Rachel Robinson

A Monthly Detox

In Ayurveda, the period is considered to be a detoxification, during which not only the uterine lining but also other waste materials are released, so it’s actually very beneficial for our health. 

However, imbalances of the Doshas can disrupt this process and then manifest as various symptoms.

By examining those symptoms you can identify which Dosha needs to be brought back into balance.

The New Normal

An Ayurvedic description of a healthy menstrual cycle:

• 27-28 days long
• 5 days of flow
• Only mild symptoms (if any) such as cramping, bloating, headache, diarrhoea or constipation and disrupted sleep
• Minimal emotional fluctuations
• Ruby red blood, without clots
• Neither excessive nor scanty bleeding 
• Requires 3-4 pads daily

Apāna Vata

The Vata subdosha Apāna is responsible for the elimination of menstrual blood and other waste products. 

It gets out of balance when those waste products aren’t able to travel through the physiology as they should. 

Ayurveda understands that blocking the flow of Apāna can have serious consequences, leading to the growth of cysts in various forms. 

❌ Tampons and menstrual cups are considered in Ayurveda as a blockage to the flow of Apāna and for this reason are not recommended. 

✅ Pads and period underwear are better alternatives. 

✅ Act on urges to empty the bladder and bowel in a timely manner.

Signs of Imbalance

💨 Sparse and scanty flow
💨 Dark blood with clots
💨 Brown discharge before flow
💨 Longer, irregular cycle
🔥 Very heavy flow
🔥 Shorter cycle
🌎 Light-coloured flow
🌎 Mucus in discharge

If you’ve recognised some of those signs of imbalanced Doshas and want to do something about it, then:

• Check out the Dosha Diving posts
• Keep an eye on this Pain-free Periods series for upcoming tips
• Book a free consultation for personalised advice

💨 Vata Symptoms

• Cramps
• Bloating 
• Constipation
• Back pain
• Feeling nervous
• Anxiety & depression
• Insomnia & tiredness

🔥 Pitta Symptoms

• Headache & migraine
• Increased sweating
• Diarrhoea
• Skin outbreaks
• Feeling angry & irritable 
• Increase in appetite 
• Craving for sweet foods

• Stiff joints & back
• Water retention
• Slow digestion 
• Yeast infection
• Feeling lethargic
• Increase in weight

Queen Vata

• Vata has long been crowned Queen of the Doshas. This is because it has to do with movement and so can influence the other Doshas.
• Prāna and Apāna are two Subdoshas of Vata with opposing forces. Prāna is located from the head to the heart, supports life force, the intellect and heart, and moves upwards. Apāna is located from the navel to the thighs, is responsible for elimination and so moves downwards.
• When functioning well, these Subdoshas display perfect balance of the mind and body. When out of balance, it’s a different story.

Vata 101

• In general, Vata is disturbed by too much work, travel and mental strain, cold and dry foods, and the suppression of natural urges, which includes stopping the menstrual flow with tampons and cups.
• Ayurveda understands that if a woman is always on the go, eating large amounts of salads, using tampons and so on, the downward flow of Apāna can get disrupted and instead of eliminating what it needs to during the menstrual cycle, it draws it upwards, which may result in endometriosis.
• Overthinking, never switching off and worry, aggravate Prāna, which in turn strengthens that upward movement of Apāna. So a person with endometriosis needs to focus on balancing Vata in general and, more specifically, Prāna and Apāna Vata.

Balancing Prāna Vata

• Take it easy and delegate whenever possible
• Rest and get to bed early, by 10 at the latest 
• Meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation
• Do things that bring your heart joy

Balancing Apāna Vata

• Relieve yourself when needed, without holding it in
• Use pads or period underwear
• Avoid sex during menstruation
• Avoid strenuous exercise and activity during menstruation 

Castor Oil Pack

Castor oil has extremely fine qualities and penetrates deep into the body tissue, dissolving any foreign material that doesn’t belong there. It also has strong anti-inflammatory which pacifies Pitta and can help to cleanse the blood.

1. Use non bleached muslin or cheese cloth and cut it so that it covers your stomach, approximately from below the ribs to the start of the pubic hairline, plus 2cm. Make three layers.
2. Layer the cloth onto a piece of plastic wrap, cut 2cm bigger than the cloth.
3. Drizzle on castor oil so that it’s saturated but not dripping.

4. Lie down on an old towel (castor oil will stain your clothing/bedding) and place the cloth and plastic wrap (plastic side up) on your stomach.
5. Put a hot water bottle on top of the plastic and relax for 45-60 minutes. If it’s too hot, put an old towel underneath the hot water bottle but you can probably remove it after 15-20 minutes.
6. Enjoy this quiet time!
7. When finished, put the cloth into a glass jar and store it in the fridge. You can reuse it around 30 times but might want to reapply castor oil to it as needed.
8. Wash your stomach well so that you don’t stain your clothing afterwards.
9. Do this 3-7 times per week.

Don’t use the castor oil pack:

• when pregnant or breastfeeding 
• during your period
• on an open wound (or cuts/scratches) or irritated skin
• without doing a 24-hour patch test first