Working as a women’s health practitioner for over a decade, I am constantly amazed at how we, as women, tolerate difficult menstrual periods under the incorrect assumption that it is ‘normal’. A period that is painful, uncomfortable, excessively heavy, clotted or irregular is not what Mother Nature intended for us. I like to call our period our body’s ‘monthly report’, and if that report is unpleasant, it indicates there is an imbalance in the flow and abundance of our bodies' vital energies.
 
Firstly, let’s look at the ‘ideal’ period – the period should:
  • Be regular – every 26-35 days
  • Have a bleed that lasts 4-5 days
  • Have a medium flow throughout, changing sanitary protection every 3-4 hours
  • No spotting at the start of the bleed
  • No PMS (yes, you heard me – NO PMS!)
  • No clotting in the flow
  • Fresh, red blood - not brown, very dark red, or pale pink
  • No pain, bar very mild cramping
  • No mid-cycle ovulation pain
So, what can we do if our periods are not as ideal as we would like? Whilst we can often label period problems as ‘hormonal imbalances’, we need to look deeper. The periods are influenced by a number of lifestyle factors, including hormones, diet, stress, overall health, previous abdominal surgery, and emotional wellness.
 
 
Here are my top tips to help regulate and optimise your natural flow:
 
Acupuncture
As an acupuncturist treating painful periods, I seek to optimise the flow of blood to the uterus and balance the internal energies, including the hormones, the quality of the blood, and balance the flow of physical and emotional energy throughout the body. Treating painful periods with acupuncture is very effective, often surprisingly so, as patients never realised the period could be so greatly improved after a lifetime of discomfort. Ideally, to restore consistently optimal periods, a treatment cycle of 12 sessions (once weekly over 3 months) is recommended, but patients will notice improvements after 3-4 sessions.
 
Nutrition
A good diet will support good energy flow. A diet rich in plants, good quality protein, fats and carbohydrates will support good quality blood and Qi, balance hormones, and help liver detoxification. Adding supplements such as Magnesium, Krill Oil or Cod Liver Oil can be very helpful for muscle cramps, and ease blood flow.
 
Herbal support
There are many herbal remedies that can support menstrual flow, but it is always best to seek the advice of a qualified practitioner, to select remedies that will suit your own individual signs and symptoms. Turmeric can be helpful to thin the blood, ease stagnation (blocked blood flow) and act as an anti-inflammatory; but it can also move blood too strongly in weaker patients. Angus Castus (also known as Vitex) helps to support the oestrogen and progesterone balance, with a stronger focus on progesterone, so will address painful periods caused by excessive oestrogen levels. Ayurvedic herbs such as Shatavari and Ashwagandha are gently supportive herbs for the cycle, with Shatavari having a more ‘Yin’ or cooling support, and Ashwagandha supporting the ‘Yang’ warming element.
 
Optimal blood flow
As with all bodily systems, the reproductive organs need good blood flow to maintain health. Regular exercise is the primary way to maintain good circulation throughout the body. Yoga is particularly effective at directing blood flow to the interior organs, and is something I recommend to all my patients. Yoga will also help the body process emotional energy. Castor Oil packs are an easy way to enhance circulation to the uterus, and can be done several times a week until the period starts (avoid using after ovulation if TTC). Abdominal massage, reflexology and Amatsu can also be helpful additional to cycle health.
 
 
When it comes to the health of your cycle, don’t put up with pain! There are many effective ways to restore your wellbeing naturally.
 
Fiona O’Farrell is an acupuncturist and natural health therapist running a vibrant clinic in Greystones. Co. Wicklow. For more information see www.fionaofarrellacupuncture.com or www.facebook.com/fionaofarrellacupuncture.
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