a woman’s feet the more desirable they were to prospective husbands. They were therefore able to marry into a good family and command a good bride price. This was important to ensure the families status in society, and provide security. A girl with a three inch sole would be considered more attractive than a girl who was a natural beauty, but had big feet. Indeed women without bound feet were the subject of ridicule, and were thought to be freaks. The practice became so prominent that families would demand a woman with tiny feet when looking for a wife for their sons.
There are many theories and explanations as to why the practice of foot binding was so popular and carried on for so long? One being that it was an erotic turn on for men. It was reported that seeing and holding small feet, would have the same effect on Chinese men than seeing a firm young bosom would have on European men. The disfigured female foot was often the centre of foreplay, and men would caress their wife’s slippered feet. Ancient love manuals illustrated many ways of playing with a woman’s bound feet, and the delights and beauty of bound feet was also the subject of much poetry of the time. Women with bound feet appeared fragile and delicate, and walked as if they were floating. Their feet were hidden under beautifully embroidered shoes which gave a sense of mystery. All these elements were considered erotic, and increased the allure of the female.
Another theory is that foot binding was a form of social control over women. Women who had their feet bound were more easily controlled by their husbands. Women with bound feet couldn’t walk long distances without aid, and were therefore confined to home, meaning they were less able to be independent and this ensured their subservience to their husbands. At the time women were considered to be second class citizens, with their only purpose in life being to be a wife and a mother of sons. It is argued that foot binding was a practice which reinforced the idea of women as a commodity, and suggested they had no use in productive work.
When foot binding was outlawed, women were ordered to remove bindings, and this was met with a mixed response. It had after all been part of Chinese culture and history for as long as people could remember, and ideas and beliefs were unlikely to change overnight. Many women, especially in rural areas, still believed they would be unable to find husbands with big feet, and continued the practise in secret. By doing this they risked becoming social outcasts, and being fined or punished.
It has taken a long time for foot binding to become a part of history, as opposed to an integral part of Chinese life, and there are still a few women around today with bound feet. Their feelings about the custom are divided. Some talk about it with a sense of pride, while others recall their experiences with anger and resentment, and feel although they had to do it to guarantee their futures, it ultimately lead to much suffering.
I would like to thank Lisa See for giving me permission to reproduce a couple of paragraphs from her book (for this blog posting). For anyone interested in Chinese women’s history I would recommend reading Lisa’s novel ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’; which offers a great insight into the lives of women in 19th century China. It follows the friendship of Lily and her ‘old same’; Snow Flower, and how they communicated by passing messages, written in an exclusively female secret language called ‘nu shu’, on a silk fan. Coming from different social and economic backgrounds the story follows Lily and Snow Flower as they go through foot binding, arranged marriages, the birth of their children, disease, war, and family tragedies at a time when women were regarded as subordinate in a male world.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See 2005 is published by Bloomsbury.
Wednesday, July 07, 2010
Extreme Bodies: Female Circumcision and Infibulation
In my article; ‘An exploration of an obsession with body image', one of the areas I explore is the rising popularity of plastic surgery. In 2006 the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic surgeons reported a 31% rise from the previous year, in plastic surgery procedures, and an almost 90% rise in liposuction procedures. However body modification is not just a modern practice. Throughout history people have painted, pierced, tattooed, adorned and even reshaped their bodies.
This week sees the beginning of a series of articles (posted once a month) exploring the history of body modification. ‘Extreme Bodies’ starts off with a discussion of the traditional practice of female genital surgery. In coming weeks I will be exploring such areas as foot binding, and the history of adorning and illustrating our bodies.
Female Circumcision and Infibulation
For centuries in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, the practice of female circumcision and infibulation has been a rite of passage for young girls. Even though it is now currently illegal in many countries, it is still reported to be widely practised.
The procedures performed on young girls differ from community to community. Circumcision involves the removal of the clitoral hood (with or without excision of the clitoris). Often the procedure would include the removal of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vulva). Infibulation is the practice of sewing together the labia majora, (the outer lips of the vulva) to partially seal the vagina and leave only a small opening.
The day of these procedures were celebrated by the families, and considered to be more important than their wedding day. It was widely believed these procedures would make a woman clean, beautiful, presentable, and able to satisfy her husband. The only people who didn’t undergo these practices were prostitutes, and members of outcast or ‘slave’ groups.
At the time unmarried women were seen to have no rights or status in society, and without undergoing these procedures they were seen as unmarriageable. A girl’s virginity was considered essential when arranging a marriage, and often mothers would regularly check their daughter’s bodies to ensure they are still sewn up tightly. The tighter a girl was sewn up the more marriageable she was.
One belief is that the reasoning behind these practises was that women were assumed by nature to be sexually promiscuous, and could not be trusted to control their sexual needs. These practices are reported to dampen their sex drives, as well as their sexual sensitivity. It was also thought up until a few decades ago, that the clitoris was a dangerous part of the female anatomy, and could prove fatal to a man if it touched his penis.
Circumcision and infibulation was carried out before girls reached menstruation and quite commonly as early as age 3. Practitioners with little medical knowledge would perform the practise without anaesthetic, using sharp instruments such as razor blades and scissors. It is reported these instruments were used on several girls in a row without being cleaned, which would often lead to infections and increased the possibility of viruses such as HIV being passed on. Other possible health consequences of these practices include pelvic complications, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The onset of menstruation also created problems such as blockages, and a build up of clots, due to the vaginal opening being too small.
However a girl’s lot did not end here, as soon after menstruation marriage would be likely to bring further pain. In some communities she would be cut open to allow access by her husband, and then sewn up again afterwards to ensure fidelity. With high birth rates a woman would be cut open and re-sewn many times during her reproductive years. In other communities, this did not happen and the consummation of the marriage as well as childbirth would cause tearing and extreme pain.
Until the second half of the 20th century, female circumcision was relatively unheard of in the West. It wasn’t until the 1950’s and 1960’s that African activists first brought it to the attention of the Western world. It then took until the late 1970’s for organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue an official policy statement on female circumcision. Much discussion then ensued, and in 1984 African women’s organisations met in Dakar, Senegal, and formed the Inter African Committee against Harmful Traditional practices (IAC), with members from over 20 countries. IAC has been proactive in educating many communities in Africa of the harmful effects of female circumcision.
With the resulting debate and political movement surrounding female circumcision, some organisations have adopted the term ‘female mutilation’; this however has received much criticism. The main criticism is that African cultural practices are being assessed using a western perspective. Many African women have perceived the political outcry as condescending and disrespectful towards their culture. One anthropologist suggested these discussions have seemed to objectify African women as ignorant and powerless, while Western women are seen as in control. The question could be asked do African women perceive Western women as in control when they put themselves through medically unnecessary cosmetic surgery, such as breast enlargement to increase sexual desirability.
From our Western cultural viewpoint, female circumcision and infibulation is seen as a barbaric practise, which deprives women of sexual sensitivity and pleasure, and can have serious health consequences. However it has been an integral part of the cultural and ethnic identity of many African and Middle Eastern communities for centuries. For women in these communities circumcision is part of their life, it’s a coming of age ritual which is celebrated, and the belief circumcision is essential for a woman to be a pure and good wife, is not likely to be influenced or changed by political condemnation.
Similarly a legal approach does not seem to be proving effective. Traditional cultural beliefs are so strong, that where countries in Africa have tried to outlaw these practices, there has been little enforcement of these laws. Often this has lead to women crossing borders in order to still receive the procedure, or them carrying out circumcision and infibulation in secret, often with less hygienic conditions.
