Menstruation or periods; it is something which is experienced by every woman for a large part of their lives. Most of the girls start menstruating at the age of 11 or 12 when they hit puberty and they undergo at least one cycle of periods every month. This continues until the women reach menopause much later in life.

Now, this is enough to remind us that menstruation is one of the most important and critical biological process experienced by half of the world population. With menstrual bleeding, there also arises a need of maintaining appropriate hygiene, or else, it may cause diseases which can also be life-threatening.

Even when menstruation is a basic natural bodily process, women have faced a hard time over the decades because of the age-old myths associated with it. There is a myriad of myths associated with periods across the cultures, communities, and religions. There might be various reasons for the origination of these myths, but the current reality is that we are living in a modern society, and this requires us to challenge these myths with scientific enquiry.

Here are some of the myths associated with menstruation:

Period blood is impure

The blood that is shed during menstruation is the same blood that travels throughout the body. Women expel tissue from the uterus’ inside along with some blood. Additionally, the hue might be anything from pale crimson to dark brown. The blood’s interaction with oxygen causes it to turn a colour other than the usual red.

Women should not cook during menstruation

There are cultural myths associated with period which force the women to be isolated and not touch the food that is being cooked for others. There is no scientific reason to explain why women should not cook for others or remain isolated during their periods. This myth is baseless.

Women cannot get pregnant during periods

This is a dangerous myth because it may lead to unwanted pregnancy. These are no guarantee that women cannot get pregnant when they are on periods. While it is less likely to happen, there is still a small possibility. Therefore, it is extremely important that you use protection during intercourse. It is also important to avoid getting any STDs or STIs.

Using tampons or menstrual cups leads to loss of virginity

Women’s virginity has always been a contentious issue. There are many myths associated with the hymen, bleeding during sex, and periods when it comes to virginity. Contrary to what many may believe, use of tampons or menstrual cups does not affect women’s virginity. Only having a sexual intercourse with someone means that you lose your virginity.

Women cannot work during periods

While women experience pain and exhaustion during their periods, it does not mean that they cannot perform any physical task during this time. In fact, exercise can actually help with improving the blood flow, relieving pain, and helping you feel more energetic.

There is a fixed duration and cycle for every woman

Although a cycle typically lasts 28 days, it can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. It is likely that as you age and your cycle alters, the length of your period could also alter. There are numerous factors that might affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, blood flow, and period length.

These are some of the myths associated with menstruation because of which women have to face many challenges. With time, many of these myths have now become obsolete. However, many still survive and continue to grow.

Also Read: Healthy menstruation – foundation for healthy progeny 

Amar Tulsiyan, CEO & Founder, Niine.

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A Woman’s menstrual cycle is usually around 23 to 32 days, with menstrual bleeding usually starting about two weeks after ovulation. However, it is not unusually that a period, or menstruation, sometimes starts earlier or gets delayed If the possibility of a pregnancy is overruled, a delayed period can still be annoying. Pregnancy aside, there are many possible reasons for a late period, including stress and illness.

 List of potentially emmenagogue foods      

Emmenagogue foods or emmenagogic foods are foods and herbs that have been reported to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area & uterus and there are believed to stimulate menstruation.

1. Both flat leaf & curly parsley contain apiol and myristicin which are known to stimulate contractions of the uterus. Folk healers around the world have touched parsley tea as ‘REMEDY’ for delayed periods.

2. Celery stalks & leaves are said to work much in the same way as parsley to induce menstruation.

3. Cumin belongs to same apiaceae family of plants as parsley and cumin seeds are commonly used as a natural uterine stimulant in India.

             (Drink a glass of beetroot juice by adding 2 tbspn of cumin seed powder)

4. Angelica root or dong quai is yet another member of the apiaceae family that has been claimed to bring on a delayed period. This root herb is also recommended to people who suffered from menstrual cramps or menopausal problems.

5. Fenugreek seeds encourage menstruation. These aromatic seeds are also recommended to breastfeeding mothers who want to increase milk supply.

 (Boil a glass of water by adding 2 tbspn of fenugreek seeds, 10 basil leaves for 10 mins. Filter and drink twice a day by adding honey.)

6. According to some natural healers, extracts from rue, an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region and some parts of asia, have been used internally as an abortifacient, emmenagogue & a treatment of menstrual cramps.

7. Some people claim that eating papaya or drinking papaya juice can help induce menstruation. It has been suggested that the purported emmenagogic effect of papaya might be linked to the high amounts of carotene & Vit-C found in this healthy food. Also, papain an enzyme present in papaya may play a role.

 (Eat a bowl of ripened papaya by adding a tspn of apple cider vinegar, dry coconut scrapings, 2tbspn of black sesame seeds twice a day.)

8. Baked & ground root chicory has been used as a coffee substitute, particularly in poorer economic areas. It is also claimed to contain compounds that can help start the onset of menstrual flow.

