Menstruation is an important part of a woman’s health. But how does it actually work?
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What Is Menstruation?
In Western medicine, menstruation is the regular shedding of the lining of the uterus, which happens because of changes in hormones from the ovaries. Simply put, it involves two main organs: the ovaries, which produce hormones, and the uterus, which gets ready to host a baby if there is a pregnancy.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), menstruation is seen differently. TCM believes that menstruation is connected to the flow of energy and blood in the body, controlled by different meridians like the spleen meridian, liver meridian, and kidney meridian. When these meridians work well together, a woman’s menstrual cycle is regular.
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Why Regular Periods Matter?
Having a regular menstrual cycle is a sign of good health. TCM has a saying: “The value of menstruation lies in its regularity.” This means that whether a girl’s first period comes early or late, it’s important that her periods become regular over time. For many women, their period comes around the same time every month. But for some, periods can be irregular, which might cause concern.
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What Causes Irregular Periods?
Irregular periods can mean periods that come too early, too late, are too heavy, or too light. Sometimes, the color or thickness of the blood is different. These issues can be caused by imbalances in the body’s meridians. For example, stress or poor eating habits can affect the spleen meridian, leading to less blood production. Emotional stress can affect the liver meridian, which may disrupt the flow of blood. Weak kidney meridian can also lead to irregular periods.
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How Lifestyle Affects Your Period?
Your lifestyle choices, like diet and staying warm, also affect your menstrual health. Eating too much spicy food can cause heavier periods, while getting too cold can cause painful periods and blood clots. It’s important to eat a balanced diet, avoid too much alcohol, and stay warm during your period.
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Conclusion:
Menstruation isn’t just a monthly event; it’s a reflection of a woman’s overall health. By understanding what affects your menstrual cycle, you can take steps to keep your body healthy and your periods regular.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your G.P. or regular healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this site for the self diagnosis or treatment of any health problem, or the prescription of any medication or treatment. You should consult with your regular G.P. before undertaking any changes in your healthcare regime or medication. You should not stop taking any current course of medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.