The science behind the Saffron Tent
About one quarter of American adults say they are “spiritual but not religious”. People who categorize themselves this way are very diverse, with a spectrum of attitudes toward what they consider spiritual (which can include guiding principles, the divine, the universe, or Source/Deity). People in this group may or may not believe in a spirit or a soul, but overall do not participate in religious institutions or communities.
A few years ago, I learned something about people who score higher on spiritual measures (but not necessarily religious ones). What I learned surprised me: people who scored higher on measures of spirituality were more likely to experience self-healing through what we call the placebo effect. (1)
The placebo effect is incredibly interesting, and an important confounder in healthcare research. Being an inert substance, placebos shouldn’t have an effect on the body. But they do. In menopause hot flash research, for instance, we expect a 40% placebo response when participants don’t know if they received a medication or a placebo. (2) There’s even research showing that placebos can work even when someone knows they are taking a placebo! (3)
The placebo effect teaches us that it’s a powerful act to imagine that there is a way for us to feel better. And that the ritual of taking or using the medicine or therapy (even though it is inert) becomes a portal for a return to health.
Private or shared, rituals are repeated symbolic acts done with the intention to bring about change. Placebos aren’t the only rituals that hold healing potential - other types of ritual have been studied and found to beneficial. A ritual could be as simple as intentionally inviting gratitude at the end of the day, or talking to your plants. The use of ritual is something inherent to the human experience, practiced by all indigenous cultures, and may be biological in origin.(4) Research shows that rituals can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase quality of life. (5)
And similar to ritual, ceremonies (special occasion group experiences with ritual aspects) are powerful as well . Ceremonies help us honor changes, step into new roles, or mark the passage of time. Research on ceremony finds it also holds important benefits. Surprisingly, even when a ceremony is made up, we can see significant improvements in multiple domains of wellbeing. (6) This research shows that shared religious ideas or belief in a deity are not required to receive the benefits of ritual or ceremony and that it may well speak to a deep seated human need.
Now, most healthcare providers aren’t equipped to hold a menopause ceremony. But luckily, through my life experiences I have grown this skillset. And as I observe the joy, connection and transformation that is possible when we come together around shared experiences such as menopause, I know that the fullest realization of my work as a midwife includes these services. Menopause is an important life milestone and giving it the dignity of ritual is a way to center it outside of a medical context.
Joining in a ceremony with me doesn’t change who you are, or your commitment to your beliefs. Ceremonies and rituals can be enjoyed by atheists, agnostics, and folks of various religions – in the same way we can enjoy more ubiquitous ceremonies like weddings, funerals and graduations. Through ceremony, we nourish your subconscious mind with symbol, song, and mystery. And sometimes, like taking the placebo, a new possibility is unlocked for you.
(note: I am convinced that every healthcare provider is already conducting regular one-on-one rituals - as described so well in this article comparing different healing approaches. But that’s not the subject of this post.)
If you’d like to come dance in this space where science and mystery meet, take a look at upcoming events!