A woman's menstruation is not a cause of impurity, but rather a natural detoxifying process. A woman's menstrual cycle (menstruation/ girls period) does not make her dirty but on the contrary, it makes it easier for her body to rid itself of toxins and impurities. 

What is Menstruation ?

Menstrual Cycle Days

Vata Phase (Day 1 - 5):

1. Vata regulates downward movements, aiding in the expulsion of menstrual blood. Imbalanced vata may lead to symptoms like PMS, headaches, digestive issues, and anxiety.
2. Balance vata with calming practices like meditation and avoiding stimulants. Nourishing herbs such as licorice and ashwagandha can provide support.

Kapha Phase (Day 4 - 14):

1. During this phase, kapha supports the building of the endometrium, preparing the body for conception. Imbalanced kapha may cause fluid retention, fatigue, and emotional heaviness.
2. Balance kapha with decongesting herbs like turmeric and aloe vera. Strengthening herbs like shatavari can support hormone balance. Engage in activities that stimulate circulation, such as dynamic yoga or brisk walks.

Pitta Phase (Day 14 - 18):

1. Pitta dominates during ovulation and the luteal phase, preparing the body for potential conception. Imbalanced pitta may lead to skin irritations, headaches, and emotional overload.
2. Balance pitta by cooling the body with soothing practices. Avoid spicy foods and opt for cooling herbal teas. Manage stress and emotional intensity through relaxation techniques like deep breathing and gentle exercise.

Healthy Menstrual Habits

Hygiene:

• Ayurvedic perspective: Avoiding head baths and cold water during the initial days of menstruation supports the body's natural detoxification process.
• Recommendations: Take a head-to-toe bath on the fourth day to complete the cooling process initiated by menstruation.
• Opt for warm, thoroughly cooked meals like kitchari.
• Incorporate spices such as ginger, cardamom, saffron, cumin, coriander, fennel, and cinnamon to support digestion and cleansing.

Diet:

• Ayurvedic perspective: Menstruation is associated with decreased appetite and low digestive fire (agni), making easily digestible, light, and warm foods preferable.
• Recommendations: Adjust diet based on prakriti (constitution) to support digestion and overall well-being.

Sleep:

• Ayurvedic perspective: Proper sleep patterns and avoiding daytime naps maintain balance in the body's constitution, supporting rejuvenation and hormonal balance.
• Recommendations: Sleep before 10 PM, avoid daytime naps, and opt for thin mattresses like tatami mats to alleviate strain on the back and lower limbs.

Daily Routine:

1. Significance: Maintaining a regular daily routine establishes rhythm and reliability, grounding the body and mind.
2. Activities to Incorporate:

• Self-massage: Nourishes the skin, promotes relaxation, and supports circulation.
• Exercise: Enhances physical strength and flexibility, improves pranic flow, and removes blockages.
• Consistent eating times: Supports digestion and prevents dosha imbalances.

Pranayama:

• Nadi Shodhana: Balances the mind and neurochemistry by equalizing the left and right sides of the brain.
• Ideal Timing: Twenty minutes before sleep to promote relaxation and hormonal normalization.

Yoga Practice:

1. Importance: Yoga postures tailored to your dosha promote physical strength, flexibility, and reproductive health.
2. Recommended Poses:

• Child’s Pose (Balasana): Relieves tension in the back and hips, promotes relaxation.
• Butterfly’s Pose (Baddha Konasana): Stimulates the reproductive organs, improves flexibility.
• Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Strengthens the back, opens the chest and hips.
• Plow Pose (Halasana): Stimulates the abdominal organs, calms the nervous system.
• Reclining Hero Pose (Supta Virasana): Stretches the thighs and knees, improves digestion and circulation.

Physical Exercise:

• Ayurvedic perspective: Excessive exercise can disrupt the natural balance of apana vayu, leading to upward movement instead of downward release.
• Recommendations: Engage in mild exercise, prioritize rest, and avoid excessive physical strain to alleviate symptoms like menstrual cramps.

Prioritize Rest and Rejuvenation:

• Avoid activities that counteract the downward flow of waste elimination, such as excessive talking, sexual intercourse, pranayama, and vigorous yoga.
• Reserve energy for cleansing by allowing ample time for rest.

Do Not Suppress Urges:

• Avoid suppressing urges for urination, defecation, and sneezing, as it disrupts the normal downward flow of vata.

Reflect and Meditate:

• Take time for self-reflection and meditation to promote mental clarity and emotional balance during the cleanse.

Hydrate Adequately:

• Stay hydrated with warm teas like ginger tea, lemon tea with honey, or CCF tea (cumin, coriander, and fennel) to facilitate waste removal and maintain fluid balance.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Periods to Come Faster

Ashoka (Saraca indica):

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum):

Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus):

Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia):

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum):

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum):

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare):

Kanchanar Guggulu:

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):

Kumari (Aloe vera):

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferum):

Conclusion