Menstruation process & Ayurveda

The seat for Vata predominance is the uterine system. However, other body humors like the Kapha and Pitta influences it.

According to Ayurveda, the whole monthly cycle is divided into 3 unique phases:

Rajasrava Kala

It is considered to be menstruation’s actual phase, where blood with endometrium (lining) gets shed if there is not witnessed any egg fertilization and implantation. In duration, the phase is about 3 to 5 days. Vata Dosha (along with Apana Vayu) governs it, monitoring the body’s movement.

Ritu Vyateeta Kala

Pitta dosha, after ovulation takes over secretory phase with increase in nutrients, different hormones including blood supply to the uterine lining. This is to ensure nourishment of the embryo (conceptus), if the person is to get pregnant. The body’s secretion related activities lasts about 9 to 13 days in the Pitta phase.

Ritu Kala

It takes place with the maturing of follicles developed by the ovaries, to thicken the uterus lining to prepare ovulation or pregnancy. The phase lasts for about 12 to 16 days to be governed by Kapha dosha, considered to be the dosha taking care of regeneration and growth.

In Ayurveda, menstruation is referred to as Rajasrava. It means ‘Flow of Raja’. Here, ‘Raja’ is used to indicate ‘blood’. It is also known as ‘Rajas Guna’. Basically, Guna is mind quality. Rajas Guna is the dynamic feature of energy, passion, movement and flow. Rajas, in mentals heath is said to represent the person’s emotional state like mood swings, anxiety, frustration, irritation and anger, noticed commonly among menstruating women.