In this article, I introduce you to the fourth phase of the cycle, the “winter” phase – the time of menstruation. The time when we like to withdraw and linger on the sofa. Similarly to the “fall” phase, this cycle phase also doesn’t get enough appreciation in my opinion, and is rather unpopular. But, as I find, there is potential especially in this phase to lay the foundation for the next cycle. Today, I’m going to shed some light on just that, and introduce you to ways you can make this time beautiful and use it for yourself to live a little bit more in harmony with your cycle. You’ll also find little tips for dealing with pain and discomfort. So make yourself comfy!
It is extremely important to note that I am not a doctor. In this article, I share my own experiences, observations, and what I have learned from reading. I also assume a 28-day cycle, but each cycle varies individually between 21 or 37 days, which is completely normal.
With the start of menstruation, the time of letting go begins: the uterus sheds the unfertilized egg and the top layer of the uterine lining, and the bleeding – which also serves to cleanse the blood – begins. Your abdomen works at full speed and uses up the energy reserves that you would otherwise need for everyday life. This usually leaves little drive for new projects or plans to be implemented. But instead of seeing this as “annoying”, we should learn to listen to our body when it wants to shift down a gear, because this is completely natural ♡
A lot is going on in the body during this time: if the egg has not been fertilized, it is ejected by contractions, together with the upper mucosal layer of the uterus. As the corpus luteum recedes, the progesterone level drops and the concentration of LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) rises, which means that more estrogen is produced – and a new cycle begins.
Contraction of the uterus may cause pain or a pulling sensation in the abdomen. The duration of menstruation is individual and varies from 2 to 7 days. During this time, our body transfers a lot of its energy to the abdomen, and you may feel less powerful.
With the first day of our bleeding, a new cycle begins. According to the model of the annual cycle, menstruation is like “winter” and lasts from day 1 until the end of bleeding, which can last 4-8 days – it depends on the individual. The exact description of the model of the annual cycle can be found in my article Falling in love with your cycle again — “Fall” Phase if you’d like to read it!
Let’s think about winter in nature. There we can observe that nothing grows, everything slows down and the world stands still. And that is very important! An old farmer’s rule says: “A good summer follows a cold winter.” Now, let’s take our observations from nature and apply them to our bodies. In the winter phase, its function can be thought of in a similar way because as the energy moves deeper into the abdomen, our little world of a body stands still. The need for rest and retreat is more present than ever!
At this point, I would like to introduce you to the “1% rule”. It says that “every little thing that brings you 1% closer to taking more space and time […] is incredibly worthwhile, and is really good [because it’s] a step in the right direction.” So it might be a good idea to keep this in mind as you read on.
While the uterus is busy letting go, issues of letting go and self-care also arise in us. We feel an increased need for security and calm – which can cause difficulties if we haven’t learned to take a step back when we need to take care of ourselves. If you find this difficult, I invite you to ask yourself what you can do to create an atmosphere or space for yourself where you feel comfortable. Because from my own experience, I can say that it is easier to let go in such an environment.
As you may have gleaned, we don’t function as we should during this period. We are slower and need more rest, an extra break and opportunity to retreat. If possible, try not to start any new projects during this time or to postpone them to the end of your menses; often it is only one or two days in which we feel this withdrawal more strongly. But this is also different for every individual.
In the winter phase, we recharge our batteries for the next cycle. Because we already know that downtime and retreat are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. In addition, they lay an important foundation for the next cycle.
If you experience having little to no energy left and not being able to get yourself out of that energy low, I recommend you see a doctor or an alternative practitioner with whom you can work through that.
You and your body are very soft at this time, which is why we are granted this wonderful access to our inner voice during our inner winter. It is the voice within us that gets lost in the stress of everyday life, which we too often ignore. But it has the ability to give you answers to questions you are not yet clear about. In order to hear it, we need to calm down and listen to ourselves.
This voice is also called “inner wisdom” or “old & wise one”. Some of the ways to get in touch with it are through journal writing, meditating, taking a walk alone or going on your own individual path. Your inner voice can be your greatest counselor. Ask questions that are important to you, try to stay completely open to the answer, and see what comes. An answer may come up during the process, in the next few days, during the next cycle, or also when you are least expecting it; it may be clear or abstract, and perhaps still incomprehensible. Just don’t give up right away if it doesn’t work immediately!
Unfortunately, many of us who menstruate also suffer from discomfort. Abdominal pain and cramps are a regular occurrence. If these pains are severe and accompanied by vomiting, circulatory problems and/or diarrhea, it is best to consult a doctor, because there are now many treatment options available to help – also completely natural ones.
It is good to be aware that using tampons and menstrual cups may increase such pain. Therefore, if possible, try to avoid using them if you are one of those people who are affected by discomfort. I, for example, am especially sensitive on the first 2-3 days of menstruation, and therefore I avoid them. As an alternative, I bought period underwear and can really recommend it ♡
If you can’t do without a cup or tampons, make sure you use untreated organic tampons, such as those from einhorn or Yoni. Conventional tampons, as well as panty liners and pads, are usually made of plastic fibers, cotton (bleached with chlorine) and viscose (made from heavily chemically treated cellulose). The mucous membrane of the vagina is very receptive, through which these toxins can easily enter the body.
With exhaustion, pain, and/or delayed periods, ask yourself how well you can surrender to the loss of energy… Are you allowing yourself the extra break your body is asking for? Stress – whether too much to do or too little – can also exacerbate these symptoms. The following remedies can help you relax:
If the blood does not want to flow, a tea made from mugwort herb and lovage can be helpful. As researched in gynecology, these ingredients can help to stimulate blood flow. Mugwort is also available as mother tincture (Ceres Artemisia vulgaris – 2-3 times a day, 3-4 drops).
The term “Red Tent” symbolizes the creation of a place of comfort, to which you can retreat during your period. You don’t need a tent, though – it can also just be a box. You fill it with things that are good for you, things that might help you relax. Once you’ve filled a box with things you love, you’ll save yourself a lot of thinking and possible errands, trips and time during your mens.
What do you need to create your place of well-being? Music, chocolate, scents, oils, a favorite book? Put it in the box and make a little note in the box. I have a box like that myself – a shoe box, to be exact – that fills up little by little. Lastly, I got tiny little art canvases and put them in there, for my next mens.
Some people wear a piece of jewelry with a red pendant during this time to feel connected to other menstruators through it. I also have a necklace with a red pendant, but I must admit that I usually forget to put it on and it doesn’t give me that same feeling of connection.
Ideas for your “red tent”:
Questions for Reflection:
Tags: Health, Period
Writing has become a mode of expression for Nicola, a way to share her passion on wellness and sustainability topics with others. In 2018, she put it on her wishlist to publish something on the Amazingy blog. And it had to be personal – because she enjoys spreading hope through her own stories. That's how her first article about menstruation, "Letting it flow again," came about, followed by a second series of articles. She is often called upon by members of the Amazingy Team for her expertise on menstruation and mindfulness, always combined with her own experiences in a non-judgmental, loving and eye-level manner. As a sports and travel enthusiast, Nicola also has a great passion and love for nature, which is why she is enthusiastic about companies that design sustainability and product development in such a way that nature and humanity’s well-being are also taken into account.
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