-1 ll/"mnnh

BISI ]'/|[[Hea lth,

and Long

IT

Happiness,Life Through

Maharishi Ayur-Veda

Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D.,

and MelanieVeronica Butler, M,0,,Brown, Ph.D.

Ieremy P. Tnrclrr.r/ I'ullrnnta msmlrt,r rlt'

Penguln Iulrrnrn lnc,Now Yorl

A WOMAN"' B,ES T MEDICINE

than the satisfaction of simply knowing' "I am being fully myself'"

Enioying this deef p-e-rJ"A i*tgtt'y is no doubt the healthiest

way we can live. ro itruggle against our natural inclination even to

follow a seemingly "iti'; behavioral code would in the process

create more ama than oias, more stress than bliss' To stay healthy

requires ,,o, .o.p'o*ising our integrity' although we can-certainly

compromise our ^tt"tn-!"'to anything outside th1 self' to any

particular person or activiry In the strengftr of the integration of

self, we can be .*ott', n;"'e' ru'ith a bedrock of inner integrity'

we are free to .",;;iht tighttt" of being"' unencumbered by

tricks, falsehoods, and manipulation' -

Dr. Brihasp".i Dt;i;da' considered the premier Ayur-vedic

physician in the *o'tO, lias offered so(ne very powerful descrip

tionsfromthetextsofCharakaformakinglife"fullyenlightenedand blissfut], There are rour type' of life (ayu) d9s9ribld.- n,u'.

Yedr: bita-ry, Cnit'nJ-1n-yoott>' abita-ayu (ah-hih-tuh-ah-yooh)'

suk b a-ayu (999-*;A?;nt' and d'utt ktc a'av u {dooh'khuh-ah'

vooh). Hita-ayu o J-"iv"" do'ror ttre good and benefit of the life

ofothers,forthehappinessofsociety.-et,it"-^y.,istheoppositeofthis,thatwhichisasaovantageoustoothersandforsociety.Sukha.ayu is for the gooa oiit" inliviaud physiology' to keep it heatthy

and blissful ,"ttt "-"yo is its opposn:-*y type of life that is not

good for the individ;J fhytioi"gy' Choosing hita-ayu and sukha'

ayu and avoiding titi' "ppbsites gives us what we need to "keep

ourselves pure, working ior ottrers' and doing good for the futurrcl

As women, we have another way to promote effortless health and

happiness. We nave it't "a"""t"gt oi a uniquely female biological

cycle whose purpose is to keep us maximally healthy'

Cbapter 9@

PURIFICAT

The Monthly CyclHealth Advantage

TION

e as our

Truly there is ln tbls utoddnothing so purtfytng

as knoutledge.

BhagavadGita

I)r. Balaraj Maharshi, one of lndia's most highly esteemed Ayur-Vedic authorities, noted that in his nearly fifty years of medical ex-perience, he has never seen anything like the number ofgynecological disorders common in the West. Western medicine,it seems, has had little to offer women in the way of menstrual cy-cle knowledge and care. In fact, until the 1940s, and even into thenext several decades, discussion of the topic was pretty much ta-boo. Instead of educating women about the healthy effects ofmenstruation and menopause, women were offered suchunwelcoming concepts as "the curse," "being unwell," and thedreaded "change." Fortunately these negative constructs of femalephysiological functioning have not been part of most world cul-tures. Ayur-Veda especially views the menstrual cycle in a mostpositive and evolutionary way.

,16 217

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

Our Beneficld Menstrual Gycle

One of the most powerftrl aspects of a woman's physiology is rself-healing mechanism for keeping the bodymind prepared forwholeness, a pulpose beyond reproduction. Menstruation is Iuniquely female physiological function, intimate to the health andeven happiness of women during their childbearing years. Yet fsrgof us actually appreciate and realize the benefits of this cycle fufpromoting our good health and long life in general. We more typically see it as a nuisance at best, and so we fail to recognize lEhealth-giving purpose.

The most obvious function of menstruation is allowing thlbody to slough off the inner lining (endometrium) of the uterull 6prepare for another reproductive cycle. The shedding of the endOmetrial lining-the menstrual flow-is like a lawn that's beCOmowed, so the top layer is removed. As a lawn is stimulatedgrowth by various amounts of sun and rain, the endometrialis affected by amounts of hormones during the month, involvtngcyclic interplay between the pituitary gland and the ovaries.menstrual cycle will thus change in length, in the amount ofand so forth, as hormonal levels change.

Ayur-Veda offers us new understanding and appreciation ofrole that menstruation plays in keeping us healthy. It does notvile menstruation as a kind of ritual disorder; rather it honortpurifying value. It clarifies how the cycle provides acleanup system, a perfect renewal opportunity. A number ofsearch studies suppoft this understanding, that menstrualkeep women healthy, providing significant long-term benefftc,we need to examine how this process works, so we may fullyioy its results and reduce any discomfort along the way.also suggests precise ways to identi$ and treat variousdisorders that may develop.

