Taking Care During The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a monthly natural cleansing process in women, which itself heals the uterus and imbalanced doshas. Ayurveda takes it into consideration to keep this phenomenon normal.
According to Ayurveda normal menstruation should be free from pain, burning sensation or slimy discharge, it should be as normal as other eliminations. A woman during her menses is called Rajaswala in Ayurveda and the conduct to be followed by her is called the Rajaswala Paricharya. Nowadays menstrual problems like PMS, lower back ache, lower abdominal pain, nausea etc have become so common that they are termed as associated symptoms of menstruation.
Do’s & Don’ts During Menstruation
Diet and regime during these periods should be such that it should balance doshas and maintain digestive fires…
• In this period digestive energy is naturally low. Indigestion could cause constipation, headache, bloating, diarrhoea etc. Hence it is advised to have easily-digested food like rice, barley, mung beans, milk, ghee, fruits, khichadi etc which should be warm and fresh. It’s best to have food in a small quantity, do not overeat!!
• Drink warm water or take mild laxatives to avoid constipation.
• Avoid processed food, excessively oily, salty, spicy food, meat, fish, and frozen foods which are difficult to digest.
• Avoid doing physical activities or exercise like cycling, walking, running, etc. It vitiates vata dosha which causes headaches, cramps, pain, sleep disturbances, etc.
• Take complete rest during menses. The uterus is shedding off blood and tissue accumulated throughout the last month which clearly indicates that it has a wound. Take care of yourself as a wounded person and take complete rest. For women this is a monthly phenomenon so they don’t bother to rest but taking rest and avoiding physical activity can promote the healthy healing of uterus lining.
• Maintain hygiene of the genital area, rather than having a bath as it helps with the cleanse.
• Avoid sleeping during the day; rest is required but not sleeping.
• Avoid massaging during this phase.
• Avoid stress and try to have many good thoughts. Stress and anxiety affects the hormonal balance in the body and may create disturbances in the long run. Hormonal disturbances are the root cause of many problems like PCOD, infertility etc. So, try and keep your mind relaxed during your periods.
• Certain forward bending Yoga Asanas are beneficial, similarly abstaining from stimulants like gadgets, loud music etc helps calm the mind.
• Lastly, maintain complete abstinence.
To summarise, Rajaswala paricharya helps women respond healthily to the drastic physical and psychic changes during the menstrual cycle and in relieving most of the associated symptoms of menstrual cycle.
Dr. Archana K