An approach using public information campaigns, and working with women to highlight the possible health consequences of female genital surgery may be more useful. One example of this is happening in Nigeria, where midwives and health visitors are being trained to work with women from religious groups and social clubs, to teach them about the possible harmful effects of circumcision and infibulation. This approach has also had some success in one area of Kenya, where an alternative ritual ceremony for young girls has been developed which does not include any genital surgery.
What is certain is that beliefs that have been built up over centuries are going to take time to change. One major barrier to the success of any education/information campaigns is the socioeconomic dependency of women on men in these communities. There is unlikely to be any substantial change without improvements in women’s status in society. However ideas and beliefs do change over time, and working with affected women and men, treating them with respect, and educating and informing them of the health consequences of genital surgery, it becomes more possible to bring about positive change, and for people to start saying no to harmful traditional practices.
For more information look at:
The Inter-African Committee on traditional practices: http://www.iac-ciaf.com/index.htm
The Female Genital Cutting Education and Networking Project: http://www.fgmnetwork.org/index.php (visit their bookstore for a wide range of books on the subject)
One book I would recommend is ‘Possessing the secret of Joy’ by Alice Walker: a novel about the life of a woman called Tashi and her experiences
This week sees the beginning of a series of articles (posted once a month) exploring the history of body modification. ‘Extreme Bodies’ starts off with a discussion of the traditional practice of female genital surgery. In coming weeks I will be exploring such areas as foot binding, and the history of adorning and illustrating our bodies.
Female Circumcision and Infibulation
For centuries in many parts of Africa and the Middle East, the practice of female circumcision and infibulation has been a rite of passage for young girls. Even though it is now currently illegal in many countries, it is still reported to be widely practised.
The procedures performed on young girls differ from community to community. Circumcision involves the removal of the clitoral hood (with or without excision of the clitoris). Often the procedure would include the removal of the labia minora (the inner lips of the vulva). Infibulation is the practice of sewing together the labia majora, (the outer lips of the vulva) to partially seal the vagina and leave only a small opening.
The day of these procedures were celebrated by the families, and considered to be more important than their wedding day. It was widely believed these procedures would make a woman clean, beautiful, presentable, and able to satisfy her husband. The only people who didn’t undergo these practices were prostitutes, and members of outcast or ‘slave’ groups.
At the time unmarried women were seen to have no rights or status in society, and without undergoing these procedures they were seen as unmarriageable. A girl’s virginity was considered essential when arranging a marriage, and often mothers would regularly check their daughter’s bodies to ensure they are still sewn up tightly. The tighter a girl was sewn up the more marriageable she was.
One belief is that the reasoning behind these practises was that women were assumed by nature to be sexually promiscuous, and could not be trusted to control their sexual needs. These practices are reported to dampen their sex drives, as well as their sexual sensitivity. It was also thought up until a few decades ago, that the clitoris was a dangerous part of the female anatomy, and could prove fatal to a man if it touched his penis.
Circumcision and infibulation was carried out before girls reached menstruation and quite commonly as early as age 3. Practitioners with little medical knowledge would perform the practise without anaesthetic, using sharp instruments such as razor blades and scissors. It is reported these instruments were used on several girls in a row without being cleaned, which would often lead to infections and increased the possibility of viruses such as HIV being passed on. Other possible health consequences of these practices include pelvic complications, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The onset of menstruation also created problems such as blockages, and a build up of clots, due to the vaginal opening being too small.
However a girl’s lot did not end here, as soon after menstruation marriage would be likely to bring further pain. In some communities she would be cut open to allow access by her husband, and then sewn up again afterwards to ensure fidelity. With high birth rates a woman would be cut open and re-sewn many times during her reproductive years. In other communities, this did not happen and the consummation of the marriage as well as childbirth would cause tearing and extreme pain.
Until the second half of the 20th century, female circumcision was relatively unheard of in the West. It wasn’t until the 1950’s and 1960’s that African activists first brought it to the attention of the Western world. It then took until the late 1970’s for organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue an official policy statement on female circumcision. Much discussion then ensued, and in 1984 African women’s organisations met in Dakar, Senegal, and formed the Inter African Committee against Harmful Traditional practices (IAC), with members from over 20 countries. IAC has been proactive in educating many communities in Africa of the harmful effects of female circumcision.
With the resulting debate and political movement surrounding female circumcision, some organisations have adopted the term ‘female mutilation’; this however has received much criticism. The main criticism is that African cultural practices are being assessed using a western perspective. Many African women have perceived the political outcry as condescending and disrespectful towards their culture. One anthropologist suggested these discussions have seemed to objectify African women as ignorant and powerless, while Western women are seen as in control. The question could be asked do African women perceive Western women as in control when they put themselves through medically unnecessary cosmetic surgery, such as breast enlargement to increase sexual desirability.
From our Western cultural viewpoint, female circumcision and infibulation is seen as a barbaric practise, which deprives women of sexual sensitivity and pleasure, and can have serious health consequences. However it has been an integral part of the cultural and ethnic identity of many African and Middle Eastern communities for centuries. For women in these communities circumcision is part of their life, it’s a coming of age ritual which is celebrated, and the belief circumcision is essential for a woman to be a pure and good wife, is not likely to be influenced or changed by political condemnation.
Similarly a legal approach does not seem to be proving effective. Traditional cultural beliefs are so strong, that where countries in Africa have tried to outlaw these practices, there has been little enforcement of these laws. Often this has lead to women crossing borders in order to still receive the procedure, or them carrying out circumcision and infibulation in secret, often with less hygienic conditions.
An approach using public information campaigns, and working with women to highlight the possible health consequences of female genital surgery may be more useful. One example of this is happening in Nigeria, where midwives and health visitors are being trained to work with women from religious groups and social clubs, to teach them about the possible harmful effects of circumcision and infibulation. This approach has also had some success in one area of Kenya, where an alternative ritual ceremony for young girls has been developed which does not include any genital surgery.
What is certain is that beliefs that have been built up over centuries are going to take time to change. One major barrier to the success of any education/information campaigns is the socioeconomic dependency of women on men in these communities. There is unlikely to be any substantial change without improvements in women’s status in society. However ideas and beliefs do change over time, and working with affected women and men, treating them with respect, and educating and informing them of the health consequences of genital surgery, it becomes more possible to bring about positive change, and for people to start saying no to harmful traditional practices.
For more information look at:
The Inter-African Committee on traditional practices: http://www.iac-ciaf.com/index.htm
The Female Genital Cutting Education and Networking Project: http://www.fgmnetwork.org/index.php (visit their bookstore for a wide range of books on the subject)
One book I would recommend is ‘Possessing the secret of Joy’ by Alice Walker: a novel about the life of a woman called Tashi and her experiences
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
An exploration of an obsession with body image
With the growing obesity epidemic in this country, losing weight has become big business, and programmes on healthy eating and how to lose weight, such as ‘You are what you eat’ and ‘Diet Doctors’ are rarely off our screens. However a problem that isn’t as well recognised is the growing number of people who are developing an obsession with their body image, and have a less than healthy relationship with food. Underlying a negative body image is often insecurity and low self esteem, and seeing constant images of thin and beautiful people in the media adds to feelings of shame, guilt and body-dissatisfaction.
In a recent survey undertaken by Grazia magazine, of the 5000 respondents, 7 out of 10 women said life would improve if they had better bodies. The survey found that many women had taken drastic measures, such as fasting and laxative use to try and lose weight. It concluded that on average, the women who took part, worried about their bodies every fifteen minutes. Generally it seems women are very critical and unhappy with their body shapes. Wanting to be slim and tone up is not a problem, but having an abnormal relationship with food which can lead to developing eating disorders is.
