Opening to Rest: The Science and Spiritual Connection behind why Rest is so Important during Menstruation
In a world that often values constant productivity, it's essential to recognize and honor the cyclical nature of the wombyn, particularly during the menstrual cycle. This sacred time is not just a physical occurrence but a psycho-spiritual process dancing beautifully with the five elements of nature according to Chinese Medicine & the Tao. Taoism is hard to describe with words but simply put into my own understanding it is living in harmony with the universe, as above so below as within so without. We are the microcosm of the macrocosm tuning into the seasons, the planetary shifts, and so on. This is where we find deeper insights into the phases of the menstrual cycle and how to tune in according to the seasons both inside the body and out.
The menstrual cycle is a phenomena of intricate hormonal and physiological changes. During menstruation, wombyn are entering into their own version of winter. This inward focused winter looks similar to winter as we see it outwardly. The days grow shorter and the nights grow longer. The plants lose their leaves and flowers die off leaving behind the vibrancy that makes them so delightful to the eye, drawing their energy inward along with all the sweet sleepy animals that begin to hibernate for the season. During the inward winter the uterine lining sheds, leading to the release of blood. This alone requires a lot of energy from the body. This energy requires more rest, making the amount of hours in the day that a wombyn will have energy, yes you guessed it - shorter. The nights will of course be longer where a wombyn needs rest and to drop into a creative dreamy flow state where ideas can arrive and be written down, and where the past 28 day cycle can be reviewed, processed, and released. It is the natural rhythm of the wombyn to withdraw and become introspective.
Physically, this process is orchestrated by hormonal fluctuations, primarily involving estrogen and progesterone. If fertilization doesn't occur, estrogen and progesterone levels decline, triggering the shedding of the lining. Psychologically, leaving the brain short in the neurotransmitters serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine which causes a crash effect of these feel good chemicals causing many of the emotional highs and lows wombyn know so well. A decline in estrogen causes a decline in serotonin, leading to mood changes, irritability, and emotional fluctuations. Progesterone can have a calming effect by interacting with GABA receptors, and its decline may contribute to increased anxiety and restlessness. Changes in dopamine levels, responsible for motivation and reward, may cause a decrease in energy levels and motivation. On a biochemical level this decline in chemicals supporting the brain to function drastically shifts asking for the wombyn to slow down.
The menstrual cycle is essentially the best time to lie back into a more restful state appreciating quiet reflection creating more emotional balance and spiritual connection. When a woman is able to take this quiet time to rest more often and reflect on the previous cycle the tension in the body overall can release and highs and lows will balance into waves similar to the ocean tide rather than a tsunami. The month and the menses will flow more naturally and with less extremes.
In many cultures, the womb is considered a sacred space—a source of intuition and creativity. In Ayurvedic tradition it is a time for a wombyn to take full rest and drop into receiving mode more than doing, allowing others to cook and clean and care for the major activities of life. Tuning into the womb and what this magically portal is calling for can take time at first. Practices like a 5-25 min womb meditation or self healing energy work can support a spiritual connection with the lower three chakras and the womb space promoting a sense of grounding and empowerment.
Reproductive health is not solely about reproduction but the overall well-being of the woman. The first signs of menstrual health and reproductive imbalances are generally early signs of other health concerns. Loss of menstruation (amenorrhea) even if it is medically induced with birth control or an IUD has significant health concerns and effects on all the other organs of the body. Cultivating practices that support hormonal balance and longevity, such as rest time, journaling, reading, writing, painting, nourishing simple warm foods and stress-reducing activities, contribute to balancing the menstrual cycle significantly. Try this short menstrual flow to begin to tune inward during your menstrual cycle.
Short Menstrual Flow:
Begin in Child's Pose (Balasana).
Inhale, rise to hands and knees bringing the arms over head.
Exhale, return to wide legged Child's Pose with a bolster if desired and stay in the pose for 5min massaging your forehead, stretching the arms and resting deeply.
Repeat, connecting breath with movement for 2-3x
Lastly lie quietly with a bolster under the knees and place both hands on the lower abdomen while box breathing
Box breathing - Inhale 4 count, retain 4 counts, exhale 4 counts, hold at the bottom of the breath for 4 counts
As you hold your hands over your lower abdomen begin to send tender words of love and nourishment, thanking all the organs that reside inside your body and function so well(especially if they are struggling). We are predominantly made of water beloveds and if you have not seen how our words affect the molecular structure of water then watch here.
Keep an eye out for my Inward guide to living in harmony with the five elements and four seasons coming soon!
With Love,
Sharee Nicole L.Ac.