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Manage PMS with Ayurveda

  • Post by: School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma
  • Date: 24-06-2022

Womanhood is something to be celebrated at all stages of our life. But unfortunately, most of us are unable to enjoy the real essence of womanhood due to the mental, physical, and emotional turmoil that we have to go through during our reproductive life. A crucial factor in this is menstrual irregularities. Read this article to understand how you can manage PMS with Ayurveda

Menstrual irregularities can be due to a variety of reasons and they can be an indicator of any kind of menstrual disorder. The menstrual disorders can be PMDD, PMS, Dysmenorrhea, Amenorrhea, Menometrorrhagia, Menorrhagia, etc.  Although the symptoms vary from one individual to another, the complaints can be complementary to each other.
 

What is PMS or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
 

PMS or Pre-Menstrual Syndrome has a wide range of signs and symptoms. They include tender breasts, mood swings, food cravings, irritability, fatigue, and depression. Approximately, 3 out of every 4 menstruating women may have experienced some kind of pre-menstrual syndrome. 

The symptoms of PMS reappear in a predictable pattern. But the emotional and physical changes you may experience during pre-menstrual syndrome may vary from slightly noticeable to intense. 

 

What Are the Various Symptoms of PMS
 

The list of symptoms of Pre Menstrual Syndrome is very long. Most women only face some of these symptoms:

Physical Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal Bloating
  • Alcohol intolerance
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Acne flare-ups
  • Weight gain 

Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms

  • Depressed mood
  • Crying spells
  • Tension or anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Social withdrawal
  • Change in libido
  • Appetite changes 

For some menstruating women, these symptoms can be very severe and can even affect their daily lives. Regardless of the severity of these symptoms, they disappear within four days after your menstrual period begins. 

But a very small fraction of women with PMS will have disabling symptoms every month. This type of PMS is called PMDD or Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. 

 

What Are the Causes Behind PMS
 

The exact cause of pre-menstrual syndrome is unknown. But several factors contribute to pre-menstrual syndrome: 

  • Chemical changes in the brain: Changes or variations in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood states, could also trigger pre-menstrual symptoms. An inadequate amount of serotonin contributes to pre-menstrual depression. 
  • Cyclic changes in hormones: The above-mentioned signs and symptoms of the pre-menstrual syndrome vary according to hormonal fluctuations and disappear with menopause and pregnancy. 
  • Depression: Some women have pre-menstrual symptoms along with depression. But depression by itself does not cause all these symptoms.

 

What is the Ayurvedic view of PMS or Premenstrual syndrome?
 

As per Ayurveda, the cause of the pre-menstrual syndrome is categorized based on the increased involvement of dosha. 

  • Vatta-type PMS has the following symptoms: lower abdominal pain, low backache, distention, anxiety, insomnia, fear, and mood swings. 
  • Pitta-type PMS is characterized by hot flashes, tender breasts, urethritis, hives, irritability, and often a burning sensation when passing urine. 
  • In Kapha-type PMS, the breasts become enlarged and tender due to water retention and sleepiness. The woman may feel nauseous and vomit just before her periods. 

 

Overcoming the symptoms of PMS with Ayurveda
 

Overcome PMS with Ayurveda for menstrual problems. The pre-menstrual syndrome can be successfully treated with Ayurveda by following some lifestyle modifications and treatment modalities. 

In all cases, start the preventive measures one week before your period.

For Vata-Type PMS

  • Drink dashamoola tea. (take ½ teaspoon of dashamoola in a cup of hot water for about 10 minutes.) Drink it twice a day. 
  • You can also eat 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel mixed with a pinch of black pepper. Eat it three times a day before each food. 

For Pitta-Type PMS

  • Take one teaspoon full of sukumara grutham or dadimadya grutham on an empty stomach in the mornings. 
  • Consuming aloe vera gel with one pinch of cumin is also an effective preventive method. 

For Kapha-Type PMS

  • Before the expected date of your period, eat about 10 cherries daily on an empty stomach. 
  • You can also eat 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel mixed with a pinch of trikatu (equal amounts of pippali, black pepper, and ginger).

 

 Healthy Lifestyle & Tips for PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome
 

Exercise regularly, especially before the expected time of your menstruation. Walk for half an hour or do some kind of aerobic exercise. Practicing Yoga and stretching yourself is also beneficial for a healthy period. Tackle your mood swings with meditation, breathing exercises, and meditation. 

During your actual menstrual period, Ayurveda advises not to do exercise or Yoga. Relax as much as possible. Eat healthily, a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in combating pre-menstrual syndrome. Adequate sleep and rest afe a must. Keep your body hydrated especially during your menstrual days. 

Follow the above lifestyle modifications for a healthy and happy period.
 

Conclusion
 

Ayurveda for menstrual problems is easily solvable. Following a healthy diet, lifestyle modifications, and treatment modalities, one can easily get rid of any kind of menstrual disorder. 

For Ayurveda treatments in Kerala for any of your menstrual problems, visit School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma, one of the best Ayurveda colleges in Kerala