9. Aloe vera juice is a digestive aid that is commonly used to calm an upset stomach.

 (Drink 200 ml of fresh aloe vera juice by adding mint leaves and Jaggery.)

10. In Asia, licorice root,which is known to contain phytoestrogens, has been used as an emmenagoge, galactogogne and aphrodisiac.

   (First in the morning, drink licorice tea with honey.)

11. Pomegranate is another food that is known to be rich in phytoestrogens and that has been used as a dietary emmenagogue & uterine stimulant.

 (Drink a glass of pomegranate juice by adding tulasi leaves and a tspn of black sesame seeds.)

12. The common kitchen herbs basil, rosemary, sage, marjoram and oregano have been used as emmenagogues.       

13. Cinnamon has been reported to be a uterine stimulant, when consumed in high doses.

              (Drink a glass of cinnamon tea by adding lemon and honey.)

14. Make an emmenagogic infusion from dried chamomile flowers. Chamomile tea has been claimed to encourage menstruation & cause miscarriages when drunk in high amounts.

15. Hyssop, a slightly bitter herb that is used to spice up soups, salads and meats has been described as an emmenagogic and abortifacent herb.

16. In herbal medicine, burdock root is often recommended as a blood purifier, but it is also thought to be a uterine stimulant.

DR.NANDHINI V MOHAN

NVM Diet and lifestyle clinic

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu state– 613001

(AVAILABLE ONLINE / DIRECT CONSULTATION)

Mob: 95970 19032

Email: nandhinimohanbnys@gmail.com

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There is a lot of discussion as to whether women should be given “Period leave or not. In reaching a decision fraught with varying and often diametrically opposite views – one must first analyse as to what is the aim of a decision in favour of period leave.

Are these the reasons why women are rooting for period leave?

1. Women want open discussion about menstruation

2. Women may feel that period leave is  justified because women do not want the stigma attached to menstruation.

3. Period leave would get rid of discrimination in the society and workplace.

4. Menstruation significantly impacts a woman’s performance in her profession and this would be improved /obviated with period leave.

5. Women need rest and therefore it should be considered  a medical  reason for justifying period leave.

  Let us discuss these one by one.

1. Women want open discussion about menstruation: If women want an open discussion about menstruation – leave does not in any way contribute to an improved discussion on the subject. What is more important is to remove the myths about periods and education about the anatomy and physiology of menstruation. Education about hygiene and care of oneself during periods is what is required. Availability of pads freely in the workplace and every place where we think may be required is important. All this requires work on improving health literacy and making it convenient for women to continue with their normal lives with periods being just a normal physiological incident in their lives.

2. Women do not like the stigma attached to periods: The general thought is stigmatisation of periods is rampant throughout the world and in most religions.  However, this is not entirely true. Many religions do not attach any stigma to it. In fact in Hinduism the first period (Menarche) is celebrated by the family. It is considered an auspicious occasion of coming of age for the girl. In fact Kamakhya Temple, one of the most revered temples of Ma Shakti is proof of the same. Similarly in many other religions also it was considered a positive milestone in a girl’s life.

Then how is it that menstruation became stigmatised? Lack of knowledge and understanding  about menstruation probably led to misinterpretation of the older texts. It is difficult to say when the misinterpreted  half truths about this physiological process led to stigmatisation. We  agree there should not be any stigma attached to this physiological condition. One should try to understand how such a situation came about.

People did not understand the physiology of menstruation. We all know that when women were only home-makers it was initially thought that since they were bleeding they may feel weak and needed rest. Women were also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the temples and prayer houses and since they were given rest they were also absolved of the duties in the temple.

This also led to distortion of facts and women were considered to being unclean. One must also remember at in ancient times there was no running water and women bathed in common bathing places. To keep the water sources clean menstruating women bathed separately. This also contributed to the general misconception that menstruating women were unclean.

3. Period leave would get rid of discrimination in society and the workplace: This is an ill conceived thought process. The stigmatisation is because of the menstruation and  not because women go to work. In fact, period leave may just make it more obvious to the whole society and the workplace that a woman is menstruating. This will hardly gain any sympathy or garner any respect. Your very personal intimate issue will be public news amongs’t the whole staff.  Do women really want that sort of a distinction ?

4. Menstruation significantly impacts a woman’s performance in her profession and this would be improved /obviated with period leave: Does it really? Women have worked successfully and reached great heights in their chosen profession despite having regular periods. It is an attitude you have about your periods. Either you learn to manage your periods effectively and well. Leave is not going to improve anything. If one has pain there is medication available and one can consult the doctor. If the pain is unbearable and incapacitating it needs to be investigated and  proper treatment taken.

