Definition:
The period and postpartum are times when the uterus naturally goes through a cleanse. Much like all organs in the body, the uterus has a natural cycle. Part of that cycle is to shed what it no longer needs in order to be able to start its cycle over again. In the case of the uterus, the functions we know about relate to reproduction and endocrine system regulation (hormones) which means that uterine health is a vital part of mental and emotional well-being and overall health.

MONTHLY UTERINE CLEARING
The most frequent uterine clearing occurs monthly and is known as menstruation. This can be called the monthly uterine clearing or cleanse. During this monthly uterine clearing, the uterus sheds the endometrial lining of its walls by opening up the uterine artery and flushing it out with blood. A healthy monthly uterine clearing averages four days and occurs every 28-30 days. The sign of a full uterine clearing is if the menstruation starts and ends on fresh menses. Clots, cramps, and brown blood are signs that there is some stagnation and that the uterus isn’t getting its full clearing (see Uterine Stagnation ).

FUN FACTS
“Period” is a term by male anthropologists who believed that menstruation was a “periodic illness”.

The words menstruation and month both come from the word moon. Sometimes people say that they are “with the moon” or “have their moon” as a way to communicate they are menstruating.

The term “uterine clearing or cleanse” is also gaining in popularity as a way to refer to menstruation. Because it’s also educational (most people don’t know that the period is a monthly uterine cleanse) it’s helping to educate as well as change derogatory mindsets.

Indicators/Body Signs:
Every menstrual cycle is a chance to do a uterus health checkup. Though there is a range of what is normal, not everything someone experiences during menstruation is healthy even if that is regularly what they experience. A standard healthy cycle (SHC) is a way to tell if the uterus is healthy. An SHC has the following characteristics:

4 days of menses
Fresh red color from beginning to end
28-30 day long menstrual cycle
No negative side effects (pain, cramps, headaches, acne, night sweats, uncontrollable emotions)

Deviations from a standard healthy cycle are a sign that the uterus may have an imbalance.

Health Topics/Concerns:
Ongoing Bleeding
Long Periods
Short Periods
Heavy Periods
Spotting
Cramps
Clots
Pain
Short Menstrual Cycles (27 days or shorter)
Long Menstrual Cycles (31 days or longer)
Absent Periods
PMS
Mood Differences
Depression
Fatigue
Headaches
Back pain
Night sweats

Medical Diagnosis and Treatment:
In Western medicine menstruation is seen as necessary for reproduction and unimportant outside of that function. There is no definition of healthy menstruation, rather, just observations of what characteristics menstruation may have. Pain, menstrual side effects, and PMS are seen as normal inescapable part of menstruation.

Medical treatments range from nothing at all to painkillers, period suppression with hormones, D&C procedures, or full uterine removal (hysterectomy).

Traditional Asian Medicine / Acupuncture:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine the uterine cleanse correlates to the season of winter – a time to hibernate, keep warm, stay inside, and reflect.

Related Emotion: Letting go

Steam Therapy:
Steaming is contraindicated during fresh menses.

WHY?

During menses, the uterine artery is open as blood flows to the uterus in order to flush it out. Steaming at this time could increase the blood flow causing heavy bleeding.

Instead, steam before the period to increase circulation to the uterus so that it may perform its best during the upcoming period. It’s also beneficial to steam after the period is over to clear out any lingering menses that may still be in the vaginal canal.

When steaming, it is essential to understand the function of the period as a uterine cleanse and follow “best period care practices” for the steam sessions to be effective.

Best Period Care Practices

1.  Rest. Take a pause from regular routine. Rest as much as possible. Nap. Go to bed early. Spend time in reflection. Surround yourself with coziness.

   Prioritize rest for the first four days of your menstrual period. * disclaimer below

2. No plugs. Switch to non-toxic products. Make sure that they allow unrestricted flow. Avoid the insertion of period products that plug the vaginal canal such as tampons. Menstrual cups don’t plug completely, but some users discover the sensation of something filling the vaginal canal tricks the mind into thinking it’s plugged, and disrupts a complete release of menstrual blood.

3. Warmth. Keep the abdomen warm to support good circulation and blood flow to the uterus. Avoid cold drinks, foods, and weather.

   This can be achieved through clothing, heating pads, rice socks, hot water bottles, wearing a hip wrap / faja, eating warm foods, and drinking warm beverages. (No ice or ice cream.)

4. Nourish and Hydrate! The body needs extra calories for blood production at this time. Add in some extra snacks and make sure to eat warm foods like soups and hot cereals .

5. Avoid body inversions (headstands and other practices that turn the gravity pull of the blood the opposite direction), rigorous exercise, and penetrative sex while menstruating.

* A note about period rest:  It is recognized that we live with social, economic, and political systems that make it very difficult for menstruators to get the rest they need on period days 1-4. It is recommended that when we have to keep working through period days 1-4 we reduce our energy output as much as possible. Go slower, do less, and sit down as much as possible. It can really help!

PERISTEAM FACILITATOR
A steam session by a Peristeam Facilitator at their steam spa or using their mobile service is a great way to conclude the menstruation once it is over to ensure that all the menses comes out and none gets stuck in the vaginal canal or elsewhere. It is also a great wellness practice for preventative care.

PERISTEAM HYDROTHERAPIST
Recommended if menstruation has negative side effects or cycle irregularities. The Peristeam Hydrotherapist can do a cycle reading to determine if any imbalances are present and create a steam plan, herbs, and schedule to target them.

POSTPARTUM UTERINE CLEANSE
Someone will also experience a uterine cleanse after giving birth or after a pregnancy loss. This can be called the postpartum uterine cleanse. During the postpartum uterine cleanse, the uterus sheds all leftover pregnancy matter and fluids. Because the uterus has a bigger job during this time, a healthy postpartum uterine cleanse may last up to a month long.