Menopause is a natural and profound phase in a woman’s life, signaling the end of her menstrual cycles and reproductive years. It is a time of transition, often misunderstood or feared, but holds immense potential for growth, wisdom, and self-discovery.

At its core, menopause is a transformative journey that invites us to embrace our changing bodies, emotions, and inner landscapes.

PERIMENOPAUSE – THE MENTRUAL – MENOPAUSE TRANSITION (MMT)

Contrary to popular belief, a natural Menopause is not a sudden event but a gradual process known as the Menstrual Menopause Transition. This transition can begin as early as our late 30s or early 40s and can extend over a span of 10 to 15 years, much like our puberty years. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to Menopause – the 12month anniversary of the last menstrual bleed. This phase marks a profound transition in our lives, a journey that calls us to honour the wisdom and power that resides within, a sacred dance between the cycles of life.

It is during this time that our bodies adjust, charactised by major hormonal fluctuations, often leading to symptoms of irregular or heavy cycles, hormonal swings, hot flushes, sweats, brain fog, anxiety, overwhelm, irritability and insomnia.

In our society, however, Perimenopause and Menopause have often been overshadowed by dysfunction and neglect. The focus has been on symptoms and challenges, rather than the profound transformation that awaits us. But we have the power to shift this perspective and embrace the beauty of this sacred passage.

BENEFITS OF NOURISHING SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THIS LIFE TRANSITION

The benefits of nourishing our menstrual menopause transition are vast. We can experience increased vitality, improved emotional well-being, heightened creativity, and a profound sense of empowerment.

By honouring and nurturing our menstrual menopause transition, we can navigate this transformative phase with grace and ease, avoiding burnout and embracing the fullness of our cyclical nature.

Nourishing this time of transition allows us to tap into the wisdom and power that resides within us, a time to connect and honour the Wise Woman (Maga) we are becoming. A time to remind us that menopause is not a time of loss but a time of rebirth. It is an opportunity to connect with our intuition, deepen our self-care practices, and reclaim our inner authority.

Synchronising your rhythms with the lunar cycle can help reduce burnout, promote cyclical self-care, and honour your innate rhythms.

Aligning your daily activities with the phases of the moon, can boost your productivity, enhance creativity, and contribute to your overall success. It’s an invitation to explore how syncing with the moon’s cycles can deepen your self-connection, rejuvenate your vitality, and empower you on a profound journey of well-being.

Embracing the cyclical nature of your body adds a touch of magic and intention to every aspect of your life, both personal and professional.

Menopause as a radiant gateway, not an ending but a glorious beginning, an opportunity to reclaim our true essence and embody the wisdom that comes with age and experience. Like the moon waning and waxing, we too move through phases, shedding the old and birthing the new.

By honouring our cyclical nature, embracing self-care practices, and connecting with the rhythms of nature, we can navigate the Menstrual Menopause Transition with grace and vitality. It is through this nourishment that we pave the way for long-term health and wellbeing, rewriting the narrative and reclaiming our power.

NOURISHING CYCLICAL RHYTHMS

• Connect with the moon cycle: Pay attention to the lunar cycle and track you you flow with the moon. Learn about the phases of its expansion and contraction and the physical, mental, and emotional changes that shift for you during each phase.
• Track your awareness of body, mind and heart: Keep a journal of any symptoms that arise and note any patterns or correlations with the phases of your moon cycle.
• Practice Cyclical Self-Care: Make time for self-care during the different phases of your moon cycle, such as movement, stress supports, dietary nourishment or meditating. Try a Moon Bath
• Work with your cycle: Use your cycle awareness to plan your life commitments, work schedule, projects, and daily routine in a way that supports your well-being.

NOURISHING SELF – CARE RITUALS

Choose a date: Pick a night around the full moon, when the moon’s energy is at its strongest. Check a lunar calendar or app to find out the exact date of the next full moon. Spend some time each night outside tracking the moon from expansion to contraction.

Create a sacred space: Create a quiet and peaceful space for yourself to take your moon bath. You can light candles, burn incense, play soft music, or anything else that helps you feel relaxed and connected.

Fill your bath: Fill your bathtub with warm water, adding some Epsom salts, essential oils, or dried herbs to the water to help soothe your body and mind.

Connect with the moon: While you soak in the bath, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Visualize the light of the full moon washing over you, cleansing and renewing your body and spirit. You can also meditate, journal, or simply bask in the moon’s energy.

Reflect and release: After your bath, take some time to reflect on your intentions and goals for the coming month. Write down anything that comes to mind, and release any thoughts or feelings that no longer serve you.

Repeat monthly: Make a commitment to yourself to take a moon bath around the full moon and the dark/new moon each month. Use this time to connect with the moon’s energy, reflect on your journey, and set new intentions for the coming cycle.

Remember, taking a moon bath is all about creating a sacred space for yourself and connecting with the natural rhythms of the moon. Allow yourself to be present in the moment and let the moon’s energy guide you on your journey of self-discovery and growth.

I invite you to embrace the opportunity to connect with your inner wisdom, celebrate your cyclical nature, and navigate menopause as a catalyst for profound transformation.

I work with women in transition to nourish their Menopause & Perimenopause journeys with herbal medicine, nutrition and cycle awareness coaching.

If you would like to learn more about how to harness the energy of your rhythms and work with me please book an Alignment Call and we can chat further about how I can support you.

In gratitude,

Rachel Deering

Bsc Hons Naturopathic Womancrafter