Period Health - What can we do?

Understanding the importance of Period health is one thing, but how do we act on that and start to make a difference?

Disclaimer - this is gereralised advise that does not suit everybody, for tailored advice, please contact me or your trained TCM practitioner.

Work with your cycle

As our cycle is split into two halves, we should work with this, in terms of diet and lifestyle. As a way to regulate your cycle, act according to where you should be in the cycle, rather than where you are. This is a way of encouraging and reminding the body of the way it should be behaving,

First half - Follicular Phase

This is the time of the bleed as well as the run up to ovulation. This is the Yin time, were the body is naturally cooler, and where the body is being depleted of blood. Therefore this is the time to rest and nourish.

Exercise - limit the amount you do during this time, light stretching is a great idea, especially if you have period pains or clots. But strenuous exercise isn’t appropriate. In particular if you experience fatigue around the bleed, take care to not over do it. Take naps if possible.

Food - nourish nourish nourish! In TCM we see this time as chance to replenish what the body is losing. So ensure you are eating lots of soups and stews. Slow cooked warm meals are the way to go. In terms of specific foods - eggs are something I would be eating everyday during this time.

Second Half - Luteal Phase

This is the time after ovulation until the next bleed. And its the Yang half of the cycle, where the body is naturally warmer. During this time our energy levels and output should increase.

Exercise - now is the time to push yourself a little harder if that’s something you are into. Increase how much movement you are getting. Especially if you experience pain or PMS, now is the time to really move!

Food - Time to eat more fresh and stimulating foods

Period Pains and PMS

Follow the advice already given around movement. Make sure you move throughout the cycle, altering the intensity as stated.

Food - avoid spicy foods, but introduce lots of spices, such as cumin, coriander, ginger and cinnamon. This should be particularly increased just before and during the bleed. Cinnamon Tea is something I recommend to a lot of patients with period pains! Avoid very cold food and drinks before the bleed. Avoid over eating or over consuming. Eating small regular meals throughout the cycle will work better.

Heat - add heat, whether that is baths, showers, hot water bottles, or moxa! You can also soak your feet every night for the first 14 days of your cycle in hot water. This is incredibly powerful and easy to do at home. While on your feet, keep your feet warm! This is always important for women, but especially if you are having problems with your cycle. Don’t let you bare feet touch the floor. There are a lot of essential acupuncture points around the feet and ankles, and they hate to be cold. So does our uterus. So if you get pains, also be sure to keep the tummy and lower back warm. A Haramaki is a Japanese piece of clothing, like a band around your middle, designed to keep this area warm.

Light/no bleed

if you are finding your period very light, or not getting a period at all, then its time to nourish! Stop any intense exercise and move only to lighter, less strenuous activity.

Food - if your diet allows it, start drinking bone broth and eating lots of eggs. These strengthen the body and our blood. Increase leafy green vegetables and tahini. Ensure you eat 3-4 meals a day including breakfast! No bleed means the body is deficient and needing some serious care. So take it as a sign to look over your diet, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has the ability to balance all the hormones involved in our cycles [1], as well as flooding the body with natural painkillers and endorphins. I honestly believe that if you are having difficulty with your periods or fertility - acupuncture is the way to go. The standard length of treatment would be weekly for around 3 months, allowing you to go through 3 cycles with acupuncture. Having acupuncture will also give you the chance to receive personalised advise around diet and lifestyle.

Reference

[1] A literature review of women’s sex hormone changes by acupuncture treatment