Menstruation Is Not a Disease - A healthy outlook towards a natural bodily function

In today’s world, where women are fighting hard to make their mark, those five days of the month are dreaded by most, no? Those five days of pain, discomfort and mood swings are just not welcome. And many even wonder why do we have to go through this gruesome event month after month for half of our life?

Let me give you an Ayurvedic perspective to this. Most people know Ayurveda as the science of Indian medicine. But that’s not it! Because Ayurveda is about ‘Health’ first and then ‘Medicine’. The term ‘Ayurveda’ literally translates to ‘The Science of Life’ (and not ‘the science of Medicine’)!

So, what does Ayurveda have to say about Menstruation?

Ayurveda describes menstruation as a period during which the female egg is released out from the body along with the extra (now unwanted) blood from the uterus. This period may last for 3-7 days and occurs approximately every 4 weeks. It goes on to say that the blood released during menstruation is supposed to be of a fresh red colour and should not stain the cloth when washed off. Neither should there be any foul smell emanating from the menstrual blood. 

What Ayurveda does not say is that menstruation is five days of pain, discomfort, and suffering for a woman every month for almost half her life! And why doesn’t it speak about all of this? Because, this is not what menstruation is supposed to be. Because, MENSTRUATION IS NOT A DISEASE. In fact, the menstrual phase is as ‘Normal’ as the rest of the month. True, there is hormonal activity during this period but what we fail to realize is that hormonal activity takes place in our bodies every single day, whether we have our period or not! It’s just that during our period, the different hormones may be more active.  

It is important for us to understand that Menstruation is a normal, essential, and rhythmic process which works to support the human female physiology. It is nothing to worry about, be ashamed of, or to loathe. Let’s stop being ashamed of carrying a sanitary pad in our bags and let’s stop being embarrassed about a staining the sheets or our clothes. Blood is red, and it flows, and it stains. Big deal!

In fact, a period should be embraced as a sign of good health and natural functioning of the body. Acceptance of your period as a ‘normal’ part of you is the first step towards a healthy period. Be comfortable with your period. Be happy about your period. Appreciate your period. Just prepare yourself for the extra hygiene you need to maintain during your period and that’s it. You’re sorted.

But we as humans like to make the normal a little ‘better’, don’t we? So, use those days as an excuse to take a few extra deep breathes (meditation also eases your muscles!) or to treat yourself with some extra nutritious treats (dried fruits work wonders!) or simply to have a cup of calming herbal tea!

Bottom-line is, do what suits you best to make you ‘period happy’!

Written by Dr. Shweta Attarwala