How well do you know your flow?

Do you know that your menstrual flow has important information for you?

I was listening to the radio last week, and a commentator said that researchers are discovering that menstrual blood has important information about a woman’s health. I thought, “well, of course it does!” Traditional Medicine has known this for centuries.

In TCM, your period is referred to as Heavenly Fluid. (Poetic, right?) The color, quality, and amount of menstrual fluid all help your acupuncturist to determine the right treatment for you—from acupuncture, to moxa, to food energetics, and the things you can do at home to help harmonize your flow.

Here’s what the color and consistency of your mentstrual flow mean according to TCM:

• Crimson red: normal, healthy flow

• Bright red: heat that is caused by deficiency. You may need to add some foods that nourish Yin into your diet.

• Pale red: deficiency. Your acupuncturist may tell you to add foods to strengthen your Blood, and to try adding warming foods.

• Purplish-red: a sign that there is cold in your Uterus, or some level of stasis that needs to be addressed. You mgiht need to avoid cold foods and drinks, and to consume warm, cooked food. You might also need to use a heating pad at home, and to receive moxa as part of your acupuncture treatment.

• Deep red: stagnation, potentially from Heat. You may need to reduce or avoid hot, spicy foods for a while.

• Browninsh-red: another sign of stagnation. Adding foods to build Yang may be the right option for you.

• Blood clots: these are a sign of Blood stagnation, which can be addressed with acupuncture.

• Watery flow: a sign of deficiency. Strengthening and nourishment with acupuncture and moxa can be good for you.

Your other signs are important, too—like cramping and the timing of the cramps, irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. Together, these symptoms help form a picture of what is happening for you during your period, and how Traditional Medicine can help you. Schedule your appointment today, to get some relief and balance in your menstrual cycle.