If we look closely, our menstrual cycles can tell us so much about our health. In Asian Medicine, the subtleties of our cycles as women are clues to key information about the overall state of our health. Now you get to get a sneak peak in to some of what your cycle may be telling you about your health! Let’s start with the length of your cycle.
Length of your Cycle
From an Asian Medicine perspective, the length of your cycle gives vital information diagnostically for your health. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to make sure that you are accurately tracking your cycle and doing so consistently (Click here to see how to accurately count your cycle). The average length of a menstrual cycle, i.e. from the first day of bleeding until the day that menses will begin again is approximately 28 days. Please note, there can be variability from woman to woman regarding the actual length of a monthly cycle. Two days less or more (a 26 day cycle, or a 30 day cycle), is typically considered to still be within normal range. If, however if your cycle is usually 25 days or less, or 31 days or more, it could indicate that some energies may need to be balanced.
From an Asian Medicine standpoint, shorter cycles (a menses that consistently begins 25 days or sooner), could mean that there is a weakness of qi (the closest translation for qi is energy) or excess heat in your body. If this is you, decreasing or eliminating alcohol intake and smoking is essential. Spicy foods and Bikram yoga (yoga done in a high temperature room), may also need to be avoided, as this can contribute to excess heat and thus early cycles.
If your cycle tends to be 31 days or more, this may indicate a deficiency of blood and or kidney energy. It can also mean that there is an excess of cold in your body. If this is you, eliminating cold foods (foods that are straight out of the refrigerator or freezer) could prove to be helpful. You might also benefit a lot from a Bikram yoga class.
Lack of circulation of blood and qi can contribute to shorter or longer cycles. There is less to be concerned about if your cycle has always been that way, as opposed to if it has changed recently without you having experienced any other drastic changes, like moving or taking a new medicine. Keep in mind, that if you consistently have shorter cycles, you will end up with more blood loss at an earlier age. In Asian Medicine, blood is considered to be a precious fluid, and is essential to be preserved for preventive health and healthy aging.
Love being a woman,
Dr. Danett
If you’d like assistance with having a healthier cycle, click here to make an appointment with Dr. Danett.