Women are constantly faced with unrealistic female body images, from on the catwalk, to in magazines, and on the television. Even when out shopping, women often find they are trying on clothes next to posters of size four models. Our current fixation with body image is unhealthy; many women are influenced greatly by these constant images of slenderness, which in turn affects their lives by condemning them to a life of constant regulation, transformation and ‘beautifying’ practices. The pressure to alter, modify, and transform women’s bodies to meet the cultural ideal affects how women eat, dress, and attend to daily rituals such as putting on make up, removal of body hair, and covering up bodily odours with deodorants and perfumes.
So why do we try and change our bodies and appearance? And why aren’t we able to be happy with ourselves the way we are?
Early feminist ideology argues that men’s desires are considered more important than women’s, and that women’s bodies are seen as objects which are sexualised for the convenience of men. However why we are so fixated with how we look, is likely to be far more complex than this.
French philosopher Michel Foucault (1926 – 1984) put forward that in society ‘discourses’ and truths are produced which act as a set of rules. He saw many women as conforming or ‘normalising’ to these rules. Through this discourse, categories are created such as beautiful, ugly, fat, thin, and women readily place themselves in these categories.
He suggests discourse changes over time. The idea of a perfect female figure for women to aspire to has changed over the years. The ‘ideal’ figure has got thinner and thinner over time. What was considered as an ideal body in the 1960’s is now thought of as a fuller figure. It could be argued that the ideal figure for women to normalise to, is now so thin they have no feminine curves, and are beginning to emulate the straighter figure of men.
An ‘inspecting gaze’ aids this normalisation, as surveillance has a disciplinary effect ensuring each individual is conforming to the norms. Being forever conscious of the gaze, often leads to women trying to make themselves acceptable objects for viewing. Whether a woman feels they are desirable or worthwhile is decided upon by how they internalise other people’s perceptions of themselves.
This ‘inspecting gaze’ can come from both men and women, and it would be quite unlikely for someone to say honestly they’ve never looked at someone and made judgements about their appearance. A survey undertaken by New Woman magazine in 2001, found that women felt under more pressure from other women to look good than they did men. 85% of respondents said other women were more likely to criticise them on their looks, while just 15% said men were likely to criticise them.
I believe Foucault’s theory has a lot of credibility. While I was at University I put on weight, and went up to a size 16. When I saw people I hadn’t seen for years, I was affected by how they saw me. They may have said ‘You look well’ or ‘Oh you’ve changed your hair colour’, however in my mind I felt they were being polite by not saying I’d put on a lot of weight. I’ve always had a slightly rebellious streak, questioning why I should conform to authority, however in this case I felt I wanted to conform, I wanted a thin body again. My intellectual reasoning was overridden by the ‘gaze’ and the discourse suggesting the norm was to be thin. By getting caught up in this dominant discourse I was also perpetuating it, and contributing towards my own objectification and the objectification of others.
While diet programmes on television point out the importance of trying to live a healthier lifestyle, by applauding women who have slimmed down and commenting on how beautiful they are, the dominant discourse that thin is alright and fat isn’t is reinforced. Women are constantly being pressurized not to leave their bodies in their natural state, maybe with a rounded stomach and a few wobbly bits, instead they are encouraged to alter and modify their bodies with exercise and diet.
This dominant discourse and the resulting pressure to be slim and toned, can lead to many women developing unhealthy relationships with food, and also contribute towards the growing problem of exercise compulsion. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’ on Channel four is one programme that is starting to bring this problem to our attention. In last nights programme (5th February 2008) ‘superskinny’ Amy Jo who avoided carbohydrates and had an intense exercise regime, weighed in at 7st7lbs. Having to swap diets for a week with ‘supersize’ Andy, Amy Jo was presented with a takeaway curry which she described as her worst nightmare. After the first day she was sure she had some overhang over the top of her trousers. However she did start to address her fear of food, and by the end of the week she was managing to finish off the meals she was being given. The Grazia survey suggests that is not just a small minority of women who have a fearful relationship with food. Many women are constantly thinking ‘shall I eat or not eat’ and if they find themselves 2lbs heavier when stepping on the scales, it can ruin their day.
After three months Amy Jo had only put on 5lbs, while Andy had managed to lose over 3st in weight. She mentioned that now she was eating more, she was able to run for an hour and a half which she couldn’t manage before. I’m unconvinced she actually managed to address her problem with body image, and maybe she was exercising more to compensate for consuming more calories. Exercise compulsion is another big problem for many women.
For some women, watching what they eat to achieve the perfect figure isn’t enough, and exercise offers a way to keep all their soft bodily bulges flat and firm. A compulsive exerciser may exercise one or two hours most days, and not give themselves a break even when they are feeling unwell. One of Amy Jo’s friends mentioned that if she went out and ate a meal, she would run to the gym the next day. For compulsive exercisers, if they miss a session they may make up for it by exercising longer and harder the next day, or by simply not eating. It could be argued that compulsive exercisers do not undertake exercise for fun or pleasure, but they do it to conform to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse to be thin.
A combination of eating too little and exercising too much can be very dangerous for our health. As well as a risk of injury to bones joints and ligaments from excessive demands placed on them, if someone isn’t eating enough the body will resort to using muscle as a source of energy, so muscles can literally begin to waste away. Excessive exercise can also affect the balance of hormones in the body, and can place too much stress on the heart. For many women exercise is seen as a way of reversing the effects of eating, however they could be exercising their way to an early grave.
When not taken to extremes, exercise is an important factor in any healthy lifestyle. However often people are put off exercise because of their negative body image; they feel ashamed of their bodies, and don’t want to expose themselves especially in front of fit people. In a bid to lose weight, at University, I started using the Gym. I was exercising purely because I felt fat and that went against the dominant ‘norms’. Although I enjoyed the exercise when I got going, I also felt that exercising in the University gym made me feel worse about my body. I was often the biggest person there, and with all the slender bodies surrounding me, using their disciplinary gazes, I felt I had no right to be there, and felt the gym was a place for thin fit people
Another big factor in the problem we have with body image, as a society, is the increased availability of plastic surgery and procedures which can change the way someone looks. With celebrities being constantly photographed for a rise of magazines obsessed with celebrities lives and body shapes, they are under a lot of pressure to stay looking good. However by buying into the nip and tuck culture, this in turn puts increased pressure on others who are unhappy with their body image.
Television programmes such as ‘Ten Years Younger’ and ‘Cosmetic Surgery live’ illustrate the worrying trend of women normalising themselves to the dominant discourse, by going under the knife to alter their body shape and appearance. These programmes take advantage of the vulnerabilities of women obsessed with physical perfection, and these procedures are becoming seen as a normal step beyond the beauty salon.
With plastic surgery Cher has transformed her body into a symmetrical, youthful looking, conventional body, which has become an ideal for other women to strive towards. Plastic surgery is often portrayed as being a choice that women can make. Cher has created a body she wanted, which could be seen as her being in control of her body. However it could also be argued she has just conformed to the dominant discourse. While I was a size 16, when seeing Cher, the older woman, looking thin and youthful, I felt I was not trying hard enough. My body did not match up with my perception (created by discourse) of the ‘ideal’ body. I succumb to my hunger, and I prioritized studying and family over exercise, and felt I was not in control.
As Cher has taken measures to stay looking young, many older women are also falling into the trap of chasing external youthful looks. As we get older our metabolic rate slows down, we are more likely to lay down more body fat, and inevitably we develop wrinkles. A survey by Top Sante magazine of 2000 women found that many women over 40 were unhappy with their bodies, and would consider plastic surgery. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported a particular rise in anti-ageing procedures in 2005, with a 42% rise in facelifts, and a 50% rise in eyelid surgery. The survey also suggested many older women were developing eating disorders because they hated the way they look. It seems we no longer want to age gracefully, but we want to manage the way we age.
