The Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase is associated with the Full Moon and our “Inner Summer.” It lasts for around 4-5 days. The expansive energy during this time correlates with the culmination of projects, ideas coming to fruition and can be the most creatively overflowing time in our cycle. Because our hormones are at their highest, this is a great time for socializing, networking and doing the most “heavy lifting” we need to do throughout the month. It’s the best time for taking trips, catching up with friends, going on dates and living it up!
This phase is most often associated in Ayurveda with Pitta dosha due to its expansive, focused and outward-oriented energy. However, it is my sense that the ovulatory phase carries some Kapha energy as well. Kapha is associated with fertile ground ready to receive the seed which parallels our fluids being the juiciest and our ability to conceive at this time. You might think of this phase as being a Pitta-Kapha. It’s also helpful to feel into your own sense of how these energies play into your unique cycle, as with any phasic or doshic energy.
Because we tend to have the most energy during our ovulatory phase, we might be inspired to over- do it. This is the hard-working Pitta energy. If you’re feeling overheated, hyper-focused or critical, stressed, burnt out or over-worked, this could be an indication to focus on Pitta balancing foods. Cooling, calming and hydrating foods are some of the best medicines for pitta. Mint, tulsi, rose, lavender, chamomile, cilantro, parsley, lime, coriander, cardamom and fennel are wonderfully supportive herbs. Red lentils, navy beans, white beans, chicken, high quality dairy, almonds and sunflower seeds are great protein sources. Fruits and veggies that cool and calm pitta include cucumber, spinach, lettuce, sprouts, zucchini, coconut, lime, melon, avocado, berries, figs and mangoes.