September has come around again all too soon, with the back-to-school vibes and the feeling of a fresh restart to our routines. As we approach the autumn equinox it’s time to start thinking about what seeds you want to plant now before the cloak of winter descends, in order to harvest these intentions next spring.
Now as the leaves will slowly begin to fall, so too must we turn inwards and begin to nourish ourselves from within. It’s a great time to have a good declutter and start implementing positive and healthy routines. Set your intentions for the coming months and dig out your slow cooker to start the nourishing stews and casseroles of the season. It's also a wonderful time to look at the orange colours you see within the trees and plants around you, and reflect on them within your food choices. In fact, in Chinese medicine, Autumn is associated with the flavour of being sweet and root vegetables. So, there’s really no better time to endulge in delicious parsnips, squashes and pumpkins.
I love this time of year, and I especially enjoy the long walks with my dog in the colours, followed by a lovely pub lunch. We only hope you love it just as much and are feeling ready to head into this time along with us!
MANAGING PMS AND PMDD WITH MENSTRUALITY
By Lisa Higgins
If you have a menstrual cycle and you’re struggling with mood swings, then Menstruality could be for you. The figures estimate that 25% of menstruating women have moderate or severe PMS, with 5-8% of all menstruating women being diagnosed with Pre-Menstrual Dsyphoric Disorder (PMDD). Symptoms usually begin in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and can include mood changes, anxiety, self-harm and even suicidal thoughts.
The impact of living the emotional rollercoaster of being sensitive to the hormonal shifts in the body is REAL. It can take over your life and make you feel out of control… but I’m here to show you that your suffering can be transformed into a positive force in your life!
And believe me, I know. My own journey with PMDD was a living hell. I spent nearly a decade on antidepressants and at my worst I experienced suicidal intrusive thoughts. It wasn’t until I discovered Menstruality that I found lasting relief and healing.
Menstruality is about understanding that your cycle is more than a biological process; it’s also deeply connected to your emotional and mental well-being. By learning to track your cycle and understand its phases, you can start to see patterns in your moods and symptoms. This awareness is the first step to managing your symptoms more effectively.
But it goes even deeper than that. At the heart of my work is the belief that the menstrual cycle is not just a biological process but a profound aspect of our emotional growth and evolution as women. The intense emotions you experience—those wild, raw, crazy, out of control feelings are actually signs of great power. This ‘wilder’ side of you, the part that society often tries to silence or dismiss, holds a unique power. Your intense emotions are not something to be feared or suppressed—they can be a source of deep insight and even strength.
If you want to know more, all September I am running a special introductory offer of £20 consultations. You can book in with me in person at Healing Space Hackney on Tuesday 10th or find an online slot. I can’t wait to meet you and share this amazing practice!