The menstrual flow speaks volumes about the state of our reproductive
health. It is a concept that is simple
to grasp, in fact you would think it was almost an unnecessary statement,
however it is something we vary rarely stop to think about. It varies wildly from woman to woman, and so
too do ideas of what is normal. However,
whether it’s a non-event or a debilitating monthly occurrence, the state of the
flow gives us an indication of what your fertile health is like.
Ideally we are looking for a period that is something like
this:
·
The flow starts during the night of the 27th
day, or the morning of the 28th day (although a cycle between 26 and 30 days is
considered normal providing it is regular).
·
The menstrual blood starts fresh red (the same
as if you had cut your hand and were bleeding) at a moderate flow (needing to
change a light sanitary napkin/tampon every 4 hours).
·
The flow continues to get heavier until a
regular sanitary napkin/ tampon needs to be changed approximately every 3
hours.
·
The heavy flow is present for 1-2 days then
tapers off and finishes cleanly, still fresh red in colour on day 4 or 5.
Clots, pain, bloating, mood changes,
sore breasts, changes in bowl movements, headaches or fatigue before, during or
after could be considered normal due to the fact that many people have them,
but these symptoms are not ideal for
optimum menstrual health.
Any deviation from the ideal will
show us where we need to focus our attention.
For example, if there are large clots and/or pain, the endometrial
lining is unlikely to be smooth, potentially causing implantation issues if you
are trying to conceive. A very light
flow can indicate that the lining is too thin, again potentially causing
implantation issues; while an extremely heavy flow can indicate a structural
problem (eg fibroids) or an energetic imbalance.
During the period, there is a
natural tendency to withdraw and take it easy. Pain and emotions aside, it is the perfect
time to sit and meditate, reflecting on the month that has past. Take a break from your usual exercise routine
and do some gentle yoga. Sakshin
Ghatastha www.muktiyoga.com.au and
Iyengar yoga both have a lovely menstrual sequence. It involves sitting on the floor in gentle
forward bends and back bends, encouraging the body to open and allowing the
blood to flow. Getting into nature with a slow walk through a park, by the creek
or ocean can do wonders too. Just
remember to stay warm! Cold naturally
constricts and can cause a world of pain.
In Chinese Medicine there is a great
analogy comparing the endometrium to being like a garden bed. We need to
nurture the soil, ensuring that it is rich and fertile, balanced in its
nutrients. Diet, plus our wonderful
Chinese herbs and acupuncture, are the best way to achieve this.
At the beginning of the menstrual
flow it is important to encourage the blood to flow. This is where light exercise and acupuncture
can be really beneficial.
Eggplant, turmeric, spring onions,
leeks and crab are all examples of blood moving foods.
As the blood flow starts to taper
off its important to start replenishing blood and fluids. Organic red meat and soups made from bone
stock are the most efficient way to do this. Slow cooked meals such as osso bucco, lamb
shanks and stews are the best option as the meat is easy to digest and the
nutrients are “locked into” the sauce. Here
is a link to an aubergine and lamb recipe by Jamie Oliver, perfect for both nourishing
and moving blood: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/lamb-recipes/roast-leg-of-lamb-with-aubergines-and-onions.
In addition, here is a link to Sarah
Wilson’s recipe for “Bone Broth”. It comes with a long list of why it’s so good
for you and a clear and easy “how to”. If you want to go a little more hard-core
Chinese Medicine with this we’d be happy to give you some blood moving and nourishing
herbs to put in towards the end of the cooking process, just to give the whole
thing even more oomph!
If this is a bit much, then chicken stock is a good
alternative. (Back to Sarah Wilson again for this one!) http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2013/04/my-crispy-roast-chicken-5-reasons-why-its-the-smartest-way-to-eat-a-chook/
If you’re not so big on the whole
meat thing, then it is even more important to be aware of replenishing your
blood energy. Beetroot is the king
vegetable with which to do this. Tempeh,
kidney beans, eggs and seaweeds are also considered good blood nourishing
foods, as are any fruits or vegetables that are good sources of iron. Here is a link to Maggie Beer’s wonderful Beetroot
Risotto. She has a bit of bacon in the recipe, but it’s easy to leave out if
you want. I love to serve it with some
Meredith’s Goats Cheese and a side of sautéed silver beet.
Regardless of whether you are trying
to conceive or not, having an awareness of your cycle, embracing the monthly
flow and looking after your menstrual health will serve you well for years to
come - and by this I mean menopause, but that’s for another post!