Once we understand the menstrual cycle as a puri$ingnnism for keeping the bodymind prepared for wholenelt,rccognize its purpose beyond reproduction as a regularttlly lirr climinating the accumulation of ama or waste productfhtvr thc potential to give rise to illncss,

2rt 219

A Syndrome of Syrmptoms

Itrr many healthy women, the menstrual cycle is a normal, easy,rrronthly elimination; for others, it is a time of intense pain, emori'nal upset, and debility. some women waver between a rittre di*crmfort and a great deal of discomfoft from month to month orl'r'm year to year. what accounts for this wide range of menstruart'xperiences? Modern medicine offers no clear answers as to whyntch variable dysfunction occurs.

Activated by the monthly hormone cycle, a syndrome of sympr'nrs known as premenstruar syndrome (pMS) was defined back inl9.tl. By now over l5O symptoms in nearly every organ sysremhlvc been attributed to pMS, arthough many of the attributed dis.,rtlcrs, such as binge eating, volatile emotions, and so forth, have,cvcr been adequately researched or significantly associated withllrt' menstruar period itself. pMS theories abound, both biorogicalr,d psychological: Researchers have investigated theories pos-lulilting hormonal or biochemical causes, such as progesterone de-llr'lt'ncy, estrogen excess, vitamin 86 deficiency,- vit-amin A defi-r lerrcy, elevated prolactin, excess aldosterone, decreased serotonintrlrtukc, endorphin deficiency, prostagrandin excess or deficiency,l.ttrl allergic response to food, hormones, or environmental agents.l'ryt'ltologists have looked at the concept of stress as either a cause,r r, cf'fect of PMS, expectation of symptoms as cause, and neurot-h'hrrr

'nd inner conflicts of various-tyies. None of these theoriesh* p.rved definitive, and the rp..d. cause(s) of pMS remain alrtyikry. As a result, treatments based on them have limited suc_ltm,

Alth,*gh most doctors today recognize that stress, lack of exer-3l.", lxxrr diet, and other life-style factors al pray a role in creatingilnnrrual difficulties, there is littre agreement on how to provide

P URIFICATION

illrl lirr PMS, other than through the use of medicatior* ti"t -"yllve ,cgative side effects and whose effectiveness in arleviating a[ryrt('nls remains unproven or even disproven. Neither the pin,rfrcircrone supplements, vitamins nor tranquilizers have beenI, t:rkc care of the whole job. The most promising of these

ltc,l!i, p()gcsitcrone supplements, was recently found, at lea$t

i

i

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

by one group of researchers, to be no more effective than a pl}cebo.l Nearly all treatments appear to work to a certain extent, yctnone any better than a placebo, which seems to work exceptlonrally well in 40 to 95 percent of the cases studied.

Perhaps the most plausible model of PMS offered thus far is tht"state model" theory of researchers Rubinow and Schmidt,2 whOsuggest that PMS is due not to an excess or deficiency of any ono

biochemical or hormone, but is rather a disorder characterized bya "menstrual-cycle-linked transition into a particular experientldstate," an emotional state usually marked by irritability. But wltfthis happens is still unknown. How a woman's bodymind trantlllinto this experiential and physiological state is the missing link tOunderstanding and treating PMS.

This is exactly the element that Ayur-Veda supplies.As we've seen, the Ayur-Vedic theory and practice of medlclt[

is based on the understanding of the connection of our indivldu{bodymind to an underlying field of intelligence. Any disconnectlofiat this iunction can create a host of symptoms of imbalanClthroughout our minds and bodies. From this perspective, PMS

basically a bodymind disturbance, an overall imbalance,ing from a variety of imbalances within the doshas.

PMS is difficult for modern medicine to deal with because

wide variety of symptoms means that there is no one universallyfective treatment, no one vitarnin, hormone, or drug that solvc6

entire problem at the biochemical level. tn Ayur-Vedic termsr

cause each symptom is an expression of an imbalance that haisource at a deeper level of the mind-body system, treating all

toms at once occurs only at that deeper level. This may be

PMS seems to respond so well to placebos, because the placebo

sponse takes place at the junction point where mind and

meet. A particular thought that something will work, a mental

of expectation, gets conveyed at thut precise iunction and

presses itself in the body, bolstering immunity, hormonaland central nervous system stability.

Ayrr-Veda proposes that PMS and other menstrual cyclelcnrs happen if and when we experience any or all of thrcerlc;roxlcnt conditions: (1) Our biological rhythms are off, (2)or lnorc <lf the doshas is out of balance, tlr (.1) there has

lrulkl up ol'ama or excess metabolic by-prrxltrcts during thc

220 22'

P URIFICATION

We will explore each of these causal conditions and see howr';rch can be treated to take care of particular menstrual cyclerymptoms.

