The Four Seasons of the Menstrual Cycle: How To Align With Your Infradian Rhythm
Usha Anandi. 11 | NOVEMBER | 2024
In a world that glorifies the grind, women have been subconsciously brainwashed to live like men.
If you’re sick of ‘powering through’ and ‘girlbossing’, that’s because you’re going against your natural rhythms. It’s simple: we just aren’t wired to live life like little men.
Just as the Earth moves gracefully through her seasons, we too cycle through our own internal seasons. We are beings of nature, not machines, and when we flow instead of force, our health, creativity, and inner peace blossom.
We talk about lifestyle, eating, and medicine making, answer questions, and connect with women from all across the world inside our witchy online coven. If you feel the urge to explore womb-centered healing practices that truly nourish you from the inside out, you might be a Wise Womban too. For all the Ayurveda-curious witches out there who want to learn true nourishment, I invite you to check out my year-long mentorship below….
Unlike men, our bodies abide by both the circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycle we share with men – think of it like the sun’s cycle) and the infradian rhythm (a monthly cycle unique to women – like the moon).
This infradian rhythm is what rules the menstrual cycle, and its influence determines when we should rest and when we’re full of life.
Below, I explore each phase of the menstrual cycle as a season of nature, and how to nurture ourselves through each shift.
1. Follicular Phase (Inner Spring)
Physical Changes
As menstruation ends, your body enters Inner Spring. Estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rise, sparking the growth of follicles in the ovaries. Physically, you may notice increased energy, clearer skin, and a general sense of renewal as your body gears up for ovulation.
Emotional Changes
This phase often brings a spark of enthusiasm, curiosity, and an eagerness to start new projects. Just as spring brings the start of new life, this phase is a time to explore and plant the seeds of your intentions for the month ahead.
Lifestyle Tip
This is peak time to focus on your creative pursuits or brainstorm new ideas. Your mind is open and flexible, and your body’s energy levels support more intense activities like gentle cardio or hiking.
2. Ovulatory Phase (Inner Summer)
Physical Changes
In your “summer” phase, estrogen and luteinizing hormone (LH) peak, releasing a mature egg. Most women feel like their best physically, with radiant skin, tons of energy, and a fiery sex drive.
Emotional Changes
This phase is all about confidence, openness, and social energy. Just as summer is about community and celebration, this phase invites you to be seen, experienced, and connected with. You probably feel like hot shit when you’re ovulating – and you should! All the power of creation is inside of you.
Lifestyle Tip
Lean into social events, presentations, or networking opportunities. This is your phase for showing up, so embrace that natural magnetism.
3. Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn)
Physical Changes
Following ovulation, estrogen levels drop and progesterone rises, preparing the body for possible conception. You may experience symptoms like bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes as your body slows down.
Emotional Changes
Autumn invites introspection. This phase may highlight what’s out of alignment in your life, bringing to the surface any lingering emotions or unaddressed issues. It’s a powerful time to tune into your inner world.
Lifestyle Tip
This is an ideal time for organizing, completing tasks, and creating structure. Embrace self-care rituals that ground and comfort you – think warm baths, journaling, and nourishing meals.
4. Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter)
Physical Changes
With the decline in estrogen and progesterone, the endometrium sheds, initiating menstruation. This phase is one of deep release, both physically and emotionally, as the body clears out what’s no longer needed.
Emotional Changes
Winter encourages stillness and solitude. During menstruation, you may feel a need to withdraw, rest, and reset. This is a phase of introspection, a time to nurture yourself, and to honor any emotions that arise without judgment.
Lifestyle Tip
It’s time to slow down. Prioritize rest as much as your life allows, set boundaries, and practice gentle movements like yoga or walking to support your body’s need for ease and restoration.
The reason so many modern women struggle with their health is because we’ve forgotten a fundamental truth: we are nature.
Ayurveda reminds us that creating health means living in alignment with the natural rhythms of our bodies and the environment.
We don’t have to fight or force ourselves into a linear path. True health only comes when we honor the cycle within.
Join me inside Wise Womban Way, a year-long Ayurvedic mentorship program hosted by me and other guest experts. I invite you to take a leap and start exploring Ayurveda more wholly alongside a community of women who will help you reconnect with your body’s rhythms.
Ready to reclaim your flow?
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