Even though our society and way of life have been changing quite rapidly, the forces that govern the cycles of our bodies have not changed. Having an understanding of these natural cycles and following certain lifestyle guides, one can prevent illness and cultivate health.

One key thought is that the human in its natural state does not automatically create balance. We have to make a conscious effort to make choices to remain in balance. We have many ways to help our bodies achieve balance, such as with food, meditation and exercise.

The monthly period is a time of transition, which can upset the balance of homeostasis in the body. There are significant changes in hormones as well as the buildup and discharge of blood.  Signs of disharmony should be taken as a message that there is an upset to some aspect of the balance-but often times it is just repressed, ignored with medications which often make the problem worse. In order to understand how women can improve their health during this time, there is one key concept that must be understood. Essence (Jing in Chinese) is the substance in our bodies that contains our genetic materials, the strength of our constitution as well as our reproductive strength. The Jing is stored in our Kidneys and our reproductive organs. When a child is created, it is the meeting of the Jing of both parents. Jing is closely related to menstruation, as bleeding easily causes blood deficiency and over time can lead to Jing deficiency. Menstrual renewal focuses on the first 7 days of the cycle (Day 1 when period begins). This includes 4-5 days of menstrual bleeding plus plus 2-3 days after the bleeding has stopped. Women’s bodies tend to be more Qi (energy) and blood deficient or weak, and during this time, improper diet and lifestyle can make deficiency worse and can easily lead to blood stasis.

Practices: The most important is rest. Women should get an extra hour of sleep each night. Keep warm, keep feet, legs, lower back and abdomen covered at all times to protect from cold (this can be relaxed in warm weather and for women who are normally hot). Moxibustion on the lower abdomen and lower back is helpful to keep the uterus warm.

Avoiding the following behaviours that allow the invasion of cold into the uterus:

• No swimming
• Avoid drafts (including air conditioning)
• Avoid cold drinks and food such as raw foods, iced drinks and ice cream
• Do not wash or wet hair-except in the summer-If you have to wet the hair, dry it before coming out of the warm bathroom
• Avoid overtaxing the body-physically and mentally-no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, spin classes, hot room yoga, avoid studying as hard as usual (especially on the computer which depletes the liver blood)
• Avoid staying out late or excessively drinking alcohol.
• A good general rule is to try to avoid cold and fatigue.