Why PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)?
- ArujAyur
- Sep 11, 2022
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Ayurveda categorizes PMS based on the increased involvement of Dosha. Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that females experience in the week or two leading up to their menstrual period.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is one of the lifestyle disorders commonly reported by reproductive-age women, resulting in cognitive & behavioral impairment.
PMS, Symptoms are often mild, but can be severe enough to substantially affect daily activities. About 5–8% of women thus suffer from severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS tends to occur in women who are in their late 20s to early 40s. Symptoms usually begin when a woman is in her mid-twenties. The cause isn't fully understood but likely involves changes in hormones during the menstrual cycle.
Ancient Ayurveda also had an awareness of the menstrual cycle that closely relates to the uterine cycle, the more easily observable cycle.
Menstruation is a normal physiological process in females. A group of symptoms that occur in women, typically between ovulation and a period. It is a periodic phenomena, usually occurring every twenty-one to thirty days and includes uterine bleeding for about three to seven days.
Symptoms include
Fluid retention: Bloating, Weight gain, Oedema, Reduced urination
Pain: Pelvic pain, Mastalgia(breast tenderness), Headache, Joint & muscular pain, Backache.
Psychological : Irritability, anger, depressed mood, crying and tearfulness, anxiety, tension, mood swings, lack of concentration, confusion, forgetfulness, restlessness, loneliness, decreased self-esteem, tension.
Behavioural: Lack of consciousness, aggression, indecision
Nervous system: Insomnia, Hypersomnia, Anaemia, Food cravings Fatigue, Pricking/tingling sensation. Lethargy, agitation, change in sex drive clumsiness, dizziness or vertigo
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, Diarrhoea, Palpitations Sweating
Skin: Acne, Oily skin, Greasy or dry hair
Ayurveda Point of View
Menstrual Cycle (Ritu Chakra) in Ayurveda
There are three phases described in the classic texts of Ayurveda as well as in modern books. Ayurveda categorizes PMS based on the increased Doshic (Vata/Pitta/Kapha) involvement.
Dosha changes - Each phase
In Rituvyateetakala which is compared mainly with the luteal phase, there is Pittakopavastha (Increased Pitta) and Vatasanchayavastha (Vata accumulation).
With excess intake of Pittakar Nidan (foods/ habits increasing Pitta) in Rituvyateetakala, Sanchita Vata (accumulated Vata) specifically Vyana Vayu (A kind of Vata that circulates in the whole body) gets Avritta (masked) with Kupita (vitiated) Pitta and manifests in the form of Sarvanga Daha (hot flashes/burning sensation in the body), Santapa (rise in body temperature) , Klama (fatigue) etc.
So PMS can be managed and treated on the line of Pittavritta Vyana Vata (Pitta masked by Vata) so as to provide relief from its deleterious effects and improve her family and social life.
Symptoms | Cause |
Severe abdominal pain or cramps | Vitiation of Vata due to intake of dry food |
Irregular bowel movements | Vitiation of Vata and Pitta due to packed food |
Irritability, mood swings , Bloating | Vitiation of Vata due to disturbed daily routine – Dincharya |
Headache, hyperacidity, | Vitiation of Pitta due to sleep deprivation and spicy food consumption |
Tender and swollen breasts, Anger, Skin, rashes, Acne, Diarrhea/Loose stools | Vitiation of Vata and Pitta improper food and lack of physical activity |
Insomnia. Mood swings -Alternating Constipation & Diarrhea, Irritability- , Lack of clarity - Fatigue, Pain in body - Insomnia, Anxiety | Vitiation of Vata due to raised stress level |
Weight gain due to water retention, Sluggishness, Lethargy, Additionally,any Vata rupa | Vitiation of Vata/Kapha due to diet & lifestyle |
Menstrual Cycle (Ritu Chakra) in Ayurveda
There are three phases described in the classic texts of Ayurveda as well as in modern books.
Ayurvedic Phase | Rutukala | Rutuvateta kala | Rajahkala |
Aggravated Dosha | Kapha | Pitta | Vata |
Accumulating Dosha | Pitta | Vata | Kapha |
Alleviated Dosha | Vata | Kapha | Pitta |
Ovarian Phase | Follicular Phase | Ovulation/Luteal Phase | Luteal/Follicular Phase |
Uterine Phase | Proliferative Phase | Secretory Phase | Menstruation Phase |
NIDANA
(Etiological factors)
(Mithyahar Ahara - Vihara is the Samanya nidana for this syndrome)
Mithya-ahara: Not following codes and conduct of food.
Mithya-vihara: Over thinking, fear, distress, anxiety, anger, leads to Vata prakopa.
