I don't know about you, but I DREAD "that time of the month." For many women it comes along with intense, painful cramping, bloat, food cravings, fatigue and so much more. So let me give you a few tips on how you can support your female body, during the most physically taxing phase of our cycle.
- Keep the body, specifically tummy, feet, and back (around the kidneys) warm. You can do this by wearing socks, utilizing heating pads and prioritizing warm foods and drink only during this phase.
- TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) suggests to avoid washing your hair on your period, due to a possible disruption in vital Yin and Yang energy, which can be caused by dampness and cold.
- Raspberry leaf tea, red meat, ginger, and other anti-inflammatory, iron-rich foods are essential for supporting your nutrition during this depleting phase.
- No cinnamon during your period. Ayurveda advises against cinnamon due to its ability to encourage too much heat, disrupting menstrual flow.
- Try to minimize the use of tampons and menstrual cups, letting your body get rid of what it needs to can help alleviate cramping!
- Light exercise can also help alleviate pain and help to promote health blood flow, just be sure to not overdo physical activity. Menstrual phase usually comes with feeling weaker, dizziness and you can feel "off" so take a lighter load of weights or opt for yoga instead.
- A few honorable mentions that have helped myself tremendously are PEMF therapy on a 'circulation' setting to promote blood flow, and DMK deep freeze gel applied to cramping areas - I swear this starts working in minutes! Deep freeze or PEMF sessions can be purchased by contacting us at the spa.