Ayurveda and the Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
Humans are one of a few species to have a menstrual cycle every month.
Most species breed seasonally strictly for procreation. It would be a waste of energy and natural resources if our cycle were strictly for procreation and we had 13 per year. Nature is far more efficient than that. So what else could these monthly cycles be doing for us?
According to Ayurveda, our monthly cycle is a blessing and an advantage. Not only can our menstrual cycle provide a natural monthly detox to our system when supported, but it can give us insight into our overall health and well-being. Each phase of the menstrual cycle is governed by a Dosha or natural intelligence that performs specific duties for our system. Each phase has a purpose and supports a creation, maintenance, and destruction cycle similar to what we see in the seasons of nature.
The follicular phase until ovulation is the Kapha phase or the late winter/spring phase. Kapha governs structure, cohesion, and lubrication. Physically, our body is structuring and nourishing a follicle that will grow into an ovum and starts to build the uterine lining. Mentally we may be gathering tools and materials or learning new skills to start something new we want to nurture and grow. Our energy is on the rise!
From ovulation to the start of menses is the Pitta phase or the summer/early fall phase. Pitta governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation. Physically our body has released the mature ovum and is thickening the lining of the uterus. Towards menses, the lining starts to break down to be released. Mentally and outwardly, we may be transforming our ideas and bringing them into reality. As we move towards menses, Pitta aids us in digesting our experiences and deciding what worked and what didn't work. Our energy peaks at ovulation and then starts to slow.
The menstruation phase is governed by Vata Dosha, and this is the late fall/early winter phase. Vata is in charge of movement, transportation, and communication. Physically Vata is working to move out what is no longer needed for our body, the uterine lining. Mentally we may be moving out old ideas and deciding which direction we want to move into next. Our energy is predominantly inward during this time to contemplate, rest, and release.
We can learn to work with each phase's energy to reach goals and maintain more consistency in our life instead of letting the ups and downs throw us off our game. We can use this cycle as a map to guide the growth and transformation in our lives and to gain an understanding of the level of balance within our bodies. If you're interested in learning about working with and balancing your menstrual cycle, give us a call to see if an Ayurvedic consultation is right for you!
