Honoring Menstruation: A Time of Self-Renewal [Paperback]

Lara Owen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1998

Every time a woman menstruates she has the opportunity to develop greater self-knowledge and spiritual awareness. Drawing on information from several cultural traditions as well as from her own experiences and those of other women, Lara Owen shows how your period can become a time of emotional deepening and physical renewal during which you can tap into inner wisdom.

"Honoring Menstruation" is an updated, revised and expanded version of Owen's first book, "Her Blood Is Gold" and includes a new section on natural healing methods for menstrual symptoms, as well as a detailed description of the spiritual and emotional phases that occur within the menstrual cycle.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Honoring Menstruation is a graceful and empowering book on menstruation, filled with insights..." -- Christiane Northrup, M.D., author of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"

"In this wonderful book, she shows how the 'curse', when ritually respected and restored to its ancient position, becomes every woman's crock of gold." -- Chris Knight, PhD, author of "Blood Relations: Menstruation and the Origins of Culture"

"Owen's presentation is so lucid and convincing that one wonders how one could ever have considered menstruation as a problem." -- Steven Bratman, MD, author of The Alternative Medicine Sourcebook

About the Author

Lara Owen is an author and teacher who has lectured internationally on menstruation and women's wisdom. She holds advanced qualifications in acupuncture and was a practitioner of Chinese medicine before turning to writing full-time. She has been investigating the spiritual and psychological dimensions of the menstrual cycle since the early 1980's. Her first book on menstruation, "Her Blood Is Gold" was published in 1993. She currently lives in Santa Cruz, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Pr (September 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895949210
• ISBN-13: 978-0895949219
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,692,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Lara Owen grew up in England and has traveled the world to study with traditional Chinese doctors, Native American and Mexican shamans, Tibetan lamas, Swiss and American psychologists, and many other teachers. She has worked as a doctor of Chinese medicine, a psychotherapist and an astrologer.

As well as writing books and two blogs (laraowen.com and planetaryenergies.net) Lara gives talks and workshops, and works as a mentor and consultant with individuals and organizations.

She lived in the US for many years, then in France, and now lives in an 18th century farmhouse near the sea in Dorset, UK.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book you will ever read on menstruation!, August 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Honoring Menstruation: A Time of Self-Renewal (Paperback)

Lara's Owen's book, "Honoring Menstruation" is a revised, updated and expanded edition of her brilliant and masterful earlier book, "Her Blood is Gold." "Honoring Menstruation" offers the reader a profound perspective on the role of menstruation in the life of women and society. It is a well-researched, beautifully crafted and elegant book. It explores the physical, emotional, spiritual and practical dimensions of menstruation and provides a new and powerful view on this still taboo topic. Owen's book is a classic and a must read for every woman and every man who wishes to understand this powerful part of feminine life. Her book changes lives. You will never look at menstruation in the same way again. Owen's book shows women how to use their menstrual cycle to nourish, restore and balance themselves physically and spiritually by embracing the three phases of menstruation: releasing, emptying, and wisdom. She explores the role of PMS and menstrual cramps and offers new meanings and solutions to these experiences. Everyone should read this innovative, thoughtful and powerful book. A major contribution.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every woman should read it!, December 10, 2000

By 

"lynww" (London, Uk) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honoring Menstruation: A Time of Self-Renewal (Paperback)

A nightmare experience at the hands of a brutal doctor who was giving her an internal exam sent Lara Owen off on this fascinating exploration into the rich underworld of the female body. It's a well-written, passionate and thoughtful plea for a return to body-consciousness and acceptance of what it is to be female. The case studies are inspiring, the ideas for self-healing and developing the creativity inherent at this time of the month very intriguing. There is no strident hectoring - Lara Owen writes from the heart - or should I say the womb - and has made a pioneering track for all women, whether interested in enjoying rather than enduring their periods, or the hidden depths of the female psyche. Men who want to understand women should read it too! If you read one book this year, let it be this one!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important Reading for All Women, June 4, 2000

By 

sibylle preuschat - See all my reviews

This review is from: Honoring Menstruation: A Time of Self-Renewal (Paperback)

I was thrilled to discover Lara Owen's book, Honoring Menstruation. I myself have been exploring my menstrual process in-depth since 1988, and teach workshops to women who want to transform menstrual symptoms into menstrual empowerment and pleasure. I say these things about myself to indicate that I am reviewing this book from a particular vantage point, that of a woman who has been honoring her period for many years.

I found that Lara put into words many things that I've been thinking for years, and also introduced me to new ways of thinking about and responding to my menstrual cycle. This is a wonderful book for any woman who wants to become more empowered, more herself, more creative, more joyful.

Mothers, grandmothers, and aunts will also find it useful for helping them introduce young women into a menstruation-positive view of their upcoming or just-started periods.

I know that if you take the time to read this book and apply its wisdom in your own life, you will not regret it.