Rutukala- Proliferative phase
The Proliferative phase is for 12 to 16 days. The day starts from the 4th day and may extend up to 18th day of menstrual cycle. This phase includes ovulation. However ovulation may be absent in some exceptional cases. The sperm get deposited in the uterus for conception like a seed which is likely to bear. Hence this phase is termed as rutukala.
On fourth day after taking head bath, the woman has to wear white or new garments, flowers and ornaments, worship and then she has to see her husband in white garments. This shows reflection upon the child. Ayurveda believes whenever the woman sees her husband with love and affection on the fourth day, the child will have similar feature, character, etc. It is believed to enhances the ovulation.
Rutumathi means ovulating woman, the woman who is in her proliferative phase. Ayurveda has defined some special characteristic features for the ovulating woman. During this period, she looks bright and healthy, her mouth and teeth moist, anxious to hear love stories, her flanks, eyes and hair are lax, she has twitching over arms, breasts, pelvis, umbilicus, thighs and hip.
As lotus closes after the Sun set, the cervix of the uterus also gets constricted after ovulation. This prevents the entry of Sperms. Hence this is considered as the phase of conception.
Ayurvedic treatments like kshara karma and Nasya are contraindicated during this phase.
Rutuvyathitha kala – secretary phase or post ovulatory phase.
The secretary phase or the post ovulatory phase is responsible for the formation of next menstrual cycle or fertilization. During this phase, the uterine wall get thickens for the purpose of conception. Simultaneously, fertilization takes place in the presence of sperm and the ovum. After fertilization, the embryo takes its suitable place in the uterine wall for the development of the fetus. Thus it results in conception. In the absence of fertilization, the matured ovum waits for the next phase to get expelled off.