Nordic Wisdom: the Holistic Approach to Women's Health

For a long time Nordic culture has been associated with a strong emphasis on well-being, balance, and a deep, lifelong connection with nature. Women in Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway enjoy some of the best healthcare (our healthcare is free at point of care. We pay a very small amount to see the doctor). We also have one of the longest life expectancies and the highest quality of life globally.

The Nordic approach to health is holistic, and focusses on the whole body, not just one part of it. It integrates physical, mental, and emotional wellness with a deep respect for sustainability and nature.  Friends and I like to joke about how the doctors' first approach to anything is to suggest you eat better and get outside into the forest. When I was pregnant with my youngest child (7 years ago), I went to see the midwife and she asked me if I was eating well and exercising. I told her I was doing some exercise but maybe I would go swimming. She said "well, a good thing to eat is mackerel in a tin and if you go swimming in the seas don't stay in too long". It was the beginning of January and you can guess what the temperature was!!!!! Of course, this is making light of it all but it's founded in the Nordic approach to nature as a healer.

In this article, we explore how Nordic women maintain optimal health through diet, exercise, natural remedies, mental well-being, and a supportive social structure. 

Why Is a Holistic Approach Essential for Women's Health?

Women’s health is complex, influenced by hormonal balance, lifestyle, diet, mental well-being, and environmental factors, not to mention some of the pressures we face daily and lives we have to juggle. In recent years, awareness of the limitations and risks of conventional medical treatments has increased and a leaning towards a more holistic approach has become popular.

As a result, more women are turning to holistic health approaches that focus on prevention, natural healing, and overall well-being. Taking care of the whole body is crucial. An interesting and troubling example of this and the issues highlighting the need for a more careful and comprehensive approach is the recent controversy surrounding the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection. Long-term Depo-Provera use has been linked to an increased risk of meningiomas, a kind of brain tumor, according to Discover Magazine. 

Medroxyprogesterone acetate, the active component of Depo-Provera, has been shown in studies to increase the incidence of meningiomas in users dramatically. This concerning finding has led to the filing of the Depo shot lawsuit.

US law firm TruLaw reports that these legal actions center around claims that the manufacturers failed to provide adequate safety warnings. Plaintiffs argue that if they had been informed about the potential risks, they might have opted for other contraceptive options. This case reminds us that relying solely on pharmaceutical solutions without considering holistic, long-term health impacts can have unintended consequences. 

The Nordic Approach to Health and Wellness

The Nordic approach to health and wellness emphasises a holistic view that integrates physical well-being, mental health, and social connections for an overall healthy life.

Here are some key elements of this way of thinking and living:

Nature as a Source of Healing

As you know if you read my blog regularly, Nordic culture places significant emphasis on outdoor activities and the benefits of nature. The Scandinavian idea of "friluftsliv," meaning open-air living, promotes spending time outdoors regardless of the season. 

Spending time in nature has been shown to improve mental health, lower stress levels, and fortify the immune system. Over 950,000 members from 500 outdoor groups in Norway are part of Norsk Friluftsliv (Norway only has a population of about 5.5 million, so that's a huge proportion of the population), of which Bente Lier is the secretary general. She told The Guardian that spending time outside is a natural element of life in Norway. We love to get outside everyday if we can and children are brought up really understanding the benefits of being in nature. The wild spaces in Scandinavia are carefully protected and are used by everyone for the benefit of all.

Traditional Nordic Medicine and Natural Remedies

Before the rise of modern medicine, Nordic women relied heavily on natural remedies and folk practices to maintain their health. These traditional approaches continue to influence contemporary holistic health methods today.

A key component of Nordic herbal remedies is the use of chamomile and valerian root. Both are known for their calming effects and their ability to improve sleep quality. Additionally, birch and nettle tea are celebrated for their detoxifying properties. Nettle is a really popular ingredient here in Norway. Lots and lots of people use it in the spring in their cooking or dry it for tea later in the year. It's a lovely spring green and well worth trying if you haven't already.

Saunas, especially in Finland, play a vital role in Nordic culture. We tend to think of saunas as something typically Finnish, but public saunas are incredibly popular in Norway too. Regular sauna use is believed to enhance circulation and aid in detoxification, while also alleviating stress and promoting relaxation. This practice is not only about physical well-being but also contributes to overall cardiovascular and hormonal health.

Another traditional practice is cold-water immersion, such as winter swimming, which is popular among Nordic women. This activity is thought to boost the immune system, improve circulation, and enhance mood and mental resilience.  In my part of Norway by the coast you regularly see people out in the seas in the winter breaking through the ice to take a quick dip. I have to confess that I have not tried it yet!!

A Finnish study investigated the effects of regular winter swimming, performed four times a week over four months. The results showed notable improvements in participants' mood and memory, as well as reductions in tension and fatigue.

Those suffering from conditions like rheumatism, asthma, and fibromyalgia reported notable pain relief.

Social Support and Community

In Nordic culture, community support plays a crucial role in women's health. It includes various social services that assist mothers, provide childcare, and offer mental health resources. These strong social networks foster a sense of belonging and ensure that women have access to the support they need during various life stages.

A foundational aspect of this community support is the commitment to gender equality, which is deeply ingrained in Nordic societies (in fact, equality generally). By promoting shared responsibilities in both family and work life, these countries help alleviate stress and enhance overall well-being. 

According to Women's Agenda, the Global Gender Gap report by the World Economic Forum recognizes Europe’s leadership in closing gender gaps. It reports that 75 percent of the gap was closed by 2024. Nordic countries consistently rank highly in gender equality and social support. 

Their progressive gender policies offer some of the world's most generous paid parental leave entitlements and prioritize affordable childcare. They also promote greater representation of women in leadership roles, including corporate boards and political offices. This holistic approach supports individual well-being and strengthens community bonds, ultimately contributing to healthier societies.

FAQs

1. Why are Nordic people so healthy?

A: The Nordic diet is highly nutritious and focuses on seasonal produce, whole grains, seafood, and unprocessed foods. Local staples such as fish, berries, and lean meat provide essential vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and robust social networks, this diet promotes general well-being.

2. What is the Scandinavian mindset?

A: The Scandinavian mindset emphasizes respect for nature, social equality, and collective well-being. People prioritise work-life balance, trust in society, and happiness in simple moments (hence the popularity of hygge). This philosophy promotes adaptability, inclusivity, and sustainability, encouraging individuals to contribute to a better world while maintaining a strong sense of community.

3. How do Nordic women manage stress?

A: Nordic women benefit from strong work-life balance policies, including flexible work hours, paid parental leave (this also applies to fathers who get generous paternal leave too), and mandatory vacations. They know that physical activity, such as biking or hiking, and spending time in nature is a boost for mental well-being. Workplace environments also foster collaboration over competition.

As you can see it's not a complicated or difficult approach to welcome into our own lives. It's so beneficial to consider our overall health and not to focus on one thing and one thing alone. The Nordic approach to women's health is one that honours the wisdom of nature and community while fostering resilience and empowerment. Ultimately, this journey towards a more comprehensive understanding of health is vital for women and the well-being of society as a whole.