Can the phases of the moon really affect how you’re feeling? Can it really affect your digestion? Surely that’s just old wives’ tales...
The sceptics out there may still think I’m mad but from where I’m standing, they clearly haven’t done their research! I’m talking science AND an open-mind – people who listen to both and feel the inter-connectedness of the proven and unproven are the ones who find the most joy and clarity.
Why is it that sometimes some foods just sit more heavily than usual? Why does alcohol sometimes hit you harder than at other times? This is not a clear-cut science and other factors in your life will also be at play, but understanding how the moon phases affect us certainly made a few things clearer for me!
When you think of the moon, think of it as a rhythm. This rhythm has energy. Its gravitational force which moves past every point on the Earth affects every human, every animal and every plant because of this energy. And here's what can happen:
THE PHASES AND HOW THEY CAN AFFECT US
THE WANING MOON
The waning moon is the period of roughly 14 days when the moon goes from a full to a new moon.
Energy Type: WASHING OUT, DETOXIFYING, SWEATING OUT, BREATHING OUT, A DRYING FORCE. LIKE SOMETHING SLOWLY DECOMPRESSING.
This phase is about letting go as much in a physical sense as it is in an emotional and spiritual one. You will often feel just lighter in yourself because the body naturally wants to let go of waste and toxins. The body recognises that it is an easier time for it to cleanse and purify itself. Food may well sit better with you during this time because your liver is busy working away and getting rid of toxins. The closer you get to the new moon in this waning period, the more effective the force is in this way.
BEST TIME TO: DO A DETOX OF ANY KIND. At this time it will have a huge purifying effect on the body. If undertake a detox during a waxing moon it will just not work nearly as effectively or even at all. If you are thinking of breaking bad habits you would be wise to do this now. Why make life harder for yourself?!
THE NEW MOON
Energy Type: SAME AS A WANING MOON BUT AT ITS STRONGEST! CALM, BRIGHT, CLEAR, NEW BEGINNINGS.
BEST TIME TO: FAST. The new moon is the day that the body’s capacity for detoxification is at its strongest so if you want to do a fasting day, this would be the day to do it! This is the day when you can make new beginnings - the new moon is about a new phase and the elements are at their calmest and clearest in terms of Force – you might think more clearly and brightly about things at this time.
THE WAXING MOON
The waxing moon is the period of roughly 14 days where the moon goes from new to a full moon.
Energy Type: REGENERATING, ABSORBING, BUILDING UP, BREATHING IN, STORING ENERGY, GATHERING STRENGTH.
The body naturally wants to hold on to things at this time as opposed to letting go and cleansing because it is in a phase all about absorbing - the opposite to releasing. You might feel GENERALLY HEAVIER in yourself at this time, you might feel like things are a BIT MORE CRANKY or you might feel more LETHARGIC. Ailments, pre-existing and underlying conditions will flare up more at this time because the body’s toxicity is increasing. The upper digestive system responsible for absorption is functioning optimally but the lower digestive parts may well be a little overwhelmed because of the extra toxicity that’s building up.
YOU MAY FEEL MORE BLOATED ETC ON THE SAME FOODS which don’t usually give you that feeling at this time. The body absorbs more easily at this time so it will absorb and take up nutrients better at this time BUT it will also have more difficulty processing absorbed toxins. You may feel the effects of alcohol more greatly between a waxing and full moon! And the closer you get to the full moon the greater this kind of force is.
BEST TIME TO: EAT NUTRIENT-RICH BUT EASILY DIGESTIBLE FOODS. It’s important to not overburden the digestive system in the phase of the waxing moon because it is not going to thank you for it! You might actually crave more things at this time and that might be your body’s way of telling you that it is requiring certain nutrients and minerals so really listen to the messages. Ideally, broths, soups, good quality organic meats and fish. Avoid heavy frying or rich, creamy dishes – anything that’s a real challenge to the digestive system.
THE FULL MOON
Energy Type: SAME AS WAXING BUT AT ITS MOST HEIGHTENED! SWELLING, HEAVY, FULL Everything has peaked at a Full Moon - everything is heightened so if you are not well, you will feel that sense of toxicity most at the full moon and this can lead to discomfort and mental anguish. People can act out of character. It’s a time of swelling, emotions can be whipped up at this time.
BEST TIME TO: HAVE AN EPSOM SALT BATH. The body is at it’s peak for absorbing all kinds of healing ointments at this time. Uptake of electrolytes like magnesium and calcium will be absorbed and used more efficiently at this time, relaxing you and alkalising some of the acidity that may have built up during the waxing period.
So it's not really that strange after all!...
Way back in history, man observed and made charts of what he discovered. What he discovered was that the ebb and the flow of the tide, the weather, the behaviour of animals, our monthly cycle, pregnancy etc were all closely related to the movement of the moon.
There are natural laws in place and have been since the beginning of time. So all we have to do is understand them, respect them and if we work with them, we can gain greater harmony.
There is nothing as transformative or as healing as having private consultations. We look at not only your nutritional requirements but also look at the other important pillars of health - your emotional and mental wellbeing. Contact me at treatyourselfnutri@gmail.com or call me on 07858-994088 for a no-obligation preliminary chat to find out more.