The Rhythms Within: Understanding the Female Cycle and Clinical Kinesiology Shifts

We are the generation of women who were taught about our bodies in fluorescent-lit co-ed classrooms, absorbing thirty other opinions while trying to hide our embarrassment. We learned about our wombs and cycles in the same breath as warnings and shame. Many of us were handed contraceptive pills as teenagers—sometimes just to clear our skin—without ever being told how synthetic hormones would blunt our natural rhythms. We were conditioned to see our bleeding as an inconvenience to be managed discreetly with perfumed, toxic tampons and to push through it all as if nothing was happening. In the process, we became disconnected from the profound intelligence of our wombs and the cyclical wisdom of the divine feminine that lives within each of us.

The female menstrual cycle is so much more than just “that time of the month.” It is a finely orchestrated hormonal symphony that affects mood, energy, cognition, and even our ability to connect with others. Learning to honour this cycle—by syncing with the moon, understanding our natural rhythms, and supporting each phase nutritionally and energetically—can be profoundly empowering. Its complexity has also left us largely excluded from statistically reported research results, as the natural fluctuations of our hormones deeply impact the effectiveness and consistency of many external interventions. Below, I’ll share an overview of the four main phases of the cycle, how they relate to the moon and collective female energy, and some tips on nutrition and supplements to help you feel your best.

Overview of Menstruation in TCM: Meridians, Yin, and Yang

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, menstruation is a vital expression of a woman’s health and the balanced flow of Chi (energy) and Blood (Xue). The menstrual cycle is governed by the dynamic dance of Yin and Yang energies and regulated through the meridian system.

The Meridians Most Involved

• Governing Meridian (Penetrating Vessel): Known as the “Sea of Blood,” the Chong Mai stores and regulates Blood in the uterus. It rises from the Kidneys and nourishes the reproductive system. Any stagnation or deficiency in this area can cause irregular cycles or painful periods.

• Central Vessel (Conception Vessel): Often referred to as the “Sea of Yin,” the Ren Mai governs the uterus and all Yin fluids. It is essential for the smooth flow of menstrual Blood.

• Kidney Meridian: In TCM, the Kidneys store Jing (essence), which underpins reproductive health. Healthy Kidney energy ensures enough Blood and Chi for a regular cycle. It is the Kidney Meridian that energetically links the body to the moon through its connection to water, flow, and retention. Meanwhile, our perception of stress, fear, and survival within the Kidney Meridian informs the body when it is safe enough to rest, digest, and reproduce. 

Raspberry Leaf Tea is good for the above mentioned. While Korean red ginseng has been known to have long term support for this.

• Liver Meridian: The Liver stores Blood and governs its smooth flow. When Liver Qi becomes stagnant—often due to stress, frustration, or overwork—it can lead to clotting, pain, and PMS. The Liver itself is a complex organ with two primary phases: managing water-soluble and fat-soluble metabolites. From a meridian perspective, when Liver energy is depleted—sometimes because the Kidney meridian is expressing excess energy—we may crave fatty foods and experience symptoms such as scanty periods or amenorrhoea, dizziness, dry eyes and hair, poor memory, and muscle cramps. Conversely, when the Liver meridian has excess energy and tries to over-control the Circulation/Sex meridian, we are more likely to experience PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness, irritability, painful periods (dysmenorrhoea), digestive upset (bloating and constipation), and pronounced mood swings. These mood shifts often manifest as the characteristic emotions of the Liver meridian: anger, frustration, judgment, and despair. 

Lions Mane and Maitake mushroom are an amazing support here. While Dragons Blood and Shailajit Resin offer long term support to detox and strength the system.

Yin and Yang Dynamics

• Yin Energy: Represents rest, nourishment, coolness, and inward movement. The menstrual phase is a Yin-dominant time, requiring stillness and replenishment.

• Yang Energy: Represents warmth, action, and outward movement. As menstruation ends and ovulation approaches, Yang begins to rise again.

• During menstruation, Yin reaches its peak and then begins to wane as old Blood is shed, creating space for renewal. This natural decline is why warmth, rest, and inward focus are so essential.

• Excessive cold exposure or overactivity during menstruation can weaken Yang, leading to cramps and stagnation.

The Process of Release

• Menstruation is the body’s way of discharging old, unneeded Blood and Qi, much like clearing out stagnant water to make space for fresh circulation. 

• It is also a clearing of unused Jing (essence) and chi potential that was not transformed into conception.

• If this release is incomplete—due to suppression, exhaustion, or cold—it can create blockages in the Governing Vessel and Conception Vessel meridians. When this energy flows freely, it rises through the energetic centres as the serpent or kundalini spiral energy, supporting third eye activation, intuition, and manifestation.

Energetic Vulnerability

• Because a significant amount of Qi and Blood is directed to the uterus at this time, the body is more susceptible to external influences, especially those of Cold, Damp, and Wind. This is why TCM recommends keeping the abdomen and lower back warm and protected.

Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5): The Inner Winter

What’s happening:

Hormone levels drop sharply, prompting the uterine lining to shed. This is your body’s natural reset and release. Menstruation is both an energetic and physical clearing of the month past, as well as preparation for the month ahead. The release of menstrual blood energetically mirrors the body's cleansing of toxins. It is the shedding of stagnant flow and a reflection of chi potential that was not used or no longer serves you. During menstruation, your chi regeneration energy drops to just 20% availability for the physical body, immune system, and structural alignment, as nearly 80% of your life force is directed toward the cleansing process. Yet in this quieting of outward energy, connection and intuition often fill the spaces that chi vacates, offering profound insight and inner guidance.

