Tag Archives: menstruation

Sex during menstruation

Question: My boyfriend wants to have sex with me even when I have my period, but I don’t feel comfortable having sex then. What does TCM say about this?

Answer: From an energy point of view, TCM does not advise having intercourse while a woman has her period. This is because during this time a woman is particularly vulnerable and it is easier for her to develop a health problem. And from an energy standpoint, any problem can be more easily transferred to her partner. Sexual diseases also can be readily transferred from one partner to the other when a woman is menstruating. Read more

I hear that in China women do not swim when they have their period. Is this just a cultural custom or are there real medical reasons from the TCM perspective to avoid swimming when menstruating?

First, I will say a few important things about menstruation from the energy perspective. Based on TCM’s understanding, a woman’s body goes through an energy change during her menstrual cycle: blood is stored and then the body creates an energy flow to discharge this blood. A woman needs a healthy body to make enough blood every month for a proper menstrual flow. According to TCM, three major organs relate to menstruation: the Liver, the Kidney and the Spleen. Problems with periods can be a sign that any one or a combination of these organs is having an energy function problem.

It takes extra energy to menstruate, so women should try to save as much energy as possible during their periods. This means rest and taking it easy at this time. Also, it’s better for women to avoid strenuous exercise while they have their period—intense workouts will make it harder to recover. Fatigue is often a symptom when a woman exercises too much while menstruating. A balanced and healthy approach involves more gentle movement such as Taiji, simple stretching or walking. Read more