“This is the 21st Century, a modern time, and these traditional practices should not exist”. These are some of the statements traditional midwives hear when subjecting women to some of these traditional practices. Before introducing orthodox practices, traditional practices were used to solve reproductive problems. These traditional practices were targeted at girls with delayed onset of menstruation, also known as delayed menarche, women with delayed childbearing, infertility, pregnancy care and aftercare. Most indigenous communities and people strongly believe that these practices are more productive than orthodox practices.
Common Traditional Health Practices
1. Waist Charms and Amulets
Waist charms and amulets are ornaments that protect individuals from evil. It is believed in certain African cultures that a divinated amulet or waist charm can hasten conception in women. The former is worn on the waist, while the latter is worn as a pendant or a bracelet. Amulets and waist charms are worn by pregnant women to protect them and their fetuses from evil eyes and to protect them throughout their pregnancy journey. These ornaments serve as protection against miscarriage, premature birth or death of the fetus.
2. Womb massage
Womb massage is a common practice that cuts across women of all ages but is more targeted at adolescents and women of childbearing age. In adolescents, if there is a delay in the onset of the first menstruation (menarche). Incisions are made on the lower abdomen, and special herbs are inserted into the marks. It is believed that this helps arouse bleeding. Womb massage is also done to let out the bad blood if it is suspected that the bad blood is delaying menstruation.
In cases of irregular menstruation or menstrual cramps, womb massage can be done, as it provides relief from cramps and regularises menstrual flow. Traditionally, it is believed that one of the causes of infertility in women is as a result of the uterine tubes being blocked. Therefore, a womb massage can be done to unblock the uterine tube.
3. Traditional massage
Traditional massages are done majorly for women and children, but it is also extended to men with infertility. Midwives majorly do them, and the type of massage depends on the complaint. Young mothers are given these massages after birth to gain more weight and to reduce childbirth pains. New infants are included as they require these massages to have strong bones and structure and smooth skin.
4. Womb setting
Womb setting, as the term describes, is “setting the womb” or “rearranging the womb.” This traditional practice is done for women who experience excess blood flow during menstruation. Traditional experts believe that this technique can reposition a mal-positioned womb, which is believed to cause infertility. By repositioning the womb, it makes it possible for a woman to get pregnant.
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Conclusion
Most of these traditional women’s reproductive health practices have been passed from generation to generation. Understandably, these traditional practices are deeply rooted in cultural beliefs; however, it’s important to be cautious before delving into them, as insufficient scientific data supports their efficacy. Women, men or adolescents with reproductive concerns should seek help from qualified medical personnel.
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