Connect with the Natural Rhythm of Your Menstrual Cycle
Most of us learned about our periods when we were in our pre-teen years, but I know very few women who learned to appreciate the natural rhythm of our cycles.
The natural flow of our menstrual cycles is a life-giving force. In many Native American cultures, women who were menstruating were considered sacred and powerful. Menstruation was seen as a time when women became goddesses. Tribal members sought out these goddess women, who were believed to have a spiritual connection with the moon, for healing and wisdom.
Indeed, the lunar cycle has a similar rhythm to a woman’s menstrual cycle, and many cultures have made the connection between the moon and menstruation. The lunar cycle is 29.5 days and the average menstrual cycle is 28-29 days. We can still use this connection today as a practical guide to help us track and regulate our menstrual cycles and to live more in tune with the natural rhythm of our life.
Cycle Syncing
Cycle syncing is a lifestyle strategy that has become popular in recent years. The idea behind cycle syncing is that you tune into your body and provide it with healthy foods, self-care, and exercise options that help you feel your best during the different phases of your menstrual cycle.
Many women find that eating and living in a way that connects them to the natural rhythms of their cycles helps them strengthen the intuition of their body and mind and promotes the natural harmony of their hormones.
To understand cycle syncing, you’ll first want to understand the phases of your menstrual cycle and the phases of the lunar cycle that align with them. The phases of your menstrual cycle are modified slightly to align more closely with the lunar phases.
Days 1-5: Menses Phase/New Moon
Days 6-10: Follicular Phase/Waxing Moon
Days 11-18: Ovulation Phase/Full Moon
Days 19-28: Luteal Phase/Waning Moon
The lunar phases provide two benefits. First, they connect you to the rhythm of the moon and earth so you can feel more connected to nature and life. Second, they serve as a practical guide to your natural rhythm if you aren’t getting your period. If you are going long periods of time without a period, you can use the moon as a guide to living into the rhythm of a monthly cycle. Normally day 1 is the first day of your period, but if you aren’t getting a period, look up the lunar calendar for your area and consider day 1 as the day of the next new moon. You can even start going outside to view the moon for a few minutes each night to bolster this association.
If this all seems a little “out there”, I get it. It did for me too at first, but what I’ve come to appreciate is that it’s all about listening to your body and paying attention to what it needs. The more you tune into your body, the more likely you are to care for it, and there is certainly wisdom in that.
If you aren’t getting your period due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), be sure to check out my HOPE for PCOS online course for more information and strategies for improving your symptoms.
Aligning to the phases of the month
Now that you have an idea of the different phases of your menstrual cycle and how to use the lunar phases if your menstrual cycle is irregular, let’s look at some of the ways you can tune into your body during these phases and support it.
Don’t feel like you have to follow all of the suggestions in the phases below. It is more important that you simply take time to consider how you feel at these various times of the month and listen to what your body is telling you. Most of us move through life so quickly, that we miss the signals our body is sending us. The key here is to pay more attention to what your body needs at the moment.
Days 1-5: Menses Phase/New Moon
During the week you have your period, you may feel more tired and drained. This is a great time to rest. Remember that this is the time when Native American women were sought out for wisdom and healing. Consider spending time in self-reflection and journaling. Plan to slow down during this phase and connect with nature. Since you are losing blood during this time, nourish yourself with foods that are rich in iron and minerals. Some good choices include seafood or seaweed, nuts and seeds, and dark leafy greens.
Days 6-10: Follicular Phase/Waxing Moon
During the time after your period, you may feel a boost of energy and mood. This may be a time when you feel more confident and creative. Take advantage of this positive energy and schedule more challenging workouts. This may also be a great time to take on a new, creative project or to plan social engagements. Because estrogen is increasing in this phase, consider foods like flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and whole soy foods that are known for boosting and balancing estrogen. Your appetite may be suppressed during this time, so it is also a great time to enjoy foods that are fresh and light like salads or fresh fruits.
Days 11-18: Ovulation Phase/Full Moon
The middle part of your cycle is generally when you have the most energy and mental clarity. This is a great time to schedule a job interview or a public speaking engagement. This is also the time when you are the most fertile, so make time to go on dates and enjoy intimacy with your partner if you are trying to conceive. Some good foods to enjoy during this time include sunflower seeds, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, arugula, etc.), and healthy fats like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, and wild-caught fish. This is a good time to have fun with high-impact workouts, weightlifting, or group workouts.
Days 19-28: Luteal Phase/Waning Moon
As you move into the luteal phase of your cycle, you might find that you are feeling the need to organize and that detailed tasks come more naturally to you. This is often when women feel the nesting instinct kick in, so if you have any projects you’ve been trying to get done at home, this is a great time to plan them. During the last week of this phase, you may start to have PMS symptoms. Take time for self-care and listen to what your body needs. Exercises that have a flow to them, like dance or yoga, may feel supportive.
Connect to Your Natural Rhythm
Your menstrual cycle may be more closely aligned with the natural rhythm of nature than you think. I hope this has inspired you to be mindful of what your body needs and what a natural rhythm in your life might look like.
Now that you have a better understanding of your hormones, you can appreciate how powerful they are. If you’ve been harboring any negative thoughts about your body or your menstrual cycle, try to release that energy and tune in more to the rhythm and wisdom of your inner goddess. She will direct you down the path that is best for your soul.