Embodied Menstruation
For those of us that menstruate, our hormones ebb and flow just as the waves in the mother ocean. We can lean on nature’s wisdom and attune with this flow to gain a sense of harmony and well being. “The menstrual cycle is the most basic, earthy cycle we have.” shares Dr. Christiane Northrup. She goes on to say, “The macro cosmic cycles of nature, such as the ebb and flow of the tides and the changes of the seasons, are reflected on a smaller scale in the menstrual cycle of the individual female body.” Through intuitive listening and embodiment, we can allow ourselves to become deeply connected to our innate rhythms and to nature. I believe that with these practices we can better understand ourselves and others.
Modern culture has put a burden on how we view and experience our menstrual cycles. We’ve given up our authority and turned to invasive measures to address some common ailments. Heavy periods are treated with hormones, hysterectomies, and drugs. Infertility is at an all time high and menstrual related symptoms are chronic vs transient. Pain is covered up while the body still suffers. It’s become far too common to seek outside ourselves for relief. But, to truly heal, we must look within.
Many of us are reclaiming our health and digging up lost traditions that we intuitively hold inside of us. Many of our ancestors lived in sync with the moon, sun and seasons as a way of survival. The state of health was inextricably linked to a cyclical way of life.
I understand menstruation as a continuum and that our life cycles of development from puberty to menopause and beyond are all connected; influencing one another. For menstruating folks to understand our life cycles, we must understand menstruation and to understand menstruation, we need to understand our blood.
Our Blood :: Ancestral Medicine
In Chinese Medicine our menstrual blood, Tian Gui 天癸 is translated as heavenly or celestial water. And, it’s closely related to the concept of Jing 精 Essence. Jing is a vital substance that determines the trajectory of your lifespan, your development and how gracefully you age. It’s the most dense form of your makeup. Think of DNA. Jing is made up of pre-heaven and post-heaven essence. Pre-heaven from your ancestors and post-heaven is from your lifestyle (diet, work, stress, rest, sleep, movement, relationships, etc.) Your menstrual blood is a direct reflection of Jing. Sperm is also a reflection of Jing Essence.
Can you imagine if we were taught this at a young age? How would your experience be different if you worked within this framework of understanding? What if you lived a Jing-centered life?
Understanding your Menstrual Cycle & Your 4 Phases
The moon cycles every 29.5 days. An average menstrual cycle is between 28-30 days. We have four phases that gently blend into one another just as earth’s seasons do.
Blood Phase (Days 1-5ish) Water Element, Winter (Vata)
The Blood phase is a time of shedding, release and rest. Our overall goal is to lean into rest as hormones are naturally lower. By resting, we are supporting the gentle circulation and discharge of blood and emotions.
Yin Phase (Days 5-12ish) Wood Element, Spring (Kapha)
This is our follicular pre-ovulation phase. Your body moves into developing and maturing follicles and building a new fresh lining after your shed. Just like in Spring, your energy is rising, and things are building.
Yang Phase (Days 12-16ish) Fire Element, Summer (Pitta)
These days represent Ovulation. It’s important to support ovulation by boosting yang (energy and warmth). The energetics of this phase include sensual creativity & expression, manifestation, fertility, radiance, and connection.
Qi Phase (Days 16-28ish) Metal Element, Autumn (Pitta)
This is your luteal, premenstrual phase. The focus of this phase is to boost and support free flow of energy. There’s a natural drawing back in as you prepare for your next bleed. It’s important to clarify your needs, simplify and follow your intuition.
Note: In Ayurveda, Pitta is associated with Summer and Fire, so it aligns with the energy of Ovulation. But you'll notice that Pitta also represents the luteal phase in which case it doesn't align seasonally since the Luteal phase is represented by the Autumn season. Nonetheless, the Pitta dosha does represent the energy of the luteal phase as heat does tend to naturally build up during this time before your next bleed.
Just as earth’s seasons prompt changes in our routines, rituals, celebrations, foods and activities, our different phases of the menstrual cycle also require a more cyclical way of living. We’ve been taught a more masculine approach to health and wellbeing. We’re taught to push through, push hard and to always produce to stay ahead. There’s no reverence for rest and restoration. There are times when our bodies are built for more activity and productiveness and other times where our bodies desperately need rest and recovery.
As a person with a menstrual cycle, you embody both Yin & Yang. This constant dance is not meant to be controlled, but harnessed. When you approach your feminine cycle within this lens, you gain an understanding of your patterns, learn to ride the waves and navigate the seas.
If you’re interested in learning more about the ebbs and flows of your cycle and gaining a true understanding of your cyclical nature, I’d like to invite you to join our self study e-course; Embodied Menstruation:: Menstrual Attunement. Hope to see you there.
Deep bows & blessings,
Kris
The connection between our physical and emotional well-being offers profound insights into our health. The Heart and its correspondence to our emotions and bodily functions are the core of this ancient healing system.