The Relationchip Between the Menstrual andOther Blological Cycles

M,st of us are aware that our changing moods and outlook can bevt'ry much affected by the menstrual cycle, reminding us in bothrubtle and dramatic ways of how completely interconnected ourlxrdies, minds, and emotions are. But we can experience anotherlcvcl of interdependence-our connection with nature itself, noturrly in a poetic way but also in a biological sense. When you takerr kxrk at nature, you see that the cycles, whether the winter cycle,t hibernation, the lunar cycle of tides, or the twenty-four-hour cir-lirtlian cycle of rest and activity, all have some kind of renewalr'(,nlponent that promotes growth in the particular system theylt,vcrn.

lluman biological rhythms too are cycles of rest and activitywlthin your physiology. They are present at every level-from your!)NA to your hormones to your cells to the more complex levels ofyurtr biological functioning, from breathing in and out to psycho-plrysiological behavior pattems such as sleeping, eating, and men-rlnliltion. Within the menstrual cycle, the rhythms of hormonald( tlvity are higtrly significant. In fact, the time of month chosen forIttt'irst cancer surgery (in premenopausal women) has been foundlrr lrrfluence the survival outcome dramatically. ln a 1992 study ofrrrrgical treatment berween 1975 and 1985, published in ttre TbeI ttttcet, researchers found that of 250 women, those treated fromItrry .t to Day 12 of the cycle (higher estrogen ourput)-countingllrc lirst day of flow as Day l-had a 54 percent rate of survival,wlrcrcas those treated in the first two days or from Day 13 to thertttl of the cycle (lower estrogen output) had an 84 percent sur-vlvnl mte.

Wt' can recognize that these natural cycles don,t just happenilvrr irrrtl over purposelessly; they are highly well-organized andwcll"tlnrcd events, meant to renew and revitalize and even trans-lllrtrr, llir>krgical thus conveys a sense of the .,logic,' of biology.

f

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

There is a reason why things happen. Indeed, nature hasn't ghGilwomen 45O or so montruy menstrual periods over approximatclyforty years time iust so we can discard the fertilizable eggs not uscdfor reproduction. Nature is far more efficient than that. The shc4ding of the endometrial lining is in and of itself purposeful: It Ihealth-producing. Our personal hormonal cycles are not indepcfrdent events either; they are extremely intimate to the functionln|of our bodymind and pull us into close association with all natunlcycles. Many of us have noticed, for example, and research alsoindicating, that our menstrual periods occur far more frequentfduring the times of the fi.rll moon. Moreover, it is well knownwomen who are close friends or who are living in groups stzrrthave their menstrual periods simultaneously, in tune not only wldfthe environment, but with each other. I

If we recognize t}rat our biological rhythms are the rhythmsnature, then we readily understand the need for a balance ofand activity within our monthly menstrual cycle. And we canther understand why anything that throws off ourrhythm can create menstrual problems. Since each cyclein phase with every other cycle, if we are off-rhythm in ourcycle owing, say, to iet lag, this can easily throw off ourcycle. Changing shifts at work from day to night and backcan also adversely affect a woman's cycle.

The presence of PMS generally indicates that ourrhythm of menstruation and hormone production is notaligned. By rebalancing the daily rhythm of our lives throughgood routine, the montbly rhythm of the menstrual cycle cancome stabilized, fi.rlly alleviating PMS symptoms for some ofOthers of us, however, may need another kind of balancing,yond our biological cycles. Ayur-Veda takes us into some veryesting new territory in considering a second cause ofproblems, imbalance in one or more of the doshas.

The Doohalr as a Key to Solvlng Menctrrral Pr.oblqna

,fu$t ils they conduct and carry out all other physiologicallltc lhrcc doshas are each intimately involved in thet'yt'lc, Vrta is responsible for the downwartt f'l<>w, Kapha fur

222 223

PURIFICATION

nlucus, fluids, and tissues, and Pitta for blood, hormones, andcleansing. Imbalance in any of the three doshas can result in a dis-nlption in the normal menstrual process, which will eventually bet'xperienced as a symptom. The type of symptom usually indicateswhich of the doshas is responsible. Researchers are presently dis-t'overing that PMS occurs in symptom clusters, with certain typesol'symptoms tending to occur together more often than others.'l'hese clusters clearly parallel the grouping of PMS symptoms byrkrshic imbalance.

ln a l99O preliminary study, Dr. Nick Argyl and his colleaguessnrrrveyed women between seventeen and forty-five who met thet'riteria for having PMS, and grouped the participants into fouriymptom clusters that paralleled those delineated by other pMS re-n'urchers.a One group's symptoms were associated with Vata imbal-iulces, another with Kapha imbalances, and a third with PittaIrrrlralances. Half of those in each group had participated in a vari-cty of Ayur-Vedic programs, including TM, dosha-specific eatingl)rograms, herbal supplements or rasayanas (see chapter 12),llrnchakarma (also chapter 12), drinking hot water, monthly inter-rml cleansing, da;rly oil massage, and keeping a regular bedtime.S;rcific bodymind types were found to have responded best tor;x'cific interventions. As Ayur-Vedic theory predicts, those withVirtu dosha predominant noticed most benefits from rest, TM, andrrgular bedtime; Pitta types found the purification of a monthly in-It'rnal cleansing most helpful; and Kapha types responded best tolltc ama-reducing eating regimes and the herbal supplements.

