By Kate Lamprich
The human body is made with many functions that support balance or homeostasis. At any given time our autonomic nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, and many other processes are functioning to keep our bodies moving and shaking and balanced and healthy.
“Homeostasis is defined as the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.”
The female body goes through a monthly cycle that includes rising and dropping hormone levels triggering physiological processes to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy and to release the egg and tissue in the event pregnancy does not occur. The time the egg cell and uterine tissue is released each month is referred to as a monthly uterine cleanse. Also known as womb cleanse, moon days, aunt flow, crimson tide, the rag, menstruation, or a period. Period comes from the consideration of menstruation as a “periodic illness”; it is now better understood that it is a natural and healthy monthly cleanse rather than an illness, so some people prefer not to use the term period.
A healthy monthly cleanse is considered to be approximately 4 days of fresh blood. Anything longer, heavier, spotting before and after, dark/brown or stagnant blood, large clots, etc. are all signs the body is in need of extra support. The following are ways you can more fully support your monthly cleanse. These things take planning and a shift in mindset regarding the physiological functions of the body and can also require a better understanding.
I am here to support you.
REST
The body is in need of extra rest during the monthly cleanse of the uterus. The uterus is shedding its thick lining, and in order to do so, the arteries that bring circulation to the uterus are opened so the blood flow can cleanse the tissue of the uterus. The whole body is creating more blood during this time to replace the blood lost during the cleanse. In order for more blood to be created, the body needs resources and energy.
It is common for individuals who experience menstruation to continue their daily routines and do their best to not allow this monthly cycle to affect their productivity; however it is important to allow oneself forgiveness and rest during this time, as the body’s physiological functions are taking increased energy and resources for the purpose of cleansing the uterus.
Give yourself permission to rest.
WARMTH
I don’t know about you, but I tend to crave sweets- specifically ice cream- when I am on my cleanse. Usually, I recommend giving in to cravings with a mindful focus on moderation and balance; however when it comes to cold foods and environments during the monthly womb cleanse, ice cream should be avoided.
The reason is the blood of the body is what is flushing and cleansing the uterus. When cold, the blood can become stagnant and does not flow well. Eating warm foods (soup, hot cereal, etc.) and keeping the body warm with clothing, blankets, and heating pads is best for circulation and in turn the cleanse.
DO NOT STOP THE FLOW
The best way to support a healthy cleanse is to allow the blood to flow. Anything that blocks the flow, including gravity, should be avoided. The use of tampons blocks the flow. As a result, residue and build-up can remain in the uterus. The uterus then contracts to release the build-up and the residue and to fight against the blocked flow. These uterine contractions are felt as cramps. Cramps can occur even when tampons are not used, but they are an indication the body is in need of extra support in its monthly cleanse due to build-up of residue.
It is also recommended to avoid penetrative sex during the cleanse.
It is best to use period panties, pads, and sometimes a menstrual cup. In some cases, the body responds to the cup similarly to a tampon, but in most cases, it allows for healthy flow and cleansing. Also, avoid inversions; I don’t know about you, but I do not spend much time standing on my head. If inversions are part of your yoga practice or something else you do regularly, avoid such during your uterine cleanse.
NOURISHMENT
With the extra energy and resources the body is devoting to the production of an increased amount of blood and to the cleanse itself, it is recommended during the monthly womb cleanse to provide the body with extra nourishment. This is not the best time for fasting, restrictive diets, liver cleanses, or other dietary cleanses. Providing the body with 3 meals each day and snacks in between is the best way to support the monthly cleanse, even if during the other weeks of the month you are participating in intermittent fasting or other cleanses and restrictions in diet.
HYDRATION
The blood is made up of a large percentage of water, so the body needs extra hydration. Also remembering to stick with warmth such as having hot tea during your monthly womb cleanse is a great way to support your body. The following list of herbs are great to make tea from because they also have other properties to support the monthly womb cleanse:
- Motherwort – Properties to help cleanse old residue
- Mugwort – Properties to help cleanse old residue and decrease heavy bleeding
- Dandelion Root – Properties to support healthy circulation and cleansing
- Dandelion Leaf – Gives the body nutrients for blood production
- Hibiscus Flower – Properties to support cleansing of the uterus
- Cinnamon – Increases circulation
- Mint – Properties to support healthy digestion
- Ginger – Properties that support healthy digestion and circulation
- Hawthorn Berry – Properties that support healthy digestion and uterus cleanse
- Nettles, Noni Leaf, and Gogi Berries – All three provide the body with nutrients for blood production
During your next cleanse, make yourself a nice cup of tea, put some soup in a crock pot, cuddle under a blanket, let your body rest, and drink plenty of water.
Doing these things may require a bit of planning… more to come on how to plan your monthly calendar around your cycle rather than attempting to keep to daily routines when your body is in need of a different kind of support.
Have a beautiful day and a beautiful cleanse. For more information, contact Essential Health & Wellness, 9109 Watson Road, Crestwood, MO, 63126. Call 314-347-8612 to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation and visit www.essentialhealthstl.com.