Seeding the Cycle: Menses, the Moon, and Seeds

As Jeffrey drove last Sunday evening, I was captured by the incredible brilliance of the full moon. Unlike the sun, whose radiance warms us daily, the moon graces us with her presence only once per month. Her slow yet deliberate cycle around the Earth each month affects the ocean tides, plays on our emotions (the lunar effect), and historically mirrored the hormonal fluctuations of a woman's cycle. Last week's moon reminded me of this important, sacred relationship between humans and nature.   With a greater disconnect from nature in our modern society, the menstrual cycle has reflected those severed ties. The menstrual cycle reflects the entire web of natural cycles—the ebb and flow of tides, the change of seasons, and the creation and disintegration of cells. The most influential force on the menstrual cycle is the moon. Studies document the moon's regulation of fluids (ocean and body) and it's affect on the unconscious and dreams. During the new moon, overall conception and ovulation are decreased, and most women start their menses. While at the full moon, ovulation peaks.  Within the menstrual cycle are two phases: the follicular and luteal phase. During the follicular phase, bleeding begins and a new egg is prepared for ovulation. A woman's level of consciousness expands along with the development of immune tissue during this phase. Women are at their most verbally creative and immunologically robust at ovulation. The luteal phase spans from ovulation to menstruation. Energetically, women become introspective and retreat from society. Occasionally, the premenstrual “bad” mood is merely a reflection of this energy. It is during this phase that dreams are most frequent and vivid, pulling away the veil that separates our conscious from unconscious. The right-hemisphere of the brain is most active—the part associated with intuitive knowing--as is communication between the two cerebral hemispheres.  Clinically, we find regular menstrual cycles to be quite rare. At the Golgi Clinic, we've found that the most effective, least invasive treatment is the seed cycle. Used daily for three months, it improves fertility, regulates long and excessively painful menses, moderates debilitating PMS symptoms, and addresses symptoms related to peri and post-menopause.  The seed cycle is based on using essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are oils the body cannot produce yet requires for normal health. The seed cycle follows the lunar calendar, beginning with the new moon. For two weeks, until the full moon, we prescribe eating two tablespoons (TBS) of ground, raw flax or pumpkin seeds, daily. The lignans in these seeds can promote normal ovulation and extend the second, progesterone-dominant half of the cycle. Additionally, flax and pumpkin contain high levels of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids. Two TBS provides 3g of lignan fiber and 145% of daily value of ALA. In conjunction, we prescribe fish oil daily; we prefer Cod Liver Oil (CLO)—between 1500 - 2000mg of EPA/DHA. This enhances the conversion of ALA to omega-3 fatty acids for the latter's protective effects on heart, brain, and bone tissue.  During the next lunar phase, full moon to new moon, alternate eating two TBS of raw, ground sunflower or sesame seeds, daily. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in these seeds reduces premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, and lowers inflammation. Both seeds are high in lignans. Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium. Sesame is high in manganese and copper both reduce pain and inflammation. We find that adding evening primrose oil, 3000 mg daily during this phase encourages further conversion of GLA into anti-inflammatory fatty acids.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

the golgi clinic
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