Ayur-Veda categorizes PMS and other menstrual symptoms withn'li'rcnce to the undedying imbalance(s) in Vata, Pitta, or KaphaIrrtl treats them not as single illnesses but according to therkrslra(s) that are out of balance. If Vata is out of balance, we mightrxgrcrience symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, feeling "spaced-l,u|," constipation, and cramps. If mainly Pitta is out of balance,wc'll notice symptoms such as iritability, diarrhea, heavy flow, andIttcrcased hunger. If a Kapha imbalance predominates, we generallyrx;rricnce water retention, bloating, swollen breasts, and perhapslrtlurrgy. If two or three or all three doshas are out of balance, anyrtl' llrcsc symptoms can arise. Correcting any imbalance in therkrrlurs lrelps eliminate PMS symptoms.

I lt'rc is a summary of symptoms categorized by dosha.

IA WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

PItf,S ANI' DIENSTRUAL

VATA

Premenstrual

Nervous tensionMood swingsAnxiety, depressionlnsomniaForgetfirlnessConstipationAbdominal bloatingFatigue

SYrttrPTODlS BY D()!}IIA

TYP E

Menstrual

Pain, cramps, backacheExtended length of periodLight amount of flowDark, clotted flowlrregular periodsSpotting

Excessive bleedingIncreased frequency of

periodsHeadache

Common diagnoses: Endometriosis, dysmenorrhea

Premenstrual

Irritability, angerIncreased appetiteSugar craving

PITTA TYPE

Menstrual

Headache (especiallymigraine)

E>rcessive body heat orsweating

Diarrhea or increasedbowel movements

Skin rashes, acne

Common diagnoses: Menorrhagia, endometrial hypedysfunctional uterine bleeding

224 22t

PURIFICATION

KAPHA

Premenstrual

rvrn (eND AMA-RErarro)

Weight gainFluid retentionBreast enlargementLethargy

Menstrual

Stiffness in back, iointsPale, mucuslike menstrual

flowClots

Vaginal yeast infectionsSlow digestion

Common diagnoses: Fluid retention, fibrocystic breast dis-ease, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, vaginitis (yeast type)

You may notice that you have symptoms in two or even three('xtcgories. This can happen when an imbalanced Vata affects theulher fwo doshas. Most likely your imbalance started with Vatatkrsha. So correct Vata imbalances first and then choose the dosha(iltcgory or categories that include a majority of your symptoms orllrc symptoms that you find most troublesome, refeming back tollrc food and rest recommendations in chapter 4 ilong with thegtrldelines at the end of this chapter. You can also determine your('rrrrent dosha imbalance through learning self-pulse assessment(icc chapter 12) or by consulting an Ayur-Vedic physician.

It's necessary to remember that all the Maharishi Ayur-Veda proItirnls work together as a whole system to structure balance. Theywork best if you follow all the recommendations, not iust one oflwo, so you can gain all the benefits.

()ne important note: The categoriza:tion of symptoms here ac-lurtling to the doshas is, of course, not a substitute for properfitctlical evaluation and diagnosis. The degree to which a dosha im-Iulatrce can manifest spans the range from mild functional symp-lonls to malignancy. While mild menstrual pain, backache, orlrlnlps are fairly cofirmon and are due generally to an imbalance inVrll tkrsha, more severe or incapacitating pain should always befvulrratcd by a physician, as it may indicate that a more serious con-tlhlorr has developed. But regardless of the degree of imbalance de-Vckrpcd, whether a minor complaint or a serious illness, followingllte guldclines for correcting the doshic imbalance (at the end of

fA WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

the chapter) will help bring about better bodymind conditionshealing in coniunction with modern medicine.

As an overall guideline, pain is always less 'Anr-Vedicallyrect" than straining to adhere to any healing routines whileing. 'We do not suggest that any woman should endure severeand certainly encouttge taking a pain reliever forcramps. However, it is important not to substitute thistreatment for correcting the causative imbalance. We can dosimultaneously, and many women who do so find that theirfor medication decreases and eventually they may need none at

Identtfytng the Menstnral Subdocha

In the Ayur-Vedic system, each of the doshas is divided intocomponent functions of subdosltas, which represent theof each dosha in various areas of the bodymind. Vata is themost pervasive dosha, and "leads" the other doshas. ThereforE,derstanding the functions of the specific subdivisions ofand how to keep them in balance is important for mosthealth-care measures. One of Vata's subdoshas, Apana (uh) Vata, specifically governs the menstrual cycle and plays aicant role in women's health.

Apana means "downward moving." Apana Vata functions lnlower abdominal and pelvic regions and is responsible fordownward flow through the intestines, the urinary tfact,the reproductive tract. If Apana Vata gets disrupted, theflow can be irregular, clotry painfi.rl, start-and-stop, orsome other way. As we'll see, almost every menstrual problemvolves an imbalance in Apant Yata.

Ama and Mens;tnral lDiocomfort

Aytrr-Veda identifies ama as another cause of menstrualMenstruation is an opportunity for ama cleansing; if ourlkxr lras been off during the month, or if we've taken in aIoxlns bccause of improper diet, poor cllgestion, or somentcntal polhrtants, an extra heavy buildup of wastes occuri,

226 227J

PURIFICATION

iymptoms of PMS are due to this accumulation of ama and its ef-

li'cts on the doshas and dhatus.If your diet, your sleep and rest, and your exercise are balanced

tluring the month, you'll notice far fewer PMS symptoms than ifyou've been eating poorty, going to bed late, and not exercisingrrruch. Menstrual cramps, nausea, diarrhea, arrd/ot heavy flow areull more likely to occur during your period if your body requires in-t'rcased cleansing in order to eliminate more ama. If your symptoms are mostly ama-related, you may also notice that you feel greatrller your period; the effects may even last two or three weeks, butll'you continue with a poor diet and little exercise, too much amahcgins to build up prior to your next period, and PMS symptomscln flare up again.

