Dress warmer than you normally would during your period to keep your midriff away from the cold.

In TCM if the period arrives earlier than expected its considered Heat causing reckless movement of Blood and the Qi is unable to govern Blood. On the other hand if your period arrives later, this is an indication of deficient blood or cold within the body causing stagnation.

These details along with a tongue diagnosis can determine which of the two are present in the body. A red tongue, for example, would signify Heat while a pale tongue would mean deficiency in Qi If you are one with frequent irregular periods this is an indicator that the Liver Qi is not moving harmoniously.

In TCM an excessive flow signifies heat in the blood or deficiency in Qi. If the flow is insufficient or your period has completely stopped (not including if you are pregnant) this shows signs of deficient blood, cold stagnating the blood or congealed (thick, clotted) blood.

Food

Eating a diet high in cold, raw fruits and vegetables can slowly hinder the reproductive organs and cause delayed arrival, blood clots from stagnation causing unwanted cramping and an obstruction in the flow of Qi. Eating a diet high in yang foods such as meats, coffee, hot peppers tend to create an overly hot environment for the body causing early menses arrival, excess flow and a lowered immune system.

Foods to eat while bleeding: Foods high in minerals and nutrients are what we need to be sticking with during this time such as; sea vegetables (Sea cucumber, seaweed, etc.), sweet potatoes, carrots, beets (great blood builder), nuts, lemon and limes (liver detoxification).

During this time one must regulate the body’s Qi and nourish the blood. Foods that are recommended are those that invigorate the circulatory system, stimulate digestion and aid in detoxification. As mentioned above foods that are great to add to your diet while on your menses include, lots of fresh vegetables like beets, eggplant, greens (kales, spinach, chard, bok choi, watercess), asparagus, cilantro, celery; beans like mung beans and adzuki beans; seaweeds (including micro-algae like spirulina); bitter fruits (as bitter foods help the liver detox) grapefruits, green apples, lemons, and natural sweetness with warming qualities such as Chinese brown sugar, barley malt, red dates.

It is also highly beneficial to add apple cider vinegar to help alkalize the system and to aid in the process of making hydrochloric acid to help the body digest. Also adding my favorite tea; ginger tea is also very beneficial as it helps with circulation and aids in warming the body from the inside out.

Menstruation and Pregnancy

Early Cycle: (4 days or more early) This is a sign of low immunity, lung Qi deficiency and this is an early indicator of blood deficiency in the future. If you were to become pregnant during this time it is said that the baby will be born with an immunity 

Late Cycle: (4 days or more late) This is a sign of deficiency in blood, excess cold, liver stagnation or kidney deficiency. If consistent can lead to amenorrhea. Getting pregnant during this time can lead to a child born with delayed growth (mental and physical) with speech delays and hyperactivity.

Irregular Cycle: (Sometimes early, sometimes late, or on time) A sure sign of blood deficiency and spleen deficiency or excess cold. This happens often with people trying to lose weight or skipping meals. Pregnancy during this time can result in a picky eating child with digestion and fppd sensitivities.

Amenorrheas According to TCM Practitioners

If you experience amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation) before 50 it indicates a liver or kidney deficiency. An over accumulation of dampness (ie. mucus, parasites, toxins.) in the body can also cause an early onset of amenorrhea. Stress is another factor to consider when examining a patient who has an abnormal absence of menses. At this point there may be fertility issues.