Woman’s moon cycle
by Suzanne Swan
We know from ancient cultures that a woman’s cycle is intimately linked with the moon. Our modern culture, with its preoccupation with birth control devices and its emphasis on consumerism, has tampered with the natural ebb and flow of a woman’s cycle.
Once every month, your menstrual cycle should occur with the dark moon. If your cycle does not coincide with the moon phases, you can utilise fertility yoga practices to restore your natural cycle.*
The dark moon, often referred to as the ‘resting moon’, is a time of rest and replenishment. During your menstruation, you are required to move at a slower pace and allow your body to cleanse itself. You are advised to limit your activities to the bare minimum so that your body experiences the least possible intrusion. Avoid wearing tampons when you practice yoga during your menstruation. The tampons hinder the natural downward flow of energy that encourages the healthy purification process. A restorative practice is recommended during this moon phase.
The waxing moon is linked with the energies of the beginning of the menstrual cycle. It is a time of new ideas, imagination, exploring potentials, being resourceful, and open to everything without fear. It is a time to strengthen and find balance in your yoga practice.
The full moon is linked with the energy of ovulation. It is a state of ripe creativity, time spent conceiving, nurturing, and developing ideas. It is a time to explore yoga postures that are more extroverted and open outwards. You can stimulate ovulation at this time by adjusting your nighttime light exposure. Keep your curtains open so that the light of the full moon can enter your room.
The energy associated with the waning moon is one of introspection, intolerance, and heightened emotions. The waning moon is the time of the harvest and putting things away. Practicing supported inversions during this premenstrual phase is especially helpful for balancing your hormones.
In our personalised fertility yoga program or online fertility yoga videos with Suzanne Swan we link your yoga practices to the moon cycle. When you understand the moon's cycle rhythms and take time to rest and replenish once a month, you will recharge your creative potential and conserve your feminine powers.
*Please note that your menstrual cycle will be different from the moon phases for some of the year due to the length of your menstrual cycle being slightly different from the 29.5 day moon cycle.
