Intermittent fasting under the full moon
The full moon is the time of the month when one retains the most water. “For three days around the full moon, you need to drink a lot (at least 1.5 liters), because strangely enough, the more water you drink, the more you eliminate. Red vine teas may also come as an aid, as well as lymphatic drainages, swimming and even jumping on the trampoline.” declares Aurélie Canzoneri, a certified naturopath and author of the book “A Naturopath in my Kitchen” (published by Marabout). This is also the time when intermittent fasting is the most effective, ideally over periods of at least 16 hours: 16h-8h, 20h-12h, or even better: 16h-noon. One can take advantage of the Moon’s effects by drinking detoxifying herbal teas such as horsetail, meadowsweet, java, and dandelion. It is also recommended to place a hot water pouch on the stomach, before and after sleep, in order to aid the liver’s functions. “If we could follow this simple program every full moon, it would be very beneficial for the body,” concludes Aurélie.
Preparing for a good night’s sleep during a full moon
During the full moon, it is common to feel more agitated and restless, possibly feeling as if one did not get a good night’s sleep. This is actually entirely correct, “A study over several years showed that people took longer to fall asleep (over 5 minutes on average), and that the light sleep phase increased at the expense of the deep sleep phase, which is the most recuperative. Overall, people slept 20 minutes less on nights during the full moon lunar cycle.” explains Aurélie Canzoneri. In order to avoid this loss of sleep, she recommends not drinking caffeine after lunch and trying to eat earlier and lighter than normal during dinner. It is also beneficial to eat foods rich in tryptophan, the precursor of melatonin and serotonin, such as bananas, eggs, potatoes, and lettuce. Drinking calming teas such as passionflower, chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm is also useful in preparation for a good night’s sleep during a full moon.
Synchronized feminine cycles
While there is no proof that women’s cycles are aligned with the phases of the Moon, it is true that women have four cycle phases just like the Moon, which are quite similar energetically, explains Charlotte de Noisy, an energeticist at Gynécée. The transition of our energy during these phases affects our thoughts and emotions. The day that our period begins, so does a new cycle, just like the new moon. Therefore, the practices of a new moon, such as setting intentions and planning for the future, are equally beneficial while menstruating. The Luteal Phase, or the Pre-Menstral phase, with all its PMS glory, corresponds with the Waning Moon. This phase is when the uterus is working the hardest, and emotionally we are the most susceptible due to the heightened hormones. During this time, women benefit from being pampered and getting rid of clutter around them. The Follicular phase (pre-ovulation) is very similar to the waxing moon phase as women typically feel more energized, while the body prepares for a possible pregnancy. It is beneficial to take advantage of this boost of energy to make changes in one’s life and reconnect with one’s desires. Furthermore, the Ovulation phase mirrors the full moon, as it is women’s most creative, inspired, and intense menstrual cycle.
Moons and moods
In French, a person who changes their mood rapidly is described as lunar or “lunaire”. This is all with good reason as our emotions can be influenced and even exacerbated by the lunar calendar. “The Moon takes part in our unconscious universe, meaning it is linked to the way we react to our intuition,” says Léa Baixo, meditation teacher, astrologer, and masseuse. “All the emotions we’ve kept to ourselves inevitably come out around the Full Moon, at the moment when it’s illuminated by the Sun, and therefore allows this “bringing to light”. When the Moon is waning, we prefer to be at home, nesting, sorting things out, reconnecting with nature, and taking care of our plants and animals. On the contrary, during the waxing moon, one may feel the need to reconnect with the exterior world, bring attention to oneself, and take part in the liveliness of the world. Tapping into the Moon’s energy through understanding the different lunar phases and their impacts can allow one to be more successful and self-knowledgeable. By taking this control over one’s life, one is able to break out of patterns that no longer serve useful, and improve habits in order to evolve into the best version of oneself. The zodiac sign of which the Moon is in should also be taken into consideration. For example, when the Moon is in Aries, people are a bit more tense and aggressive but, when the Moon is in Taurus it brings more stability and calmness. Furthermore, while a moon in Gemini brings out social tendencies, a moon in Cancer causes one to be more reclusive.
Energy and sexuality
“To reconnect with the Moon is also to rediscover our true nature,” notes Anne Bianchi, founder of Satnam studio in Montmarte, sex therapist and Kundalini Yoga teacher. “The Moon’s energy is feminine (Yin synonymous with rest and vacancy), yet modern-day society is deficient in Yin. Humans are constantly in action, putting more importance on doing, rather than being.” However, rest is essential. “We must meditate, sing, and fast” she recommends. “Monday is the day on the Moon (moon-day). It’s the ideal moment to rest and recalibrate our feminine and masculine energies. It’s also a phase of internalization that our modern lives prevent us from respecting”, she explains, before adding that she fasts every Monday. According to her, these natural cycles also enable her to “decomplexify her sexuality”.”Desire is something that fluctuates. It is normal that it is not always at its peak.” A woman’s menstrual cycle is about 28 days long and consists of four phases, just like the lunar cycle. Meaning that just like the Moon during a New Moon, a woman should retreat, take a rest, and be in Yin. The more space one can create for downtime, the more energized one will feel after, in return. Just as nature is reborn in the spring after winter. The same applies to sexuality, “Libido increases when one is in the ascending phase. One feels more energetic leading up to ovulation (which can also boost libido, as it’s a time of procreation). But, once half of the cycle has passed, one enters the descending phase.”
Translated by Mina Maldonado.
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