Dysmenorrhea from the point of view of Ayurveda
Dysmenorrhea is the most common gynaecological symptom and is defined as the discomfort and cramping pain in the lower abdomen and lower back that occurs before or during the menstruation.
This condition can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp pain, throbbing pain, dull pain, nausea, burning or shooting pain. Typically, throbbing or cramping pains are in the lower abdomen, back and legs. These pains are usually apparent just before and during the menstrual periods in most women who suffer from dysmenorrhea. The intensity and severity of the condition may range from annoying or a discomfort to more severe which interferes with everyday activities for a few days every month.
While it may be seen in most women with no underlying pathology, there may be identifiable problems underneath, which includes endometriosis or uterine fibroids. Dysmenorrhea tends to lessen with age and after childbirth.
According to Ayurveda, Vata is the Dosha governing the flow of menstrual blood out of the body. Apana Vata is a subdosha, that is situated in the pelvic floor and its movement is downward and out. Due to various reasons, Apana Vata can move in the opposite direction, causing severe pain and cramping.
In Ayurveda, menstrual pain which is so severe that woman cannot perform daily activities is called Kashtartava.
During periods, the body uses up excess energy in cleansing the reproductive system of accumulated Ama (toxins). New blood cells (Rakta Dhatu) are created to replenish the loss, and this is possible only when the body has availability to rest.
The Ayurvedic management of dysmenorrhea involves the balancing of Vata dosha with the combination of therapies, herbs, exercise and diet regimens. Our experienced Ayurvedic doctors use the personalized approach to rule out the cause of painful menstruation. After considering a detailed medical history, the treatment protocol is tailored for individual needs.
Ayurvedic treatment of dysmenorrhea
Panchakarma therapies are beneficial for the management of acute and chronic menstrual pain and underlying pathologies. Panchakarma procedures like Abhyanga (massage with warm oil with Vata balancing herbs), Vasti (medicated enema), Swedana (Ayurvedic massage and steam therapy) are effective in treatment of dysmenorrhea. Uttara Vasti (procedure of therapeutic herbs are administered inside uterus), and Virechana (therapeutic purgation) are beneficial too.
Ayurvedic herbs like Bhutakesi, Kachur, Ajwain, Fenugreek, and Jaggery, help soothe the period cramps.
We strongly recommend you consult an Ayurvedic gynecologist before using any herbs. Please do not use this information for self-treatment. For your health, it is necessary to attend an Ayurvedic consultation and follow the proper guidelines of our experienced doctors.
Tips for effective Ayurvedic treatment of dysmenorrhea
- Massage your lower abdomen with sesame oil with gentle downward strokes
- Drink a glass of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach every morning
- Include physical exercise in your daily routine
- Avoid oily, spicy and salty food
- Improve your digestion
- Use a heated patch or wrap on your abdomen to relax the muscles
- Massage the abdomen with essential oils to ease period cramps — the most beneficial are lavender, sage, rose, marjoram oil
Check the Ayurvedic treatment for other gynae diseases:
Infertility, Frigidity, Leucorrhoea, Menopause, Amenorrhoea , Lower back pain, Cyst formation in Ovaries, Uterine fibroids ( polyps) , Vaginitis, Cervix and uterus infections, Uterus prolapse , Breast pain and lumps, Vaginal itching, Vaginal discharge, Hormonal disbalance, Oligomenorrhoea , Acidity in pregnancy, Breastfeeding problems, Endometriosis, Pregnancy toxicosis, Miscarriage, Mastitis
