An Ayurvedic View of a Woman’s Menstrual Cycle

A major indicator of a woman’s health within Ayurveda is her menstrual cycle. An
Ayurvedic consultation with a woman will always contain a detailed view of her
menstrual cycle with her menses analysed as well as any mood and physical body
changes. This may seem unnecessary from a western medical viewpoint but as the
scriptures say, ‘a woman’s menstrual cycle is her rekta moksha’, one of the Pancha
Karma (purification treatments) involving blood letting. So a woman would never have
to undergo rekta moksha, the blood letting purification treatment if her menstrual cycle
is normal.
This leads us then to first define what a normal menstrual cycle is. With our hectic
lifestyles of today, it is very easy to lose sight as to what is a normal, healthy menstrual
cycle and what has been imposed on the body and mind as ‘OK’ but is in fact not in tune
with nature. This is true for all ailments in the body. It is very easy with our busy lives to
ignore certain aches as normal and not to look further into the problem. Does it really
matter if there are stomach cramps and pain before a period as long as the feeling
subsides‐ well until next month anyway!
In this article we will look at what the symptoms of pain, pre‐menstrual syndrome
(PMS), bloating etc mean from an Ayurveda viewpoint and how to alleviate certain
problems with changes to the diet and lifestyle.
A normal menstrual cycle according to Vagbhata, quoted in Ashtanga Hrdyam, is a
discharge of blood every twenty‐eight days. The flow of blood is for three days and
commences from the age of twelve until the age of fifty. Of course this is a classical view
from the scriptures and there will be variations of this menstrual cycle, especially due to
dosha imbalances. Vagbhata goes on to say that with the menstrual cycle being
unvitiated and the mind and semen being pure, a healthy offspring will be born. So it is
clearly seen that a healthy menstrual cycle is the prerequisite to a healthy pregnancy.
Within an Ayurveda framework the menstrual cycle is seen as a purification process,
with the impurities from the body expelled in the form of blood. In Ayurveda, as well as
other ancient traditions, during the menstrual period the woman rested and was on her
own. This was so that she could be at peace with herself and also to let the impurities
flow out properly. If thought about logically during the menstrual period the body is
under a lot of strain. The body is becoming weak with the loss of blood and there may
also be body pain; so it does make sense to rest a little more during this period. Because
of the way society is progressing today with the loss of male and female identities,
women are increasingly working as men and forgetting that their body does need more
rest during this special time. In Ayurveda and Yoga this time is thought about carefully.
During menstruation the body should try and rest as much as possible and even yoga
should not be practised. I know that most women would find this inconceivable and
most yoga courses do not differentiate for menstruation apart from a few asanas
(postures) which should not be practised. However in traditional practises of yoga,
asanas are not done at all whilst a woman is on her menses. The same would be for any
form of physical exercise. The body would experience a lot of force and this is not good
during menstruation. Nothing should be undertaken which affects the flow of the cycle.
Similarly it is not just physical actions but also mental actions which affect the flow of
blood. Vagbhata states that the woman who is menstruating should only harbour good
thoughts. Arguments leading to an increase in the pitta dosha can cause an increase in
the flow of blood. It is a very emotional time too and there should not be too much
sadness as this emotion could be exaggerated. In ancient times it was noted that
bathing should also not be done; this is because cold water can decrease the or even
stop the flow of blood. In a similar way, overly hot water can increase the flow.
Nowadays we do not need to worry as lukewarm showers and baths can be taken. Food
which is in taken should also be simple. Spicy food can increase the flow of blood, and
sweet can decrease it.
Physical abstinence from all activities would be virtually impossible for most women,
but it should be possible to ease the social calendar at this time and to make room for
oneself. These three to four days can be seen as a time for reflection, meditation and
self‐awareness. There is no need for prolonged meditation as this will also affect the
mind and therefore the flow of blood; but gentle quiet inward looking meditation will be
ideal.
The menstrual cycle can be seen in terms of the three constitutions of Vata, Pitta and
Kapha.
A Vata menstrual cycle will involve a low volume of blood and a scanty flow, perhaps
with breaks to the flow and then the onset of blood again. The discharge will be of a
dark, brownish colour and periods can be painful. The cycle in general will be irregular,
with some monthly periods being missed. The vayu which is acting on the body during
the menstrual period is the apana vayu and when this flow is obstructed the tendency
for the blood is to flow upwards; hence no blood at all and it is this apana vayu which
needs to be treated.
The treatment of a vata menstrual cycle is to soothe vata. This can be done in many
ways and should be done during the whole month not just at the time of the menstrual
period. Warm Abhyanga oil application is one of the best treatments for vitiated vata;
this should not be done at the time of the period but at other times of the month. The
frequency will depend on other problems the individual may have and also lifestyle
constraints but in some cases a daily oil application may be needed. Vata pacifying foods
should also be eaten, such as warm, spicy food. Cold food should be avoided in order
not to increase vata more.
A Pitta menstrual cycle involves an excessive and very heavy flow of blood. The blood is
bright red and may involve some clotting. The menstrual period lasts for about five to
seven days. The menstrual period can also frequently some early. Before the onset of
the menses, there will be irritated and inflamed skin.
The treatment of a pitta menstrual cycle is to soothe the vitiated pitta. A pitta pacifying
diet should be in taken. Hot, spicy foods should be avoided and more cooling foods
eaten. As has also been previously noted, anger can also increase the pitta dosha in a
menstrual period; breathing techniques or pranayama can be practised to ease the
anger. Sitali is an excellent cooling breath. The tongue is curled and the air taken in
through the tongue to the mouth, this is then exhaled through the nose. Abhyanya
warm oil application is also beneficial but coconut oil should be used due to the cooling
nature of the oil.
A Kapha menstrual cycle involves a moderate flow of light, red blood. There are often
clots and the blood is thick in nature. Breasts are swollen before and during the
menstrual period; and tiredness and heaviness is felt. There may also be weight gain
before the period due to water retention.
The treatment of a kapha vitiated menstrual cycle would be to soothe kapha. Abhyanga
warm oil application can again be done at other times of the month and plenty of
exercise, also at other times other than when the menstrual period is on, should be
done. Spicy food can be eaten, but sweet foods should be avoided.
A menstrual cycle can of course have elements of all three doshas present and in
conclusion then it is important to lead a balanced lifestyle all year round. This will help
to balance the mind and body in general and lead to less health problems in general and
of course a healthier menstrual cycle.