Period blood is still a real taboo in our modern Western society.
Today, blood is no longer represented in blue in advertisements for sanitary napkins, but it is a subject that remains little discussed, particularly by allopathic medicine.
We met Emilie Argia, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and Medicine Woman for whom period blood is an indicator of health. Specialist of the woman and her intimacy, of the moments of the cycle, of the connection to the mother earth, we questioned her so that she reveals to us the secrets that hide in the blood of the rules.
Marie: Emilie, can you tell us more about period blood? Is it the same as bleeding from a cut, for example?
Emilie: We know little about it, but the period blood is a real means of escape. Some of my patients have passed cysts with menstrual blood following a session with me.
You could say that menstrual blood is subject to sorcery. Indeed, we wanted to remove this power that emanates from women's bodies. Modern medicine is basically a male discipline and that is why this medicine cannot understand the meaning of period blood.
Why does our body open and bleed? I would say that period blood collects everything that is not necessary for the body, such as our emotions and our memories. Through the menstrual cycle, a powerful cleansing takes place. Everything that needs to be evacuated comes out through our lower tract towards the earth. We thank our body for evacuating all that is necessary. It is good for the woman as well as for those around her.
The particularity of women comes from their ability to regenerate blood because they need it every month. A seriously injured man will need more time than a woman to recover. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is said that breast milk, like hair, is an extension of blood.
Period blood is a reflection of health. You can read in it. Menstrual blood color and cycle length are true indicators of health.
Mary: It reminds me of the many women who miss their period for various reasons, such as taking medication or certain forms of birth control that stop the period.
Emilie: Indeed it is very complicated for women who no longer have their periods. In ancestral medicine (those more than 6000 years old) we start there because we consider that when a single orifice is blocked, it is a problem. Blocked periods are the cause of many pathologies.
Today, periods under chemical contraception only provide a mini-cleansing. The hormones present in hormonal birth control no longer allow the body to perform the natural "menstrual play". So it's a bleeding but it's not the natural rules. In this case, women are no longer aligned with the rhythm of the earth. On the other hand, the copper IUD does not prevent connection to the earth and the moon. It is a contraceptive that allows you to fully experience your period.
Mary: You say menstrual blood is an indicator of health that you can read. Can you tell us more, especially about the color of period blood?
Emilie: Absolutely! It is an important diagnostic indicator in Traditional Chinese Medicine and women are always asked about the quality of their period blood.
First of all we will focus on its texture.It is important to look at the presence of filaments, the viscosity of the blood, i.e. how liquid it is, if it contains clots, etc. This will depend on the quality of our bodily fluids. The easiest way to realize its texture is to be careful when wiping on the toilet or when cleaning your sanitary napkin or menstrual cup in water.
The other important indicator is the color of period blood. The ideal is a beautiful blood red color, neither too light nor too dark. Colors that are too light, for example, show a void of blood.
In summary, during a consultation, we first use the blood as an indicator to determine if there is a problem or not.
Marie: It's exciting because you never think of things like that. Doctors or gynecologists do not ask questions on this subject.
Then the question is "what do I do with my period blood ?" »
Mary: So what should we do with period blood?
Emilie: Over 10 years ago, I met a medicine woman in Mexico and she asked me if I was earthing my blood. She explained to me that women should bring their blood as an offering to mother earth. If women don't, she told me, men should. Mother earth needs blood and it is important that women give her their blood otherwise it will create imbalances.
Marie: And you Emilie, how do you return your blood to the earth?
Emilie: It's simple, I put part of my blood in my compost and another part in the watering can to water my indoor plants. You can do this even if you live in the city in an apartment with green plants or by watering a tree, for example, to put the blood back to the ground.
The body belongs to the earth, so does my blood. Here in France or in Europe it is not at all common but there are many people who collect the blood of menstruation. You just have to tell yourself that it's a powerful fertilizer, and above all it's important to do it consciously.
Mary: Do you know of any other practices related to the use of menstrual blood?
Emilie: There are many practices. In the past women used their blood in front of their house to protect it. Again, what matters is the intention with which you do things. There are also rituals where women drink a drink with a little of their blood to have certain results.
Today in the dominant discourse, we are very far from these practices. Many women do not want to "see the color". Finally, we are very far from our femininity.
Mary: How do you recommend women who wish to collect their period blood?
Emilie: Menstrual cups allow you to collect the blood very well to observe it well. This is also possible with washable sanitary napkins and period panties. Personally, I put my towels to soak for a few hours in a basin. Then I rub the towel then I put this water as an offering to the earth.
Marie: Thank you for this fascinating insight into our blood. Do you have any final words?
Emilie: “When the woman is no longer bleeding, she teaches. »
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