There are so many parts of our body that we can connect with as our core selves, as science can now confirm that our heart has its own intelligence, our gut (instinct), and our minds, of course — and I want you to consider the magic that is really the center of all creation — the womb.
Womb Magic + Vital Signs
The womb, or uterus, is a fascinating organ that I am obsessed with — along with the magic of menstrual blood.
Here are some super cool things that you should know, or maybe haven’t really appreciated:
- The uterus is a powerful shapeshifter — it’s normally about the size of a pear, but it can stretch significantly during pregnancy to accommodate a growing baby. By the end of pregnancy, it can hold up to 500 times its original volume! After childbirth, the uterus contracts and returns to nearly its original size, a process called involution — how cool is that?
- Your monthly cycle is one of the most remarkable examples of natural tissue regeneration in the human body. The uterine wall contains some of the strongest muscles in the human body — ss you may be able to attest to if you are someone who struggle with cramps. (Hit me up for tips if you do!)
- The uterus plays a crucial role in the hormonal cycle. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone influence its function, while its activity impacts overall hormonal balance in the body. Although we think of our cycles hormones as “sex hormones” (‘cause that’s what they taught us in high school bio), these hormones are essential to so many bodily functions. This gives you a clue as to why perimenopause brings 75-plus symptoms across all systems in the body when estrogen production shifts.
- Did you know that the word “hysteria” derives from the Greek word hystera, meaning uterus? Ancient Greek physicians believed the uterus could move around the body and cause various ailments — a theory long since debunked. Don’t even get me started…
- Emerging research in fetal origins suggests that experiences in the womb can shape a baby’s long-term health and development, from nutrition to stress exposure.
Our menstrual blood is also magic — despite what the patriarchy has socialized us to believe! Often misunderstood or stigmatized, it’s a fascinating and unique bodily fluid with many cool aspects.
Here are 10 super cool facts:
1. Menstrual blood contains mesenchymal stem cells, similar to those found in bone marrow. These stem cells have the potential for regenerative medicine and are being studied for their ability to repair tissues, heal wounds and treat diseases.
2. It isn’t “just blood.” Menstrual fluid is a mix of blood, uterine lining tissue, vaginal secretions and cervical mucus — a rich elixir of feminine power and regeneration. It contains proteins, hormones and even trace minerals, reflecting a dynamic biological process.
3. The color, texture and volume of menstrual blood can provide clues about a person’s hormonal health, hydration levels and even iron status. Irregularities can sometimes indicate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or anemia. Not to mention the plethora of femtech startups creating all sorts of new clinical tests that can utilize your menstrual blood instead of more invasive testing.
4. Menstrual blood helps flush out the uterine lining (endometrium) that builds up during the cycle, ensuring the uterus is clean and ready for potential pregnancy in the next cycle. Eight menstrual health trends we’re watching in 2024 | The Period Place
5. Your vagina, like your gut, has its own unique microbiome, and menstrual blood hosts a unique mix of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus species, which play a role in maintaining vaginal health and pH balance. Check out the podcast I did with Mo Carrier, who has invented female condoms that actually promote vaginal health instead of disrupting like most do.
6. Across cultures and history, menstrual blood has been revered as sacred, used in fertility rituals and associated with creative or life-giving power. In some traditions, it was believed to hold healing or mystical properties.
Fertility and Life-Giving Power
In ancient Egypt, menstrual blood was associated with creation and fertility. The goddess Isis was believed to use her menstrual blood in magical rituals to bestow fertility and protection.
In Māori culture (New Zealand) menstrual blood was thought to contain sacred life-giving energy. The earth’s red clay was seen as symbolizing the menstrual blood of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother. The Māori are one of the coolest cultures on earth with their haka dance.
Hopi indigenous peoples (North America) believe menstrual blood is a symbol of womanhood’s creative power, linking it to cycles of life, death and rebirth.
Protective and Healing Properties
In medieval Europe, menstrual blood was sometimes believed to have protective properties. For example, it was thought to ward off evil spirits or curses.
Among some West African groups, menstrual blood was considered powerful in spiritual rituals, used by shamans or healers to connect with ancestral energy or the divine.
In Indian Tantric traditions and rituals, menstrual blood (referred to as rajas) was seen as sacred and used symbolically to represent the creative and transformative energy of the feminine divine.
7. Sustainability potential: Scientists are exploring ways to use menstrual blood in innovative ways — such as for regenerative medicine or eco-friendly applications — due to its rich biological components.
8. Menstrual art and advocacy: Some artists use menstrual blood in their work as a way to challenge stigma, celebrate the menstrual cycle and promote body positivity.
9. Connection to the moon: Many people note that menstrual cycles often align with lunar cycles (28-29 days), fostering symbolic connections between menstruation and nature’s rhythms in various cultures.
10. Environmental awareness: more and more women are using sustainable products like luna cups or period undies — which are better for our health and less toxic than pads and tampons. As always, being eco-conscious is better for your health. I love Revol Cares’ black thong.
Menstrual blood is not just a biological byproduct; it’s a powerful window into health and a source of curiosity and empowerment. Across time and cultures, menstrual blood has symbolized everything from divine creation to earthly power, healing energy and sacred feminine strength.
Here is a womb-focused guided meditation
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