Whilst menstruating, it’s important to look after your body and health while the body is losing qi and xue/blood. In TCM theory the uterus is “open” when it is bleeding, so to look after the female body during this time :
Avoid:
- Sex (essential)
- Lifting during or straight after period
- Cold wet head/hair
- Cold, damp environment exposure (This contributes to stagnant flow and period pain)
- Overwork (including over concentration)
- Eating excessive cold and raw foods or icy drinks
- Anger
- Sour foods (eg pickles)
Include:
- Gentle regular exercise
- Keeping lower abdomen warm
- Eating warm nourishing easy to digest foods
- Warm water and warm fluids
