Ayurveda considers the nature of a woman's menstrual period as an expression of her state of health, as the cycle and period take on the characteristics of imbalance present within the body. The assessment of the menstrual cycle during an Ayurvedic consultation is thus a valuable piece of information in unlocking the causes underlying health issues.

According to Ayurvedic theory, menstrual blood is viewed as a secondary tissue of 'Rasa' (plasma or nutritional fluid that bathes bodily cells). This plasma or nutritional fluid is the first tissue that is formed in the body as a direct product of digestion. The quality of this nutritional fluid is responsible for the nourishment and health of all bodily tissues. Changes in menstruation can thus be an early indication of imbalance developing, offering us an opportunity to take steps to return to balance before disease takes hold.

The three Dosha's and their functions

The Ayurvedic understanding of the body rests on the principle that the human body is an epitome of the universe, consisting of five elements – Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth.

These elements are represented in the body by three doshas (humours or functional principles): Vata (Ether and Air), Pitta (Fire and Water) and Kapha (Water and Earth), which are responsible for diverse physiological processes in the body.

• Vata (formed by the elements of air and space) is responsible for all movement and communication in the body, regulating the nervous and circulatory systems. In addition, Vata rules elimination and excretion, which includes the reproductive organs in both men and women.
• Pitta (formed by the elements of fire and water) is responsible for transformation and regulates the digestive and endocrine systems.
• Kapha (formed by the elements of water and earth) is responsible for the structure and lubrication of the body and regulates the immune and lymphatic systems.

An imbalance in any of the Doshas can have an effect on the length, quantity and qualities of a woman's menstrual cycle.

Using nutrition to balance the Doshas

Ayurvedic healing works on the principle of using opposite qualities to balance the Doshas. Both dietary and lifestyle changes, along with herbs and body therapies are used to this end. For example:

1. The light, dry and cold qualities of Vata are balanced by grounding, moist, nourishing and warming foods, focusing on root vegetables and grains, nourishing soups and broths, warming culinary spices and healthy oils.
2. The hot, sharp and moist qualities of Pitta are balanced by cooling and refreshing foods, such as green leafy vegetables, sweet and ripe fruits and pulses, and cooling dairy products.
3. The slow, heavy, and unctuous qualities of Kapha are balanced by light, easily digestible, slightly drying and well-spiced foods, such as warming culinary spices, light and easily digestible cooked vegetables and pulses.

Herbs to balance the reproductive system

The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia consists of hundreds of herbs and complex herbal formulations that are prescribed according to the Agni (digestion), Dosha (functional principle), Dhatu (body tissue) and Srotas (channels carrying nutrients to the body tissue). Herbs are considered according to their taste, potency and post-digestive effect, which acts on the Doshas accordingly. Herbs are always given in a synergistic combination, to improve absorbability, target multiple systems or tissues and reduce any unwanted effects.

Ayurvedic Body Therapies to balance menstruation:

Ayurvedic body therapies for the reproductive system are chosen both for their overall systemic effect and/or their specific action on the reproductive system. A variety of treatments can be employed and may include the following:

Basti therapy

Basti (the introduction of herbal oils and decoctions to the colon in the form of an enema) is a very important therapy in Ayurveda, as it is said to cure 50% of all diseases. Vata - responsible for excretion and expulsion - rules both the colon and reproductive organs. By inserting herbal oils/ decoctions into the colon for cleansing and nourishment, Vata is balanced. This in turn has far reaching effects on the rest of the body, including the central nervous system, skeletal system and reproductive system. Basti therapy is widely used in all gynaecological disorders in Ayurveda. In Basti therapy, the herbal oil or decoction is absorbed via the rich blood and lymph supply of the rectum and colon into the systemic circulation. The Enteric Nervous System is stimulated, which in turn affects the CNS and endogenous opioids to regulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovary axis⁴. In addition to Basti (rectal enema) therapy, Ayurvedic gynaecological treatments also include local procedures such as Uttara Basti (vaginal insertion of herbal oil or decoction), Yoni Prakshalana (vaginal douching) and Yoni Pichu (vaginal insertion of cotton swab soaked in herbal oil).

Nasya

Ayurveda views the nose as a gateway to the brain and uses Nasya as an important factor in correcting hormonal imbalances. During Nasya therapy, herbal oil drops are instilled into the nostrils to bring balance to the menstrual cycle. Research shows that Nasya stimulates the pituitary gland and hypothalamus – both of which play a pivotal role in hormone regulation of the female reproductive system⁵.

Shirodhara

A deeply relaxing treatment involving the continuous pouring of warm medicated oil from side to side across the forehead. It calms the mind and nourishes the nervous system, and is therefore used in a wide range of health conditions exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Recent studies confirm the effect of Shirodhara in reducing anxiety, decreasing noradrenaline, and enhancing the immune system⁶. It is also helpful in managing the symptoms of menopause⁷.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic medicine has eight branches of specialisation: Stree Roga (Gynaecology) and PrasutiTantra (Obstetrics) are included as part of Balaroga (Pediatrics). The classical texts discuss 20 gynaecological disorders – some of which can be correlated to modern disorders. With a very sophisticated system of treating using different modalities to bring balance back to the reproductive system, Ayurveda is effective in a wide range of gynaecological disorders.

¹ Sharma, K. & Bhatnagar,M. (2011). Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A Versatile Female Tonic. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives. 2. 855-863.

² Baranwal, Vandana (2014): Asoka: Herbal Boon to Gynecological Problems An Overview of Current Research. Light on Ayurveda- Journal of Health. Vol. XII, Issue 4.

³ Dhiman K. (2014): Ayurvedic intervention in the management of uterine fibroids: A Case series. AYU 2014; 35: 303-8.

⁴ Patel, K. D. et al. (2012). Effect of shatapushpa taila matra basti and pathadi kwatha on poly cystic ovarian disease. Ayu, 33(2), 243–246.

⁵ Marlewar , Dr. S. G. & Kulkarni, Dr. H. D. (2017): A Review of Role of Nasya Karma in Gynaecological Disorders. IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences, Volume 16, Issue 2 Ver. I (February. 2017), PP 113-116

⁶ Uebaba, K. et al (2008): Psychoneuroimmunologic Effects of Ayurvedic Oil-Dripping Treatment. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2008; 14(10):1189–1198.

⁷ Santwani, K. et al (2010): An assessment of Manasika Bhavas in menopausal syndrome and its management. Ayu Journal. 2010; 31(3).