Menstrual cycle imbalance and Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is a detoxification cycle for healing and transformation, a way to check in with our body and mind to see where we are balanced and out of balance. If we are experiencing symptoms, this is our body's way of communicating needs and imbalances. We can use that information to make changes to regain balance. 

Ayurveda uses the three Doshas, or humors, to gauge balance and imbalance. The three Doshas are Vata, Pitta, & Kapha. Each of the Doshas has specific qualities that we use to identify them. 

Vata is created from Space and Air and holds the qualities and energy of these elements. Vata is light, dry, rough, cold, and moving. When there is an excess of Vata in the body or mind, the menstrual cycle will have more of these qualities, and they can manifest as:

• Mood swings 

• Insomnia 

• Irregular cycles

• Absent or stopped cycles (amenorrhea)

• Endometriosis 

• Painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) 

Pitta is created from Fire and Water and holds the qualities and energy of these elements. Pitta is hot, sharp, flowing, slightly oily, and Liquid. When there is an excess of Pitta in the body or mind, the menstrual cycle will have more of these qualities, and they can manifest as:

• Anger & irritability

• Heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) 

• Increases frequency

• Burning sensation in the bladder

• Hot flashes & sweating

• Diarrhea 

• Headaches

Kapha is created from Earth and Water and holds the qualities and energy of these elements. Kapha is heavy, sticky, wet, cold, slow, and dull. When there is an excess of Kapha in the body or mind, the menstrual cycle will have more of these qualities, and they can manifest as:

• Sadness & Depression

• Cysts

• Weight gain

• Fluid retention

• Yeast infections

• Stiffness in the back and joints

• Lethargy 

To bring our cycle and body back into balance, we add the opposite qualities of the imbalanced Dosha into our food, practices, and environment. 

For Vata, add warm, heavy, & oily foods, Abhyanga (oil massage), and favor sweet, salty, and sour tastes to increase warming, heavy, & moist foods. Make sure to find stillness through rest and meditation as well. 

For Pitta, make sure to eat every meal and eat them at regular times. Stay hydrated and favor bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes to increase the heavy, cooling, and cleansing foods. Stay cool physically and emotionally, and work in time to rest and rejuvenate. 

For Kaphas, bring more movement into your day. Favor warm, light, well-cooked foods, and favor pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes to increase warmth, digestion, and cleansing. Make sure to have a light dinner. Dry brushing can also be beneficial for Kaphas. 

To learn more about Ayurveda, sign up for my free mini course on the Foundations of Ayurveda. 

https://www.portagefamilyhealing.com/intro-to-ayurveda

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