Understanding the Menstrual cycle through the Doshas empowers us to flow with more ease as we can make corrections on our daily routine and diet allowing the body to do what it does best – maintain balance and inner peace.

According to Ayurveda, we use the notion of the doshas and its energy to understand the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle:
·   Day 1 – 5 (from the first day of bleeding) – the vata phase
·   Day 4 – 14 (from the end of bleeding until ovulation) – the kapha phase
·   Day 14 – 18 (from ovulation until your period starts) – the pitta phase

Vata – (day 1 – 5)

Vata (air + ether elements) is the force that regulates all downward movements in the body: elimination, menstruation, circulation. If vata is out of balance, it will manifest as PMS, headaches, digestive upset, constipation, pain on intercourse, fatigue, anxiety and insomnia indicating the need for some vata balancing practices.
Pacifying Vata
Time to have a regular routine and invite calmness and peace. Turn inwards to recharge. Try to avoid anxiety-inducing stimulants, such as alcohol or caffeine. Avoid intense exercise and intercourse.

Kapha – (day 4 – 14)

Kapha (water + earth elements) energy is the building blocks of the endometrium (the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus). Oestrogen is the hormone that builds and increases this tissue – restoring strength to the body and preparing it for conception.
If your kapha is out of balance it will manifest as symptoms such as fluid retention, breast tenderness, weight gain, tiredness, back ache and general heaviness, as well as low mood.
Balancing Kapha
To clear stagnation and lethargy invite some activity to your daily routine. Avoid sleeping beyond 7am, get out in nature for a power walks, enjoy spiced and lighter meals, use herbs such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, mustard seeds.  

Pitta (day 14 – 18)

Pitta (fire and water elements) becomes most active during the ovulation and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. This phase involves transformation, as the body prepares for possible conception with a surge in progesterone. Libido tends to rise around ovulation, but as the luteal phase continues, excess Pitta can build up—especially in the blood and liver—creating excess heat and hunger. This may lead to symptoms like skin breakouts, headaches, loose stools, mood swings, and irritability. Pitta-dominant individuals may particularly feel this intensity. Premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, food cravings, and breast tenderness are also common during this time.
Balancing Pitta
This phase of your cycle is a key time to support your liver, as it works to process elevated hormone levels. You can aid this natural detoxification by eating more cruciferous and dark green vegetable. Stay physically active throughout the day but avoid intense and competitive exercise. While you may feel driven to do more, calming practices such as gentle yoga can help manage intense emotions and keep excess heat at bay. Reduce intake of spicy and fried foods. Up your intake of cooling foods such as coconut, courgette, coriander, almonds. Moon bathing is very cooling for the body and the nervous system.

If this resonates with you, why not to book a complimentary Discovery Call to discuss how can we use Ayurveda to help you and your flow to flow better in life? https://viviancavicchioli.com/en/ayurvedic-treatment/