Women exercising and losing weight could be interpreted as them being in control of their lives; however it could also be argued that with so many women suffering from eating disorders, exercise compulsion and self criticism that they are not in control at all. Often women who are thin do feel they are in control of their bodies. However in order to keep their slender figures they need to repress feelings of hunger, watch what they eat, and exercise to keep all the soft bodily bulges flat and firm. They become in effect slaves to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse.
Foucault suggests that resistance to these discourses, known as counter discourses, can produce new ‘truths’ and ‘knowledge’. An example of discourse changing over time could be illustrated by the changing views of single parenthood. As recently as the 1950’s, single parents were considered ‘fallen women’, and were often pressurized to give their babies away. In today’s society single parenting is much more acceptable, with many women choosing to have babies on their own.
The good news is, that many counter discourses are developing. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’, for example, is challenging the idea that thin is alright and fat isn’t, by highlighting the health risks of obsessive dieting and exercise. On top of this advertising campaigns by companies such as the Body Shop and Dove, are using models with a range of body shapes and sizes. The Body shop’s ‘Self esteem policy’ believes people should be proud and happy how they are, and do not use models who are very thin or very young.
Dove’s award winning ‘real beauty’ campaign has shown other retailers the effectiveness of depicting realistic body images, and as a result Revlon has followed suit by dropping celebrity endorsements, and instead searching for ‘real’ women to front their campaigns. Dove’s campaign has included undertaking a study of 3300 girls and women, called ‘Beyond Stereotypes, Rebuilding the foundation of beauty beliefs’, which highlights the problems as a society we have with body image, and suggests we can help change this. By using real women the Body Shop and Dove are presenting a counter discourse. They both hope to promote real natural beauty instead of the unrealistically thin images normally associated with modelling.
Television programmes such as ‘LK today’ and ‘This Morning’ are also choosing to be part of the counter discourse, by using models of varying shapes and sizes in their fashion features. As previously mentioned the idea of the perfect figure has changed, and over time it has got thinner and thinner. With more and more people promoting a counter discourse, maybe in time women will become happier with the way they are, and love and celebrate their individuality, lumps and bumps, wrinkles and all.
(This article was originally posted in 2008)
In a recent survey undertaken by Grazia magazine, of the 5000 respondents, 7 out of 10 women said life would improve if they had better bodies. The survey found that many women had taken drastic measures, such as fasting and laxative use to try and lose weight. It concluded that on average, the women who took part, worried about their bodies every fifteen minutes. Generally it seems women are very critical and unhappy with their body shapes. Wanting to be slim and tone up is not a problem, but having an abnormal relationship with food which can lead to developing eating disorders is.
Women are constantly faced with unrealistic female body images, from on the catwalk, to in magazines, and on the television. Even when out shopping, women often find they are trying on clothes next to posters of size four models. Our current fixation with body image is unhealthy; many women are influenced greatly by these constant images of slenderness, which in turn affects their lives by condemning them to a life of constant regulation, transformation and ‘beautifying’ practices. The pressure to alter, modify, and transform women’s bodies to meet the cultural ideal affects how women eat, dress, and attend to daily rituals such as putting on make up, removal of body hair, and covering up bodily odours with deodorants and perfumes.
So why do we try and change our bodies and appearance? And why aren’t we able to be happy with ourselves the way we are?
Early feminist ideology argues that men’s desires are considered more important than women’s, and that women’s bodies are seen as objects which are sexualised for the convenience of men. However why we are so fixated with how we look, is likely to be far more complex than this.
French philosopher Michel Foucault (1926 – 1984) put forward that in society ‘discourses’ and truths are produced which act as a set of rules. He saw many women as conforming or ‘normalising’ to these rules. Through this discourse, categories are created such as beautiful, ugly, fat, thin, and women readily place themselves in these categories.
He suggests discourse changes over time. The idea of a perfect female figure for women to aspire to has changed over the years. The ‘ideal’ figure has got thinner and thinner over time. What was considered as an ideal body in the 1960’s is now thought of as a fuller figure. It could be argued that the ideal figure for women to normalise to, is now so thin they have no feminine curves, and are beginning to emulate the straighter figure of men.
An ‘inspecting gaze’ aids this normalisation, as surveillance has a disciplinary effect ensuring each individual is conforming to the norms. Being forever conscious of the gaze, often leads to women trying to make themselves acceptable objects for viewing. Whether a woman feels they are desirable or worthwhile is decided upon by how they internalise other people’s perceptions of themselves.
This ‘inspecting gaze’ can come from both men and women, and it would be quite unlikely for someone to say honestly they’ve never looked at someone and made judgements about their appearance. A survey undertaken by New Woman magazine in 2001, found that women felt under more pressure from other women to look good than they did men. 85% of respondents said other women were more likely to criticise them on their looks, while just 15% said men were likely to criticise them.
I believe Foucault’s theory has a lot of credibility. While I was at University I put on weight, and went up to a size 16. When I saw people I hadn’t seen for years, I was affected by how they saw me. They may have said ‘You look well’ or ‘Oh you’ve changed your hair colour’, however in my mind I felt they were being polite by not saying I’d put on a lot of weight. I’ve always had a slightly rebellious streak, questioning why I should conform to authority, however in this case I felt I wanted to conform, I wanted a thin body again. My intellectual reasoning was overridden by the ‘gaze’ and the discourse suggesting the norm was to be thin. By getting caught up in this dominant discourse I was also perpetuating it, and contributing towards my own objectification and the objectification of others.
While diet programmes on television point out the importance of trying to live a healthier lifestyle, by applauding women who have slimmed down and commenting on how beautiful they are, the dominant discourse that thin is alright and fat isn’t is reinforced. Women are constantly being pressurized not to leave their bodies in their natural state, maybe with a rounded stomach and a few wobbly bits, instead they are encouraged to alter and modify their bodies with exercise and diet.
This dominant discourse and the resulting pressure to be slim and toned, can lead to many women developing unhealthy relationships with food, and also contribute towards the growing problem of exercise compulsion. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’ on Channel four is one programme that is starting to bring this problem to our attention. In last nights programme (5th February 2008) ‘superskinny’ Amy Jo who avoided carbohydrates and had an intense exercise regime, weighed in at 7st7lbs. Having to swap diets for a week with ‘supersize’ Andy, Amy Jo was presented with a takeaway curry which she described as her worst nightmare. After the first day she was sure she had some overhang over the top of her trousers. However she did start to address her fear of food, and by the end of the week she was managing to finish off the meals she was being given. The Grazia survey suggests that is not just a small minority of women who have a fearful relationship with food. Many women are constantly thinking ‘shall I eat or not eat’ and if they find themselves 2lbs heavier when stepping on the scales, it can ruin their day.
After three months Amy Jo had only put on 5lbs, while Andy had managed to lose over 3st in weight. She mentioned that now she was eating more, she was able to run for an hour and a half which she couldn’t manage before. I’m unconvinced she actually managed to address her problem with body image, and maybe she was exercising more to compensate for consuming more calories. Exercise compulsion is another big problem for many women.
For some women, watching what they eat to achieve the perfect figure isn’t enough, and exercise offers a way to keep all their soft bodily bulges flat and firm. A compulsive exerciser may exercise one or two hours most days, and not give themselves a break even when they are feeling unwell. One of Amy Jo’s friends mentioned that if she went out and ate a meal, she would run to the gym the next day. For compulsive exercisers, if they miss a session they may make up for it by exercising longer and harder the next day, or by simply not eating. It could be argued that compulsive exercisers do not undertake exercise for fun or pleasure, but they do it to conform to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse to be thin.
