Abstract

A REVIEW ON MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND CONCEPT OF AYURVEDA

Kshama Kulkarni*, Shreyas Swamidas and Rakesh Mishra

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Abstract

In womanhood, an important physiological manifestation is Rituchakra, i.e., menstrual cycle, which gives her identity of motherhood. Rituchakra means a wheel or a cycle which works repeatedly. It consists of three phases- i.e., Rajahsravakaal, Ritukaala and the Rituvyatitkaala. It shows a periodicity of one Chandramasa (28 days). Rituchakra is considered as an opportunity of the body for cleansing or removal of toxins, dominated by Pitta Dosha, later the influence of Kapha persists a few days before ovulation. During the ovulation period the Vata dosha becomes powerful enough to expel the ovum out of the follicle. In the absence of fertilization Vata gives way for Pitta during the premenstrual days and during menstruation. Menstruation is a cyclic process and repeats every month. Its proper onset on time denotes an intact hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis and a normally functioning reproductive system.[1] If there is deviation from normal pattern denotes a diseased state which can be cured through a proper diagnosis. Most of the discomforts during menstruation are because of the imbalance of Tridoshas. Timely and purposeful administration of Aushadha, Aahara and Vihara will restore the Doshic balance. Hence this study is taken with objective to review menstruation in different Ayurvedic classic, to compare and evaluate data available on menstruation.

Keywords: Rituchakra, Rajahsravakaala, Menstruation.