 Menstrual Disturbances: Artava Dushti
When the bleeding per vagina during each menstrual cycle is normal is bright red in color and is free of foul smell. The total quantity of blood lost during each normal cycle is around 50 to 60 ml. When menstrual blood flow is altered either in quality or quantity, it is considered as abnormal and needs investigation and treatment.
 It is advisable to follow certain rules of diet and deeds in order to avoid a painful menstrual cycle.
The Ayurvedic view
As menstruation is controlled by the different doshas here is a quick overview of what is happening in your cycle from the Ayurvedic point of view. Normal menses are considered to be on a 26-30 day cycle, 5 days long, moderate flow, moderate colour, no clots, no discomfort, no PMT.
The cycle is divided into three phases according to the different doshas.
Kapha phase: From the end of bleeding until ovulation is a time of building the endometrium and increasing kapha. Oestrogen is increasing. It is the phase of restoring strength to the body and preparing for conception.
Pitta phase: This lasts from ovulation until period starts. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which peaks during this phase. This prepares the endometrium for implantation of the fertilized egg and the breasts for milk production. This can be a time of PMT due to pitta accumulating in the blood and liver. As the blood channels and menstruation are connected this means that there can be extra heat in the system and this can lead to feelings of irritation and emotional overload.
Vata phase: This predominates during the period itself. Apana vayu (the force that regulates all downward movements in the body) pushes the menstrum down and out, therefore emptying the contents of the womb when menses occur and facilitating delivery during birth.
Understanding the doshas in the menstrual cycle
In order to enhance fertility it is essential that any signs of the doshas being out of balance are normalised.
1.Vata Dosha regulates the nervous system. Interestingly, the menstrual cycle is closely related with the nervous system and a relaxed nervous system helps to have a smooth menstrual cycle. Vata also affects the plasma tissue responsible for much of the nourishment of the tissues and the quality of the menstrual flow. Excess vata can dry the plasma. This results in a chain of events from plasma through blood to the menstrual flow. The key here is in balancing vata dosha.
Signs of vata being too high are: Scanty flow, dark red/brown/black/dry/old blood, menstrual cramps (pricking pain, moving pain, numbness), pain radiating down into groin, thighs and lower back ache, a short and less than 5 day period, irregular cycle, long cycle, vaginal numbness, painful discharge, frothy flow, stiffness,
depression, fatigue, anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, weakness, feeling cold, vaginal dryness, lower abdominal distension, constipation, gas and headaches. In this intake of Triphala as well as Ginger helps in improving digestion and circulation in the lower abdomen.Patient must increase the intake of Ghee or butter. 2.
Pitta flows in the blood and the menstrual channel – Artava vaha srotas. Toxins from digestive imperfection seep into the blood creating heat and or toxins here; hence the importance of keeping ‘hot 'pitta under control.
Signs of pitta being too high are: Excess flow, dark red or purple blood, bright red blood, clotting, a longer than 5-7 day menses, inter menstrual spotting, the period can come early, frequent periods, hot discharge, foul odour, sensations of heat, flushing, fever, skin rashes, acne, headaches on temples, migraines, photosensitivity, acne, skin rashes, irritability, anger and diarrhoea. In these cases Shatawar,Lodhra, Aloe vera juice and Amla capsules helps to help clear the heat. Consuming tender coconut water is beneficial.
3.
Kapha is responsible for all anabolic activity and is generated by the plasma tissue and so any problem with metabolism in this tissue will create various kapha problems.
Signs of kapha being too high: moderate flow, pale or light red blood, mucous, large clots, slimy menses, pale discharge, sensations of cold, feeling itchy, mild to dull pain, heaviness, weight gain, water retention, oedema, nausea, vomiting, swollen breasts, back ache, pale pallor, feeling sentimental. We prefer advising Zinger, Trikatu,Lauha bhasma,Dashmool in daily schedule to remove any sluggishness.
q During the premenstrual period, i.e., during 4-5 days before the expected periods, one should avoid eating very spicy and deep fried food items. This helps in keeping the Vata Dosha specially the Apana vata in a balanced position and hence in avoiding severe spasmodic abdominal pain (menstrual cramps).
q In case of constipation, mild laxative such as powder of three myrobalans (Triphala powder) should be taken in the dose of 1 tsp. At night along with warm water.
q Excessive physical stress such as exercises, or any other heavy work should be avoided to avoid excessive bleeding and pain during the periods.
