For many women, the menstrual cycle feels like a monthly mystery—sometimes manageable, sometimes overwhelming. But Ayurveda offers a beautifully holistic lens to understand what’s happening inside the body each month by observing the rhythms of nature, the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), and their influence on each phase of the cycle.

Let’s break it down:

1. Menstruation Phase (Day 1–5): The Reign of Vata

The menstrual flow is a downward-moving process, governed by Vata dosha, which is responsible for movement and elimination.

Pain during your period? Craving sweets? Feeling fatigued and dry?

These aren’t signs of strength—they're signs of Vata imbalance. Many of us have come to believe that period pain is normal, but from an Ayurvedic perspective, pain is the body’s cry for balance.

Common Signs of Vata Imbalance During Menstruation:

• Sweet cravings
  
  

• Constipation or loose stools
  
  

• Light, disturbed sleep
  
  

• Dryness, fatigue, anxiety
  
  

Ayurvedic Do’s & Don’ts for Menstrual Health:

• ❌ Avoid reverse yoga poses or intense exercise during menstruation—this can reverse the flow of Vata and create long-term imbalances.
  
  

• 🛏 Rest is key. Over-exertion during this time may disrupt reproductive health and, in the long term, can lead to fertility issues or dependence on medical interventions like IVF.
  
  

• 🍲 Nourish your body with warm, oily, and grounding foods—think ghee, stewed vegetables, and herbal teas.
  
  

• 🚫 Say no to painkillers where possible. They may mask symptoms but won’t address the root imbalance.
  
  

2. Post-Menstruation Phase (Day 5–14): The Kapha Rise

As estrogen rises, the body begins to rebuild tissues and energy reserves—a process powered by Kapha dosha.

You may notice your skin glowing, hair feeling stronger, and your energy beginning to return.

However, excess Kapha may lead to:

• Heaviness in the body
  
  

• Bloating or water retention
  
  

• Lethargy or low motivation
  
  

• Weight gain
  
  

This is a beautiful time to support your system with light, fresh foods and gentle physical activity to keep Kapha in balance.

3. Post-Ovulation to Pre-Menstruation (Day 14–28): Pitta Takes Over

This is when the body prepares for possible pregnancy, with blood and uterine lining building. Here, Pitta dosha, which governs metabolism and transformation, becomes dominant.

When Pitta is out of balance, emotions run high, skin may break out, and the classic PMS symptoms appear.

Signs of Pitta Imbalance:

• Irritability, frustration
  
  

• Mood swings
  
  

• Acne or skin sensitivity
  
  

• Heat or inflammation in the body
  
  

Now is the time to cool down—literally and figuratively. Embrace a Pitta-pacifying diet: cooling foods like cucumber, coconut, and herbal infusions such as rose or mint tea. Prioritise calm, grounding routines and avoid excessive stimulation.

🌿 Ayurvedic Relief for Period Pain

If pain does strike, turn to a natural remedy trusted in Ayurvedic tradition:

Hingvastaka Churna + Ghee

• Mix ½ to 1 tsp of Hingvastaka churna with ½ tsp of ghee
  
  

• Boil in a cup of water, sip warm during painful periods
  
  

• This helps ease digestion, relax abdominal tension, and relieve Vata blockages
  
  

🌙 Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Cycle

• 🕙 Sleep by 10 PM to support hormonal balance naturally
  
  

• 🧘♀️ Women in intense athletic training may lose their cycles early—this is a Vata sign. Balance high activity with rest and nourishment.
  
  

• 🔄 Stick to a consistent daily routine—meals, sleep, and self-care at regular times help keep the doshas in harmony
  
  

Final Thoughts

The menstrual cycle isn’t just a reproductive rhythm—it's a monthly report card on how well your body is managing balance.

By honouring each phase with the right diet, lifestyle, and mindset, you can reduce pain, improve emotional wellbeing, and protect your long-term hormonal health.

Ayurveda reminds us: your cycle is your strength—when you listen to it.