Painful periods have become so common that many people think it is a normal part of life. However, just because something is common doesn’t mean it is normal. Ayurveda provides us with many remedies and practices to make your monthly flow a more pleasant experience. 

In Ayurveda, healthy menstruation is one of the signs of good health. It is a natural cleansing process during which waste products from the creation of Rakta Dhatu out of rasa Dhatu are eliminated. Difficult or painful menstruation, on the other hand, indicates that something is off-kilter and that we cannot fully make use of this monthly opportunity to shed what we no longer need. How you experience your bleed can provide insights into your overall health and, equally important, your reproductive health. Painful periods are classified as a form of Artava Dushti – a vitiation of the reproductive tissue which can, for example, result in difficulty conceiving. Ayurveda, therefore, gives great importance to a balanced menstrual cycle, especially with the future generation in mind. 

Defining a Healthy Menstruation Period health

According to Ayurveda, a healthy bleed is bright red, pain-free, does not stain, and lasts for about 3-7 days. Irregular or long periods and different coloured menstrual fluid all are indicators for different kinds of imbalances. You can use something referred to as the white cloth test to determine whether you have a vitiated menstrual flow. Simply collect some menstrual fluid in a white cloth and see whether it washes out. If some stains remain, this indicates ama in the menstrual blood, which can be a causative factor in painful menstruation. 

Experiencing pain is considered a feature of imbalanced Vata, Apana Vata in particular. This Subdosha is responsible for the downward movements in our body. It also plays an essential role in the elimination of wastes and childbirth. 

Pain, Bloating and Congestion

Pain during the bleeding phase of our cycles often comes along with bloating or congestion in the pelvic area. Therefore, in many cases improving your digestion, reducing bloating, and optimising lymph flow can bring great alleviation. Lymphatic drainage massage is a great practice to release any stagnation in the area. Regular exercise, especially yoga asanas that massage internal organs and reduce bloating, can prevent or counteract stagnation in the pelvic region. Pavanamuktasana (also called wind relieving pose) does exactly what it says – relieving bloating and trapped winds. Yoga practice is not indicate while we are on our monthly flow. You can practice this pose as a preparation for your menstrual cycle. Easy-to-digest meals, especially at dinner time, are also a great way to support your digestion and avoid bloating. 

Anti-Bloat Tea for Apana Vata Support

To balance Apana Vata and reduce bloating, use the following spices. Take them in the lead-up to your period as an infusion, or add them to your cooking. You mix them as indicated below, store the mixture  in a jar and use  1/2 tsp – 1 tsp per cup of tea. 

1 tbsp Fennel Seeds,

1 tbsp Coriander Seeds

1 tbsp Cumin Sees

1tsp dry ginger powder

1/4 tsp Ajwain Seeds

Keep in mind that ajwain has a strong taste and can be very heating, so use it with caution, monitor how you react, and adjust the dose accordingly.