For women 20-35 understanding menstrual health is key. It’s a time of balancing education, work and personal life. Ayurveda has the answers to balancing this through the regulation of doshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The doshas can affect menstrual health in every way from cycle regularity to emotional well being. For women in this age group managing doshic balance can help navigate the busy-ness of life and bring harmony to work-life needs and overall health.
The Menstrual Cycle in Ayurveda
Ayurveda sees the menstrual cycle as a reflection of overall health, governed by the natural rhythms of the body. The cycle is divided into three main phases, each governed by different doshas:
- Rutukala: The preovulatory phase, where the body prepares for conception. This stage is kapha dominated. Kapha rises to an aggravated state called kapha prakopa. The essence of kapha shows up in this phase through the juiciness and peacefulness women feel.
- Rutuvyateeta Kala: The luteal phase, where the body prepares for either pregnancy or the next cycle. In this stage pitta starts to rise, replacing kapha towards the end of the Rutukala phase. As pitta reaches pitta prakopa it becomes visible through the rakta dhatu (blood tissue layer) as the blood vessels increase in size in preparation for an egg.
- Rajakala: The menstrual phase, where the uterine lining is shed if no egg is received. Vata comes in to replace pitta and starts the menstrual flow after pitta prakopa. Atana vayu, a sub-dosha of vata, is responsible for the downward movement that allows menstrual blood to flow properly. So vata balance is very important as imbalances can lead to pelvic pain, bad flow and constipation.
Vata Dosha and the Menstrual Cycle
Role of Vata in the Menstrual Cycle: Vata dosha, especially Apana Vayu sub-dosha, is responsible for the downward flow of menstrual blood. Vata’s dryness and movement qualities are necessary for timely and proper onset of menstruation.
Symptoms of Vata Imbalance: Vata imbalance can cause irregular periods, painful periods, bloating and anxiety. Women may have scanty or delayed periods and emotional hyper sensitivity.
Ayurvedic Tips to Balance Vata: To balance Vata, focus on warmth and nourishment:
- Diet: Warm cooked food, avoid cold raw food. Herbal teas with vata pacifying herbs. Sweet potatoes, ghee and soups.
- Lifestyle: Rest and warmth, avoid physical or mental strain during menstruation.
- Managing Stress: High stress from work or studies can aggravate Vata. Do yoga and meditation.
- Sleep and Hydration: Get enough sufficient sleep and stay hydrated to counteract Vata’s dryness.
Pitta Dosha and Menstruation
Pitta imbalance can show up as heavy bleeding, irritability and inflammation. Women may experience PMS symptoms like anger, frustration and overheating.
Tips to Balance Pitta: To calm Pitta, focus on cooling and calming:
- Diet: Eat cooling foods like cucumbers, melons and leafy greens. Avoid spicy, fried and acidic foods.
- Lifestyle: Manage stress through mindfulness and stay cool especially during hot weather.
- Hormonal Changes: Contraceptive use can affect Pitta. Monitor and manage hormonal fluctuations with an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Balancing a Busy Life: Make time for self care in between a busy schedule and do activities that calm the mind and body.
Kapha Dosha and Menstruation
Role of Kapha in Menstruation: Kapha dosha, the dosha of stability and structure, maintains the reproductive tissues and fluids. Its qualities of heaviness and moisture affect the duration and consistency of the menstrual cycle.
Symptoms of Kapha Imbalance: When Kapha is imbalanced it can cause excess mucus, heaviness and sluggishness during menstruation. Women may experience weight gain, prolonged periods and water retention.
Ayurvedic Tips to Balance Kapha: To balance Kapha
- Diet: Eat light and spicy food to digest and reduce mucus. Avoid heavy, oily and sweet food.
- Lifestyle: Do Yoga regularly and don’t overeat especially in the evening.
- Active Lifestyle: Balance work and family commitments with physical activity to prevent Kapha accumulation.
Balancing Doshas for Menstrual Health
Balancing all three doshas is the holistic way to achieve good menstrual health. General Ayurvedic practices are:
- Daily Routines (Dinacharya): Establish a daily routine, Abhyanga with Amrutam Kumkumadi Oil, meditation and enough sleep. A healthy routine has many benefits beyond menstrual health. Good Dinacharya leads to longevity and peace of mind.
- Seasonal Routines (Ritucharya): Adjust diet and lifestyle according to seasonal changes to balance doshas throughout the year. Each season is associated with a dosha, so it’s important to match your lifestyle with the dosha of the season to balance your doshas.
- Herbs and Treatments: Herbs like Ashoka, Shatavari and turmeric are good for menstrual health. Amrutam has a range of products with these very herbs and ingredients that cater to menstrual health like Amrutam Nari Sondarya Malt.
The three phases; Rutukala, Rutuvyateeta Kala, and Rajakala are all governed by the three doshas. Understanding how to balance each phase and its dosha will not only help with menstrual health but overall health too. Balance is key in Ayurveda, whether it’s your doshas or work-life. Balance has many hidden benefits, like improving your periods while removing accumulated stress. Seize the day with confidence.
