Ladies, have you ever experienced a gut punch?

I am not talking about someone actually punching your stomach, I am talking about your monthly cycle.

If you never experience menstrual cramps in your reproductive years, congratulations, you are the lucky 10 percent! About 90% of women in their reproductive age are experiencing the unpleasantries of our monthly flow. It’s not fun, you say. But what can we do about it?

Some of us turn to over the counter pain meds, some of us turn to contraceptives. Some of us just accept our fate and think that being a woman sucks!

I am here to say "No, being a woman is a BLOODY BEAUTIFUL THING!” Pun intended!

You probably heard about how complex the human hormonal system is. Well, great news! Women’s hormones are even MORE complicated (not that we need any more complications in our lives now, do we?)

With the monthly changes of hormones, which work as signals to our body, we are more sensitive to the change of weather, smell, and mood. Our estrogen and progesterone work together to ensure healthy reproduction, skin, joint, and brain function. When there is disruption of the hormonal balance, it manifests physically and mentally.

Menstrual cycle is a way your body tells you what is working and what is not. If you are feeling extreme fatigue before your cycle, maybe it’s your stress level that is affecting your estrogen. If you have severe cramps, maybe it’s your diet that is out of balance that is causing more inflammation. Not to mention nutrition deficiency, lack of exercise, and toxin overload. That’s why living with pain and depending on your medication doesn’t always answer your questions when it comes to menstrual health. 

In Chinese medicine, menstrual flow is called “menstrual water.” And water is an element of vitality in TCM. In TCM, a healthy menstrual flow is a reflection of women’s vitality. A healthy flow means no cramps, no clots, and no irregularity in the cycle. 

How do we ensure our vitality?

Not by masking the symptoms, but by nurturing our systems.

I can’t emphasize enough on how a healthy diet, stress management, and exercise impacts our health. Knowing your body and educating yourself is the most important thing. 

Every menstrual cycle is a perfect way to reflect on your health. Don’t let it pass by without doing something to nurture your body. May it be making sure you sleep 7 to 8 hours. May it be pay attention to what you eat or add that extra omega 3 or calcium for your cramps. May it be acupuncture or yoga.