Embodying your Cyclical Nature holds the key to a wildly fulfilling, creative life.
Menstrual cycle awareness (MCA) is a holistic and self-care practice of learning about and tracking your menstrual cycle. It’s a daily, self-led practice where you monitor which day and phase of your cycle you’re currently in, as well as your lived experience, thoughts and emotions. It allows you to understand the fluctuations of your hormones, as well as the impact it has on your life that you can use to empower yourself in all sorts of ways, from your personal to your professional life, and even bring the energy (and power) of your cycle to your situation.
Here are some key components and benefits of menstrual cycle awareness:
Understanding the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
There is so, so much more to your cycle than your bleed. It’s called a ‘cycle’ for a reason; it’s a continuum that revolves around two main events: ovulation and menstruation. The average cycle is around 28 days long (with day 1 being the 1st day of your period), but it can vary from 21-35 days, which is considered normal.
There are 4 distinct, and different, phases (or Inner Seasons) of the cycle with different hormonal fluctuations and lived experiences:
- Inner Winter (menstruation)
- Inner Spring (pre-ovulation)
- Inner Summer (ovulation)
- Inner Autumn (pre-menstrual)
By tracking these phases, you can better understand your body and anticipate changes that occur during each phase.
Improved Reproductive Health
Menstrual cycle awareness can help you identify irregularities or abnormalities in your menstrual cycle, which may indicate underlying reproductive health issues. By tracking your cycle, you can provide valuable information to healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment.
Natural Birth Control
Menstrual cycle awareness can be used as a natural form of birth control, known as fertility awareness method (FAM). By tracking ovulation and avoiding unprotected intercourse during fertile windows, you can prevent pregnancy without the use of hormonal contraception.
Enhanced Fertility
For anyone trying to conceive, menstrual cycle awareness can help identify the most fertile days of the cycle, increasing the chances of conception. Understanding the timing of ovulation can optimize the chances of conception occurring during intercourse.
Empowerment and Body Literacy
By becoming more attuned to your menstrual cycle, you feel empowered and more connected to your body. This increased awareness can lead to better self-care practices and a deeper understanding of overall health and well-being.
Improved Mental and Emotional Health
Menstrual cycle awareness can also provide insights into emotional and psychological patterns that fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. Understanding these patterns can help you better manage mood swings, anxiety, and stress associated with hormonal changes.
Holistic Approach to Health
Menstrual cycle awareness encourages a holistic approach to health by considering the interconnectedness of hormonal, emotional, and physical well-being. It promotes self-care practices such as adequate rest, nutrition, and stress management, which can positively impact overall health.
Tracking the menstrual cycle can be a valuable tool for empowerment and health management.
How to do it?
A daily check in to track your cycle can take as little as 1 minute and can be done anywhere, with just a pen and paper or your phone.
Simply make a note of:
– which day of your cycle you’re on
– how your body has felt that day – digestion, energy levels etc.
– how your mental/emotional state has been
Feel free to contact me to get your free (and handmade!) Menstrual Cycle Awareness chart.
What else can help?
Check Womb Yoga and Holistic Feminine Wellness for more support.
If you experience any symptoms and discomforts with your Cycle, book an online session and let’s start building your way back Home to your body.