We wanted to talk about menstrual health as it is such a major part of women's lives, their health and their conceptions of beauty. Why is it that we are taught to dread it? To feel "un-sanitary"? The media and advertising has certainly been no aid in making women feel beautiful, empowered or joyful about having their period. I love this quote from Dr. Christinane Northrup's book, see info below.
An example of a women's Moon Lodge
Imagine how different we would feel about getting our period? With understanding more about our bodies, cycles and healthy alternatives, perhaps we can begin to shift out thoughts and begin to appreciate it and celebrate it with other women and ourselves.
The use of mainstream, drugstore brand pads and tampons are made with synthetic materials, bleach with turns into a dioxin, contain pesticides and other harmful chemicals. Many of these products, such as using tampons, inserts theses chemicals into our mucus membranes and increases your risk of bacterial growth and toxic shock syndrome. The feminine vaginal wipes, which are now provided with many pads or the buy separate to "keep you Fresh". These wipes change the PH of your vaginal area which is dangerous as it needs to stay slightly acidic, in addition the wipes, scent sprays and powders disrupt the health bacteria balance, which can use irritation, yeast infections, and urinary tract infection. Not to mention the thousands of other chemicals which lurk under the name "fragrance" or "perfume", many of which are endocrine disruptors and carcinogenic.
Fear not, there are plenty of effective and safe alternatives. Many of which I have used throughout my life.
For alternative pads and tampons you can make your own! See link below. Otherwise there are a few excellent brands that make organic, unbleached options, with or without applicators. There is also something called the Diva cup, or Mooncup, which is a reusable silicone cup which you insert to catch blood and drain out. I cannot comment on which I like better as I have only tried the Diva cup.
To help alleviate pain you can use a hot water bottle, or hot bag that gets heated in the microwave, I would avoid using an electric heating pad.
(***Please note, we are not doctors, consult your alternative health care practitioner or doctor before beginning any new treatment or regimen!***)
-Essential oils such as lavender and peppermint may be diluted and massaged on the abdomen. Visiting a local acupuncture clinic for treatment can really help subdue the pain. There are menstrual yoga poses you can try, or a hot bath with epsom salts.
Herb teas such as shepherd's purse, sage, red clover, raspberry leaf are all excellent to help with cramps and bleeding, and are used traditionally by many indigenous women. supplements, I personally use which significantly help with cramps are (consult your doctor first!), vitamin B complex, magnesium to help relax music contractions, omega fats especially evening primrose oil (can be found in capsules), making sure your iodine levels are ideal can really help with breast pain and tenderness (try eating sea vegetables) this has really helped me, have a naturopath mix up a crampbark tincture for you. What has helped me the very most, as someone who used to be bed ridden by pain, and I am now able for the first time in my life to not take pharmaceutical pain killers is turmeric! Yes, the yellow ground spice often found in curry dishes.
Incorporating cinnamon, turmeric about a teaspoon mixed with some coconut oil and honey, mint, parsley, coriander, ginger and basil in your diet during your period as they are very useful in relieving menstrual pain and cramps and reducing inflammation.
If you are feeling, tired, irritable, sore and tender REST! Allow yourself time for you!
Try and eat water rich fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes. Avoid sugar, caffeine (increases muscle contractions=cramps), and refined foods.
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The film The Moon Inside You is definitely worth a watch, this links is Youtube clip of it.
Also check out New Moon Collective , they have put together a beautiful zine about menstruation.
You can try some yoga poses for menstruation Here
Natracare makes organic feminine products you can check them out Here
More books, The Optimized Woman, Using the menstrual cycle to achieve success and fulfillment.
The Moon and menstruation
Lets change the way we feel about our bodies and our periods.
Women coming together
(Images from Google & Pinterest)
We would love to hear form you!
