Does Ayurveda recommend taking showers during periods? The answer is, “Yes.” Ayurveda insists on not doing a lot of cooling practices and over-exertion during periods . This is primarily because periods is a time when your Vata is naturally high. So anything that increases Vata furthermore can disturb the balance of the body. So, if you really want to take a shower, take a quick shower. It helps cleansing the body. What does Ayurveda say about periods in women? According to Ayurveda, menstruation (called Rajah Pravritti) is a natural physiological process unique to women, influenced by the balance of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), the state of the Dhatus (tissues) and the overall health of the individual. Here’s how Ayurveda perceives periods in women: Balanced menstrual cycle A regular menstrual cycle with moderate flow, minimal discomfort, and a duration of about 3-5 days is considered indicative of good health in Ayurveda. This indicates a balanced state of doshas and proper functioning of the reproductive system. Dosha influence Menstrual imbalances are often attributed to disturbances in the Doshas: Vata: Irregular menstruation, scanty flow, and increased pain may occur due to Vata imbalance. Pitta: Excessive bleeding, inflammation, and irritability during menstruation may be linked to Pitta imbalance. Kapha: Heavy flow, lethargy, and bloating may be associated with Kapha imbalance. Menstruation and cleansing Ayurveda views menstruation as a natural detoxification process during which the body eliminates excess Pitta (heat) and Apana Vata (downward-moving energy) from the reproductive system. This cleansing aspect of menstruation is considered beneficial for overall health. Role of hormones While Ayurveda doesn’t specifically mention hormones as modern medicine does, it acknowledges the influence of subtle energies and physiological processes on menstrual health. The hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle are seen as manifestations of Doshic influences and their impact on bodily functions. Importance of rest and nourishment Ayurveda advises women to take adequate rest during menstruation to conserve energy and support the body’s natural healing processes. It also emphasizes the consumption of warm, nourishing foods to replenish the body’s energy stores and promote balance during this time. What is meant by Vata, Pitta and Kapha? Every living thing in this universe is made up of “Panchamahabhutas,” or five elements. They are the five vital elements in Ayurveda, including Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Ether. The human body is composed of all these five elements but in different proportions. Depending on the proportions of these elements, Doshas are categorized into Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and the best way to understand them is by observing their qualities. Vata Vata has more of an air element. The air has the property of moving and instability; similarly, Vata people show the same characteristics. They are always active and continuous to move, as they never sit idle. Anybody with symptoms related to dryness is closely related to Vata Dosha. Whenever you feel lightness in your body, it means Vata is affecting your body. Pitta Pitta means fire. Fire denotes aggression, passion, etc, and therefore, Pitta people have more fire in them, depicting an aggressive and tenacious nature. Whenever you feel a rise in body temperature like fever, you should understand that Pitta in your body is increasing. Pitta can be conceptualized as a liquid fuel burning. Kapha Kapha is predominantly an Earth element, and people with Kapha are sluggish, slow, lazy, and passive. Whenever you feel heaviness in your body, it depicts that Kapha is influencing your body. Kapha is predominantly present in heavy-weight or overweight people – the stiffness and rigidity in the body related to this Dosha. These three Doshas make up your nature, but there is one thing you need to remember: nobody has one single Dosha in them. Everybody is a combination of two or sometimes the combination of all three Doshas together. Why is Vata high during periods? In Ayurveda, the concept of Vata refers to the Dosha associated with the elements of air and ether. Vata governs movement, including the movement of bodily fluids, nerve impulses, and thoughts. During menstruation, it is believed that Vata dosha tends to increase or become aggravated in the body. There are several reasons why Vata may be elevated during menstruation. Movement of menstrual flow Menstruation involves the downward movement of blood and tissue from the uterus through the cervix and vagina. This movement corresponds to the qualities of Vata, which governs downward movement in the body. Change and instability Menstruation is a time of significant change and transition in the body. The body’s natural rhythms are disrupted, and hormonal fluctuations occur. These changes can exacerbate Vata dosha, which is associated with qualities of movement, change, and instability. Depletion of energy Menstruation is considered a physiological process that expands energy and resources from the body. This depletion of energy can contribute to an increase in Vata dosha, as Vata is responsible for the movement and distribution of energy throughout the body. Dryness and lightness Vata is characterized by qualities of dryness, lightness, and roughness. During menstruation, there may be an increase in these qualities, leading to symptoms such as dry skin, constipation, or feelings of lightness or spaciness. Emotional sensitivity Vata Dosha is closely linked to the nervous system and emotional balance. During menstruation, hormonal fluctuations and physical discomfort can lead to increased emotional sensitivity and vulnerability, which are characteristic of Vata imbalance. What does Ayurveda suggest to do during periods? Ayurveda offers various recommendations to support women during their menstrual cycles. These suggestions aim to promote comfort, balance doshas, and enhance overall well-being. Here are some Ayurvedic practices to consider during menstruation: Rest and relaxation During menstruation, prioritize rest to conserve energy and support the body’s natural healing processes. Allow yourself to take breaks, reduce physical exertion, and engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as gentle yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.… Continue reading Is it okay to shower during periods?