Healthy Women’s Cycle: Tips to balance through Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is closely linked to the Doshas that govern the body. Depending on your Dosha and imbalance, the Dosha’s also regulate each aspect of your cycle. There are 3 stages of your cycle according to Ayurveda and the Dosha’s rule each one. This is when the elements are at their peak.
Kapha (rutukala) - From after menstruation until ovulation. The endometrium thickens as Kapha is about growth and stability.*
Pitta (rutāvatēta kāla) - Ovulation to menstruation. The endometrium becomes more engorged with blood vessels as the body prepares for a potential fertilized egg.*
Vata (rajahkāla) - Menstruation to end of menstruation. This is when the egg is not fertilized, causing a rise in Vata which governs movement so the flow is Apana vayu; moving tissues down and out.
Tips to balance during Kapha Stage (Follicular):
Kapha dosha is responsible for nourishment and growth of tissues. During this time, you must nourish the reproductive system through extra support, hydration, movement and connection with your body. Because Kapha is about building a “foundation”; think of activities and actions that support the yoni, womb space for an ideal environment. Even if you’re not intentional conceiving, this still is a very sacred space for the woman.
Nourishment: Stick to a regular schedule and be mindful what your invest your time in and what you allow into your sacred temple, the body. Include foods that are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds. Kapha benefits from tastes that are astringent, bitter and pungent which help support the lymphatic system. Gentle cleanses twice a year can also help support Kapha Dosha overall.
Exercise: Kapha needs support and community because imbalances can lead to feelings of lethargy or heaviness in the mind and body. It is important to stay active during the follicular stage. Exercise such as yoga, walking, or swimming can help stimulate circulation and a gentle sweat keeps Kapha strong.
Hydration: Kapha dosha is associated with the water element, and it is important to stay hydrated during the follicular stage. Drinking warm water with lemon or ginger can help stimulate digestion, ciruclation and support overall reproductive health.
Self-care: The follicular stage is a time of renewal and growth, and it is important to prioritize self-care during this phase. This can include practices such as meditation, garshana (dry brushing), Abhyanga (daily self massage) and taking time for things that light you up. Seeking community and balancing your emotional/social battery are important.
Kapha imbalance related symptoms and disorders for women can include:
Anemia
Weight gain
Exhaustion
PCOS, PCOD
Excessive fluid retention
Breast tenderness, or lumpiness
Endometriosis, Fibroids, Cysts
Painful Periods
Yeast infections
Tips to balance during Pitta Stage (Follicular/Ovulation):
Pitta is related to the fire and water element. In the body, Pitta will manifest itself through the eyes, skin, endocrine system and is responsible for digestion and metabolic energy. Pitta is responsible for the release of the egg from the ovary.
Eat cooling foods: Pitta dosha is associated with heat and intensity, so it's important to balance these qualities by consuming cooling foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs like cilantro, mint, and coriander. Avoid hot and spicy foods, as well as caffeine and alcohol, which can aggravate Pitta dosha. Pitta benefits from tastes that are sweet, bitter, and astringent.
Practice stress management: Pitta dosha imbalance can lead to feelings of irritability and frustration which can be harmful during the ovulatory stage. To manage stress, try practices like meditation, deep pranayama breathing, and gentle or yin yoga. You may feel most energized and and productive around this time which is great, but try to find balance in your every day.
Get enough rest: The ovulatory stage can be physically and emotionally taxing as hormonal levels rise quickly, so it's important to prioritize rest and relaxation during this time. Make sure to get enough sleep, and avoid overexertion and stressful situations whenever possible.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important during the ovulatory stage to help balance Pitta Dosha and prevent dehydration. You can also try sipping on cooling herbal teas like peppermint, licorice, or fennel. And opt for coconut or aloe for extra hydration.
Practice self-care: The ovulatory stage is a time of creativity and transformation, so it's important to prioritize self-care during this phase. This is also an important time for sexual health to explore pleasure and unity with the yoni. You can also include practices such as journaling, creativity exercises, and spending time in nature which is very grounding for Pitta.
Pitta imbalance related symptoms and disorders for women can include:
PMS, PMDD and other mood related concerns
Painful Periods
Mood Swings
Hot Flashes
Acne, Rashes
Digestive Issues (diarrhea during mensturation)
Increased body temperature
Vomitting
Tips to balance during Vata Stage (Luteal):
Follow a Vata-pacifying diet: It's important to eat warm, nourishing foods that are easy to digest. Foods that are sweet, sour, and salty (naturally occurring, not processed) and soft in nature; are best in balancing Vata. Root vegetables, soups, stews, dips, fresh soft breads and grains are some examples.
Practice self-care: Nourishing yourself during the menstrual cycle is crucial for balancing Vata. This can include getting enough rest, taking warm baths, practicing gentle yoga, and making life easier during this time through support or prep.
Use Ayurvedic herbs: To balance Vata during the menstrual cycle include ashwagandha, shatavari, and brahmi. These herbs can be taken as supplements or added to teas or other remedies. Additionally, incorporate spices like ginger for it’s warming affect, turmeric for anti-inflammatory and cinnamon for balance circulation, mood and digestion.
Stay hydrated: Drink warm fluids, such as herbal teas and warm water, can help balance Vata. It's important to avoid cold or iced drinks, as these can aggravate Vata. Other aggravators include citrus, tomatoes, raw greens, confuciusvegetables that can upset digestion.
Vata imbalance related symptoms and disorders for women can include:
irregular periods
painful cramps, bloating and digestive disruptions
extreme fatigue
anxiety/depression, PMS, PMDD
dry skin, hair
menopause increased hot flashes, dryness and mood swings
So overall, its important to tap into your body during each phase and bring awareness to how the Dosha manifest in you. This can help you identify your own Doshic imbalances and help you align your practices each day to bring the elements back to their energetic balance.
*Source: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/info/ayurvedic-living/living-ayurveda/health-guides/healthy-cycle-guide/