Period Care

I don't know about you but I was not taught Period Care. Yes it sounds ridiculous but true. Sure I was given pads and told that cramps are normal and a hot water bottle helps.

Over time after my monthly cycles I learnt...

A period lasts up to 5 days, later I learnt that 4 days is a sign of a healthy period.

Blood flow, colour and texture can give you a picture of your menstrual health.

The more sedentary lifestyle, the more stagnant the period can be.

Stress and weight loss can cause a skipped period.

Taking time out when bleeding is Self loving and Kind.

Diet affects our menstrual blood quality and flow.

Women's periods can come into sync.

During the Red cycle and just before, our immune system is not as strong, making women more vulnerable.

Whilst we are bleeding we are also making new blood cells to restock.

Emotions can heighten just before bleeding.

Relief is felt after a delayed period finally comes.

Heavy and long periods are exhausting.

The Menstrual cycle naturally moves toward the full or new moon.

Period pain and cramps are not normal!

Being empathic influences our cycle and can affect her period.

Our energy levels change according to where we are on our menstrual cycle.

During the red cycle our intuition increases.

Each Red cycle we sit

close to the spirit window.

The menstrual cycle is a wonderful guide and tool for personal development.

Tension held in the body can cause period pain.

Changing pads regularly is important for vaginal hygiene.

Tampons impede flow and cause a build up of old blood residue which can cause heavy periods, cramping, clots etc.

Brown blood is a sign of old blood and stagnation.

Taking time to rest whilst bleeding and slowing down is really important.

Setting your calendar around your cycle makes such a difference.

The world generally does not consider a woman's cycle and it can be challenging to take care of yourself when you are expected to fulfil worldly obligations.

It can be hard to concentrate and focus as well as you usually do when you are bleeding.

I love to dream and journal and have solitude during my Red cycle.

My second day is the heaviest.

Warm drinks, nourishing soups support pelvic circulation and flow during the bleeding time.

Herbal teas are a wonderful ally helping the body relax, the mind let go and easing any discomfort that shows up.

A hot water bottle is really nice sometimes.

Keeping the lower back and pelvic bowl warm supports the uterus, kidneys and our menstrual health.

Scented, plastic, bleached pads are not good for the vulva to sit on.

Organic and natural is kind to Feminine Sacred Anatomy and feels much better to wear.

Wow aren't period knickers just the best.

It feels good to give yourself the rest, attention and space to bleed.

Bleeding is a psychic cleansing.

Giving care to myself when I bleed is like topping up my health account, strengthening and building up my reserves when I need them.

Long ago in some communities when women bled they would invite the women to share their dreams as guidance for the community.

Simple rituals help connect more deeply with my cycle and inner guidance.

When I finish bleeding I feel renewed, creative, filled with inspiration. It's a great feeling.

The menstrual cycle teaches me so much about myself, brings me self understanding and healing.

It is such a blessing to be a woman.

A journal exercise to contemplate and reflect:

I wonder what comes to you when you think of Period Care.

What did you learn?

What was your experience of Menarche? If it was lacking for you what would you have liked to know or experience?

What have you learnt from your menstrual cycle?

How do you feel about your menstrual cycle? No judgement here.

What would you like to experience with your menstrual cycle?

Is period care new to you or is it something you have put into practice?

Where is there room to bring more loving kindness into your Period Care and what would that look like?

Take time to journal reflections to these questions.

See where the gaps are and what you would like to experience.

A Womankind Culture involves Period Care.

Is there anything you can do to be kinder to your woman self.

I would love to hear what speaks to you.