Symptoms
Following are the signs or symptoms that indicate the presence of this
disease in females:
- Painful / Scanty menstruation
- Disturbed digestion
- Pain in lower pelvis (back and stomach)
- Nervousness
- Giddiness
- General debility
Causes / Dosha
In this disease vata dosha is the major cause, pitta dosha is the minor
cause whereas kapha dosha is active to but in lower percentage.
Pathogenesis
In ayurveda it is believed that this ailment is due to the aggravation
of the three doshas or the body energies. In the female body, lower
pelvis or the seat of Apana Vata that is responsible for the elimination
of menstrual blood, stool, urine and reproductive fluids. Due to anxiety
and stress Apana Vata increases at the onset of menstruation. There are
situations to where aggravated Vata causes accumulation of toxins in
minute channels, which carry the menstrual blood and blockage of of
these channels causes Amenorrhoea or Dysmenorrhoea.
Treatment
The medical treatment given to women in this ailment is as follows:
- Rajapravartni Vati
- Nastatpushantak Rasa
There are few remedies that are beneficial for curing this ailment:
- Take 2 cloves of crushed Garlic twice a day.
- Mix one teaspoon of Aloe Vera with a pinch of black pepper or
cinnamon. Take twice a day. This helps to reduce the cramps.
- Take mild laxatives like Triphala for about two days before the
scheduled start of menstruation. Massage of the lower abdomen with
warm sesame oil for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by application of hot
fomentation (such as a hot water bottle) while resting can sooth
pain.
- Although the inclination may be to take complete rest, remaining
active and taking regular exercise is beneficial.
Recipes
Add one teaspoon of cumin seeds to 2 cups of water and simmer over a
moderate heat until the mixture reduces to half. Sieve, add 1 table
spoon Jaggery (if you can get) or raw sugar and drink.
Dosage: Take this decoction twice daily for 2-3
days from the start of the menstrual cycle. Regular use with each
successive cycle helps reduce the severity of symptoms.
Potency / Virya
Cold
Panchakarma
- Medicated diet must be preferred especially 7 days before the
menstrual cycle starts.
- Deep- fried, greasy, sour food, beans and food that produce gas
and constipation etc. should be totally avoided.
- Very cold / frozen foods as well as vegetables such as potatoes,
mushrooms, peas, broccoli and cauliflower must be kept away from the
diet.
- Vegetables like squash, zucchini, and pumpkin are advisable to
eat. · Fresh fruits may be taken.
- Foods may be garnished with spices like cumin, asafetida, black
pepper, cloves, coriander, and mint.
- Sedentary life must be avoided and light exercise is recommended.
- Walking is good for alleviating Vata.
Yoga
Bhujangasana
