Understanding menstruation from an Ayurvedic perspective

Menstrual cycle: most likely

According to Ayurveda, menstrual blood, or raja, is one of the superior by-products of the body’s first tissues or dhatu, rasa. Rasa is the fluid component of blood and can be equated with lymph in today’s medical terminology. Rasa is formed when the juices of our digested food enter the blood circulation, and mature due to body heat, after a period of 5 days to form this liquid tissue.

The functions of Rasa Dhatu are to nourish and moisturize all the tissues and organs of the body. From a Western point of view, we can say that nutrients, hormones, oxygen and water are carried in this fluid tissue to nourish all other tissues and systems of the body. After a period of five days, the physical Agni (fire) matures the rasa into the next dhatu, rakta (blood), and its by-products, menstrual blood and lactation tissue.

Thus, when understanding the menstrual cycle and its imbalance, it is crucial to consider the quality of rasa dhatu, the principle of overall nourishment and hydration in the body.

Normal menstruation

The qualities of menstrual blood are hot (usna) because it is predominant in the element of fire, unlike semen, which is considered cold. Menstruation is associated with the sacral chakra or muladhara.

According to Ayurveda, normal menstruation begins in most girls between the ages of nine and fourteen. Girls with a pitta-dominant build will begin menstruating at the early end of this range, while kapha girls will begin menstruating later. Vata dominant girls start menstruating somewhere in the middle. Likewise in menopause, when a woman ends her menstrual years and enters the Vata phase of life, Pitta women can enter menopause early while in Kapha types it can happen as late as 60 years.

According to classical Ayurvedic texts, a normal menstrual cycle (Rtu Chakra) usually lasts 25 to 30 days. It is said that healthy menstruation is pain-free and blood does not stain clothes. The normal amount of blood is 4 anjalis (about 4 ounces) and the normal length of the menstrual cycle is between 3 and 7 days of bleeding.

During menstruation, women have traditionally been encouraged to rest, refraining from their usual household or work duties.

Dosha and phases of the menstrual cycle

According to Ayurveda, the maturation of the egg that leads to ovulation is governed primarily by pitta and kapha controls the thickening of the uterine lining in the period leading up to menstruation. Menstruation itself, being a downward flow; It is ruled by Vata and specifically the subdosha Apana vayu.

Difficult or painful menstruation

Reading the above description of a healthy and normal menstrual cycle, many of us women in the modern world are surprised by how little we relate to this matter. Most women today experience some discomfort during their menstrual cycle. Menstrual difficulties may arise as soon as menstruation begins (known as primary dysmenorrhea) or develop later in life (known as secondary dysmenorrhea). Regardless of a woman’s individual doshiki constitution, she may suffer from vata, pitta, or kapha type menstrual disorders.

Vata type of menstrual difficulties include premenstrual pain located in the lower abdomen and lower back, bloating, constipation, cramps, insomnia, and anxiety. Menstrual flow tends to be scanty, darker and may include clots. These types of concerns are usually associated with narrowing of the cervix due to increased vata in the Arthava Vaha srotas.

Pitta type menstrual difficulties include tender breasts, heavy flow with a burning sensation, and bright red blood. There may be acne flare-ups, hot flashes, irritability and frustration. More established disorders such as endometriosis are due to increased beta in the uterine lining.

Kapha dysmenorrhea can manifest as congestion and pain in the latter part of the menstrual period, bloating, water retention or edema, and feelings of lethargy and heaviness. Excess Poshaka Kapha is also responsible for growths, cysts or fibrous changes in the reproductive system which can lead to dysmenorrhea.

Absence or irregular menstruation can be caused by an excess of Vata, Pitta or Kapha.

It is important to note that multiple douches may play a role in the menstrual imbalance an individual experiences. It is also worth noting that the reproductive system, which is located in the pelvic area, which is one of the main sites in the body for Vata and specifically the subdosha Apana Vayu, will always have some Vata involvement in all the imbalances there.

Return to balance

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, consider making an appointment with a doctor or certified Ayurvedic practitioner, who will be able to understand the full picture and recommend targeted herbs or lifestyle modifications. Here are some general guidelines on balancing dysmenorrhea.

For every dosha that is disturbed, one of the most important influencing factors is diet. Eating a diet that is inconsistent in quality with the tainted dosha will help reduce the imbalance and provide relief from the symptoms.

Women suffering from Vata dysmenorrhea should avoid cold, raw, rough and dry foods and prefer soupy, warm, non-greasy and seasoned foods. Those with more pitta concerns should avoid spicy, oily, sour and pungent foods, alcohol and coffee and instead prefer sweet, bitter and cooling foods such as milk, rice and cooked vegetables. People with Kapha concerns should try to avoid creamy, heavy, sticky, and sweet foods and prefer light, spicy, and warm foods to compensate for the imbalance.

Ayurvedic herbal allies for women’s health

Herbs can provide great support for women looking to regulate their periods or bring more balance to their reproductive systems. Please always work with an experienced practitioner when using these herbs in clinical doses.

Shatavari is a powerful rejuvenator for the female reproductive system. The name can be translated to “100 pairs” in reference to the herb’s effectiveness in strengthening the uterus. Asparagus root has a soothing, nourishing and stabilizing effect, helping to heal excess flow, irregularity or pain.

Kumari, as the cactus is known in Sanskrit, translates as “little girl.” The cooling, refreshing and lubricating properties of this herb soothe the three doshas and help restore youth and vitality to all tissues, including the woman’s reproductive system. Therefore, it is useful in regulating the menstrual cycle as well as cases of excessive heat during menopause.

Ashoka is a great herbal support for menstrual disorders such as excessive bleeding, pain and congestion. Its name literally means “absence of sadness,” and so through its cleansing and toning effect on uterine tissue, it can also help regulate the menstrual cycle and help remove cysts and fibroids.

Rose, or shatapati in Sanskrit, is a familiar and beautiful herb. Cooling and astringent in nature, this herb helps relieve growths, painful periods, and excess flow. Just like Kumari, this herb is useful in hot menopause. His attraction to the heart helps spread understanding and love as difficult emotions arise in situations like menstruation.