6.3.2023
The 7-year cycles of women
We are made of essence. In Chinese medicine this essence is called “Jing”. Our “Jing” is our energy reserve; on a mental level it is associated with creativity, and on a physical level it is linked to our hormonal and reproductive function. Like our “Qi”, “Jing” is one of the five fundamental substances of life. The quantity and quality of our Jing determine our ability to manifest ourselves in this world.
In women, Jing becomes cyclical at the age of 7. These cycles are the key to understanding your relationship with nature, and also your connection with yourself. With each cycle we have opportunities to increase our vitality or to weaken our constitution. For women in particular there are the so-called “three golden opportunities” that strongly influence our health: menstruation, the time after giving birth and perimenopause. How we perceive, experience and embody these “opportunities” reflects not only our reproductive well-being but also our overall vitality.
If you are wondering how to reconnect with yourself, start with your 7-year cycles. Here is a general overview of your seasons in terms of TCM and the themes at the centre of each phase.
Birth to 6
You are the manifestation of your ancestors’ heritage. Do you know your birth story? How did you develop? How were your health, your digestion, your immunity? Were you breastfed? Were you loved and cared for? What are some of the stories around your early years?
Cycle One: ages 7-13
What is your foundation like? This is your Wood phase, the place of your roots. Your kidneys begin to strengthen and slowly build up to fullness. Do you feel safe? Do you have a sense of self? Were you taught how to set boundaries and create a sacred space? Which health practices were passed on to you?
Cycle Two: ages 14-20
The Fire phase: this phase is marked by emotional experimentation and connection. At what age did you have your first period? Were there feelings or emotions involved? Was there any talk about what was happening? Were you taught about your body and your fertility? How did you deal with your menstruation?
Cycle Three: ages 21-27
Peak of physical development: the Earth phase. Do you have a sense of secure self-confidence? Did you have plenty of nourishing relationships? What were you most attached to? Did you explore your sexuality? Did you practise self-cultivation? How was your hormonal health? Were you taught shadow work? Where does your strength lie?
Cycle Four: ages 28-34
Full maturity. Peak of vitality. Are you in full bloom? Do you have children? What were your experiences after giving birth? Is your body strong? Are you flourishing?
Cycle Five: ages 35-41
Rejuvenation. Early preparation for menopause. This is where the slow decline of our body begins. Earth passes into the Metal cycle. This cycle is about reflection and refinement. What is working for you and what is not? We can work on slowing the decline even further by adjusting our lifestyle towards more restraint instead of activity, more nourishment instead of exhaustion. What experiences did your mother and grandmother have with menopause?
Cycle Six: ages 42-48
Continue preparing for the pause of menstruation and for detoxification. Life reveals itself to you as we approach the end of our menstrual cycle. Metal energy is still strong and urges you to examine your wounds and traumas so that you can move on with grace. How do you feel? Do you feel exhausted from overexertion over the years, or do you feel vital and stable thanks to strong rejuvenation rituals and practices?
Cycle Seven: ages 49-55
Water phase. Our work here focuses on embracing the end and the death of our reproductive years. What feelings do you have about this ending? How are you experiencing the change and the transition? How do you strengthen yourself? Do you do exercises for longevity? How do you sleep? A change in mindset; recognising the gift of death.
Cycle 8 and beyond:
Rebirth; a second spring. What do you want to cultivate? What do you want to give birth to? Are you ready for expansion? Commitments shift from the outside to the inside. Do you still honour your menstrual cycle and create a ritual around the full or new moon?
Which cycle are you in? How can you use your cycle phase for yourself? Do you have any complaints?
If you would like to reflect on your phase and the challenges that come with it together with others, we recommend the “Sexmed Sprechstunde” with Dr. med. Julia Rakus, which takes place monthly at the Feelgoodmedicine medical practice. It is about being able to raise things, being heard or simply listening. It is a wonderful way for women to connect with each other on every level. There are no taboos and no restrictions.
