The menstrual phase is the FOURTH phase of your cycle and begins on the first day of your bleed.
Typically the corresponding moon phase for the menstrual phase is the new moon 🌑 which represents - new beginnings - clean slate, gather thoughts and plan.
I also like to acknowledge the waning crescent moon 🌘 which is just before the new moon and represents - surrender - recuperate and rest.
If counting day 1 as day 1 the menstrual phase begins around day 24 (if using the old way of counting it's day 1).
I think this is a good time to repeat this amazing quote from Alissa Vitti:
“Your bleed as Day 1 is a medical reference that emerged from a time when only men were allowed to practice medicine. It's not the beginning for anyone who bleeds and who lives the experience. Your bleed is the culmination of your hormonal cycle, not the beginning.
The only reason the start of the bleed has been referenced as Day 1 of your cycle is that it was assumed that the bleeding phase is the only one you would notice or track and thereby make it easier for doctors to reference.
The confusion created by this exogenous labeling diminishes a woman's intuitive wisdom, devalues her physical experience, and robs her of self authority and self governance. The imprecise and deficient vocabulary available to describe our physical reality limits our experience of self and breeds doubt. Just as improvements must be made in research to eliminate gender bias, we as women must describe and define this physical experience for ourselves on our own terms as part of healing from patriarchal conditioning, honoring our bodies, and claiming our power.”
- from In the Flo by Alissa Vitti
I have gone back and forth many times about whether I "go the easy route" and use this way of counting (day 1 being the day you bleed) and Alissa Vitti's quote always comes back and powerfully reenforces my position... THAT DAY 1 IS DAY 1!! lol...
The menstrual phase is the END of our cycle, NOT the start, therefore, Day 1 is in Phase 1 (the follicular phase).
While the menstrual phase is a time of newness, it is not new in the same way as the follicular phase is.
I always think about nature and this beautifully re-enforces the message as well... winter/menstruation is the end of the cycle.
During this phase our hormones are at their lowest levels which cultivates clarity within the brain and makes it the best time for introspection, reflection, review and integration. Our bodies are at their coolest levels which means its time to eat cooked grounding foods and drink warm teas or cacao.
Movement during the menstrual phase should feel restorative, I like to take my movement flow to the ground for this phase and avoid inversions 🧘♀️
Hormones: LOWEST
Mood: REST
Corresponding Season: WINTER
Dosha to balance: VATA/KAPHA
Moon phase: NEW MOON
xo
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