Maisha Haus, a sanctuary built for women navigating endometriosis and feminine health challenges, will host the inaugural Wellness Day for Endometriosis at Empower Studio in Marlton on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 1 p.m.
Attendees will hear from specialists in endometriosis, pelvic floor therapy, acupuncture and herbalism. There will also be an opportunity to move through a yin yoga and savasana session built specifically for pelvic wellness, specifically tailored to support women with endometriosis. Guests can also get mini massages to release tension and chat with other women who know exactly what they’re going through.
“I would love to have women in the room […] whether they are diagnosed, whether they suspect that they have it (endometriosis), whether they have excruciating menstrual cycles, it’s really open to women that would like to hear about treatment options, and also just get some pampering,” said Monique Brewster, founder of Maisha Haus and organizer of the wellness day. “It’s a true supportive wellness event.”
What started as cyclical pain for Brewster slowly turned into something daily and excruciating. The pain affected her life in almost every way, making it hard for her to do the things that she loved to do like dancing and performing. She saw a couple of doctors who dismissed her pain but when she finally received an operation, her doctor had discovered that endometriosis – a medical condition where tissue similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus – had spread to her colon, bladder and uterus. While surgery wasn’t the end-all cure for Brewster, she’s been able to relieve the pain significantly by exercising, eating healthy, getting proper sleep and taking care of her body. With Maisha Haus, she wants to share the tools that she has developed to help other women who are going through the same thing.
“It can feel like a full-time job trying to eat the right foods every single day, take the right supplements, take the herbal formulas, get enough sleep, move your body… But I need women to understand that your periods shouldn’t be excruciating,” Brewster said. “Some discomfort is normal, but it shouldn’t be excruciating and there are things that you can do about it.”
The main symptom of endometriosis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is pelvic pain that is often linked with menstrual periods. Although many people have cramping during their periods, those with endometriosis often describe menstrual pain that’s far worse than usual. Common symptoms include excessive bleeding, infertility and other symptoms like fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or nausea. The exact cause of endometriosis isn’t clear, but it is recommended to see a doctor if symptoms are experienced.
“The biggest lesson for me is boundary setting,” Brewster said. “It can be really difficult, especially as women. We’re not taught to set boundaries. We’re taught to be selfless with work, with family, with friends. It’s ingrained in us to be selfless that when we actually make decisions for us, it feels very uncomfortable at first, but you do it a few times and it’s scary, but when you learn how to say no you realize it’s not that scary. It’s working through those challenges.”
For more on Wellness Day, visit www.themaishahaus.com.
Maisha Haus, a sanctuary built for women navigating endometriosis and feminine health challenges, will host the inaugural Wellness Day for Endometriosis at Empower Studio on Sunday, Sept. 27.
