May 8, 2025
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Menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life that offers a beautiful opportunity to connect with her body and its natural rhythms. Unfortunately, in many societies, generations of women have come to accept menstrual pain and discomfort as a natural and inevitable monthly feature of their reproductive years. This is false, and if more women are taught how to honor and support the body's needs at the different phases of the cycle, they can interrupt this narrative and reclaim the vitality and creative potential of their wombs. Menstruation is a beautiful rite of passage that every woman must pass through, and cultivating a healthy menstrual cycle sets a fertile foundation that will support smoother transitions through pregnancy, birth, postpartum and menopause.
What does a healthy menstrual cycle look and feel like?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle is a dynamic balance of Yin and Yang energies. The Yin phase begins after menstruation, characterized by the rebuilding of blood and essence, nourishing the body in preparation for ovulation. Yin is cooling, moistening, and associated with the follicular phase. As ovulation approaches, Yin reaches its peak and transforms into Yang, which is warm, active, and linked to the luteal phase. Yang energy supports progesterone production, ensuring warmth for potential implantation. If conception does not occur, Yang declines, leading to menstruation, where the cycle resets as Yin begins to rise again. The smooth transition between these phases reflects overall reproductive health and balance.
A regular and comfortable cycle is a key indicator of hormonal balance, emotional well-being, and reproductive health. Chronic irregularities may signal underlying imbalances in the body that require attention. These imbalances may affect fertility, skin health, digestion and energy levels, and left unchecked, may lead to conditions like menstrual migraines, uterine fibroids, cysts and endometriosis.
