In the heart of every woman’s transition through menopause lies a profound invitation—to rediscover, to realign, and to flourish. Kathryn Hammonds, a beacon in the realm of holistic wellness, unveils the sacred path of menopause, blending the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and Shamanism. With a philosophy rooted in reverence for this pivotal rite of passage, Kathryn offers more than just a remedy for symptoms; she extends a transformative journey of growth and renewal. For Kathryn, menopause is an opportunity to guide women through a deeply personal journey, marked by empathy and empowerment. “Each woman’s path through menopause is unique,” she emphasizes, “and my commitment is to walk alongside her, facilitating her flourishing with grace, strength, and vitality.” Join Mystic Mag as we embark on a soul-stirring conversation with Kathryn Hammonds, delving into the essence of menopause as a transformative season of life and the sacred wisdom that guides her practice.
How do you blend the principles of Ayurveda and Shamanic practices to support women going through menopause?
That’s a very good question. Blending Ayurveda with Shamanic practices to help women through menopause is a truly holistic approach. So, let’s talk about Shamanism first. It’s a term that can mean a lot of different things to different people, right? Shamanism to me, is about tapping into those unseen realms of reality, those practices that our ancestors knew were part of the larger picture of health and well-being. Ayurveda, which many people know as the ancient art of understanding your body type or dosha and balancing it for health, actually fits right into this broader, shamanic worldview.
So, when we blend these two – Ayurveda and Shamanic practices – what we’re really doing is looking at the whole person. It’s not just about what you can see or touch, like symptoms, but also about what’s happening on the mental, emotional, and even spiritual levels. This way, we’re not just tackling the hot flashes or the sleep issues that come with menopause; we’re also addressing any underlying imbalances that might be causing stress, anxiety, or emotional upheaval. It’s a complete package that looks at you as a whole person, which I think is pretty amazing for navigating through a time like menopause with grace and vitality.
What are some specific Ayurvedic herbs or Shamanic remedies that you find particularly effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms, and how do they work?
Integrating Ayurvedic herbs and Shamanic remedies into menopause management offers a true path to wholeness.
Herbs are a key part of this, not just for their medicinal qualities, but because they bring the wisdom of the whole plant, tapping into an innate intelligence that can profoundly impact our health.
Some of my favorite herbs include Red Clover which is known for balancing the body’s hormonal needs during menopause, it’s known to relieve hot flashes and provide protective benefits against certain types of cancer.
Shatavari, known as Ayurveda’s “queen of herbs,” and often translated as “wife with 1000 husbands” is known for enhancing libido and supporting reproductive health. Its adaptogenic qualities also make it excellent for managing stress.
Ashwagandha is another adaptogen that combats menopausal symptoms like fatigue and mood swings by supporting the body’s ability to deal with stress.
Gokshura supports urinary and kidney health, its “plant testosterone” contributes to the health of bones and muscles, so we can maintain lean mass during menopause.
Nettle is a very bitter herb but it’s rich in minerals, when it’s combined in an herbal blend it does some heavy lifting by providing essential nourishment.
While Shilajit is not considered an herb, it’s a powerful substance known for boosting energy levels through its action on mitochondrial function, making it a valuable ally in combating fatigue.
As far as Shamanic remedies, my work involves unearthing and reclaiming parts that have been lost or obscured, along with clearing the influences that no longer serve us. Practices like soul retrieval, accessing higher wisdom, clearing subtle energy fields, chakra work, and engaging in ancestral and soul lineage work are powerful tools for profound life improvement.
What type of services do you offer?
At the core of my practice is one-on-one support that’s tailored to each individual and their unique set of circumstances. This personalized attention allows us to dive deep into not only the physical symptoms a person may be experiencing, such as hot flashes, insomnia, decreased libido, or mood swings, but also allows us to address the subtler factors impacting their overall health.
By integrating both Ayurveda and Shamanic practices, we work together to uncover the root causes of their symptoms. Symptoms to me, serve as breadcrumbs leading us back to the root cause. Approaching the process in this way allows us to address deeper imbalances in our mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
A recent example from my practice involved a woman suffering from persistent shoulder pain, initially thought to be related to her office work. She had tried massage therapy, stretching, and other therapies but it wasn’t until we explored her mental and emotional landscape that we uncovered underlying guilt related to her father’s death. Once we addressed this deep-seated emotional pain through Shamanic healing work, she experienced an immediate release of her physical symptoms. This case is a testament to the interconnectedness of our physical, mental, and spiritual selves and the power of addressing issues at their core.
While one-on-one sessions form the foundation of my work, I also offer group sessions, educational workshops, and retreats. These are great options for exploring our healing journey and self care practices.
How do you tailor your treatments and recommendations to the individual needs and constitution of each woman experiencing menopause?
It begins with a comprehensive assessment. Even before a client steps into my office, observations such as their gait or choice of clothing can offer insights into their physical and emotional states. This initial observation is followed by a detailed interview to identify their primary concerns and allows me to tailor a plan of action for them.
The initial focus often lies in restoring physical balance. This can involve a blend of Yoga Therapeutics aligned with Ayurvedic principles, specific herbal recommendations, balancing daily habits, and dietary adjustments to support their unique needs.
Once we address the physical concerns, we may explore deeper dimensions of their life. Menopause marks a significant life transition. This period raises important questions about relationships, purpose, and identity. It’s a time when women may reconsider their roles, whether transitioning into retirement or adjusting to an empty nest. They are often searching for what will bring true fulfillment.
Many women, at this stage in their life, have an inclination towards spiritual exploration. They’re looking for something more. They are often leaning more toward spiritual and esoteric studies, like Reiki, astrology, or yoga for example. They are looking to engage in meaningful practices that enrich their life and add new dimensions.
So, by addressing this multifaceted nature of menopause — from the physical symptoms to the emotional and spiritual journey — my approach is designed to support women in navigating this transformative period with grace, understanding, and a deep sense of personal growth.
Beyond symptom management, how do you empower women to embrace menopause as a transformative phase of life through education and awareness?
Embracing menopause as a transformative phase of life involves empowering women by supporting their overall health, providing education and encouraging community. There’s huge potential for growth and transformation during menopause. But without support and understanding women might feel overwhelmed, stuck, or like they’re just spinning their wheels.
Community plays a vital role in this journey. I facilitate group work and gatherings because of this. Women find invaluable support and connection with peers that are experiencing similar transitions. The connections that often happen organically within these spaces, allow women to see reflections of their own experiences in others. We as women need to feel seen. We also need to belong. And I’m happy to host a container for this to happen.
I also organize seasonal resets every April and October, which not only serve as a time for physical and spiritual renewal but also as a catalyst for forming lasting friendships among participants. Watching these women continue their journey together, celebrating life and supporting one another outside of the reset, truly warms my heart and underscores the power of community.
I also host a book club. Most recently, we dug into the book “Hagitude” by Sharon Blackie. As a Jungian therapist, she weaves myth, humor, and a dose of reality to explore this stage of life. The discussions sparked by this book were incredibly moving, allowing women to share and connect on a profound level. I find that when it’s safe to freely express and share their own experiences and insights, it’s very enriching and liberating.
My life’s work is to provide women with the resources, support, and community they need to not only navigate menopause but to embrace it as an opportunity for profound personal growth and transformation.
