Jeevani - Menstrual Pains and Other Problems

The incidence of pain, cramps and discomfort associated with the menstrual cycle do not trouble women who regularly use oil on the body (abhyanga). Oil is the best substance for controlling Vayu.

Application of oil on the body is an important daily practice which helps pacify Vayu and regulates its flow. When the flow of Vayu is regulated, it also regulates its functions such as the proper flow of menstrual blood.


There are three simple steps a woman with menstrual pain can follow to overcome her problems:
• CHANGE OF DIET: Avoid Vayu-aggravating foods such as hot and spicy foods, ice-cold food / drinks, pulses, sprouts, potatoes, dry (non-oily) food and excessive use of vegetables. Instead, include milk, ghee, butter, oil, rice, wheat, and warm food and drinks in the diet.

• APPLICATION OF OIL: Practice application of oil on the body daily. Applying oil, especially  round the hip, groin, thigh and below the navel, followed by bathing in warm water is very beneficial. Dhanvantara Tailam is an excellent medicated oil which can be used by women regularly. When there is no physical discomfort, sesame (til) oil can be used for application on the body. 

• LIFE-STYLE CHANGES: Avoid keeping awake at nights, sleeping during day and excessive and strenuous physical exercises. In place of tiring exercises, milder exercises – preferably yogasana and pranayama – which help in the proper flow of Vayu, can be practised.

Following these simple steps can surely help in reducing the pain and discomfort of menstruation. If the problems do not disappear entirely with these simple changes, intake of medicines will help overcome them. If the aggravation of doshas is very severe, purificatory therapies (panchakarma) under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician are necessary.

Menstrual Disorders
Women may suffer from different kinds of discomfort during menstruation. Some experience pain caused by Vata which has been described above.

Others experience a burning sensation in the genital tract. There may be a feeling of heat, fever and inflammation. The menstrual blood may be yellowish, bluish or blackish. There may be excessive bleeding which is hot and foul smelling. These problems arise due to the aggravation of Pitta.
Women who suffer from any of these Pitta problems should stay away from Pitta-aggravating diet. All food substances which are pungent or spicy (hot), sour and salty in taste, aggravate Pitta. Women who suffer from aggravation of Pitta can switch to a diet which is predominantly sweet, bitter and
astringent in taste. Milk, ghee, rice, dal, wheat, bitter gourd etc. are the food substances appropriate in this condition. Drinking water boiled with useera and external application of sandal wood paste, provide relief from burning sensation in the body.

In some women, the genital tract becomes very slimy and cold. There is itching along with mild pain. Menstrual blood is very pale and slimy. This condition is due to the aggravation of Kapha. Generally Kapha increases due to indulging in foods which are fatty, predominantly sweet or sour in taste and cold in temperature. A woman who regularly consumes sweets, chocolates, halwas, ice-creams and pastries will surely find an increase of Kapha in her body. Kapha is also aggravated by the use of fish, curd and heavy meats. Women who indulge in day-sleep also tend to suffer from Kapha diseases. To avoid diseases caused by aggravation of Kapha, one should give up these foods and habits. Regular physical exercise is also necessary to overcome problems caused by Kapha.