How do you get into instinctive free flow?

Instinctive free flow is a totally natural way of managing your period. It frees us from the need for cups, pads and tampons.
The practice of free instinctive flow has been a revolution in my life as a woman. I've been practicing it for several years now, and there's no turning back now. However, the beginnings were gradual, and with hindsight, here's what got me there.

To begin with, what do we mean by "successfully practicing inctinctive free flow"?

And yes, we have to agree on that alone. Personally, I consider myself to be successfully practicing instinctive free-flow when I'm able to empty my blood directly into the toilet, when I've done little or nothing to stain my menstrual panties and, what's more, when I've experienced it in a relaxed, liberating way. And not by being focused on my vagina all day and tensing up (which was the case when I first started)! 

So here alone are the different parameters: 

1. Quantity of menstrual fluid released in the toilet   2. Tasks   3. Experience 

We realize that there are different levels within each parameter.

1. Quantity of menstrual fluid released in the toilet

In fact, if our starting point is 0%, we should congratulate ourselves if we reach 10% of our flow released in the toilet in the first cycle!
Isn't it wonderful to be able to release a little blood in the toilet? This beginning allows you to welcome progress without imposing on yourself the goal of achieving 100% right from the start. I don't think that's a realistic goal when you're just starting out (I'll tell you why later).

2. Tasks

Then, as far as tasks are concerned, well, let's be honest, you can't do 0 tasks overnight, but you soon realize that the damage is less and less significant.
That's why I strongly recommend starting instinctive free-flow with menstrual panties. It gives you peace of mind and helps you relax!

3. Experience

Finally, as far as experience is concerned, for me this parameter is fundamental. What's the point of managing your flow at 100% and being all stressed out?
It's better to welcome "only" 80% from our flow to the toilet, but with complete peace of mind: this is a successful instinctive free flow, because it really helps to improve the menstrual experience and considerably reduces the need to wear protection!

That's why it was important to reposition the notion of success: it's up to each individual to assess what suits her best, and to respect her learning pace.

To find out more: you can join the instinctive free-flow workshop An online workshop that allows you to put instinctive free flow into practice right from the next cycle, thanks to a unique method based on research in neurology and perineal rehabilitation!

Now what are my tips for practicing instinctive free flow?

1 - stop wearing disposable towels 

It is essential to stop wearing anything that can be assimilated to "diapers" by the brain. The brain will never make the effort of menstrual continence, and will always be in a state of "self-abandonment".

Wearing menstrual panties or washable pads makes a real difference and stimulates the brain by creating a slight constraint. Voluntarily staining a cloth creates a restraint reflex as the blood flows to the vulva, giving us initial control over our flow without too much effort. 

2 - drink water 

Drinking a little more water during your period will naturally lead you to go to the toilet more often. As a result, we soon realize that by going regularly, we naturally manage to empty more of our flow into the toilet.

3 - start gradually and don't put pressure on yourself

It's a gradual learning process that takes several months and even years to perfect. There's no need to put pressure on yourself. If after 3 cycles it's not perfect, you tend to think "I can't do it! Are you really sure? 

And yes, we often only see the "failures", i.e. the times when we let ourselves be surprised by our blood a little too late, but in reality if we've already managed to empty even that 20% of blood down the toilet, we should congratulate ourselves!!! That's something!

You can't run 20km in one go, you have to manage to do 2, 5, 8 then 12 and so on. Until you reach 20km!

For a quick mastery you can also join the instinctive free-flow workshop to get started with a simple, gentle method.

Already, following these few tips, your approach to free flow will totally change! It's up to you to experiment and test your own tips. Don't hesitate to share your tips and experiences on free instinctive flow below!