Rani Jansi, Margaret Thatcher, Hilary Clinton did not hide behind the excuse of periods in their profession. How is taking leave going to help any woman in better performance in her workplace? Getting period leave as a mandatory requirement can lead to disruption at the workplace since it may happen that more than one female may be on her period.

5. Women need rest and  therefore it should be considered  a medical  reason for justifying period leave: If the periods are actually interfering with your life then look for a solution. Period leave is not the answer to your period woes all the time. Women also have pre-menstrual symptoms – would they need leave for that also? However, if the woman is really suffering badly from period pains or they are very heavy and it is difficult to go out of the house then they could individually take leave.

Period leave across the board does not seem justified. The periods are different for different women and even for the same women can be different in some months. Any medical problem needs to be tackled appropriately so that a woman is alleviated of her troublesome symptoms.

When young women were asked their opinion – Most say – Oh Great ! we will have extra leave every month.  On the other hand there are the pragmatic hard working women who scoff at the very idea of period leave. The cons of demanding period leave – Employers will be reluctant to employ women if they have to give all kinds of special leave to women.

Period leave cannot be equated with maternity and child rearing leave – here the future of two lives and the upbringing of the future generation is at stake. They need priority. A balanced approach is needed in coming to this decision of period leave.

Dr. S.N. BASU
Senior Director & Head
Department Of Obstetrics & Gynaecology & Infertility
Max Super Specialty Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.

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This happened a few years ago. Once a young girl accompanied with her grandmother came in for a consultation. The girl had dysmenorrhoea or painful periods. During the discussion I could sense that the grandmother and her granddaughter seemed to have a conflict with regards to menstruation and practices followed during those 3-5 days. The elder lady said, “Doctor, she tells me I am old fashioned and what I advise her during periods is rubbish”. The girl argued telling that sitting in a place and not moving around was not her idea of menstruation. Her favourite foods were out of reach and dance was forbidden. She felt low and subdued. Then the grandma made a very frank open mark, she said,” I don’t understand why she mocks this honourable feminine energy celebration, why she thinks that menstruation is just another normal day. I think that is the reason her body speaks to her to take rest and she has started to get menstrual cramps”.

A lot of truth in her words, the gynaecological problems we see these days are on the high, right from irregular menstrual cycles to dysfunctional uterine bleeding and unwanted growths in the uterus. What do we blame? Everything from eating habits to sedentary lifestyles and popping of otc products and using toxic consumer products. With all these, we also need to check on our Menstrual practices. Most of them view it as a huge hurdle with nuclear families, fast paced jobs and materialistic commitments. The main reason we demoralize the practices is because we were fed with negative perceptions in the name of modernization. With invasions, we had invasion of our holistic health and wealth science and also social practices which dissolved the sanctity of our reproductive health. To prove the efficacy of menstrual norms a study has been done and published which reveals that there was not only a drastic reduction in the number of menstrual symptoms experienced by each woman, but there was also a drastic reduction in the number of women who experienced any given pain associated menstrual symptom. With healthy menstrual practices come the benefits of higher chances of healthy progeny.

What is to be followed during menstrual phase or during menses?

Leaving out all speculations, answering only the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of a lady, the menstrual regimen focuses on these needs. A rajaswalaparicharya( Norms for Menstruating days) is advised mainly for

1. Evacuating the menstrual flow (Menstruation is the first and foremost purification process of the body, more like a detoxification).

2. Healing just not the uterus but also regulating metabolism

3. Maintaining strength of the body.

4. During menstruation (from the day of onset of menstrual flow till it stops- roughly the first three days of menstrual flow),

5. One should follow chastity.

6. Should avoid sleeping during the day hours.

7. Overwhelming emotional surging situations like weeping, involving in arguments or laughing is best avoided.

8. Excessive exercises or running are best avoided.

9. Listening to loud, unpleasant or confusing topics which requires concentration is not advised.

10. Sleeping on a mattress made from darbha (Desmostachyabipinnata) leaves is advised. Darbha grass is used as a medicine to treat loose stools and heavy periods, and is used as a diuretic (to promote free flow of urine).

11. A special recipe is advised during these days which is made from rice, ghee and milk. This is served on a banana leaf or earthen clay plate. The quantity to be consumed is said to be the amount that one can hold when the two palms are kept together. One should avoid pungent, hot and salty substances. The less quantity of meals is to keep the digestive system purified and bring in the autophagy situation in the body.

12. Use of Nasya (nasal therapies), Swedana (fomentation therapies) and Vamana (emesis) is contraindicated.

13. On the fourth day of menstruation after use of unguents, a complete head to toe bath, wearing clean new garments, paying obeisance to the environmental energies and god is advised.

These restrictions have said to have an effect on the reproductive attributes. These were based on the time and need of situations where woman’s physical and mental capacities had to be more and restricting activities during these days brought in that needed relief. Therefore, observing all of them today may sound ridiculous but analysing each of the norm gives us the knowledge that it is best suited for a woman in that physiological change.

