COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES FOR WOMEN WITH BODY IMAGE ISSUES

Abstract

Body image disorders involve dissatisfaction with a specific part or all of a woman’s body. A woman experiencing body image dissatisfaction may face psychological problems such as mood disorder, decreased self-esteem, and decreased physical activity. With the reflection of the weak-ideal woman’s appearance by society and mass media, women may be exposed to these problems and can internalize this by comparing their bodies with the idealized women’s bodies. Women may experience major hormonal changes due to pregnancy and menopause that affect their physical appearance, roles, and responsibilities in society and family, and breast and gynecological cancers. Alternative therapeutic methods for body image disorders are important for women. Physical activity and exercise, yoga, dance therapy, body awareness therapy, and manual therapy can all be recommended for women to improve body image.