A combination of eating too little and exercising too much can be very dangerous for our health. As well as a risk of injury to bones joints and ligaments from excessive demands placed on them, if someone isn’t eating enough the body will resort to using muscle as a source of energy, so muscles can literally begin to waste away. Excessive exercise can also affect the balance of hormones in the body, and can place too much stress on the heart. For many women exercise is seen as a way of reversing the effects of eating, however they could be exercising their way to an early grave.
When not taken to extremes, exercise is an important factor in any healthy lifestyle. However often people are put off exercise because of their negative body image; they feel ashamed of their bodies, and don’t want to expose themselves especially in front of fit people. In a bid to lose weight, at University, I started using the Gym. I was exercising purely because I felt fat and that went against the dominant ‘norms’. Although I enjoyed the exercise when I got going, I also felt that exercising in the University gym made me feel worse about my body. I was often the biggest person there, and with all the slender bodies surrounding me, using their disciplinary gazes, I felt I had no right to be there, and felt the gym was a place for thin fit people
Another big factor in the problem we have with body image, as a society, is the increased availability of plastic surgery and procedures which can change the way someone looks. With celebrities being constantly photographed for a rise of magazines obsessed with celebrities lives and body shapes, they are under a lot of pressure to stay looking good. However by buying into the nip and tuck culture, this in turn puts increased pressure on others who are unhappy with their body image.
Television programmes such as ‘Ten Years Younger’ and ‘Cosmetic Surgery live’ illustrate the worrying trend of women normalising themselves to the dominant discourse, by going under the knife to alter their body shape and appearance. These programmes take advantage of the vulnerabilities of women obsessed with physical perfection, and these procedures are becoming seen as a normal step beyond the beauty salon.
With plastic surgery Cher has transformed her body into a symmetrical, youthful looking, conventional body, which has become an ideal for other women to strive towards. Plastic surgery is often portrayed as being a choice that women can make. Cher has created a body she wanted, which could be seen as her being in control of her body. However it could also be argued she has just conformed to the dominant discourse. While I was a size 16, when seeing Cher, the older woman, looking thin and youthful, I felt I was not trying hard enough. My body did not match up with my perception (created by discourse) of the ‘ideal’ body. I succumb to my hunger, and I prioritized studying and family over exercise, and felt I was not in control.
As Cher has taken measures to stay looking young, many older women are also falling into the trap of chasing external youthful looks. As we get older our metabolic rate slows down, we are more likely to lay down more body fat, and inevitably we develop wrinkles. A survey by Top Sante magazine of 2000 women found that many women over 40 were unhappy with their bodies, and would consider plastic surgery. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons reported a particular rise in anti-ageing procedures in 2005, with a 42% rise in facelifts, and a 50% rise in eyelid surgery. The survey also suggested many older women were developing eating disorders because they hated the way they look. It seems we no longer want to age gracefully, but we want to manage the way we age.
Women exercising and losing weight could be interpreted as them being in control of their lives; however it could also be argued that with so many women suffering from eating disorders, exercise compulsion and self criticism that they are not in control at all. Often women who are thin do feel they are in control of their bodies. However in order to keep their slender figures they need to repress feelings of hunger, watch what they eat, and exercise to keep all the soft bodily bulges flat and firm. They become in effect slaves to the ‘rules’ and ‘norms’ created by the dominant discourse.
Foucault suggests that resistance to these discourses, known as counter discourses, can produce new ‘truths’ and ‘knowledge’. An example of discourse changing over time could be illustrated by the changing views of single parenthood. As recently as the 1950’s, single parents were considered ‘fallen women’, and were often pressurized to give their babies away. In today’s society single parenting is much more acceptable, with many women choosing to have babies on their own.
The good news is, that many counter discourses are developing. ‘Supersize vs Superskinny’, for example, is challenging the idea that thin is alright and fat isn’t, by highlighting the health risks of obsessive dieting and exercise. On top of this advertising campaigns by companies such as the Body Shop and Dove, are using models with a range of body shapes and sizes. The Body shop’s ‘Self esteem policy’ believes people should be proud and happy how they are, and do not use models who are very thin or very young.
Dove’s award winning ‘real beauty’ campaign has shown other retailers the effectiveness of depicting realistic body images, and as a result Revlon has followed suit by dropping celebrity endorsements, and instead searching for ‘real’ women to front their campaigns. Dove’s campaign has included undertaking a study of 3300 girls and women, called ‘Beyond Stereotypes, Rebuilding the foundation of beauty beliefs’, which highlights the problems as a society we have with body image, and suggests we can help change this. By using real women the Body Shop and Dove are presenting a counter discourse. They both hope to promote real natural beauty instead of the unrealistically thin images normally associated with modelling.
Television programmes such as ‘LK today’ and ‘This Morning’ are also choosing to be part of the counter discourse, by using models of varying shapes and sizes in their fashion features. As previously mentioned the idea of the perfect figure has changed, and over time it has got thinner and thinner. With more and more people promoting a counter discourse, maybe in time women will become happier with the way they are, and love and celebrate their individuality, lumps and bumps, wrinkles and all.
(This article was originally posted in 2008)
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Jax Writers Spot is back
If you’ve been a regular reader of my blogs you would have noticed I haven’t posted an article up since February this year. A fair few months later, and I have got myself a new lap top (the old one died) and I’ve finally got Microsoft Word put on to it. However I have also started working full time. I don’t want to abandon writing, but until my body and energy levels adjust, I thought I would re post some of my older articles. I know I have gained a fair few readers in the past couple of years and hopefully these will be articles you have not read before. I am going to start with my ‘Extreme Bodies’ series of articles I have written on the history of body modification. As usual they will be posted up on the first Wednesday of each month.
Over the next few months I will be posting: ‘An exploration of an obsession with body image’ ‘Female circumcision and infibulation’ ‘Bone breaking beauty’ (an article about the practice of foot binding) ‘The history of tattooing’ and ‘Different perceptions of perfection Building a better body (the history of body building)
Over the next few months I will be posting: ‘An exploration of an obsession with body image’ ‘Female circumcision and infibulation’ ‘Bone breaking beauty’ (an article about the practice of foot binding) ‘The history of tattooing’ and ‘Different perceptions of perfection Building a better body (the history of body building)
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
An introduction to Chinese Astrology
Chinese New Year (which this year will be celebrated on February the 14th) is one of the oldest Chinese festivals. Traditionally Chinese people spring clean their houses before the start of the festivities to sweep away any bad luck, and on New Years eve put away all brooms, dustpans, and brushes to ensure good luck isn’t swept away. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, one of twelve animals takes its place for the year, and this year it will be the turn of the Tiger. While many people know their Chinese astrological sign, they may not know what this may mean for them. This article will explore and give a brief introduction to the traditions and beliefs behind Chinese astrology.
People have always had an interest in what the future holds for us, and this may explain our interest in astrology, and why we often flick through the pages of magazines to read our horoscopes. According to Chinese astrology it is not only one’s destiny that can be determined by our Chinese birth signs, but also our character. This may be more useful than attempts to predict the future. It is said that the person who emulates the good qualities of their Chinese sign is likely to have a more successful future.
Most people are familiar with the astrological signs most often used in the western world which are determined by the time of the year that we are born. The Chinese zodiac works a little differently. There are twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac: rat, buffalo (ox), tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. They are correlated instead with the year of your birth. The Chinese New Year starts roughly at the beginning of February in one year to February of the next year, so if you were born in January your Chinese zodiac sign will be the determined by the year before. For example, if you were born in January 1966 you would be regarded as being born in 1965, and therefore would be a snake not a horse.
