This is a 2 part topic. In part 1 below, we discuss menstruation. In part 2, we will look at the source and impact of the myths, misunderstandings, misgivings and magic around menstruation. Part 2 includes a debunking and a re-educating about the cause and purpose for what we know as PMS.
Welcome to part 1. We are about to explore the reactivation of a mechanism that fell victim to "use it or lose it." We've lost it, but we can get it back, as well as next month's $15.
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The following information is based on my personal experience....
Not all cultures and communities have access to period products, and there certainly was a time in history when no such absorbent tools existed. So what did (or do) women do without pads, tampons, rags and such? Just walk around with blood streaming down their legs? Very likely not. Logic lead me to realize that, just like urine and feces, there must be a mechanism in charge of our menstrual blood flow. I don't know what it's called, but I know it's there, because about 8 years ago, mine activated, and I haven't had to use tampons or pads since. It's hard to believe, I know, yet it is absolutely true.
When I was studying Lomilomi, my teacher guided us to "know your flows". I regard this man highly, so I have always put diligence to the tasks he recommended. I have long understood my monthly flow. It has remained quite regular, jumping to full moons and new moons with the equinoxes and solstices. Moving and travel can cause it to jump as well. In attuning to the subtle activities of my reproductive system during my moon (menses), I did not ever expect to arrive at the findings shared here.
Basically, just like when it's time to evacuate the bladder or colon, there is an energetic indicator. A buzz or urge of sorts, that comes just before what I call "outflow"- that being the specific occasion when you let the blood that has accumulated in your uterus flow out of your body. We can call it something else if you like. The opening, the release. It's your experience.
The benefit of not using anything to absorb or inhibit my flow is that I get to see exactly what is coming out of me in all it's various phases, helping me to understand what is going on hourly and daily. From what I have observed, like the bladder, my uterus gradually fills, gets evacuated, and fills again. I will reiterate, this is how my body works. I know women who say they flow non-stop, all day. However, it is my suspicion that this is at least in part, or in some circumstances, fully a result of the lost menses mechanism.
THE MECHANISM-
Over the years, I have detected a nearly imperceptible constant kegel being maintained in the hours between outflow. It stands to reason that, if from the first period we get we put something in or outside of our bodies to absorb flow, that kegel rarely, if ever, gets activated. Eventually, the muscle in charge atrophies to the point of inadequacy, and we are rendered reliant on various absorbent wads of cotton to do the job our bodies once did effortlessly (control outflow).
THE MECHANISM-
Over the years, I have detected a nearly imperceptible constant kegel being maintained in the hours between outflow. It stands to reason that, if from the first period we get we put something in or outside of our bodies to absorb flow, that kegel rarely, if ever, gets activated. Eventually, the muscle in charge atrophies to the point of inadequacy, and we are rendered reliant on various absorbent wads of cotton to do the job our bodies once did effortlessly (control outflow).
THE DETAILS: AN HOUR BY HOUR,
DAY BY DAY EXAMPLE:
In my case, the first day, I suddenly feel I have to poop (which I do....many know how the first day can be- everything is moving out!). When I go to do it, there it is....my moon. About 3-4 hours later, I have another sit, whether I have to go or not. If nothing comes out, I know the next day will be my first heavy flow day. If something does come out, it means my flow is there in full.
I rarely have a spill, but since accidents do happen (with products as well), I wear black underwear. I have probably had less than half a dozen soak thru spills in the last 8 years. That's likely fewer than women using pads and tampons.
FULL MOON FLOW:
DAY 1: It's most viscous today. A very dark red, lava lamp looking liquid. The main flow appears lightly clotted, and small amounts (clots) might come out between scheduled sits*. I sit (on the toilet) every two hours for the whole first day. I sit right before bed for good measure, and my flow slows to a stop while I sleep. Also during exercise and in water.
