Ciko Sidzumo

The Sanguinary Cradle: Dysmenorrhea is an article that explores the ways in which stigma and somatophobia affect an individuals experience of menstruation and access to holistic menstrual care. The article then goes on to detail the connection between somatic remedy and menstrual pains whilst exploring arguments that encourage policy makers and public health practitioners to critically consider the integration of low cost somatic techniques for menstrual health care and menstrual pain management issues. In doing so, I assert that menstrual concerns should be considered as those which are on par with reproductive health concerns as well as discourses regarding human rights and the promotion of dignity for all. The lack of access to such kinds of information and health care is one that can be bridged through the use of social media as it is a medium that allows for the dissemination of information on a grand scale. Now that this process of research has been completed, I am officially engaged in finding ways to create accessible bite-size posts on instagram so that the details of this thesis can be shared with all those who wish to engage.

The Sanguinary Cradle: Cutha the audio installation and movement-based performance exploring menstrual pain and somatic relief techniques. The piece is informed by activism on period poverty in the Global South as well as findings from clinical trials and dance research on the mitigation of menstrual pain. During the performance, the audience was invited to engage in exercises of collective somatic care based on the artist’s own exploration of her body in pain through the use of breath-work, vocal dexterity, Trauma Release Exercise, and undulation.

Beyond the performance, the installation space was open to the public as a space for reflection, grounding, and introspective movement. I will continue to transcribe this work on to a virtual platform, revisiting the techniques I found most useful for my own pain as well as techniques that I have come across as a result of the study.

Instagram: @sanguinary_cradle

Photo credit: Grace Crummet