If you are more careftrl during the entire month, lessening your('(,nsumption of caffeine,t alcohol, and iunk foods (foods high inrrrgaq salt, and additives), you'll find a significant decrease in PMSryrnptoms, with feurer cramps and discomfort.

AyurrVedic Perspectives on Endometdosisand Dysmenorrhea

Arr tlre result of ;atrrra, a much bigger job than ordinary may need tolr lccomplished during the cleansing week of the cycle (possibty in-llrrtling incomplete menstrual elimination from the previous month).'llrc intensity of the cleansing often enacerbates the menstrual difficul-lhr tnd can cause a whole range of psychophysiological symptoms,lrlr as those associated with endometriosis or d)rsmenorrhea.

According to one modern medical theory endometriosis occurswlrcn sloughed bits of the uterine lining, instead of moving downlltrrugh the vagina and out of the body during the period, movettpw:rrd and adhere to the pelvic or abdominal organs. This usually;rlults in severe pain during the period, as these bits of tissue,

tllrtrulated by monthly hormones, begln to bleed inside the abdo-

Rterr lnd set up an inflammatory reaction. At its worst, this can re-

Iult ln infertility, owing to scarring of the ovaries or FallopianIttben, or severe pain in the abdomen. Most cases can be success"

lltlly trcated with laser surgery followed by hormonal therapy. Buttn(k,nlctriosis may be able to be avoided through preventive Ayur-

F

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

Vedic routines. Modern medicine has no explanation for whrtcauses pieces of uterine lining to move and adhere to the organ!,and therefore provides no advice on how to prevent it. In AyuFVedic terms, endometriosis is a problem of imbalanced Apana Vatqa reversal in downward flow; women with this condition are frequently constipated, a related symptom also due to imbalanccdApana Vata (see next section).

Dysmenorrhea, which means "painfril periods," generally affectlwomen under age twenty-five. It is experienced as severe cramptresulting from uterine spasms that temporarily deprive the uterlntmuscle of orygen, a kind of "chadey-horse" of the uterus, perhapltriggered by the release of prostaglandins. The pain can be blockedby over-the{ounter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. This may helpthe symptoms temporarily, but it is important for women with c(!t

vere menstrual pain not to ignore this not-so-subtle signal thrtsomething's wrong.

Renee, a tbirQrfour-year-old Los Angeles rnanagetlrent con,sultant, bad suffered from dltsmenorrbea and PMS rymptotns. For tutenty-tuo years, euer since sbe started merltstruating at age tutelue, sbe bad bad almost no relief from Odual condltion tbat sbe experienced fifieen days out of euetiltmonth or one-balf of ber teenage and adult life.

Tbe PMS synptotns started about ten d.ays before eafiperiod, uben sbe uould be so bloated tlJat sbe could nduear ber usual clotbes; sbe utould be sponing enougb 0A

baue to u)ear a tarnpon or pad. Afutays actremeljt tenseirritable, Renee uould feel a big drop in self-esteem andon "A giant emotional roller coaster" Wben ber perlodriued, tbe menstrual cramps tuere so seuere tbat sbe u.tas

ridden tuo or tbree d.ays each month. Sbe missed scltoolu;ork. Her relationsbips, including ber marriage, andsexuality uere negatiuely affected by the montbly ordeal,

Renee found no relief from tbe usualdrugs sucb as aspirin or Midol, nor from stronger palncation sucb as Motrin. Sbe euenfi,mlly Med blrtb controlttiltlcb irnproued tbe trarnps and paln xnncutbat, butun lncrease in PMS q)tnptoms. Sbe flnally hacl to restrt tttItqq narcttlc pain relleuers, ultlch sbe kxh.ftr many wurt

PURIFICATION

Wben Renee first came to a Mabarislti Ayur-Vedic bealtltcenter for an eualuation, slte utAs identified as bauing aPitta constitution utitb a seaere Vata dosba imbal.ance. To

acbieue bal.ance, sbe uas asked to auoid Vata-aggrauating

foods sucb as rau uegetables and cold foods and drinks; totake special herbs to balance Vata; to cut back on ber ercces'

siue exercise routine; and to rest at borne for tbe first tuodays of ber period.

Oaer tbe follouing six montbs, ber symptollrs u)ere re-

duced by 5O percent. Sbe acperienced cramps for only seu'

eral bours on tu)o days instead of enduring fiue days ofconstant pain and sbe uas able to stop taking tbe narcotics.Sbe tben started receiuing regular seasonal Pancbakarmatreatrnents, u*ticlt resulted in tbe total elimination of tbePMS symptoms and tbe need for all drugs accept for an oc-

casional aspirin tablet on tbe first day of ber period' Hauingexperienced almost an entire lifetin e of menstrual disorders,tbree years later Renee describes ber "neut" pbysiologit as"unbelieuable-I'm utalking on cloud nine."

