Abstract

REGIMEN DURING MENSTRUATION: MYTHS AND REALITY

Ektha B. S., Dr. Reshma Saokar, M. Keerthi and L. Niru Devi

Abstract

In the tradition of menstruating women not being allowed to enter the temple premises persists in India from an ancient period. Till date, our society is unaware of scientific explanations hidden behind such practices as menstruation which is a natural cycle has adopted more of religious connotations and is also followed by a set of restrictions. Menstruation in India is still a taboo, which is the sole reason why the science behind such traditional practices is not gaining importance. In this article an attempt to throw light on how the ancestral belief regarding menstruation has scientific background and is not merely a myth. The paper also deals about the need of understanding and practicing the religious customs, by stating various facts about menstruation and its physiology as per Ayurveda. Furthermore, just by practicing some easy methods of Indian culture, how a woman can avoid various diseases and acquire enormous health benefits have also been included in the paper. The age old traditions of the society were practiced in order to maintain the good health of women both physically as well as mentally. Certain constraints imposed on women back then had various benefits as they are purely based on scientific aspects and not just a myth.

Keywords: Menstruation, Ayurveda, Rajakaala.