Chinese astrology is much more detailed, than just looking at the attributes of the animal of your birth year. Different animals in this group of 12, will also govern the month, and two hour period in the day of when someone was born. Another very important aspect of Chinese astrology is that each year also determines which of five elements we are: metal water, wood, fire, or earth. Each of these elements is further influenced by the yin/yang (negative or positive) nature of the year. Odd years being yin and even years being yang. The characteristics of the elements impact on the 12 animals, assigning different characteristics to each one. The twelve animals combined with the 5 elements create a cycle of 60 years. For example: 1949 was an earth Ox year and the next earth Ox year is the Chinese Year we are still in (2009) 60 years later.
All of these factors need to be taken into account in determining a person’s personality strengths and weaknesses, as well as what the future may hold for them. The job of the professional Chinese astrologer has been likened to that of a medical diagnostician, as it requires knowledge, as well as probing, searching, and interpreting skills.
The elements
The five elements and how they interact with our relationships and life, have been a part of Chinese culture long before the 12 zodiac animals came into being. These elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water are associated with the five major planets: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus and Mercury respectively. All the elements have an effect on each other, and these effects are grouped into both conducive and controlling interrelationships:
Conducive relationship (Each element can produce another element):
· wood produces fire (fire cannot exist on its own)
· fire produces earth (fire produces ashes which becomes part of the earth again)
· earth produces metal (metal is extracted from the earth)
· metal produces water (this could either mean a metal container holding water or that metal is the only element that will change into a liquid)
· water produces wood (Without water from rain and dew, plants and trees would die)
Each element can also be controlled by another element, for example:
· fire can be controlled by water (nothing will put a fire out as effectively as water)
· water can be controlled by earth (earth absorbs water. Examples of controlling water with earth can be the digging of irrigation canals)
· earth can be controlled by wood (trees and roots hold soil together)
· wood can be controlled by metal (trees can be felled with a metal axe)
· metal can be controlled by fire (metal can be melted with intense heat)
Using this philosophy, no element can be called stronger or weaker than any other; they are all dependant on each other and linked in the chain of life.
Wood
Wood is constantly growing and expanding, and so are people born under the wood element. Wood characters are grounded with firm roots to their home, providing them with stability and strength. However they are also driven to grow and seek out new challenges and adventures. From a place of stability and strength they have the capacity to succeed against all odds. The negative aspects of the wood personality may be due to their sense of purpose and a determination to be strong, as they can get easily frustrated and may react to stress and injustices with anger. Quite often this anger is directed towards others resulting in conflict. However there is also a danger, as they become more frustrated that anger is directed inwards which can lead to despondency and mental exhaustion. Wood is associated with the colour green.
Fire
Fire has the ability to give off warmth and attract others, and the same can be said about people born under the fire element. They are full of energy, and their sunny and enthusiastic qualities make them very popular in a crowd. Fire characters are idealistic and very romantic; they strive to find relationships that fuse two hearts into one. They can also be very emotional and feel deep pain when separated from loved ones. This tendency to place a lot of emphasis on relationships can cause a few problems as they can easily lose a sense of self, as they become intensely involved in relationships, especially at the beginning. Also due to their energy and enthusiasm they can burn themselves out by becoming over excited and over stimulated. Fire is associated with the colour red.
Earth
The earth is able to absorb all the other elements, and people born under the earth sign are forgiving and compassionate. They are loyal friends and great listeners, always willing to listen to other people’s problems. Naturally non judgemental, earth personalities try to create harmony in their surroundings. People generally feel safe with earth characters, and friendship is important to their sense of happiness. The negative aspect of an earth character may be due to wanting the maintain harmony, as they do not deal well with conflict and strife. There is a danger they can become overly concerned with other people’s problems, and their natural need to nurture others may lead to having little time or energy to nurture and care for themselves. A tendency to want to please people can also result in being overly sensitive to criticism. Earth is associated with the colour yellow.
Metal
Metal is associated with exceptional strength and endurance, and so people born under the metal sign are self disciplined and strong willed. People born under the metal sign have a thirst for knowledge, especially concerning the principles and structure of existence. They also very interested in morality, ethics, religion, and philosophy. They appreciate conciseness, dislike superficiality, enjoy intellectual conversation, and avoid small talk. When no longer fluid, metal can become solid and unyielding. There is a danger that metal characters can become overly concerned with maintaining order and discipline, and may lack flexibility when it comes to rules and routines. They can be overly strict with themselves, and feel they need to keep their emotions under control, which may be detrimental to their emotional health. Metal is associated with the colour white.
Water
Water has the ability to change without losing its essential character. The same is true of people born under the water element; they have a strong sense of self. Water types are said have the ability to flow over problems like a river. They can summon strength when needed to move forward. Water types are resourceful dependable and single minded in the pursuit of their goals. Water personalities can be quite spiritual and recognise the need for quiet introspection. They may spend time mulling over the meaning of life; they can have a very active imagination, and are often considered to be intellectual and visionary. The negative qualities of water types may be due to tendency to refuse to change their course, sometimes resulting in intolerance and being overly opinionated. Water is associated with the colour black.
The animals
The appearance of the animals in the Chinese Zodiac is the subject of many myths and legends. One story is that Buddha summoned all the animals to appear before him just before his departure from the world, and only 12 animals turned up. As a reward he named each year after an animal in order of their arrival. Another story suggests he invited animals to take part in a race to cross a river and the first twelve to complete the race would win a place on the Chinese Zodiac calendar, in the order they finished. The rat was the first to cross the river, and although it seems unlikely that such a small animal could win against all the other animals, the story goes that the rat used his brain, and hitched a ride on the back of the buffalo and just before he reached the shore jumped off and got to the finish line first. The snake finished in sixth place as he hid in the hoof of the horse, and near the end jumped out and scared the horse into seventh place.
Early Chinese astronomers studied the orbit of the planet Jupiter (the year star). They discovered that Jupiter’s orbit occurred ever 12 years, and this may explain why there are 12 animals and why the Chinese Zodiac is based on a system of years as opposed to months.
Rat
(1936 fire, 1948 earth, 1960 metal, 1972 water, 1984 wood, 1996 fire, 2008 earth)
People born under the sign of the rat love a party and are often quick witted and funny. They are clever, naturally curious, and like seeking knowledge. They have good taste and are very charming, and are generous and very loyal to their friends. They are perfectionists and can be quite motivated by money, so may have a tendency to be greedy, and can be very successful in business and politics. Someone born in the year of the rat can be very useful to have around in a crisis as they are level headed and intuitive.
Buffalo or Ox
(1937 fire, 1949 earth, 1961 metal, 1973 water, 1985 wood, 1997 fire)
The Ox is one of the most powerful of the Chinese Zodiac signs. People born under the sign of the Ox are generally steadfast and solid. They are responsible, motivated and hard working and are often good leaders; they have the ability to stay focused on any given goal. Ruled by their heads more than their hearts; they can often be serious and self confident. However a tendency to be introverted can also lead to feelings of insecurity and loneliness. They take comfort in friends, and make reliable and dependable friends.
Tiger
(1938 earth, 1950 metal, 1962 water, 1974 wood, 1986 fire, 1998 earth, 2010 metal)
People born under the sign of the tiger make strong leaders, as they can be authoritative, dynamic, courageous and ambitious. They love to be the centre of attention. They are fighters and can be quite territorial. As a friend they are charming, warm hearted, and generous. As partners they can be very passionate and seductive. They can however sometimes be moody and intense, ready to pounce at any time.