q In case of severe pain in abdomen or back, hot water fomentation should be taken along with the home remedies like asafetida powder in the dose of 125 -250 mg. Along with warm water.
q Ayurveda offers purification therapy or Panchakarma as main line of treatment in congenital diseases. This includes enema with various medicated oils, or with medicinal infusions and decoctions.
q Vaginal douche with Dashmool kwatha or Panchvalkal kwatha is also advised using decoctions and cold infusions of medicinal herbs to cleanse the infected uterus and vagina.
qInternal medicines comprise of the rejuvenators like Shatavari (Asparagus recemosus ), Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ), Bala (Sida cordifolia) and herbs, which specifically act on female reproductive system, such as Ashoka (Saraca indica), and Lodhra (Symplocos recemosa).
q In some patients a special procedure ‘ Uttarbasti' has to be done.It helps in restoring the proper uterine muscle functioning and normal physiological hormonal function etc.
--- In our practice we have seen many patients who came to us with the complaint of irregular menses or painful menstruation but also having difficulty in conception. With uttarbasti both the aims are achieved ,it was quite amazing for us initially.
Leucorrhoea: Shweta Pradara
Leucorrhoea is a condition in which there is a whitish discharge from the vagina.It may be thick,viscid and foul smelling.
** We generally ask the patient to clean the local area thoroughly with Panchavalkal kwatha .Also some natural Iron and calcium supplements do help.The combinations that we prefer in center consists: Supari paka and a combination of Swarn makshik bhasma+ Shankha bhasma+ Kukkutand twak bhasma + Yashad bhasma Also the application of Irimedadi tail intra vaginally is quite helpful.
Uterine Fibroids: Garbhashaya Granth
Despite the fact that less than half of 1 percent of all uterine fibroids become cancerous, they are more than capable of wreaking havoc in a woman's body. In fact, these benign tumors can cause pain, heavy bleeding and infertility, and they affect up to 40 percent of the female population.   These can be categorized under garbhashaya granthi, that needs treatment in the line of action of piles mentioned in Ayurveda.Besides this Kanchnar gugglu 2 tablets thrice daily and cominations viz. Kukkutandtwak bhasma + Kasis bhasma + Sat giloy + Vaikrant bhasma + Pushyanug churna helps in checking the growth further and also reduces the size.
Ovarian Cysts: Beejkoshaj Granthi
The most common site of a pelvic mass is the ovary. The age of the woman gives the doctor great insight into how serious the finding of an ovarian cyst can be.
Finding a cyst in a young girl before she's begun menstruation is alarming and can be malignant 50% of the time. An ovarian cyst in a post-menopausal woman is also frequently malignant. In both of these age groups, diagnostic surgery to make an absolute identification is needed.
The most common cysts found are the functional cysts. A functional cyst can be one of four types and are not malignant: follicular, corpus luteum, theca luteum, and polycystic ovaries.
Ayurveda physicians opt for the combinations like Kanchnar gugglu , Dashmool ghan vati , Devdarvyadi Kwath along with Dashmool tail Uttarbasti .
Rajonivritti: Menopausal Syndrome
Menopausal syndrome is a group of symptoms produced by degenerative changes after completion of adult age & the start of geriatric. So certain therapy like “Rasayana Chikitsa” rejuvenation therapy, a specialized branch to check the degenerative process of the bodily tissues is found to be very useful as per reference given by Charaka. (Ch.S.Chi 1-1/7,8).
Ayurveda recommends Dashmool, Naturocal capsule, Medha capsule, Shatawari etc. in this condition.The effect of Shirodhara with Ksheerbala tail with Jyotishmati tail shows remarkable results.
Sterility: Bandhyatva
Sterility in females is a result of either the impairment of the ovary, uterus, fallopian tubes, or hormones controlling the functions of these organs by Apana vata.or as a result of some diseases.
Kashmaryadi or Phala ghrita is very effective in the treatment of this condition. It is given to the patient with milk orally and also as Uttarbasti. Shilajit and Vanga bhasma is the medicine of choice for the treatment of this condition.
Bala : The root of this plant is boiled in oil and milk. It is used with lukewarm water for Uttarbasti. This brings about a change in the mucous membrane of the genital tract that aids the effective combination of ovum and sperm in the uterus. This medicated oil is also given orally.
Banyan Roots : The tender roots of the banyan tree are beneficial in female sterility where there are no organic defects or congenital deformities. It should be mixed with milk in advised dosage.Milk should be five times the weight of the powder and which should be taken at night - for three consecutive nights after the monthly periods are over.
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