The Subdoshas of Yatz;z Once Apana Tlrne . . .

l'lrc Ayur-Vedic texts describe the five subdoshas of Vata as divi-rkrns of the one "life breath" that upholds all living systems. Thisllli' cnergy is identified as a fundamental law of nature, the moti-vrrting and evolutioflary force of creation. [t creates, sustains, and

rvolves within our bodymind. It is essential for good health-it is

rltt'r all the breath of life; without it, there is no life. And as Vata

I(,vcrns all movement and flow in the mind and body, its five sub-

rllvisi<rns are also recognized as types of flou, which Ayur-Veda re-

k'rs to as five rypes of "breaths."

Irirst subdosha: Prana the forward breathSccond subdosha: Udana (oo-dah-nuh)-the ascending breath'llrinl subdosl'n: Samanm. Guh-mah-nuh)-the assimilating breath

I rr rtrrth subdosha: Apana (uh-p3!-nuh)-the downward breath

lriltlr sutrdosha: Vyana (vyah-nuh)-the diffusing breath

22t 229

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

Each of the subdoshas is concentrated in various parts of thtbodymind.

1. Prana is located in the head, heart, and lungs. Its funOtions: To sustain all mental, emotional, and sensory experienctand to maintain normal breathing and heart activity.

2. Udar:a is located in the ears, nose, throat, and drest. IE

ddp.iry

$rrtul

, "n. Ai ,t^ | frrnctions: Slreech, breathing, coughing, hiccoughs, and sneezlnl.tsw*"'- ) 3. Samana is located in the stomach and duodenum. IO

, r. t" _ functions: Peristalsis, digestion, assimilation, separation OtIt5lrntttifi,'1 nutrients from wastes.

4. Lpana is located in the peMc area, intestines, and reptu. I ductive organs. Its functions: Elimination (via bowels, blrg

Jq',rrrroarrA der), menstruation, sexual functioning, labor, and deliveryApana also plays an impoftant role in the settling down otmental activity.

5. Yyana is located throughout the bodymind. Its fungtions: Circulation, nervous system activity, and sense of touch,

Although the proper functioning of all five subdoshas of Vatr bimportant for good health, none is as critical as the balanced funOtioning of the first, Prana, and the fourth, Apana. Prana is sald tOmaintain life and health through awakening our innate impulse tOward greater happiness, progress, and frrlfi.llment, while Apanr bsaid to maintain that progress by moving wastes, impurities, Otother obstacles out of the way. Apana is also the primary ctte Otpotential imbalance. According to Ayur-Veda, tbe most commOiinitial patbuay of disease in botb uomen and men is ula anbalance in Apana Vata subdosha.

ln essence, the "forward" and "upward" movement assoclatcdwith Prana and responsible for energizing the nervous systembe properly balanced by the "downward" action of Apana,ated with the removal of wastes and impurities and the menstfUdflow from the body. When these two subdoshas or breaths-:rncl Apana-are balanced, all the functions of Vata are morelo bc in balance and the body as a whole to be healthy. Whenhnlnncc is upset, not only do the other functions of Vata beconItlhlurbcd, Pitta dosha and Kapha dosha oftcn become inr wcll.

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Here's what happens: When Apana Vata gets out of balance, in-stead of flowing doutnu;ard, it moves uputard, ultimately interfer-lng with the function of the other subdoshas.

This mechanism of Apana Vata moving upward is one of thenlost common subdosha imbalances. Whether it results from toornany late nights followed by rushed mornings, intense mental ort'motional stress, tnd/or poor eating habits, when Apana Vata be-('omes imbalanced and travels upward, a number of symptoms can;rrise. We could notice a disturbance in the lower abdomen, suchxs a tendency toward constipation, iritable bowel, or we might ex-pcrience menstrual discomfort. If the imbalance continues, thenApana moves farther upward and causes imbalances in the otherVlta subdoshas in the bodymind.

When this happens, a wide variety of symptoms can occur thatlirllow a speci-fic pattern. This pattern results from the interactionol'Apana Vata with the other subdoshas, as it pushes its way up-ward from the lower abdomen. The natural reaction of your bodyls always to maintain balance, so the affected subdosha tries to"push" Apana back to its natural place, with varying degrees of suc-t't'ss, and can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of pressure, tension,(,r constriction in the area involved.

For example, if Apana Vata moves upward past the stomach, itlx'gins to exert pressure on the chest. It may then affect the func-tkrns of the heart and circulatory system, the domain of VyanaVlta, leading to palpitations or, in more severe cases, to high bloodl)rcssure.

Other symptoms such as sinus congestion, hay fever, and light-Irt'udedness can occur if Apana Vata moves farther upward into thenrca of Udana Vata, which includes the ear, nose, throat, and sinus

l)irssages. If Udana Vata pushes down in an attempt to maintain itsIronreostatic status quo, tension and tightness in the neck com-rrurnly result.

