The Wild Fox Acupuncture Clinic

The Lunar Cycle and Menstruation

In Chinese Medicine, the lunar cycle and menstruation are intimately connected. The lunar cycle refers to the monthly cycle of the moon as it waxes and wanes from the dark moon/ new moon to the full moon and back again. In Chinese Medicine, the full moon is associated with Yang energy, while the dark moon is associated with Yin energy. Yin energy is internal, still, calming, and nourishing, while Yang energy is warm, active, and energising.

During the menstrual cycle, a woman’s body undergoes a similar cycle of energy changes. The menstrual cycle is divided into two phases: the follicular phase (Yang) and the luteal phase (Yin). The follicular phase is characterised by rising levels of oestrogen, which stimulates the growth and maturation of the follicles in the ovaries. This phase is associated with Yang energy, as the body is building up for ovulation.

Once ovulation occurs, the body enters the luteal phase, which is characterised by rising levels of progesterone. This phase is associated with Yin energy, as the body prepares for menstruation. If conception does not occur, the body sheds the uterine lining and begins a new cycle. This process is closely tied to the lunar cycle, and in the days when we lived outdoors without electricity women mostly experienced their menstrual cycle in sync with dark moon.

The Four Seasons and Menstruation

In addition to the lunar cycle, Chinese Medicine also views the menstrual cycle as being intimately connected to the four seasons of the year. Each season is associated with a different element, organ system, and set of emotions.

Spring, associated with the Wood element, is a time of growth, renewal, and expansion. It is associated with the liver and gallbladder organs and the emotions of anger and frustration. In Chinese Medicine, spring is a time when the body is preparing for ovulation and the Yang energy is rising.

Summer, associated with the Fire element, is a time of warmth, passion, and joy. It is associated with the heart and small intestine organs and the emotions of love and excitement. In Chinese Medicine, summer is a time when ovulation occurs and the body is at its most fertile.

Autumn, associated with the Metal element, is a time of harvest, contraction, and letting go. It is associated with the lung and large intestine organs and the emotions of grief and sadness. In Chinese Medicine, Autumn is a time when the body prepares for menstruation and the Yin energy is rising.

Winter, associated with the Water element, is a time of rest, introspection, and conservation. It is associated with the kidney and bladder organs and the emotion of fear. In Chinese Medicine, winter is a time when the body is at its most Yin and is the time of rejuvenation and preparing for the next cycle.

Menstrual Health with Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine, menstrual health involves balancing the Yin and Yang energies of the body and harmonising with the natural cycles of the lunar cycle and the four seasons. Here are a few simple ways to help you create harmony in your menstrual cycle using Chinese Medicine principles:

1. Live in alignment with the seasons: Pay attention to the natural rhythms of the earth and adjust your lifestyle accordingly. In the winter, eat warming, nourishing foods, and focus on rest and introspection. In the spring and summer, enjoy more social activities and engage in physical exercise that aligns with the rising Yang energy of the season.
2. Tune into the lunar cycle: The moon can have a profound influence on our emotional and physical state. Use the lunar cycle as a guide to help you tune into your own internal rhythms. During the dark moon, focus on rest, introspection, and self-care. During the full moon, enjoy more social activities and connect with others.
3. Honour your menstrual cycle: Your menstrual cycle is a reflection of your overall health and well-being. During the winter phase of your cycle (menstruation), prioritise rest, reflection, and self-care. During the summer phase of your cycle (ovulation), embrace your energy and engage in activities that align with the rising Yang energy of the season.
4. Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your body and respond with change. Bring mindfulness to whether you are living with the natural movement of yin and yang or whether you are stuck in one way of being. When you feel tired or drained, prioritise rest and self-care. When you feel energised and vibrant, embrace activities that align with your energy.
5. Seek support: Sometimes things have been out of balance for a long time and you may need some extra support, one of the most common imbalances is that we don’t adjust our way of doing things during winter and when we’re menstruating, which means each cycle we become more depleted as we miss the rest and rebuilding (and magic) time of our cycle. This depletion can lead to stagnation which we see manifest in the clinic as common menstrual imbalances such as PMS, painful and irregular periods, or no periods at all. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are known to support balanced menstrual health.