You period is a sign of your overall health.

 

Do you wish you had a monthly report card that could tell you what you need to know about your body? You have it already, and it’s your period! In fact, within the Chinese Medical school of thought (TCM) there exists the notion of the perfect period.

You can read this blog post to learn more about what a normal menstrual cycle looks like.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach

 

First of all, I want to thank Dr Tanya from Urban Roots Wellness Centre  for teaching me this valuable information. If you live in Calgary and need support to balance your period, I highly recommend Dr Tanya or Dr Erin Tremblay for acupuncture.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the uterus is nourished by all vital essences (blood, Qi, Yin and Yang). All organ groups and meridians interact with the uterus. If there is an imbalance with one of these groups or essences it will show up in the menstrual cycle. Therefore, analysis of period symptoms is the perfect window into women’s health.

 

As your menstrual phase approaches, your PMS and period symptoms will reflect which of your organ groups are out of balance.

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Decode Your Period

 

Use these symptomology cues to tune in to where your body needs healing. You can use Eating For Your Cycle principles to gain a normal menstrual cycle, build or detox your hormones, and return to balance.

 

Liver

 

primary symptoms- clotting, dark brown blood, cramping, headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, depression

secondary symptoms- wandering muscle pain, eye problems, a feeling of being bloated or swollen

related hormones- excess estrogen and thyroid

helpful foods- bitter greens (dandelion), lemon, avocado, schizandra berries, raspberry, turmeric, ginger and walnuts

 

Spleen

 

primary symptoms- bloating, loose stools, diarrhea, craving sweets, pressure in lower abdomen, anxiety

secondary symptoms- tiredness, gaining weight, dull/yellow complexion, digestive disorders

related hormones- insulin and cortisol

helpful foods- warm/cooked foods, pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, coriander, root vegetables, and blood sugar balancing foods

 

Kidney

primary symptoms- late or early period, flooding, excess vaginal discharge

secondary symptoms- hot or cold feet, diarrhea during your period, back pain, hot face, exhaustion, poor memory

related hormones- adrenal hormones and thyroid

helpful foods- black sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, black beans, blackberries, seaweeds

 

Heart

primary symptoms- insomnia, heart palpitations, anxiety, restlessness during PMS and period

secondary symptoms- feeling hot, tongue ulcers

related hormones- serotonin and thyroid

helpful foods- red foods (red beans, red fruits and vegetables), pear powder and reishi mushroom

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Ultimately, when you pay attention to your body, especially your PMS and period symptoms, you will have an easy time bringing your hormones and menstrual cycle back into balance.