Honor Your Body for Healthier Menstrual Cycles
by Daniela Freda, CA Licensed Acupuncturist
Specializing in Women’s Health
As a specialist in Women’s Health, it’s surprising how often I hear women say they dread “that time of the month.”
The most common reason is that many women have painful periods and miserable pre-menstrual symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depression, bloating and breast tenderness.
With all of this discomfort, no wonder women dread their periods! But it doesn’t have to be this way.
In last month’s article, I described the Four Keys to Balance Your Hormones. In Part 2 of my series on Women’s Menstrual Health, I would like to share with you tools to honor your body for healthier menstrual cycles.
When you listen to your body and take steps to really give your body what it needs, healing can take place and you can experience your cycles with ease.
Keep Track of Your Menstrual Cycles
Track your cycles and any symptoms on a calendar. By keeping track of your cycle, you can understand your natural hormonal shifts. You can find out how many days between cycles, when ovulation is expected, and when to prepare for the coming period. This information is also important to share your health care practitioners. Please note that Day One of your menses is considered the first day that bleeding begins.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Menses should not be seen as a time for “business as usual.” Rather, it is an opportunity to connect and listen to your body and to slow down and be gentle with yourself. If you are feeling tired, allow yourself time to relax and rest. Maintain healthy boundaries with your schedule and even consider adjusting your schedule to have more time for self-care before and during your period.
Pamper Yourself during Your Period
Before and during your period, pamper yourself by taking warm baths, drinking hot herbal teas, and getting more quality sleep. Schedule an acupuncture treatment or massage the week before your period for support and healing. Acupuncture is especially helpful for those who experience PMS, painful cramps, or menstrual headaches.
Be Creative
Menstruation is a reminder of our ability as women to create life. Celebrate this ability by being more creative during this time of the month. Write in a journal, draw, paint, sing, dance and engage in creative projects for fun and joy.
Enjoy Nature
Isn’t it amazing that women often menstruate with the full moon or the new moon? We are definitely connected to nature and our menstruation is a reminder. Commit to spending time in nature.
Walk along the beach, garden and dig your hands into dirt, put your feet in the ocean, or take a hike and be surrounded by trees, plants and animals. At night, look up to the sky and acknowledge the current phase of the moon. By reveling in nature, you are reminded of your own beauty and perfection.
These tools allow you to have a positive relationship with your body so that you can experience your periods with more appreciation. Shower yourself with love and care and you will benefit by feeling great the entire month.
Daniela Freda is a CA Licensed Acupuncturist, based in San Francisco, CA; specializing in Women’s Health. To learn more about Daniela, please check out her bio below and read all of her articles in the Daniela Freda SF BAWJ Author Library.
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Category: Women's Health
About the Author (Author Profile)
Daniela Freda is a SF Acupuncturist and Herbalist specializing in Women’s Health. Licensed in CA, she holds a Master’s in Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In her private practice in San Francisco, Daniela integrates acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and nutrition to address women’s health concerns. She offers a natural approach for women’s health isssues including easing PMS and menstrual cramps, regulating cycles, preparing for pregnancy, and migraine. To learn more about Daniela’s practice, please visit DanielaFreda.com.
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[...] Health and previously I’ve shared 4 keys to balance your hormones naturally and ways to honor your body for healthier menstrual cycles. Today I’m here to tell you, YOU don’t need to suffer from painful [...]
[...] Check out my past articles for guidance to balance your hormones “4 Keys to Balance Your Hormones Naturally” and “Honor Your Body for Healthier Menstrual Cycles”. [...]