There are a lot of things going on inside a human body, more so, inside a female’s body. From the moment she was born in this world up until such time that she is able to conceive and later on reach her 50’s or menopausal stage.
Earlier on this blog, we tackled the Ayurvedic ways that may help you in your transition to the menopausal stage. Now, let’s talk about PMS.
Ever wonder why you are more irritated, depressed, and moodier than you usually are a week before your period? Or why you feel bloated, drowsy, and your skin is so dry? PMS is the one to blame.
PMS or Premenstrual Syndrome is one of the most common things that more than 90% of women in the world are experiencing. Some of the physical and psychological symptoms above are what women experienced a week or so before their period and can get worse when nearing menopause.
Symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety, bloating, sluggishness, and skin breakouts may vary from one woman to another. Others may experience it worse than you do while others have it mild that it doesn’t affect their day to day life. These, however, might go away right after you had your first day of period as your hormones are back to balance again.
Menstruation is a natural way of detox every woman has to go through. It’s the time where toxins come out of the body through menses. Having this as a natural phenomenon, the occurrence of symptoms brought about by PMS isn’t something to shy away from.
According to Ayurveda, PMS is caused by an imbalance in doshas–particularly the Vata dosha. Vata is mostly characterized by psychological symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and mood swings. Physical symptoms related to heat and cramps are because of the fire element, Pitta. While Kapha, as the heavy dosha, is the reason for bloating and drowsiness.
Knowing these symptoms and imbalances, you can now make ways to ease yourself through this monthly transition.
1. Proper Diet
Having a proper diet is very important. The food you eat during this time will more or less determine how your body will respond to combating the symptoms that you are experiencing.
Try eating vegetables like broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, potatoes, and fruits like bananas and watermelon as part of your diet, not just during this week, rather try having a nice plate of these foods for the whole month.
Whole grains such as oatmeal, whole wheat, and brown rice are also good. Chicken and fish on your meals can also help.
Avoid: Salty foods like processed ones and potato chips or junk foods.
2. Fluids
Keeping yourself hydrated and drinking lots of liquid can help ease your symptoms. Lack of fluids in the body can worsen the symptoms while having enough of it can help by releasing your body’s heat through urination.
Drinking a warm cup of tea like ginger, dandelion, chamomile, and green tea can also be a source of relief.
Avoid: Coffee and alcohol.
3. Exercise
Exercising regularly, may it be work out or yoga, can help prepare your body through these transitions. While exercising isn’t advisable during the week of your period, having gentle stretches, breathwork, or a short walk will do. Gentle yoga poses focusing on the lower belly is good. It will help you relax and calm your mind especially that you’re more sensitive at this time.
Avoid: Intense yoga and exercises as it may disrupt the detoxifying process.
4. Quality Sleep
Acquiring enough amount of sleep in a day especially during this time is important to help your body recharge. Resting, or absolutely lying down and doing nothing is a good thing since you have to give your body the chance to be cleansed.
5. Panchakarma
Constipation disturbs Apana Vata which can also aggravate PMS so having regular bowels within 3-4 days before your period is advised. Apana Vata controls all downward-moving functions like the menstrual cycle, bowel, and urinary functions so when Apana Vata is out of balance then it may increase the symptoms of PMS. You can try Triphala powder, Aloe Vera with a pinch of turmeric, Aloe Vera gel, and Flaxseed oil.
A little more consciousness on what you eat and how you care for your body all month long can bring more ease in your cycle. This will not just prevent you from grabbing over-the-counter pain relievers for cramps but will later on improve your overall health.
The Holistic Ayurveda Team suggests common herbs for PMS like Turmeric, Aloe Vera, Fenugreek, Sesame seeds, Carom seeds, Ashok, and Curcuma Zedoaria. You can also try our Menstrual Support Tea and Capsule Menstrual Support.
https://holisticayurveda.ca/pms-ayurvedic-approach-to-ease-through-cycles/