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Womanhood is to be celebrated at all stages of life. Unfortunately, some of us are unable to enjoy the real essence of womanhood just because of the physical, mental and emotional turmoil we will have to undergo throughout our reproductive life. An important contributing factor of this being, menstrual irregularities.
The irregularities can be due to a variety of causes indicating any kind of menstrual disorders. The disorders can be PMS, PMDD, Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Menorrhagia, Menometrorrhagia and so on.
Although each individual may experience symptoms of all of these differently, the presenting complaints might be complimentary to each other.
Let’s discuss about PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) here.
PMS refers to the physical, mental, emotional disturbances that females experience right before or during their menstrual cycle.
The exact cause of PMS is unknown. Some of the important symptoms of PMS include:
- Hot flashes
- Changes in appetite
- Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea,
- Skin issues (like acne)
- Psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, mood swings)
- Emotional instability
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Diminished libido
- Fatigue
However, we in Ayurveda, categorize it based on the increased doshic involvement.
- Vata type PMS symptoms include low backache, lower abdominal pain, distention, anxiety, fear, insomnia, and mood swings.
- Pitta-type PMS characterized by tenderness in the breasts, urethritis, hives, hot flashes, irritability, and sometimes a burning sensation when passing urine.
- Kapha-type breasts become enlarged and tender as PMS involves water retention and sleepiness. The woman may get nauseous or vomit just before or during her cycles.
PMS can be treated successfully using the following treatment modalities and lifestyle modifications.
In all cases, start the preventive program one week before the anticipated time of your period.
FOR VATA – TYPE PMS
- Drink dashamoola tea (½ teaspoon dashamoola in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes). Take twice a day.
- You can also consume1 tablespoon aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper, 3 times a day before food.
FOR PITTA – TYPE PMS
- Take a teaspoon full, sukumara grutham or dadimadya grutham on the empty stomach in the mornings.
- Consume Aloe-Vera gel (1 tablespoon) with a pinch of cumin powder is also effective.
FOR KAPHA-TYPE PMS
- Before the expected onset of your period, consume about 10 cherries daily on an empty stomach.
- You can also consume1 tablespoon aloe-vera gel along with a pinch of trikatu (equal amounts of black pepper, pippali and ginger can be considered as a traditional Ayurvedic formula).
General recommendations
- Warm pure cow’s ghee and instill it into your nostrils (5 drops in each nostril). This will stimulate natural hormones and help regulate balance of the system.
- When there is abdominal bloating and cramps, warm castor oil pack on the lower abdomen is recommended. Castor oil slowly produces sustained heat that is soothing and healing.
- Take 3 tablespoons of castor oil to warm up and pour it onto a handkerchief or other soft cloth, spreading it equally on the cloth. Place this compress on the lower abdomen. Or you could just pour a few drops (5-10 drops) of it on your navel. Take a hot water bottle and you may place it on top of the pack to keep it warm.
FOR PREVENTION
1) Exercise regularly. During the month, be sure to have regular exercise including half an hour of walking or other aerobic exercise.
2) Yoga and stretches are also beneficial.
3) Breathing exercises, pranayama and meditation are also important in tackling mood swings.
During the actual menstrual period, Ayurveda suggests no exercise or yoga. As much as possible, just rest, read, and relax!
4) A well balanced diet is inevitable in combating premenstrual symptoms.
5) Adequate sleep and rest are also necessary.
6) Hydrating your body is equally important especially during your periods.
Have a happy periods.
For any kind of queries of your constitutional type feel free to contact us.
Shathayu Ayurveda also caters customized panchakarma procedures to treat your PMS effectively. To know more about this, contact us.
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