She argues that the menstrual cycle shouldn’t be a burden to push through but a blue print for living. From free bleeding, period face masks and how through celebrating her period she has found her power and connection to \u201cmother earth\u201d again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What does your menstrual cycle mean to you personally, beyond just the physical experience?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n My menstrual cycle means creation and life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is creation moving through me each cycle and it means I am one with the earth, Great Mother. I have the opportunity to birth life and creation through my body, which is the greatest power anyone could possibly imagine holding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you remember the messages you received about periods growing up, and how have your views changed since then?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember growing up that I would see my mom\u2019s bloody pants in the sink each month, she never shamed her cycle. I remember when I got my first period, I got my first blood while at dance class (one of my greatest loves in life) and I was excited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, I didn\u2019t feel comfortable asking for mentorship or guidance around it. I YouTubed how to put in a tampon! I fell into objectifying my own body at a young age, and then my period became a nuisance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Practices like free bleeding or returning menstrual blood to the earth are often described as acts of connection or empowerment. What draws you to these rituals, if anything?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I practice free bleeding, in my underwear, on towels, and on the earth for many reasons. On a very psychological level, menstrual blood is THE most nutrient-dense substance on earth. As it flows out of the vagina, it nourishes the tissues & hydrates them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ever since starting free bleeding I sometimes try wearing a cup so that I can collect blood to paint with. I feel my tissues crying for the nourishment of my blood and I love free bleeding on the earth because it is the literal embodiment of the circle of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I can, while living, give the gold of my body back to the earth as an offering of gratitude. In return, my body is grounded and balanced by the earth, as the electromagnetic field of the earth balances our fields that get so messed up by technology and living in cities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people use period blood symbolically or spiritually \u2014 whether through art, rituals, or skincare practices. What do you think these acts represent for the people who engage in them?<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To me and for many women I know who use menstrual blood to make art or face masks, doing this represents reclaiming our blood. It takes bravery, releasing conditioning to be able to interact with one\u2019s blood in this way. It is a powerful unifying act of the self and the feminine to embrace our blood in this way, and to circle back to menstrual blood\u2019s medicinal properties. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is rich in stem cells, which are so beneficial to the body in so many ways. This same blood is harvested from placentas of mothers, the same thing happens with the foreskins of baby boys\u2019 penises, and these are used to create skincare products<\/a>. However, this isn\u2019t gross to people because the materials have been processed and we\u2019ve been disconnected from the biological processes that are the truth of the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Using my blood as a mask is me claiming that I don\u2019t need layers of processing and disconnection. I believe this estrangement from our bodies, blood, and physiology on a broader level is a huge reason as to why our world today is so messed up. We are disconnected from ourselves, our bodies, and the circle of life. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/pomegranatemag.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2026\/06\/IMG_7821-2-847x1024.jpg\")