Rabbit
(1939 earth, 1951 metal, 1963 water, 1975 wood, 1987 fire, 1999 earth, 2011 metal)
Being surrounded by friends and family is very important to people born in the year of the rabbit. They enjoy home life and love entertaining. They are sweet natured and very popular; as friends they are very sincere and compassionate, and can give sensible solid advice. They are very faithful and romantic partners. They can also be quite sentimental and emotional. They do like to avoid conflict, and to keep the peace they sometimes can be seen as pushovers.
Dragon
(1940 metal, 1952 water, 1964 wood, 1976 fire, 1988 earth, 2000 metal)
The dragon is a powerful and a magical sign. People born in the year of the dragon like to be the centre of attention, and are bundles of energy. They are natural born leaders, good at giving orders and doing whatever is necessary to stay at the top. They are likely to except the same high standards that they expect of themselves from other people. As friends they are warm hearted and charismatic, and can be lucky in love. They can however sometimes be quite egotistical.
Snake
(1941 metal, 1953 water, 1965 wood, 1977 fire, 1989 earth, 2001 metal)
People born in the year of the snake are hardworking and intelligent. They are quite analytical and good with money. It is said they have innate wisdom and may even have some supernatural abilities, and their tendency to rely on gut feelings can be a little dangerous. They are fond of company and as friends they are very generous and charming; however they are rarely likely to seek advice from friends as communication is not their strong point. As partners they can be romantic and quite seductive. They hate rejection and may have a tendency towards jealousy, and feelings of insecurity.
Horse
(1942, water, 1954 wood, 1966 fire, 1978 earth, 1990 metal, 2002 water)
Those born under the sign of the horse love to roam free, and can be quite rebellious. They enjoy travelling and can be seen as a bit of a drifter. They are energetic characters, cheery and well liked, and love a crowd, although they can sometimes be a little impatient. They can also fall very easily in and out of love. They can sometimes be quite unpredictable, and have a tendency to make rash choices.
Goat
(1943 water, 1955 wood, 1967 fire, 1979 earth, 1991 metal, 2003 water)
The goat is the most feminine of the Chinese animals. People born under the sign of the goat are very creative, and appearance is quite important to them. However they can be quite unorganised at times. They thrive on reassurance, love, and support from friends, and are good natured and genuine. They can be deep thinkers and like being alone in their thoughts. However they can sometimes become overwhelmed by emotions, leading to negativity and anxiety.
Monkey
(1944 wood, 1956 fire, 1968 earth, 1980 metal, 1992 water, 2004 wood)
People born under the sign of the monkey thrive on having fun. They are energetic and upbeat. They like being active and need to feel stimulated. They are always up for a challenge and are good at ‘mastering anything’. They are good listeners, clever and quick witted. However they like to please themselves, before pleasing others. The fun seeking side to their characters can often lead to them lacking self control. In love they can be romantic, but also deceptive, and it is said they can be heart breakers and are not good at long term relationships.
Rooster
(1945 wood, 1957 fire, 1969 earth, 1981 metal, 1993 water, 2005 wood)
People born under the sign of the rooster are practical and resourceful. As a friend they are trusting, straight-forward, open and honest. They can be quite flashy dressers and love finding bargains. They are quite cautious, and may try to hide this caution with displays of confidence, which can sometimes come across as aggression. They are very observant and analytical, and can have the tendency to be perfectionists and be overly concerned with being neat and tidy.
Dog
(1946 fire, 1958 earth, 1970 metal, 1982 water, 1994 wood, 2006 fire)
People born under the sign of the dog are loyal, honest, faithful, and well liked. They have a strong sense of fairness, are always up for doing their share; they will never abandon people in their time of need. They can however be a little distrustful and sensitive at times, and be prone to mood swings. Time for solitude and privacy are important to them. They are intelligent and can be quite high achievers in the world of business.
Pig
(1947 fire, 1959 earth, 1971 metal, 1983 water, 1995 wood, 2007 fire)
People born under the sign of the pig are personable, good mannered and tasteful, and are good company to be around. They are often perfectionists; they have a strong belief in goodness, and enjoy the finer things in life. They are intelligent and are constantly on the hunt for more knowledge, as they are also very patient, they can do well in the world of teaching. They enjoy helping others and due to this can sometimes be taken advantage of. They are loving thoughtful, caring and sincere and as a result make many permanent companions.
This article has very briefly introduced the fascinating subject of Chinese astrology, and if like me it has just whetted your appetite, and you want to learn more I would really recommend some further reading on the subject. There are many books available such as: Chinese Astrology: Forecast your future from your Chinese Horoscope by Man-ho Kwok.
The handbook of Chinese Horoscopes by Theodora Lau
Chinese Astrology Bible: The definitive guide to the Chinese Zodiac by Derek Walters
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Maximising energy the natural way
As discussed in the last article trying to keep up with modern day life, we often find ourselves feeling less alert, feeling more tired as the day goes on, and often sleeping less to fit more into the day. It’s not surprising then that millions of people are reaching for energy drinks. However these drinks stimulate our nervous system, making our bodies believe we are in danger and react to this perceived danger (flight or fright). They also stop our body’s natural process of energy production from working as effectively, leading to exhaustion, fatigue and ultimately becoming dependant on more and more of these drinks for energy. This article will explore how nutrition can help with maximising our natural energy, and suggest some less evasive natural alternatives for increasing our energy.
It should be noted that lack of energy and fatigue can often be a result of an underlying illness, or have a physical cause such as: our thyroid system not functioning properly, food intolerance’s (Writing a food and mood diary can help pinpoint foods that are maybe causing symptoms such as fatigue), Anaemia, and Chronic fatigue (ME). Once any other causes, have been ruled out by a doctor, a change in diet can often have a remarkable affect on our energy levels.
Many nutritionists agree that the best way to maximise our natural energy requires a combination of trying to reduce stress levels, balancing our blood sugar levels and avoiding the intake of stimulants.
There are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to boost your energy naturally:
· Eat breakfast When you wake up your body hasn’t had any food for many hours. Breakfast kick-starts the metabolism and provides the energy we need to start the day.
· Eat every few hours One reason we get tired is because our blood sugar drops. Eating a healthy meal or snack every few hours prevents this drop.
· Decrease the consumption of sugary foods Eating sugary foods can lead to a peak in blood sugar followed by a major drop. Avoiding sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and sweets, will help avoid the blood sugar swings.
· Drink water Dehydration is one of the main causes of feeling fatigued. Getting your 8 glasses a day will help keep you hydrated and more awake.
· Exercise gets your blood flowing and increases your metabolism and stamina, and as you get into shape you are likely to have more energy.
· Sleep There is no getting around it if you don’t get enough sleep you will feel tired. Try to slow down and relax before bedtime and aim to get at least 7 hours a night sleep.
Ian Marber: a leading nutritionist otherwise known as the Food Doctor puts forward that combining complex carbohydrates with protein at regular intervals throughout the day is the best way to provide the body with consistent energy. He suggests we should all use the mantra ‘where’s the protein?’ every time we eat, and make sure around 30% of our snack or meal consists of protein. Protein is required for growth and repair of the body and is broken down to essential amino acids. While most protein comes from animals, including diary foods, nuts seeds and beans are also a good source of protein. Carbohydrates are the foods that supply the body with the energy it needs to function. Simple carbohydrates release energy quickly into the blood stream giving a quick but short lived energy burst. Complex carbohydrates release sugars slowly into the blood providing a longer more sustained supply of energy. Complex carbohydrates include: brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat rye, oats, wholemeal bread and wholemeal pasta. He suggests by understanding the basics of energy production in the body, and adopting these healthy diet changes, within a short period of time we can ensure a higher and more constant level of energy all day long.
