In Chinese Medicine, it’s all about creating balance. With the four stages of a woman’s cycle, the goal is to create a level of homeostasis within the shifts. That being said, a woman is naturally going to feel different both physically and emotionally in each of these four seasons. It’s very helpful to know how our hormones and imbalances may be contributing to our overall experience.
Menses – Blood Movement
When it’s time to shed our lining, that blood is a sign of what’s going on internally. Women who have blood deficiency will have a scant cycle while women with blood excess will have heavy cycles with clotting.
Emotionally in balance: Connected to yourself physically, less engaged intellectually, grounded.
Emotionally out of balance: In pain, depressed, stuck emotionally, fatigued.
Supportive tools: More sleep, more slowed movement such as yoga & tai qi, increase red/purple foods such as raspberries & eggplant. Castor oil packs can be very beneficial for pain during this time. Emotional release tools such as deep breathing techniques, crying, and experimenting with the 6 healing sounds of chinese medicine.
https://www.acupunctureinmichigan.com/the-six-healing-sounds-of-chinese-medicine/
Follicular Phase – Yin Growth
This is a season where we are growing, much like the season of spring where the green starts to show from the earth. We are full of possibilities!
In balance: Time to slowly emerge from the inner world, creativity & capacity to see your goals clearly, time to build new habits for this cycle.
Out of balance: If rushed back too quickly into the world of doing, can feel like energy is frantic. Can end up compulsively “doing” instead of being guided by inner wisdom.
Supportive tools: Starting the day with slow movement, journaling to uncover old patterns and create new ways of being, listening to new music, being sure to engage in laughter & joy. Enjoy seaweed, grapes, watermelon, lots of cooked vegetables & licorice tea.
Ovulation – Moving from Yin to Yang
Ovulation is a time where our inner world is ready to partner with the outer world. This is truly a divine process in which we release a part of ourselves and potentially create a divine union.
In balance: Outgoing, excited, ready to engage with others & enjoy life!
Out of balance: Can feel amped up in a negative way which can cause intellectual looping and have us feel ungrounded.
Supportive Tools:: Can move from calming tai qi & yoga to an increased cardio. Bellydance is a great way to get in touch with our sensual energy. Create space in your life for fully connecting with yourself and others. Hugs & touch release oxytocin in the brain which has major positive health impacts!
Luteal Phase – Yang & Building blood
There should likely be two “seasons” in this 12-14 day period because there’s a lot that can happen and can dramatically change how you’re feeling day to day. This luteal phase is assuming that there is no pregnancy and a woman is about to start a menses.
In balance: The mind is active while the body is also becoming more grounded in the body again.
Out of balance: Impatient, Irritable, angry
Supportive Tools: This is a time to start slowing down again and honoring the body’s needs. It is a less optimal time for being social and a better time to hunker down and rest. A time to notice anything that didn’t work in your life this cycle but not quite the time to make change. Be patient, takes notes of things that are bothering you, and check in after your menses to see how you can start fresh next month. Keep your lower back, abdomen & feet warm to promote good circulation. Take epsom salt baths and listen to binaural beats. A time to be in touch with your feminine energy and feel deeply connected to the earth.
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