IN THE old tradition in the Philippines, women were not allowed to work and do heavy household chores during their heavy menstrual period. Bathing was also prohibited as well as eating sour foods, as it was believed that these made the blood clot, obstructed the passage of the flow, and therefore delivered painful cramps.
The menstrual period is one of the most dreadful events to most women. For it brings discomfort, limitation and inconvenience, plus, the concoction of mood swings, anxiety, and crankiness.
The womb (uterus) also called the sacred mother in the spiritual context, is a hollow pearl shaped organ located in the female lower part of the abdomen.
Each month, the endometrium tissues grow inside the uterus and thicken in preparation to receive the released egg from one of the ovaries, which normally takes place on the 14th day. The egg travels down the fallopian tube where fertilization by a sperm cell may occur, otherwise, the unfertilized egg and the uterine lining will shed. This results to menstrual bleeding. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days and controlled by different glands and hormones, so explained Dr. Rowena Medina, obstetrician-gynecologist.
The menstrual cycle has four phases.
The menstruation phase: The elimination of the unfertilized egg, together with the thick lining lying in the uterine wall through bleeding. Levels of estrogen and progesterone are low. Symptoms of tiredness, heaviness, abdominal and lower back pains usually occur. Choose to relax and take things slow during this time. Stay away from demanding activities andstressful environment. Support your wellbeing by adding more fresh fruits and vegetables in your nutrition and supplement with iron mineral, vitamin C, D, B complex and probiotics.
The follicular phase: The prompting of the pituitarygland to release follicles in the ovaries to contain the eggs, of which one of them will eventually mature. This stage starts on the first day of the menstruation and ends on ovulation. After the blood flow ordeal, you may go about your important projects, business meetings or social gatherings, exercise and be active. You feel a surge in energy, drive and creativity at this time.
The ovulation phase: The stage where the release of an egg from one of the ovaries transpires. Level of estrogen rises and women feel at their best. Sexuality heightened, skin clearer and confidence boosted. The period that demands extra caution if conception is not in the plan. The perfect time to organize that grand occasion and presentation.
The luteal phase: The last stage of the menstrual cycle. The dominant follicle transforms in to corpus luteumthat continues to grow, houses the maturing egg and waits for a sperm to be implanted. The stage when the unpleasant PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) is encountered, diminished energy, skin breakout, bloated belly, breast tenderness and emotional fluctuations. This is the time to schedule less work, create a space for quiet, hydrate, eat more nourishing and balanced foods – for cravings are triggered at this point. Apply lavander essential oil directly to your lower abs and behind your ears to promote calmness, a cup of chamomile tea before bed time – to smoothen the body tension and meditate.
You can navigate your monthly menstrual cycle with ease and grace by honoring your body and acknowledging each phase condition, preparation and restrictions. It is high time to view female monthlies as a benediction to continue the existence on Earth, rather than a curse.
When a woman recognizes the significant power bestowed upon her as the chosen beholder of the vessel of life, to look after her holy womb, the sacred mother, becomes a pleasure.
OM Shanti.