There are certain vitamins and minerals which are needed for the body’s natural energy production, and while the best way to get these is through our food, if you feel you are not managing to get all the nutrients you need from your food, taking a multi-nutrient supplement could help prevent deficiencies brought about by imbalances in your diet. They may be useful for people experiencing high stress levels, people on a restricted diet, smokers and drinkers, people who are very active, the elderly, people with poor appetites and for anyone feeling generally run down.
Vitamins and minerals especially useful in promoting energy include:
B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, B9 (folic acid) and biotin) Found in wholegrain such as millet, buckwheat, rye, and quinoa and in fresh green vegetables.
B5 is particularly important for the metabolism of carbohydrates and adrenal function. As mentioned in my last article the adrenal glands produce adrenalin. When adrenalin is produced in large amounts it triggers what is called the ‘flight or fight’ response and puts our bodies under stress, and the adrenal glands become exhausted. Therefore B5 may be a good supplement to take when cutting down on stimulants.
Chromium helps in the metabolism of glucose for energy and is essential for maintaining stable blood sugars. (If you have diabetes do not take this supplement without consulting your doctor first) Food sources of chromium include: beer, brown rice, cheese, meat, and whole-grains.
Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of energy production within the cell mitrochondria (the powerhouse of the cells). The amount of Coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age so it may be a good idea to take supplements over the age of 50. Mackerel, salmon, and sardines are very good sources of Coenzyme Q10. It can also be found in beef, peanuts and spinach.
Magnesium is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity especially the activity of those enzymes involved in energy production. Magnesium can be found in dairy products, fish and meat as well as apples, apricots avocados, bananas, brewer’s yeast, green leafy vegetables, kelp, nuts, peaches and lemons.
Vitamin C, found in peppers, brussel sprouts, broccoli, citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables, parsley, and papaya.
Vitamin E, found in almonds, peanuts, seeds, avocado’s, whole grains and spinach.
Iron, found in liver, red meat, raisins, prunes, pumpkin seeds, Almonds, cashews, and legumes.
Zinc, found in oysters, clams, pumpkin seeds, beef, liver, nuts, peas, and whole grains.
Other supplements for energy:
An alternative to taking multivitamins and minerals could be to take a supplement in the form of a food, as nutrients in food are more bio-available, which means they can be better absorbed by our bodies. Spirulina is a blue/green algae which grows in mineral rich lakes in warm climates, and is reported to boost energy and help balance blood sugar levels. It is concentrated source of nutrients including; B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals such as magnesium calcium and zinc, antioxidants, amino acids including all eight of the essential amino acids, beta carotene, and essential fatty acids. It is also the highest source of protein of any other plant food. How spirulina works is really down to it being a powerhouse of nutrients which provides a digestible immediate complete food. It provides B vitamins which play a role in releasing the energy from our food, and therefore is useful for anyone with busy lifestyles to promote vitality. Spirulina’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels is likely to be down to the presence of vitamins important for this function such as B3 and E. It also provides nutrients essential for a healthy immune system such as, beta carotene which has been shown to boost white cell activity, and high levels of zinc which is considered to be one of the most important nutrients for immune support and function.
Zinc, found in oysters, clams, pumpkin seeds, beef, liver, nuts, peas, and whole grains.
Other supplements for energy:
An alternative to taking multivitamins and minerals could be to take a supplement in the form of a food, as nutrients in food are more bio-available, which means they can be better absorbed by our bodies. Spirulina is a blue/green algae which grows in mineral rich lakes in warm climates, and is reported to boost energy and help balance blood sugar levels. It is concentrated source of nutrients including; B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals such as magnesium calcium and zinc, antioxidants, amino acids including all eight of the essential amino acids, beta carotene, and essential fatty acids. It is also the highest source of protein of any other plant food. How spirulina works is really down to it being a powerhouse of nutrients which provides a digestible immediate complete food. It provides B vitamins which play a role in releasing the energy from our food, and therefore is useful for anyone with busy lifestyles to promote vitality. Spirulina’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels is likely to be down to the presence of vitamins important for this function such as B3 and E. It also provides nutrients essential for a healthy immune system such as, beta carotene which has been shown to boost white cell activity, and high levels of zinc which is considered to be one of the most important nutrients for immune support and function.
Patrick Holford is one of the UK’s leading nutritionists and founder of the Institute of Optimum Nutrition. He suggests adaptogenic herbs are very useful in supporting the body’s natural energy production. They won’t give you the instant energy boost that stimulants can, but they can deliver a more consistent sustainable level of energy without depleting your reserves. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress (one of the biggest energy stealers) and support the adrenal glands which are the foundation of our natural energy production.
Adaptogenic herbs to try include:
Ashwaganda: Indian Ginseng is reported to enhance the immune system, boost energy, calm the response to stress and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It is also said to increase thyroid hormone levels and speed up the metabolism. In one study patients with chronic fatigue reported a 45% improvement in their symptom scores after using Ashwaganda.
Licorice root provides support for the adrenal glands. It is often used for adrenal exhaustion and is said to counteract the effect of insufficient adrenal hormones. Licorice contains phytoestrogenic components which can balance oestrogen activity in the body, which can be very useful for women when it is suspected that hormonal imbalances are contributing towards fatigue.
Rhodiola: Folklore says that if you drink Rholdiola tea regularly you will live more than a hundred years. However this is not just folklore Rhodiola’s benefits are backed up by science. This herb is reported to improve energy, improve mood, balance stress hormones and boost immunity. Due to it stimulating mental and physical performance it is used by athletes in some countries. Rhodiola’s adaptogenic and anti depressant qualities compliment each other. Stress accelerates the destruction of mood boosting neurotransmitters and Rhodiola helps the body respond to these stress triggers, thus preventing this destruction. Alongside this Rhodiola’s antidepressant actions, are said to help increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, and also reduce the degradation of mood elevating neurotransmitters. This may well be a good herb to take if you believe stress or a lowness of mood is causing fatigue and lack of energy. It should be noted however that caution should be taken if you are taking anti depressants, in which case consult your doctor before trying this herb.
Making changes to maximise your natural energy production, such as adopting a healthy eating plan, cutting out stimulants, and maybe also taking multi vitamins, minerals and herbs, may some time to have an effect and will require motivation and determination. However if you are able to stick with it you should find you will start feeling less tired, have more sustainable energy, as well as finding your mood improves, and that the cravings for the stimulant drinks and sugar you used to grab for will be a thing of the past.
For more information on the Food doctor look at: http://www.thefooddoctor.com/ & The 10 Principles
For more information on Patrick Holford and the Institute of Optimum Nutrition look at: http://www.patrickholford.com/ & http://www.ion.ac.uk/
“Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”
Hippocrates
Hippocrates
Note: Information in this article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor, who should be the first port of call with any of the mentioned health conditions. I am not medically qualified, but have been interested in nutrition since my eldest daughter developed food intolerances almost 20 years ago. I have researched this piece from reputable internet sites and by reading through books such as;
The Food Doctor, Healing foods for mind and body by Vicki Edgson & Ian Marber
Superfoods by Michael Van Straten & Barbara Griggs
Prescription for Nutritional healing 2nd edition by James F Balch M.D & Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C
Food your miracle medicine by Jean Harper
The food pharmacy by Jean Harper
500 of the most important health tips you’ll ever need by Hazel Courteney
Natural Highs by Patrick Holford & Dr Hyla Cass
The Food Doctor Diet by Ian Marber Dip ION (Institute of Optimum Nutrition)
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