Traditional Period Practices: Pros and Cons

Across the globe, menstruation has long been guided by traditional beliefs, rituals, and practices. While some of these traditions were rooted in care and community, others arose from misinformation or patriarchal structures. Today, with increased access to education and innovations like Diva'Me Period Fashion, it’s worth revisiting how traditional period practices continue to influence people’s lives and health.

Let’s explore the historical context, benefits, and challenges of these practices while highlighting how modern period care can work with, not against, tradition.

A Global Overview of Traditional Period Practices

1. Asia

• In the Philippines, traditional beliefs around menstruation vary across regions. Some practices include avoiding sour foods, heavy lifting, or bathing at night during one’s period. In rural areas, taboos still persist like staying away from sacred spaces or not washing hair on the first day of menstruation. Elders often pass down herbal remedies like guava leaves for soothing cramps or promoting hygiene.

• In Japan, traditional beliefs view menstruation as a cleansing process. However, there's a long-held taboo about not preparing sushi while menstruating, due to a belief it may affect taste.

2. Africa

• Some African communities use natural materials like banana fibers or cloth for menstrual absorption. Seclusion during periods was sometimes a cultural norm, providing either rest or, unfortunately, isolation.

3. Middle East

• In Islamic cultures, menstruation is acknowledged with respect, though certain religious activities like prayer or fasting may be paused. Traditional herbal remedies like black seed oil are used for cramps and fatigue.

4. Indigenous & Tribal Cultures

• Indigenous cultures in the Americas and Oceania often treated menstruation as a sacred time. “Moon lodges” were created where menstruating women could rest and reflect. These spaces encouraged female bonding and spiritual renewal.

The Pros of Traditional Period Practices

1. A Built-In Pause for Self-Care. Many traditional systems like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine recognize the menstrual cycle as a natural time to slow down. Taking a break from physical exertion and focusing on nourishment can support hormonal balance and reduce symptoms.

Tip: Try syncing your routine with your cycle phases.

2. Emphasis on Natural Remedies. Herbs like turmeric (anti-inflammatory), cinnamon (pain relief), and fennel (bloating support) are time-tested traditional remedies still backed by science today.

Recent studies show:

• Ginger may reduce menstrual pain as effectively as ibuprofen (source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies).

3. Sustainable Menstrual Materials. Historically, women used cotton cloths, sea sponges, or plant-based materials, long before single-use plastics existed. While not always hygienically maintained, these laid the foundation for today’s reusable options.

4. Rituals That Celebrate Femininity. In some cultures, the first period (menarche) is celebrated with ceremonies, gifting, and community acknowledgment. These practices honor menstruation as a rite of passage, not a burden.

At Diva'Me, we offer First Period Celebration because we believe that periods should be celebrated with warm, supportive, and joyful experience to mark this special moment in a way that’s comfortable, culturally respectful, and fun.

Cons and Controversies

1. Period Shame and Stigma. Many traditional beliefs labeled menstruation as impure, restricting menstruators from participating in religious or family life. This deep-rooted stigma still causes silence and embarrassment today, especially among teens.

2. Harmful Restrictions

• In Nepal, the practice of Chhaupadi (isolating menstruating women in sheds) has caused health complications, injuries, and even deaths.

• In some African and Asian regions, lack of access to clean reusable materials can cause infections and school absenteeism.

3. Lack of Scientific Support. While some remedies are helpful, others lack research or can be unsafe. For example, inserting unclean herbal products or using ashes for absorption (still practiced in impoverished areas) poses high infection risk.

4. Gender Inequality Reinforcement. When traditional beliefs prevent girls from attending school or women from working during their period, it widens gender gaps in education and income.

Bridging Tradition with Innovation

At Diva'Me, we honor the wisdom of traditional period practices but we elevate them with the power of modern science, thoughtful design, and self-empowerment.

• Period Fashion - featuring leak-proof Period Panties, Period Swimwear, and we’re happy to announce that we’re releasing Period Athleisurewear and Period Comfortwear very soon that allows you to move freely and confidently in a stylish way, no matter what time of the month it is.

• Period Care - Feminine wash, Mist, and Essence are formulated to soothe, refresh, and support your intimate wellness with clean, effective ingredients.

• Period Tech (coming soon) - such as sound healing, smartwatch syncing, and our mobile app that are designed to help you track your cycle, reduce stress, and align your lifestyle with your body's natural rhythm.

Because at Diva'Me, we don’t just care for your period, we redefine it.

A More Informed Future

The truth is, Traditional Period Practices weren’t all wrong but they weren’t always right, either. It’s important to separate cultural wisdom from outdated taboos. Modern menstruators deserve:

• Freedom from shame

• Access to safe, effective care

• The choice to embrace tradition or forge a new path

You can light a candle for your cramps and wear leak-proof Period Panties or Period Swimwear. You can drink turmeric tea and track your period with an app. The beauty lies in choice and awareness.

Period has always been more than just a biological function, it’s cultural, emotional, and deeply personal. By examining the pros and cons of traditional period practices, we gain the tools to make more informed, empowered choices.

At Diva’Me, we’re not here to erase tradition, we’re here to evolve it.

Because your period journey is your power. Let’s break the taboo together!