Menstruation & cycle syncing in chinese medicine
Did you know that Chinese medicine can support you through the different phases of your menstrual cycle?
That's right! Chinese medicine also recognises the different phases and fluctuations that women go through each month and mapped this out almost 2200 years ago!
During the menstrual phase, the lining of the uterus sheds to begin your bleed. In Chinese medicine we use points to move and regulate this blood flow to prevent cramping, encourage the movement of old, stagnant blood and help regulate the flow so it is not too heavy nor too light.
In the Follicular phase we see a rise in oestrogen which we, in Chinese medicine liken to the Yin substance of the body! Our aim in this phase is to support and build the Yin, as well as replenish the blood that was lost in the beginning of your menstrual cycle. If you are trying to conceive, our aim is to improve circulation to the reproductive organs to help develop healthy, quality follicles and create a good environment - a thick and sticky lining for implantation!
Ovulation phase, we see your oestrogen peak! Yang energy is the dynamic and driving force that causes ovulation to occur! During this phase we will often boost and warm Yang and pay special attention to the Kidney energy too.
Finally in the Luteal phase, the uterine lining continues to thicken, if the ovum has not been fertilised, the uterus will contract in readiness to shed again. Oestrogen levels decline while there is a rise in progesterone. Our aim is to soothe and regulate the Liver Qi to assist symptoms of PMS and ready the uterus for another bleed.
How incredible that Chinese medicine had this all figured out long before our modern understanding of hormones and the Infradian rhythm? This is one of the reasons that I LOVE acupuncture and Chinese medicine!
