The menstrual cycle is something beautiful – it is a way to connect with one’s own body and truly listen to its needs. For far too long, this wintry phase of the body’s reproductive cycle has been condemned. That is partly fueled by societal pressure – that society sees menstruation as something dirty (read: demonic, dark, negative) instead of embracing it as what it is: letting go of the old, washing away the hormones, and starting anew. And what better way to facilitate that process than through the practice of yoga?

Recently, we have experienced the onset of an open dialogue regarding our cycles. Brands like FEMNA & OrganiCup – and also bloggers who advocate for those same ideologies – have helped to nurture a more open & fruitful discussion. This has led us to question the pharmaceutical industry – particularly their claim that popping a pill can rid you & your body of (hormonal) problems. Embracing your cycle is the clearest pathway to bodily autonomy – to experience what it means to go through the process of menstruation, and really own it. I believe that all of this has kickstarted a more profound examination of reproductive rights in society (see: Women’s March).

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Menstruation is also a very personal & sensitive topic, one which is highly characteristic. All of us are unique & individual in our own way; therefore, no cycle is the same. Menstrual symptoms are incredibly diverse. Some experience more bloating & cramps, while others face low energy or back pain.

Not long ago we had a FEMNA workshop at Amazingy HQ where we learned about the ways in which herbs can support your menstrual cycle, and how to balance your hormones. FEMNA made it their priority to supply all-natural remedies to symptoms that will arise throughout our lives. Because of this, founders Emily Casey and Maxie Matthiessen are working with experts in women’s health to provide holistic advice. During the workshop, Emily showed us some easy yoga poses you can easily incorporate into your existing yoga flow – or even in the office if you’re feeling tight or stiff (everyone is welcome to join!) in order to alleviate any of the symptoms described above.

Finding an excuse to cry and eat chocolate is a way of life for me (a means to swamp out all the emotions that have been bottling up), but I try not to indulge in that too much as I feel that it started to become a habit rather than a choice. That is why I consciously let myself indulge a bit any time my emotions are overflowing – which may very well be in the middle of my cycle, when I am on an estrogen rush. Though I must admit though that stretching & exercise are an even better way to counteract some of my lower back pain (as well as my low energy levels). That coupled with Emily’s explanation about the benefits of yoga during the workshop made me more than ready to entirely turn away from sugar – to ease my emotional bubble while engaging with my body. Lucky enough for us, our super talented in-house illustrator Niina Pechkovskaya put brush to paper and designed a lovely illustration of the poses we learned in the yoga workshop with FEMNA, so we can share the insight we gained with our Amazingy community ?

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