Menstrual Difficulties

See also “PMS”

TYPES OF DYSMENORRHEA

According to Ayurvedic theory, painful or difficult menstruation (dysmenorrhea) can be divided into three types: vata, pitta, and kapha. It is important to know as specifically as possible what the problem is (vata, pitta, or kapha) in order to treat it effectively. Please note that these difficulties are independent of one’s own constitutional type. That is, somebody with a pitta constitution could be having vata-type menstrual problems. So read the following descriptions carefully and compare them to your own experience.

• Vata. More pain before the onset of menstruation, bloating, lower abdominal pain, lower back ache, constipation, cramps, and insomnia are associated with vata-type dysmenorrhea. Menstrual flow tends to be scanty.
• Pitta. Congestive dysmenorrhea is a pitta problem. Pitta creates congestion, inflammation, and irritation. The breasts become tender, the bladder becomes sensitive, and there can be a burning sensation while passing urine. There may be hot flashes and irritability. It may lead to profuse menstrual flow.
• Kapha. In kapha-type menstrual difficulties, there is also congestion, and pain occurs more in the later part of the menstrual period, associated with white discharge, bloating, water retention, feelings of heaviness, lethargy, and drowsiness. The woman feels like sleeping during the daytime.

TREATMENTS FOR DYSMENORRHEA

Now for some effective treatments for each type of disorder.

VATA. For vata-type menstrual discomfort, make an herbal compound of

ashwagandha
vidari
tagar

Mix equal proportions of these herbs together, and take 1 teaspoon of the mixture with warm water after lunch and dinner.

Also effective for relieving vata-type cramps and discomfort is applying castor oil on the lower abdomen.

Take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel with 2 pinches of black pepper 3 times a day until the cramps subside.

PITTA. Women with pitta-type symptoms should use

shatavari 2 parts
kama dudha ⅛ part
musta 1 part

This formula is effective for pitta-type menstrual pain. Take ½ teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with warm water, after meals.

You will also find application of some coconut oil on the lower abdomen quite soothing.

KAPHA. Kapha-type menstrual problems can be effectively treated by using a mixture of

punarnava ½ part
manjistha ½ part
trikatu ⅛ part

Take about ½ teaspoon of this mixture twice a day, after lunch and dinner, washed down with warm water.

Application of mustard oil and castor oil (half and half) to the lower abdomen will also help with kapha-type menstrual discomfort.

NOTE: This may be a good time to remind you of an important Ayurvedic principle. If you are finding that your self-treatment is not working or even appears to be making the condition worse, you may have made a mistake in your diagnosis of the problem.

Don’t give up! Remember, you are not a trained Ayurvedic diagnostician. Simply reassess the situation and try a different line of treatment.

FOR ALL BODY TYPES

HERBAL REMEDIES. Ayurvedic medicine includes a series of powerful herbal compounds based on the herb guggulu. In addition to other healing qualities, these compounds are especially good for regulating menstruation. For vata-type pain, use triphala guggulu or yogaraj guggulu. Pittas may use kaishore guggulu. Kaphas will do best with punarnava guggulu. In each case, take one tablet twice a day. These tablets are generally available from sources of Ayurvedic herbs (see Resources).

• Another universal remedy that should bring some relief from menstrual pain is to roast some cumin seeds in an ungreased pan until they smell pungent. (It will just take a few minutes.) When they are cool, chew about 1 teaspoon slowly, and follow with one tablespoon aloe vera juice.

FOR EXCESSIVE MENSTRUAL FLOW. A tea made of raspberry leaves and hibiscus flowers (equal amounts, 1 to 2 teaspoons of herbs per cup of water) is often quite effective.

• You might also try drinking a cup of coconut water (the natural juice inside a fresh coconut) with ½ teaspoon rock candy powder or natural sugar added.
• Eating about 10 to 20 fresh raspberries on an empty stomach, up to 2 or 3 times a day, may be helpful.

STRATEGY TO PREVENT MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS

Perhaps more important than all these pain remedies is a strategy to prevent menstrual problems. You can follow this strategy quite easily, effectively, safely, and inexpensively.

ALOE VERA GEL. For the entire week before you expect your period to start, take 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel, 3 times a day. This will help prevent all types of menstrual pain and discomfort.

DIETARY GUIDELINES. Throughout the month, follow the dietary guidelines for your constitutional type (see chapter 8).

YOGA POSITIONS. Throughout the month, spend a few minutes every day on the yoga postures recommended for your body type (see this page). Yoga asanas are not recommended during the menstrual period. Just rest, read, and relax as much as possible.

If you follow these recommendations, your menstrual problems may soon be nothing but a memory.