JOURNEY OF FERTILITY
Ensure your body is in optimal condition for trying to conceive.
Having a period is not much fun at the best of times, and while you are trying to conceive it can be downright heartbreaking. I have had many clients explain to me how with each menstrual period they feel a sense of loss, hopelessness or despair. These feelings are often further compounded with unpleasant symptoms such as emotional volatility, pain and fatigue, none of which help during this sometimes difficult time.
Instead of seeing each menstrual period as a setback on your path to parenthood, consider it as a time to take special care of yourself and prepare for the next chance at conception. Ancient Chinese physicians called menstruation Tian Gui or ‘Heavenly water’ because they believed that menstrual blood was different from the blood that circulates through and nourishes the body. During the menstrual period there is a loss of blood or ‘Heavenly Water’, but this loss is not simply a monthly discharge of discarded material from the uterus, it is Qi, the vital energy that is required for life.
It is for this very reason that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views the menstrual period as a time when women need to take particular care of themselves. As blood is discharged from the uterus during Heavenly Water, the body is in a state of qi and blood deficiency - as blood is lost so is qi. During this stage of the menstrual cycle, the body is more vulnerable to be influenced by external factors, such as cold. In TCM theory, cold has the ability to obstruct qi and suppress healthy reproductive function. This can result in cramping pain, irritability, bloating and cravings for sweet foods. Ingesting cold foods and drinks (this can mean food and drinks that are physically cold such as ice cream or chilled water, as well as salads, juices and raw foods) can allow cold to enter the body, as can standing on cold floors with bare feet, being under dressed for the weather and swimming during your period.
I wanted to share with you this egg soup recipe as it helps to increase circulation, nourish the body and keep it warm - enabling the smooth and free flow of qi and blood. You can make this during your period to ease menstrual pain and to ensure your body is in optimal condition for trying to conceive.
Egg Soup - Makes 1 serve
1 cup water
1 tablespoon raw sugar
2 eggs
3 tablespoons rice wine (available from Asian grocers)
In a medium saucepan, add 1 cup of water and dissolve raw cane sugar. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Crack 2 eggs into the boiling water and stir as it returns to the boil. Add rice wine and remove from heat. Serve hot.
Remember to like and care for yourself.
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