As time went on and no cycle came November-January I was starting to feel frustrated with the acupuncture and wanted to try something different. It’s so easy (and normal) to have moments of positivity and huge bouts of second guessing and frustration. I spoke to the Naturopath about this and she suggested I try hydrotherapy as an alternative therapy to acupuncture for a while.

Hydrotherapy is a really gentle technique that uses alternating hot and cold temperatures that cause the superficial blood vessels to dilate and constrict. This creates a “pumping” action which can alter blood circulation, stimulate the immune system, decrease pain and inflammation and increase elimination of released toxins. 

I loved hydro and really felt like it was making a big difference both physically and mentally. I love water and taking baths so being wrapped in hot towels was both comforting and calming for me. I think it’s important to recognize and really try to connect with yourself to see how you’re feeling about a particular treatment or herb you are trying. You’ll know instinctually if something feels right or not. 

At the same time we changed my tincture from solely Vitex to Vitex and Dong Quai (also known as Angelica). Angelica stimulates delayed menstruation by breaking up stagnation in the reproductive system. 

On top of these natural treatments and herbs I was taking it was during this time that I really made a conscious decision to quit my job. I had encountered a few people who were opening up doors for me in other aspects in my life that was finally allowing me to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. This release mentally and physically really allowed me to let go of a lot of stress I had been carrying. 

At the same time I somehow connected with a school near me, The Institute for Holistic Nutrition , and signed up for a night class. It was a course solely focused on womens health, pregnancy and nutrition. To say I was in heaven wouldn’t even begin to describe it. 

On February 6th 2014 I had my third cycle in two years! I remember waking up and feeling it coming on, I had been really emotional the week before and just had that sense that it was going to happen.  It was at this moment that I knew I had to commit to continue to take good care of myself. To commit to eventually quit my job and release the things from my life that caused large continuous amounts of stress. To commit to the things that made me happy and feel energized.