Twinn Swan

The connection between menstruation, fertility and power is a fascinating and complex one that has been explored in various cultures throughout history. Menstruation is a sign of the body’s ability to create life. The shedding of the uterine lining represents the preparation for a potential pregnancy. This cyclical process can be viewed as a powerful symbol of renewal and the ongoing cycle of life and death.

The hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can lead to heightened emotions and even psychic experiences in some women. This can be interpreted as a connection to a deeper and more intuitive power. The ability to bleed and potentially create life can be a source of immense strength for women. Menstruation can be viewed as a time of introspection and inner transformation, allowing women to connect with this power within themselves.

In many cultures, a girl’s first period is a significant event marking her entry into womanhood. Special ceremonies might be held to acknowledge this transition and educate her about menstruation and its connection to fertility. These celebrations can involve singing, dancing, storytelling and sharing wisdom from older women.

Reframing Menstruation

Reframing menstruation is about shifting the conversation and cultural narrative from something negative or shameful to a natural and healthy part of a woman’s life. Traditionally, the process of menstruation has been shrouded in secrecy and negativity. Reframing involves open conversations about periods, normalising them as a biological function just like digestion or breathing.

The focus on dispelling myths and misconceptions around menstruation, such as the idea it’s unclean or unhealthy. Education about the menstrual cycle and its role in women’s health is crucial for both men and women. Reframing encourages women to view their menstrual cycle as a source of information about their overall health and fertility. Ultimately, reframing aims to normalise menstruation, making it just another aspect of human biology, discussed openly and without shame.

The growing movement for menstrual health awareness is reframing menstruation from a negative experience to a natural and powerful aspect of women’s health. This includes celebrating the creative potential associated with the cycle.

TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys are all seen as vital organs playing a role in regulating menstruation. Chinese medicine emphasises the balance between yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) energies. Menstruation might be seen as a natural expression of yin energy, with a temporary shift in the overall balance.

Practices like acupuncture, acupressure and moxibustion might be used to promote a smoother flow of energy and alleviate menstrual discomfort. Stagnant Liver qi can disrupt the flow of blood, causing it to stagnate in the uterus. This stagnation can manifest as irregular or heavy bleeding, including prolonged periods.

TCM theory suggests emotional factors like stress or anger can contribute to Liver qi stagnation, potentially impacting menstruation. Chronic stress, anger, frustration, and emotional turbulence can all contribute to Liver qi stagnation. These negative emotions are seen as creating a kind of “heat” within the Liver, disrupting its smooth flow and regulation functions.

Liver qi stagnation can be a cause, but it can also be a consequence of other imbalances. For example, Spleen qi deficiency can lead to dampness, which can further burden the Liver and worsen qi stagnation. TCM practitioners view the body holistically and aim to address the underlying imbalances creating a vicious cycle.

In TCM theory, women are seen as having a closer connection to the Liver due to the hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle. Therefore, Liver imbalances might manifest more readily in menstrual problems for women.

Shakti

Ayurveda and yoga propose a network of subtle energy channels called nadis through which prana, the vital life force, flows. Menstruation might be seen as a time when the nadis related to the reproductive system experience a shift in energy flow. This shift could lead to temporary imbalances in prana, manifesting as mood swings, fatigue, or cramps. The focus might be on practices like yoga or meditation to restore balance and ease discomfort.

Tantra views menstruation as a powerful manifestation of Shakti, the feminine divine energy associated with creation and transformation. The energetic body might be seen as experiencing a surge of Shakti’s transformative power. The relationship between menstruation and goddesses goes back a long way and appears in various cultures around the world. Menstruation, as a sign of a woman’s reproductive potential, has been associated with the power of creation and life-giving force. Many cultures view the menstrual cycle as a form of renewal, similar to the cycles of the moon or the seasons.

The hormonal changes during menstruation can lead to heightened emotions. In some women, it can even lead to intense psychic experiences. This has been interpreted as a connection to a deeper and more intuitive power. Many cultures have goddesses associated with menstruation, fertility, and creation. Examples include:

Isis (Egyptian): Goddess of fertility, magic, and healing.
Ishtar (Babylonian): Goddess of love, war, and fertility.
Parvati (Hindu): Goddess of fertility, love, and strength.

Some creation stories link menstruation to the beginning of life or the ongoing cycle of nature. The menstrual cycle can be seen as mirroring the cycles of the moon or the seasons, emphasising the connection between women’s bodies and the natural world. In some cultures, isolation during menstruation might not be solely about restrictions, but a time for women to connect with their creativity. They may retreat to special huts or areas to engage in activities like weaving, pottery, or storytelling, allowing them to tap into the heightened energy and focus believed to occur during this time.

The way cultures view the relationship between menstruation and the goddess can differ greatly. In some cultures, it’s seen as a time of immense creative potential, while in others, it might be viewed with fear or restrictions. Rituals during menstruation to promote fertility and ensure a healthy pregnancy are found in various cultures. These might involve offerings to deities associated with fertility, blessings by elders, or symbolic actions like planting seeds.

The growing movement for menstrual health awareness is reframing menstruation from a negative experience to a natural and healthy part of women’s health. However, the concept of the menstrual goddess can be a powerful way to reclaim the positive aspects of menstruation and celebrate its connection to life and creation.