Further exposure to Nidana makes Vata move in Viloma (downward movement) gati presented as:
Anavasthita chitta (mood swings)
Udvega (restlessness)
Glani (excess tiredness of sense organs are seen)
Rodana (crying)
Pralapa (delirium)
Daha (burning sensation)
Shotha (inflammation/swelling)
Sarvanga vedana (generalized pain)
PMS can be managed through Ayurvedic treatment modalities and lifestyle modifications
Ayurveda has mentioned many factors under different terms which can be useful in lifestyle modifying and will have a positive effect on one's holistic health.
These factors can also help to maintain optimum hormonal levels and will result in regular healthy menstruation.
1. Food/ Ahara – Ayurveda is the only science which has studied food or diet regimes in its true magnanimity. Under the section of Aahar we should emphasize on building optimum Agni and also taking food at proper times as per described in Dinacharya is essential.
Agni – Keep it balanced by :-
Having a timely diet
Consuming fresh and wholesome diet
Taking food only after digestion of previously taken food
Having warm food with full awareness
Selection of food items according to one's Prakruti
Minimize the use of soft drinks and other drinks like tea and coffee
Advised:
It is useful to eat Yava (Barley) during menstruation.
Organic Milk is sweet, unctuous, refreshing, body-promoting,intellect-promoting, strength-promoting, mind-promoting, vitalizes, fatigue-alleviating, destroyer of internal hemorrhage, union-promoting in injuries, whole-some for all living beings.
2. Ayurveda teaches about three tastes that can soothe vata: These can be included in the daily diet you consume.
Sweet
Sour
Salty
3. Dinacharya – Daily routine
Ensure daily bowel movement
Maintain personal hygiene
Regular oil application (whole body)
Daily shower and dental cleaning
Setting the right time for food as per one's work schedule
Making time for some physical activity in the form of light exercise (simple yoga and breadth exercise)
Taking rest (no sleep in daytime) at regular intervals
Maintaining sound and balanced state of mind throughout the day
Taking ample, timely and quite sleep (night sleep of 6-7 hrs on average)
4. Vihara –Refers to the sets of rules to be followed physically and mentally
Having a happy and positive attitude in all situations
Exercise and including yoga according to Prakriti as a part of daily routine
Following Yama and Niyama 'moral codes', or ways of 'right living' are mentioned in Ashtanga Yoga
Following Achara Rasayana (behavioral therapy) and Swadhyaya (selfless devotion towards your family, work or passion)
Practicing breathing exercises and meditation for controlling thoughts and associated emotions
5. Aushadhi – Herbs and medicinal formulations to be used on a day to day basis.
Rasayana medicines : Herbal medicines that takes care of any imbalance in Dosha and corrects due hormonal imbalance also.
Shatavari – A single herb can be used as Rasayana and also acts on Rasa Dhatu. Developing healthy Rasa Dhatu in turn results in formation of healthy Upadhatu i.e. Stanya and Raja.
Ashwagandha – Regular use helps to maintain optimum energy level and also confers sound sleep.
Rason – Garlic is mainly indicated in Vata disorders and so has Rasayana effects on organs in Vata Kshetra.
Dhanyak Phant – Hot infusion of Dhanyak (coriander seeds) is said to be Basti shodhak and also Strotoshodhak. It helps to eliminate bodily toxins.
Chyawanprash Rasayana – Whole body rejuvenator.
Flaxseed and Fenugreek – Seeds of fenugreek, these are said to have effect on the liver and thereby helps in blood purification. It also adds up in providing micro nutrients required by the body.
6. Some herbs that can be used in Ayurveda
Yashtimadhu churna : Licorice
Gokshura churna : Tribulus terrestris
Dadimashtaka churna : Ayurvedic formulation
Brahmi : Centella asiatica
Ashwagandha : Withania somnifera
Jatamansi : Nardostachys jatamansi
Guduchi : Tinospora cordifolia
7. To cope with emotional symptoms / to deal with a Pitta imbalance
Shatavari : Asparagus racemosus
Kumari : Aloe vera
Conclusion
The doshas are continuously ebbing and flowing throughout the body and are influenced by external factors. These factors include a person’s constitution, the climate that they live in, the time of day, as well as the time of the year(season), and time of their life(age).The doshas all rise, peak and retreat as part of the natural stage of Doshic development.
The occurrence of disease is primarily based on an unhealthy lifestyle. This also refers to improper physical as well as mental health. So for treating this disorder and in order to have preventive effect, one has to modify their lifestyle.
NOTE : Do consult your Ayurvedic physician as the assessment of Dosha/ Body-type is a prerequisite for any Ayurvedic treatments & recommendations.
Consult Dr.Dharna (Ayurvedic Physician & Yoga trainer : contact@arujayur.com) who has 15 years of experience in managing PMS, PCOD/PCOS and various menstrual disorder.
Consultation includes tailored diet chart, lifestyle guidelines and one month Whatsapp support.
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