Finally, if Apana Vata has overridden all attempts by the otherrrrrbdoshas to prevent its inappropriate course upward, it reachestlrc head, the domain of Prana Vata, resulting in symptoms such as

w()rry, anxiery insomnia, headache, or head pressure.It is apparent that Apana Vata, when it becomes severely imbal-

iurt'ccl, can cause a number of problems. What follows is the caseol'onc woman who developed an imbalance of Apana Vata which

F

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

also caused an imbalance in Samanayata, as vata moved up. Thllresulted in serious menstrual and digestive problems.

Rebecca D. came to a Mabarlsbi Ayur-veda bealtb centet 4lage tbir$t-tuto. Fof ttJe precedingfourteen years slte bad bclndealing utitb a seuere conditionfirst diagnosed as a consfution of tbe muscle controlling tbe ualue betuteen trJe storna*and small intestine. Her ability to eat uta^s limlted by bOconstant nausea. Her rnenstrual periods stopped for elgblyears. sbe bad a number of bouts toitb mononucleosls artended up lraalng tbe uound-up, rubberband-tiglttrnuscle surgically remoued utben sbe uas tutenfirfoux

Tbe condition catne about, Rebecca belieues, as tbeof ber feelings sumounding tbe sudden deatlt of ber lrutben sbe utas eigbteen. 'I felt sucb deep sadness andparticularly because I neuer got to say good-bye to blm." SbOu)cx on ber outn uery quickly, holding back ber uery rtJ,etnotiotts in order to be "grou)n up."

,

Tbe surgery bad only minimal effect; sbe stilt feltated a lot. Her periods started up again and becamebut utere accompanied by cttilk and uomiting. At agesbe underutent furtber tests but no abnormalltjt taas.tbat could account for ber continued symptoms. Tbeutould grip ber so forcefully tbat sbe uould constantlJ/up at tbose closest to beri including ber busband. Sbepsycltotberapy, ubere a great tnany anger issues cameSbe felt sorneutbat better emoilonally, but ber bodyued to "acplode" in bouts of dlarrbea and uomitlng.

After seeing seueral cltiropractors, Rebecca utent fofMabarislti Ajtur-Vedic eualuation. She utas prescrlbed .lttcourses of Pancbakarrna treat nents ouer a yearb tlme,addition, she utas aduised to prepare for ber perio* wllbternal cleansing and utas giuen certain Ayur-Vedlc berbtreset ber pblsiolory Sbe started an eating program toance Apana Vata. Sbe learned to take ber food craulngtrlousljt, as indlcatlue of speciftc lmbalances. Sbe learned ,,

ttthlcb sbe belieues gaue ber a deeper way tct beuttcl lnteract ultb otbers to draut morc knte and suppor0hcrse$

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Fiue years later sbe says, "I finally feel truly nourkbed in-side and all tbe symptoms haue airtually disappeared, except

for some mild cramping during my period. My eating basimproued. I'ae gained tbe ueigltt I uanted to. Tbere is nornore nausea. And I am finally feeling ready to consider hau-ing a cbild, sometbing I only dreamed of years ago but neuertbougltt my bealtlt uould allou;'

Now let's look at another woman's experience with an imbal-lnce in Apana Vata that centered around a hysterectomy.

APANA I/ATA IMBALANCE BET()RE ANI)AFTEN IIYIsTER,ECT()DIY

Alice E, a fifty-eight-year-old pbysicist from Cbicago, badbeen suffering for fiue years from a myriad of seemingly un-related. complaints tbat doctors bad finally concluded mustbe "psychosomatic|' By tbe time Alice uent for Ayur-Vedictreattnent, sbe bad bad multiple utorkups and bad under-gone seueral years of psycltotberapy, ulticlt sbe said "belpedme und.erstand rnyself better, but did not belp ltout I feel-notbing has belped tbat|'

Alice's most troublesome sytnptotn u)as a constant pres-sure and pain in ber jau and at tbe back of ber bead ufiiicbtrccasionally inuolued ber entire bead. Tbe pressure u)6ts 6ts-

sociated. utitb tnental fuzziness and a lack of colterent tbink-lng. In addition, sbe experienced frequent emotional upsand douns that sbe bad neuer experienced before in ber life.I'his loss of inner stability utas quite demoralizing to ber

Tbe onset of Alice's sytnptotns fiue years before coincidedu'ltb a l4tsterectomy for fibroid tutnors of tbe u.teru.s, associ-uted bitb beauy bleeding. Sbe felt sbe neuer completeb/ re-unrcred ber preuious leuel of uitality follou;ing tbe surgerlt,,lbc deueloped a series of syrnptorns tbat ber doctors usereunable to explain otber tban to say tbat tbe numerous testssLxnaed notbing serious; hopefulb,, her gtmptorns utould gottutd!. Tbese included irregular boutel rnouernents and flatu-lcnce, whlcb utere diagnosed as ititable bouel syndrome,ttlottl4 ttlth pressure in ber bead, utlticlt bad been only

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

temporarily relieued by patn medications, cbiropractlc tttt{Drt ent, or acupuncture.

