This survey examines how lived bodily experience evolves over time beyond medical symptoms or performance-based narratives. This work is guided by a somatic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework, which understands the menstrual cycle and its transitions as meaningful markers of health rather than problems to be corrected. In TCM, the cycle reflects the relationship between Blood, Qi, and Kidney Essence), and how this relationship shifts as the body ages. Across the lifespan, many women experience changes in how their body moves through cyclical phases. These shifts may affect energy, mood, bone health, libido, orgasm, self-perception, and a sense of vitality or aliveness in the body. You are invited to reflect on how your body has responded to these changes over time. The survey does not assume regular cycles, sexual activity, fertility goals, or positive experiences with aging.

This survey is open to mothers and people who identify as mothers, including biological, adoptive, and chosen motherhood across all stages of parenting. This work is guided by a somatic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework, which understands motherhood as a profound reorganization of the body, nervous system, and life force. In TCM, pregnancy, birth, caregiving, and chronic responsibility draw deeply from Qi, Blood, and Kidney Jing (essence), while emotional experience shapes the Heart and Shen (spirit). You are invited to reflect on how motherhood has shaped your relationship to your body, pleasure, safety, and sense of self. Pleasure here is not defined narrowly or sexually; it includes aliveness, rest, joy, sensuality, creativity, and moments of ease in the body. PARTICIPATION IS VOLUNTARY AND CONSENT-FORWARD. At the end, there is a survey about motherhood and sexual assault. Rather than focusing solely on the event, this survey attends to nervous system patterns, long-term health, relational dynamics, and the complexity of survival and love held in the same body. This research is offered with deep respect for your autonomy and well-being. Please prioritize care for yourself in whatever way feels supportive.

This survey is open to all men and people who identify as men, including cisgender, transgender, and masculine-identified individuals. This work is guided by a somatic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) framework, which understands the body as a source of wisdom. In TCM, experiences such as touch, connection, and safety influence the flow of energy (Qi), emotional regulation (Shen), and the body’s capacity to feel grounded and connected over time. You are invited to reflect on your experiences of non-sexual physical touch and connection. The intention is to better understand how men experience safety, non-sexual physical intimacy, and connection. This research is offered by a somatic artist and acupuncture student exploring how embodied experiences shape health, relationships, and meaning. Your responses help by supporting more inclusive conversations about care, masculinity, and well-being.