Many women find that their moontime is not the celebratory event they would like. It’s hard to be positive about your woman hood and bleeding if it’s painful. As the founder of Mizan Therapy I am obviously going to suggest seeing a Mizan Practitioner who will work with you on diet, lifestyle and emotional shifts that can help. But it may not be the right time for you, there may not be anyone close, or your money may be needed for other things. So here are some ideas that can help.

1. Positivity. Do you refer to being on the rag? The curse? Ever announced the arrival of your menstrual blood as “Code red”, or “It’s that time of the month”? If we want a positive experience, we have to watch our thoughts and words. Try calling it your moontime and see how your perception changes.
2. Creativity. Our womb is our centre for creation – either a baby or creative expression. Write, draw, paint, sing, dance…. You don’t need to be Picasso or David Bowie, just enjoy yourself.
3. Nourishment. Processed food has been shown to increase menstrual symptoms, so now is the time to feed yourself the good stuff – which includes some dark (preferably raw) chocolate.
4. Warmth. Your moontime is the winter of your cycle. Have a special blanket for snuggling under, a hot water bottle… your womb is a muscle, and all muscles function more effectively if they’re warm.
5. Rest. I know it’s not always possible to hibernate in winter, many demands are made on you. But get as much rest as you are able. Even if you can only manage half an hour with your feet up, it will pay dividends. Forget those commercials that show women water ski-ing and hang gliding – this is the time for sleep and early nights not adventures.
6. Support. Stop being superwoman and delegate, delegate and then delegate some more.
7. Sacredness. Making menstruation sacred – whatever sacred means to you – goes a long way to easing the tension. You could have sheets that you only use during your moontime (red satin?), a particular blanket, red candles in your bedroom….
8. Self-interest. If you don’t have the energy for something, say so. If you don’t feel like it, don’t do it. Others may not like it (or is that their selfishness shining through?) but you need to take time for yourself. How about a massage? Or make the time to read that book you never seem to get around to?
9. Journal. Keep a journal throughout your menstrual cycle, or reserve it for your moontime. Record how you feel, what you need to let go of, what you need to bring into your life. Many women find their words flow along with the blood.
10. Chart. Relate your personal menstrual cycle to the moon. When do you ovulate? When do you bleed? How do you feel each day of your cycle? After a few months, you will be able to map your energy cycles, the highs and the lows; so you will always know the days you can happily go out partying into the early hours and those you need to stay at home and reflect.

© Bushra Finch, Tuesday 12th January, 2016