Until my 20’s, I struggled with PMS. Whether it was backaches, migraines, excessive cramping, etc. it was a constant struggle. I always did the obvious, painkillers, PMS tea, read all the tips from magazines and it seemed, nothing worked. It wasn’t until my late 20’s I met a modern day goddess (and yoga guru), Zahra Haji.  She fashioned unique practices for women to connect with their feminine energy, under her business Yoga Goddess. Amongst her different series of classes, she had a very special offering Moon Goddess.  This class focused on how women’s bodies connect spiritually with the moon, and how women are cyclical just like the moon. Each phase of the moon, connected with one of the four phases of the monthly cycle a woman goes through. It was through this series of kundalini yoga, meditations, and using specific yoga poses for each part of the cycle I go through with my body, that helped me achieve the most important success in my struggle with PMS; love and acceptance of my body, what I go through and how it makes me unique. I now know that pigeon pose, butterfly and bridge pose help alleviate all my pain. For my headaches, I do alternate nostril breathing and the biggest change I made was switching to the cup and ditching all chemical feminine napkins and products. The changes I felt with the Moon Goddess Series changed my attitude and well-being for the better. It takes time for individuals to experience their own level of physiological and psychological freedom with PMS.  For all of the teenagers reading this, I offer you the following advice as you mature in your years: 1)    When you are dealing with PMS, the best thing is to keep hydrated with water (room-temperature or hot, not cold) and eat fruit every four hours. 2)    If you can, nap or if you’re in school, put your head down on a desk or lie in the grass, (just not in the middle of a lecture or exam!) 3)    Primrose oil works wonders, if needed take it with one Advil liquid-gel in the morning, and only water throughout the day. One piece of dark chocolate also will make you feel better! 4)    Boys will be boys – ignore them (you know what I mean) and remind them who matures faster in this world – women! 5)    Lastly, remind yourself you are not alone and help is here. Forget the old adage no pain no gain.  I say no pain, MORE gain.  When we learn how to embrace our darkness (PMS is connected to the darker energies of a woman’s nature) rather than trying to push it away, the darkness leads us to light; it just wants our attention.  Then the pain dissolves in the light of self-acceptance, self-nurturing and self-love.   Thanks for reading. By Ayeesha S. Kanji: To connect with Ayeesha, visit her Facebook page or Blog