Menstrual
cycle, Rutu chakra in Ayurveda is the natural physiology in woman. It is
the cycle of changes that occur in uterus and ovary resulting in menstrual
bleeding for the purpose of reproduction. It begins at the age of 12 and ceases
at 50 approximately. This time line is called as Menarche – menopause and it is
the reproductive period in woman.
Healthy
menstruation is the evidence for health of woman. When the woman is healthy,
she can give birth to healthy child. Right from the birth, a girl child is
responsible to care for the healthy future generations. During Menarche, there
will be gradual growth of pubic and axillary hair; there will be development of
breasts, uterus and vagina along with vulva.
Menstrual cycle has
three phases. They are
1.
Rajasrava kala – bleeding phase
2.
Rtu kala – ovulatory phase
3.
Rtuvyathitha kala – secretory phase
Rajasrava
kala
is known as bleeding phase in Ayurveda. The day of onset of menstrual bleeding
is considered as the first day out of 28 days menstrual cycle. Duration of
menstrual bleeding is averagely 3 to 5 days. The blood collected for the whole
month by the vessels of uterus and endometrial capillaries are expelled out
through the vaginal opening by the vayu. The amount of blood flow is 4 anjali
pramana (ie, approximately 4 ounces it is 120 ml. interestingly ayurveda uses
subjective measuring parameter – hence here anjali refers to the quantity that
can be filled in the one’s own palms). The menstrual blood remains sight black
in colour and odourless.
According to Ayurveda, the
characteristics of normal menstruation
Menstruation
up to 7 days with 30 to 120 ml of blood which resembles lac juice, red lotus
flower, rabbit’s blood and devoid of pain, burning sensation, unctuousness is
normal.
Mode of life during
menstruation mentioned in various texts of Ayurveda
The
woman during menstrual bleeding should avoid day sleeping, application of
collyrium, shedding of tears, ablution, bathing, and anointing, massaging,
paring of nails, fast racing, laughing, listening to many topics (unnecessary
talks), combing and excessive exercise. She should also avoid wearing
ornaments, purificatory treatments like nasya, swedana and vamana, food items
with pungent, salt and hot. She should sleep on the bed made of darbha and eat
meal made of ghee, rice and milk or barley and milk.
Now
days, some of these restrictions are
possible to follow and some are impossible. The restrictions like to avoid
shedding tears, laughing and unnecessary talks may help to recover mood swings
during menstruation. Directly or indirectly Ayurveda has indicated rest. Rest
during menstruation may help to avoid menstrual pain, low back pain, etc.
Eating habit is very important part during menstruation. Some of them like to
take lot of food, some of them may not. Taking healthy food is very important
during this time. When the person takes hot and spicy food, it increases
burning sensation and painful menstruation.
-Dr.Manasa Suneel Krishnan