A woman goes through various phases of life and has different roles to play during each phase. According to Acharya Harita, these phases can be classified as Bala (5 years), Mugdha(11 years), Prodha(28 years), and Pragalbha (41 years). Age of menarche as mentioned in Ayurveda is 12 years and for menopause is 50 years. Both the ages are quite relevant in modern times as well.
Artava or raja is considered to be an Updhatu of Rasa Dhatu and Artavavaha srotas (minute channels) are specific srota in which it flows. According to Acharya Sushruta, this Srota is present in pairs and its Moolasthana (Root) is from Garbhashaya and Artavavahi Dhamani. Artava Pravritti is a natural process in the female body of the flow of artava. Artava is dominant as Agni Mahabhoot therefore is Agneya in nature. The best and healthiest is described which is similar in colour to the blood of rabbit and which doesn’t stain the cloth after washing properly. The period between two Ritu (Menstruations) is called Artavachakra or Rituchakra, it can be divided into Rajasarva kala, Ritukala and last Rituvyatita kala.
The women is called Rajashawala and for Sravakala or the Duration of monthly bleeding all acharyas have given different views: Acharya Charaka – 5 days, Vagbhatta – 3 days, Bhavamishra – 3 days, Harita and Bhela – 7 days.
There is a specific regime that should be followed during this period : practising celibacy for 3 days, sleeping on the floor on a mat made of Darbha, eating in an earthen sauces pan, eating light food only and taking bath after the completion of 3 days. The woman’s body is already weak during this time, sleeping on the floor or thin mattress helps with the pain in lower back and lower limbs which usually occurs during this time. Bloating and digestive problems are common during the menstrual phase, eating in earthen pots aids in digestion, decreasing acidity because of its alkaline nature, and also provides various minerals. This period is Vata dosha predominant as Vata is responsible for movement.
The normal functions of Apana Vayu include Rajopravritti from the Yoni Marg. Food habits and lifestyle which doesn’t imbalance the Vata Dosha should be followed. Not following the regime can have harmful effects on This period is Vata dosha predominant as Vata is responsible for movement. The normal functions of Apana Vayu include Rajopravritti from the Yoni Marg. Not following the regime can have harmful effects on women’s health as well as the health of progeny.
Rajopravritti or menstrual bleeding can be affected by Prakriti. In Vattaj Prakriti, scanty menses which are often painful occur due to the dominance of Vata dosha. In Pittaj Prakriti, the flow is more as Artava is Agneya in nature, similar to Pitta Dosha. In Kapha Prakriti, the woman has a moderate amount of flow, and no pain is observed. Ayurvedic medicine for irregular periods can help immensely during those days when a woman needs support apart from following the lifestyle modifications suggested in Ayurveda.
In modern times, a healthy menstrual cycle can only be maintained by proper functioning of the HPO axis(Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian). The women’s body needs different hormones in different phases of the menstrual cycle. The LH surge on the 14th day marks the most important event i.e. ovulation (release of egg/ovum) from the Graafian follicle. After that progesterone takes control and prepares the endometrium for implantation, which when fails to occur, a dip in progesterone then leads to the shedding of this endometrium layer. Several factors are explained in Ayurveda that lead to a normal and healthy menstrual cycle for which controlling diet and lifestyle modifications are a must.
Common health issues in reproductive age are PCOD (Polycystic ovarian Disorder), Dysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation), Amenorrhea (Absence of Menstruation), and Infertility (Unable to conceive), Postpartum Depression, leucorrhoea (white discharge). Modern treatment includes painkillers, hormonal therapies, and surgical interventions. Ayurveda as a science has much more to offer regarding women’s health in the reproductive phase.
DIFFERENT REGIMES FOR DIFFERENT STAGES
As mentioned before, a specific regime needs to be followed during the menstrual cycle , similar regimes are described for pregnancy(ANC) and post-partum termed as Garbhini Paricharya and Sutika Paricharya respectively. Also following diet and lifestyle according to your Prakriti (Nature), Desh(Geographical area), and Kala (Time/Season) is important to avoid any imbalance of dosha.
Vata dominant prakriti women should avoid dry and cold food items, if taken in excess can lead to painful menstruation. Similarly, Pittaj dominant should avoid spicy and hot items or it can cause heavy bleeding and intense cramps during menstruation.
Garbhini Paricharya includes a monthwise(masanumasik) diet for pregnant women which helps provide proper nourishment to the growing foetus and also prepares the women for delivery. Few factors which can interfere with normal development or can cause harm should be avoided. For eg : eating very hot and spicy food items, doing strenuous physical activities, frequent travelling, sleeping during the day, fasting etc.
The Sutika period is considered to be the most sensitive and the women’s body needs special care and attention. Few things to consider are: Bathing with warm water, drinking only boiled water, Udarvestanam (tying cloth on abdomen) to avoid Vata from entering in the empty space created following childbirth. The Sutika is very prone to Vata viation, therefore all Vata vitiating factors should be avoided. Any disease that occurs in the woman’s body during this period is challenging to treat and often becomes chronic.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF WOMEN REPRODUCTIVE DISEASES
According to Acharya Kashyap, Menstrual disorders are caused by overindulgence in food items of hot potency. Another cause is the administration of Nasya during Rajashawla kala. Eight menstrual disorders namely vattaj, pittaj, kaphaj, raktaj, granti bhuta, putipuya, kshina and mutra purish gandhi are mentioned. They should be treated using principles of Ayurveda, by acting against the dominant dosha. Basti is best for balancing the Vata dosha therefore plays a major role in menstrual disorders.
Vattaj Dusti Artava can be correlated to Dysmenorrhea and should be treated using Vatahar dravyas in Snehana and swedan. Yoni picha, Kalka and Yoni prakshalan are some local treatments that can be done. Drugs like Priyangu, Madhuka, kasamari are very beneficial.
Many other drugs like Ashoka, Kumari, Madhuka are very useful for various menstrual disorders. Some important formulations which are helpful in women’s health are Ashokarishta and Kumarayasava in irregular periods, Pushyanug churna and Trinkant pishti in Leucorrhea, Chandanasava in UTIs, Phala ghrita in Infertility, Shatavari churna for lactation etc.
Ayurveda describes Rajonivrutii kala or Menopause which occurs at about 50 years of age. Symptoms described in modern times are mood swings, hot flashes, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, insomnia etc, which can be related to Vata and pitta dosha imbalance. Vata-pitta shamak and kapha vardhak dravyas should be used during this phase. As it occurs in the later phase of life, Rasyana Dravya also are very important. For insomnia, anxiety and depression Medhya dravyas like madhukaparni, yastimadhu are very beneficial. It is a very neglected phase in a woman’s life which should be managed with utmost care.
Following an unhealthy lifestyle has given rise to an increase in the number of cases of female reproductive health disorders such as PCOS, Infertility, Endometriosis, etc. Ayurveda guides to avoid and prevent the disease in the first place by following the provided rules and regulations. It has also described in detail about the management and treatment for several female health issues. For a healthy reproductive and post reproductive period, following ayurveda will make life of women much easier and healthy.