“For me, mindful menstruation means being aware of the cycle,” explains our expert, nutritionist and cycle coach Alina Gummert.
In an interview with BRIGITTE.de, the trained vegan nutritionist and yoga teacher tells Alina Gummertwho specializes in menstrual cycle symptoms, among other things, why it is so important to get to know your own cycle better. Not only for our well-being, but also to finally make the period socially acceptable.
The fact that topics related to menstruation are still largely being pushed out of the public discourse is a real problem. Most menstruating people can certainly remember their school days only too well. The master discipline: To remove the tampon or the pad out of the satchel so skillfully that nobody saw it. And why all of this? Period shame! Because it wasn’t talked about. And fortunately that is changing now. Finally.
BRIGITTE.de: Period and feminism, are they inseparable?
Alina Gummert: For me, period openness is clearly related to feminism: We women no longer want to hide, we want to show who we are. And the period is just part of us. Mindfulness during menstruation is a beginning to deal with our own little trauma with period and period shaming. Of course, we can’t change all of society right away, but we can start with our body and learn to understand its needs.
Mindful menstruation is the “trend” right now, but what does that mean?
For me, that means being aware of my own cycle. The body usually has less energy available during periods because it focuses on shedding the lining of the uterus. I try to respect that and support my body by resting a lot. Menstruation is the most obvious part of our cycle – blood comes out of you – it may make it easier for some to attend to their physical needs. Nevertheless, it is advantageous not only to live mindfully during the bleeding phase, but also in all subsequent phases of the cycle. Cycle mindfulness or cycle awareness are terms that stand for perceiving the cyclical needs and living according to them.
But that also excludes hormonal contraceptive methods because they mess up the natural cycle, is that correct?
Yes, so to speak. The pill and other hormonal contraceptives suppress the natural cycle. With the pill break we force a bleeding – the withdrawal bleeding – but this has absolutely nothing to do with the natural menstrual period. From a medical point of view, there is no need to take a pill break. We’re only doing this to simulate a cycle, for the feeling. If I had known this earlier, when I was still taking the pill myself, I could have saved myself a lot of hygiene products and pain pills.
Is the pill bad per se?
The pill at least prevents you from learning about your natural cycle. Like any other drug, it has side effects, you just have to be aware of that. That is why it should not be prescribed inflationarily. The pill is not the solution for blemished skin and mild period pains, it only whitewashes the symptoms. However, it must also be made clear that there are certain clinical pictures, such as endometriosis, in which the pill can contribute enormously to improving the quality of life. So I don’t want to demonize them. Everyone should be able to make an informed decision and that works best when medical professionals offer this information.
Many menstruating people have period pains, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), and other symptoms and think they should live with them. But is that really true?
Under no circumstance. Such symptoms are not normal. Often they are caused by a hormonal imbalance. You are not helplessly exposed to your cycle, period pains and mood swings and you can actively do something about it. Your cycle will even help you with it: It is a real-time marker of our health, better than any fitness watch. You just have to learn to use it properly.
Do you have any tips against period pain?
First of all, it should always be clarified whether the pain is due to an illness. If this is not the case, warmth can help with acute abdominal / back pain, e. B. in the form of showers, hot water bottles or plasters. But also gynecological herbal teas (lady’s mantle, yarrow, nettle) have a relaxing effect. Certain yoga exercises that specifically relax the abdomen can relieve pain.
In the long term, life after the cycle phases and a balanced, wholesome diet help with PMS and period pain. In addition, the change in my mindset with regard to my period and the topic of femininity was a real game changer for me. Ask yourself: how do you feel when you think about your period? Is it shame Gratitude? Are you maybe even looking forward to your period? How is menstruation rated in your environment, in your family or among friends? Is it handled openly or is it a taboo subject? The psyche has more influence on our body than we think. With the right approach, you can really change things for the better.
Your absolute insider tip?
I wish I could give a quick fix guide, but unfortunately there isn’t – every body and cycle is so individual. But one thing that many do not know: plastic products such as plastic bottles and packaging, but also cosmetics, often contain endocrine disruptors. These are substances that can disrupt the cycle because they intervene in our finely tuned endogenous hormonal system and can cause considerable damage there. Make sure that you avoid using such products whenever possible.
Sources used: Brigitte interview with Nutritionist Alina Gummert, Instagram alina_nutrition