Moon Connection: Often linked to the New Moon—a time of retreat, reflection, and renewal. Traditionally, the New Moon in all its darkness brought a natural stillness, as the absence of light encouraged rest, introspection, and turning inward.

Community Energy: Many women tend to be more sensitive to collective emotions during this time. It’s natural to withdraw or crave quieter spaces. Within the stillness of body and mind, energy, spirit, and source can be felt and heard. Just as water must become perfectly still to reflect clearly, it is in this inner quiet that the wind of spirit can touch us. This is the essence of Hexagram 57—A Gentle Wind, a time of clairaudience and subtle perception, and within the Gene Keys, this translates to unease - intuition to clarity.

Nourishment & Support:

• Iron-rich foods (grass-fed red meat, lentils, spinach) to replenish iron lost in bleeding.

• Warming meals like stews, broths, and herbal teas.

• Supplements: Shilajit Resin (Teelixir) which is pact full of trace minerals but with high qualities of magnesium, iron and zinc. 

• Practices: to quieten and soften, rest as much as you can. Gentle yoga or stretching. Journaling to reflect on what’s releasing in your life.

Energy and Cognition

• Increased interoception: Research suggests women may be more aware of internal sensations (e.g., cramping, digestion) during menstruation.

• Slower cognitive processing speed: Small studies have shown that reaction time can decline slightly in early menstruation due to hormonal fluctuations and discomfort, although the results are mixed.

• Heightened intuition and dream activity: Some anthropologists and psychologists propose that the “withdrawal” impulse is adaptive—a time to conserve energy and process subconscious material.

Historical and Cultural Views

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: The menstrual phase is seen as a Yin, cooling time, requiring rest and warmth to replenish Blood and Kidney Essence.

• Ayurveda: Menstruation is a cleansing process governed by Apana Vata (downward energy). Women are encouraged to rest and avoid heavy exertion.

• Indigenous Traditions: Many cultures had menstrual huts or “moon lodges,” recognising this time as sacred and connected to spiritual renewal.

Follicular Phase (Day 6–14): The Inner Spring

What’s happening: Estrogen begins to rise, maturing an egg and increasing serotonin levels. Energy, motivation, and creativity return.

Moon Connection: The Waxing Moon—momentum builds, clarity increases.

Community Energy: A great time for planning, socialising, and setting intentions with other women.

Nourishment & Support:

• Protein-rich foods to fuel new growth (pasture-raised eggs, quinoa, fish).

• Plenty of Bitter Greens for hormone balance, such as rocket, dandelion, mustard greens, and parsley.

• Supplements: B-complex (Livatone), vitamin D (preferably from sunshine), omega-3s (These will have a significant impact, so ensure the supplement is pure).

• Practices: Start new projects, connect with friends, and move your body more dynamically.

Ovulatory Phase (Day 15–17): The Inner Summer

What’s happening: Estrogen and luteinising hormone peak, triggering ovulation. You often feel magnetic, confident, and outwardly focused. When I introduce this phase in the clinic, I usually refer to it as 'good hair day' or 'skinny jeans day,' depending on which generation I’m addressing.

Moon Connection: Full Moon energy—radiant, expressive, and fertile (literally and metaphorically).

Community Energy: Historically, ovulation was a time of collective gatherings and shared celebration. Many women feel more collaborative, generous, and socially open. This is often when you naturally have more energy to leave the house, connect with others, and attract a partner. Smell during this phase is essential. The olfactory sense is reflected in Hexagram 44, the gateway to our karmic contracts. It is through this sense of smell that we detect safety, genetic compatibility, and the perfect partner to create healthy offspring. Be mindful that your natural aroma remains clean and pure so that the connections you make during this time are organically aligned rather than influenced by synthetic fragrances. Within the Gene Keys, this would involve shifting from interference—teamwork to Synarchy healing blood and song lines. 

Nourishment & Support:

• Light, vibrant meals (salads, berries, lean protein).

• Zinc-rich foods to support egg release and immune health.

• Supplements: Pearl Powder (Teelixir) Zinc, vitamin C, antioxidants.

• Practices: Public speaking, networking, and date nights. Your energy is magnetic—use it wisely.

Luteal Phase (Day 18–28): The Inner Autumn

What’s happening: Progesterone rises to prepare the womb lining. If there is no pregnancy, hormones gradually decline.

Moon Connection: Waning Moon—preparing for rest, letting go.

Community Energy: You may feel more private, discerning, or easily overwhelmed by others and the energy they bring with them.

Nourishment & Support:

• Complex carbs (sweet potato, brown rice) slow release complex sugars, Autumn is splenic and the sweetness in life. Dates and almond butter are perfect here too . 

• Magnesium-rich foods (dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds).

• Supplements: Reishi Mushroom,  Ashwagandha, Schisandra Berry (All available from Teelixir), evening primrose oil.

• Practices: Prioritise sleep, set healthy boundaries, prepare for menstruation.

Syncing with Other Women

Have you ever noticed your cycle shifts to align with the women you spend the most time with? This is called menstrual synchrony, a phenomenon still debated by science but commonly reported anecdotally. Historically, women gathered in Red Tents or Moon Lodges to bleed together, rest, and share wisdom. You can recreate this supportive atmosphere by:

• Sharing cycle awareness with friends or sisters.

• Using a group moon calendar to track energies.

• Holding space for each other’s phases with compassion.