DAY 1: It's most viscous today. A very dark red, lava lamp looking liquid. The main flow appears lightly clotted, and small amounts (clots) might come out between scheduled sits*. I sit (on the toilet) every two hours for the whole first day. I sit right before bed for good measure, and my flow slows to a stop while I sleep. Also during exercise and in water.
DAY 2: Today, I sit about every 2-4 hours, and a slightly lesser amount of brighter red, less viscous blood comes out. Usually, by the end of day two, there is much less blood than in the morning. If I exercise, I sit right after, no matter how long it's been. Sometimes there is a big flow, and sometimes none.
DAY 3: The first sit might or might not result in anything, and if so, it will probably be lighter than the previous 2 days. Most months, this is the most variable day. It might take from 3-6 hours to accumulate a significant amount of blood for outflow. I pay close attention to the indicator. There could be a small spill today, but usually there is not.
DAY 4: Today, I barely have to sit for it at all. Maybe 2 or 3 times total. My moon appears to be pausing or finishing. The blood is now looking old, and the color is more brown. It might be mixed with discharge. The next three days are the clean-out.
Day 5: There is a mix of old blood and discharge coming out, possibly each time I sit on the toilet for any reason. My uterus is cleaning itself out.
Day 6: Maybe a little of the stuff I saw on Day 5, maybe not.
Day 7: It's over, and there might or might not be the slightest, lightest remnants.
*sits are not lengthy. When the blood is ready, it flows quickly.
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This discovery took several years for me to thoroughly observe, record, and understand. Of course, the details of each woman's experience will be totally unique. Those who do give it a go might or might not find success right away. Some women have irregular periods, and I do not presume to know or understand how that might affect flow overall. It is a combination of the nature of my body, mind and schedule that allowed me to achieve my results.
It helps to have some flexibility. I work from home many days, which is quite ideal. If you try it, I recommend wearing a pad the first few months, or until you start to recognize that indicator energy. You have felt it before- that moment before you gush blood out of your body. Imagine turning that signal down a few notches. When it's time, it's time, and you might not make it to the loo in the beginning, but as that kegel muscle starts to get messages that it's once again needed, it will activate and strengthen, and you will find you are able to stop the sudden heavy outflow, and keep the spills to a reasonable minimum.
.....and here is your lead in to part 2:
Our moon is our power period. The tasks and truths to which we dedicate ourselves during that period bear rich, nutritious, healing fruit. I cherish my moon as a gift, which burns veils and heightens intuition, bringing me to deeper awareness and sacred power.
Day 5: There is a mix of old blood and discharge coming out, possibly each time I sit on the toilet for any reason. My uterus is cleaning itself out.
Day 6: Maybe a little of the stuff I saw on Day 5, maybe not.
Day 7: It's over, and there might or might not be the slightest, lightest remnants.
*sits are not lengthy. When the blood is ready, it flows quickly.
~
This discovery took several years for me to thoroughly observe, record, and understand. Of course, the details of each woman's experience will be totally unique. Those who do give it a go might or might not find success right away. Some women have irregular periods, and I do not presume to know or understand how that might affect flow overall. It is a combination of the nature of my body, mind and schedule that allowed me to achieve my results.
It helps to have some flexibility. I work from home many days, which is quite ideal. If you try it, I recommend wearing a pad the first few months, or until you start to recognize that indicator energy. You have felt it before- that moment before you gush blood out of your body. Imagine turning that signal down a few notches. When it's time, it's time, and you might not make it to the loo in the beginning, but as that kegel muscle starts to get messages that it's once again needed, it will activate and strengthen, and you will find you are able to stop the sudden heavy outflow, and keep the spills to a reasonable minimum.
.....and here is your lead in to part 2:
Our moon is our power period. The tasks and truths to which we dedicate ourselves during that period bear rich, nutritious, healing fruit. I cherish my moon as a gift, which burns veils and heightens intuition, bringing me to deeper awareness and sacred power.
Stay tuned!
Love all ways,
Amelia Love Clearheart
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