Role of Rajaswala Paricharya as a whole: 

1. Complete evacuation : A complete evacuation of the endometrial lining is important to avoid crowding of cells that make up the endometrium, if let so then they can become abnormal and harmful or toxic. The Vata bio-energy plays an important role in the activities of the reproductive system. We consider treating the abnormal Vata for treating infertility. The Vata bio-energy is sensitive and is fluctuated with improper activities food and even mental thoughts. Most of the Do’s and Don’ts for a Rajaswala like physical and mental exertion, food regulations, avoiding sexual intercourse etc were designed so that there is absolutely no hindrance and triggering the abnormal flow of Vata bio-energy. Menstruation is a vulnerable time for vitiation of doshas, therefore following the regimen gives way for healthy menstruation.

2. Regulating metabolism: We have all heard of how miraculously autophagy helps treating and healing the body. During menstruation we are on a light diet which brings in an orientation of tissue mechanism and balancing fluctuations. Research says that women who menstruate regularly have normal sugar levels. That is women who have irregular cycles are more prone to variable sugar levels and in-turn low metabolism.

3. Maintain the strength of the body : When I asked a group of 10 women to rate the amount of strength loss they faced during a menstruation, 3 of them said negligible or no energy loss while 3 put a score of 5/10 as they face discomfort and fatigue. While 4 put a high score of 7, saying that they would have to be on complete bed rest with the pain and blood loss they faced. About 50 – 80 ml of blood is lost during those 3 days. It obviously takes up some of physical strength of the body. The Rajaswala Paricharya was designed to help the lady regain the lost strength of the body. Just because it’s a monthly phenomenon, women do not bother to take rest during these days. This is more like a miniature post-natal period actually where the body is regaining its capacity to re-furnish the uterus and bring in harmony. Avoiding physical strain and rest encourage healthy recovery of the uterine lining. It’s also to be remembered that day-sleep is forbidden. So if the idea of rest would mean to laze around the couch then it’s wrong. It is not involving in heavy physical activities but just lesser ones.

Understanding Menstrual cycle through Ayurveda :

The menstrual cycle which can vary roughly from 25-35 days can be divided into three phases:

1. The first phase dominated by the Kaphadosha: After menstruation, the endometrium thickens and become glandular, The essence of Kapha sets in- the glow, the sense of peace and being settled within herself. This culminates in ovulation.

2. Ovulation marks the beginning of the next phase, dominated by pitta. The endometrium becomes more engorged with blood vessels, in preparation for the potentially fertilized egg.

3. If the egg is not fertilized, the last phase arrives. It is a sudden rise in vata bioenergy that begins the menstrual period, and it acts as a moving force, enabling the flow of menstruation.

As long as the doshasfunction optimally and aren’t depleted or overshadowed by another dosha, the menstrual cycle functions optimally. Healthy menstrual practices help to bring in harmony of the bio-energies.

Zoom in on menstruation:

A closer look at rajahkāla(menstruation), we will see many things at play. Even the age at which one begins menstruation is telling of dominant dosha in the being. For instance, normally menarche occurs on average around the age of fourteen, those with strong pitta in their constitution can begin menstruating as early as nine years old and those with high kapha and vata constitution can have menstruation at a later age too. The flow of menstruation also becomes an important criterion in deciding the physiological and pathological conditions. A healthy menstrual flow has the following characteristics:

1. Bright red in colour.

2. Does not stain clothing (a common characteristic of ama, or toxic, unprocessed substance in our body that clogs channels and creates dysfunction can bring in stains).

3. Has an odour that is not foul.

4. Has an average amount, but it depends on the person, their constitution, and their size.

Special Ayurveda recipes during menstruation:

1. Havishya anna – Meal made from ghee, rice and milk. Rice cleaned from physical impurities, is washed well and boiled with milk. Once cooked ghee is added and consumed. Cardamom and sugar candy add in that refreshing taste.

2. Yawaka – Meal made from barley and milk. Barley is a diuretic. A kanji prepared from barley is easy to consume and aids digestion.

Healthy menstrual practices are the foundation for healthy progeny as the woman in comparison to male, plays 2 roles in reproduction: 1. Her egg and 2.Her womb. The norms and regulations meant during menstruation or any other ritual has values. Sometimes we hype the scenario giving importance to the extras than understanding as to why we practice it. We are in an era where the world has started to research our ancient wisdom and launch its values where as we are struggling to proudly stand on our ground values. So, next time before mocking our values lets marvel the brains behind this wonderful health culture.

Dr. Sanmathi Puneeth

Shubha Ayurvedic Centre & Sriranga Ayurveda

Basavanagudi, Bangalore-560004.

Ph:. 7829488352, 080-26627717

www.srirangaayurveda.com

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