Your period is a vital sign

What Does a Healthy Menstrual Cycle Look Like?

At Ali Ali Healing, we believe that a healthy menstrual cycle is a reflection of overall well-being. Traditional vital signs include measurements like body temperature and blood pressure. We believe the menstrual cycle is also a vital sign. A healthy period is a requirement for good health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a balanced cycle signifies harmony between Yin and Yang, Qi and Blood, and the vital organs. But what does a truly healthy period look like?

A normal menstrual cycle lasts between 26 to 31 days, counted from the first day of fresh red bleeding to the day before the next cycle begins. Bleeding lasts about 3-5 days, occurring without significant pain or clotting. Some women notice a dip in energy and a heightened sense of introspection during menstruation—this is completely normal and even beneficial as the body moves through a natural rhythm of rest and renewal.

Understanding the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle

To fully appreciate what a healthy cycle entails, let’s break it down into its four phases:

• 1. Menstruation (Day 1 of new cycle)

  • Shedding of the uterine lining occurs

  • If healthy, the flow should be moderate, without clots or pain

  • A time to slow down and allow the body to replenish

• 2. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14, varies)

  • Begins with menstruation and ends at ovulation

  • Estrogen rises to help develop the ovarian follicles

  • Energy levels increase

  • In TCM, this phase is associated with building Blood and Yin

• 3. Ovulation (Roughly Days 10-14)

  • A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of an egg

  • Estrogen peaks, and progesterone begins to rise

  • Ovulation should be pain-free and without mid-cycle spotting

  • TCM sees this as a moment of dynamic Yang energy and free-flowing Qi

  • Ovulation varies from woman to woman and from cycle to cycle. Basal body temperature and fertile cervical mucus are used to confirm ovulation. An LH surge does not confirm ovulation.

• 4. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28, varies)

  • Progesterone dominates, preparing the uterus for implantation

  • Metabolism may increase, and body temperature slightly rises

  • Emotionally, this is a time of introspection

  • Many women experience PMS symptoms due to Qi stagnation, Liver imbalances, or Blood deficiency

Common (But Not Normal) Signs of an Imbalanced Cycle

Many women experience discomfort during their cycles, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. In TCM, symptoms are clues pointing to deeper imbalances. Some common signs of imbalance include:

• Period pain

• Clotting

• Irregular cycles

• Mid-cycle pain or spotting

• PMS (irritability, mood swings, night sweats, waking hot at night)

• Cyclical migraines

• Fatigue and low energy post-period

How Chinese Medicine Can Support Your Cycle

At Ali Ali Healing, we use acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition and lifestyle tweaks to help regulate menstrual cycles naturally. By addressing the root cause—whether it’s Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, or an imbalance between Yin and Yang—we can restore harmony and ease your cycle into a more balanced state.

If your period feels like a struggle each month, know that it doesn’t have to be that way. Your body is designed to flow with ease. Book a free consultation with us to explore how Chinese medicine can support your cycle and overall well-being.