We need to share our stories, especially the difficult ones. When Susun Weed announced that she was researching lichen sclerosus for a new book, I felt called to write my healing story. Too many women suffer from this chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease with a preference for the vulva.

 

After publishing my article, Sheela-na-gig & Lichen Sclerosus on Substack, a friend who also suffered reached out and pointed me toward several Lichen sclerosis Facebook groups where women shared their struggles, searched for information, and looked to each other for support and guidance. According to the National Institutes of Health, Lichen sclerosus commonly affects postmenopausal women but is frequently underdiagnosed, underrecognized, and undertreated, especially in younger women. I was stunned by not only how many women are suffering, but also the number of prepubertal children. Their stories on Facebook are heart-wrenching.

 

The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports a prevalence as high as 1 in 30, and vulvar specialists are increasing. The cause of the disease, for which Western Medicine has no cure, is unknown, and the majority of health care providers prescribe high-potency topical steroids. I initially took this route when threatened with the possibility of vulvar cancer, desperately needing to end the painful, itching lesions. But I had a terrible reaction to the corticosteroids, and the medical system failed me.

 

I suffered for seven years until finally discovering what had triggered the autoimmune response that erupted in one of my most sensitive and delicate areas. With the help of a good witch herbalist, herbal allies, and Sheela-na-gig (whose accentuated vulva appears carved in stone on medieval churches in Ireland), I overcame the charged feelings of shame around my sexuality, went into full remission, and healed myself. The trigger for me was a toxic mold exposure that resulted in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. By following and trusting internal guidance I found the answers I needed.

 

Our dis-ease holds the key to our healing and restoration, and we need to know that healing is possible, especially when Western medicine claims that it is not. So, I share my personal story with those who need hope to end their suffering and to provide an example of a holistic healing approach. If Sheela could expose her vulva, then I could share my story and expose mine, too!

 

Read the full story here: Sheela-na-gig & Lichen Sclerosus
 

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Learn More
 

Join Susun Weed and Thea Summer Deer for a live teleseminar and dynamic discussion on Lichen Sclerosus. Register for this event - Join Live or Listen in at Any Time Afterwards

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Lichen Schlerosus & Sheela-na-gig: A Wise Woman Approach

Register Here

 

Too many women suffer from the chronic inflammatory autoimmune skin disease, lichen sclerosus, which causes painful lesions on the vulva and clitoris, giving rise to significant vaginal changes. Thea will share her personal story of healing through a holistic approach and her encounter in Ireland with the powerfully evocative symbol of Sheela-na-gig, whose vulva is exposed in carvings found on Medieval churches.

What keys does Sheela hold for the healing and restoration of a "dis-ease" that emerges from our most vulnerable self? If autoimmunity is viewed as a symptom and not a disease, then how do we approach and integrate our relationship with lichen sclerosus? What plants can aid us along this journey, and how do we discover them?

These are some of the topics and questions to be explored in a dynamic conversation with Susun Weed & Thea Summer Deer.​

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