Wben Alice sougltt out a Mabarishi ,AjturVedtction, acamination of her pulse reuealed an imbala.nceUdana Vata, utith an underljting disturbance ln Apanaln tbe louer abdominal reglon. Tbe connections u)ereThe imbal.ance bad begun in Apana Vata, probably longfore ber Wsterectotny, as euidenced by tbe long-termand. presence of tbe fibroid tumor Vata dosba usuallycon es disturbed at least temporarily b1t surgery andtbe surgery inuolues tbe abdomen or pelais, Apanain particular are disrupted. Alice experienced tbedistention and temporary boutel dysfunctions comtnon$tperienced after abdominal surgery.

Her Ajtur-Vedlc treatment uas directed touardApana Vata first and subsequently treating Udana Vata,ter a montb of at-bome treattnent, ulticb included dallyself-massage, berbal supplements to balance ApanaUd.ana, and dietary modification to reduce ama, Allilported an ahnost cotnplete reduction in bead pressune-uirtually gone"-And a grouing sense of control ouerbealtlt. She utas uery relleued. "It's comfortlng toknout utbat bas been bappening to n y bealtlt and wltyto baue sucb a simple and preclse uay of treatlng tbelems. I'm beginning to feel like m.yself again;'

Alice's experiences before and after hysterectomy arenately not unique. What is questionable is the use ofas a treatment fof a benign condition. From an Ayur-vedic polnlview, the Apana Vata disturbance should be treated fust tothe symptoms subside before a hysterectomy would bean appropriate intervention.

A recent book by Winnifred Cutler, Ph.D., Hysterectomy:and Afieti includes information collected from a review of3,500 recent studies. She concludes that every aspect of a

lrcalth may be affected by hysterectomy, including herher outlook on life, her moods, her sex llfe, and her ratc of(lutlcr is among a growing number of Western researcheri,t'lnrrs, and medical workers who are serkrusly rcthlnklng thll

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l(xlcommon procedure. She counsels, "There is an understandablepanic when [a woman] is bleeding unexpectedly. However, if she('an muster the patience to have a thorough diagnostic process, sheIras a good chance of finding a healthfr.rl resolution to her problemthat does not include hysterectomy." We would simply add that thetliagnostic process might do well to include an Ayur-Vedic evalua-tlon to identi$ and address the underlying causes.

AyurrVedlc Treatrnent of Apana Vata Imbalance

'!ir prevent and treat all of these menstrual cycle disorders, deepx'st and the avoidance of excessive mental and physical activitythrring menstruation are recofilmended. Often very active womentry to push aside the symptoms and pretend nothing is wrong.'l'lrcse are the very women who will benefit most by taking theirlonclitions seriously and dealing with them directly and effectively.'l'lrc habit of taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin andtlrcn blithely bameling ahead as though nothing were happening;thysiologically is a shoft-term convenience that can cause realpnrhlems later on, as ama continues to accumulate month byllrrxrth and Apana gets more out of balance. Many effects of whatlr culled aging, including arthritis, are due to this dual condition ofrttttrr and imbalanced Vata, which you can reduce or preventllrrough propef attention to a Vata eating program and adequatettrru climination earlier in life-and by taking a real rest during thellmt l['w days of each menstrual period.

Some Western women abeady have figured it out for them-trlvcs. As writer Judy Grahn has said, "Now . . . I eat quitetlll'lcrt'ntly-and I love my period. . . . I try to spend time by myselfhelrrrsc I feel pleasantly introverted and a little spaced-out (or in)."limlrn goes on to report that other women "are attempting to findlltlr pcrs<lnal seclusion as well. Often this state [during menstrua-lhrlrl lncludes strong feelings of renewed purposefulness in life,Flf rcspcct, and good will and gentleness toward other humanhlng.,"u

'l'lrc Ayur-Vedic key is to maintain the proper function of Apanatiltrr, which is actively moving wastes, impurities, and the men-tnul hkxxl downward and out of your body. If Apana is disturbecl

A WOMAN'S B,EST MEDICINE

and moves upward at this time, your period will not provide umuch opportunity for purification. The general idea is to go wlththe body's natural impulse to stay quiet and not be so acthG,Downward and inward, not outward and upward, is more or lcrathe bodymind dictum during your period.

Here are some simple guidelines for enjoying, not simply en'during, menstruation, ubetber or not you are experiencing anysymptoms.

The AyurYedlc Prescription for Menstruatlon

1. :rAIr'E TIlf,E ()UT T()N, REST

In general, Ayur-Veda recommends resting during the heavy daylof flow (the first two to three days for most women). But restltttdoesn't necessarily mean lying in bed, unless cramps or otholsymptoms are incapacitating. Rest can be anything that enables 1oUto adopt a slower pace to minimize any stress or fatigue.

In general it is not advisable to sleep during the day becautlthis promotes sluggishness, poor circulation, and a tendency fO1

blockage in the shrotas, the channels in the body through whlchojas flows. This is especially important for Kapha types, or if 1oUhave a Kapha imbalance. However, a brief rest lying down is fln0,

If you can, plan to take those days off each month for light, ctIjoyable activities around the house, such as reading, organizlttjetc. [f you must work outside or in your home, plan a

schedule and try to avoid staying late at work or school. When ilhome, eat a light supper, minimize evening activities, and go toearly. One woman who followed these rest guidelines for a

commented, "[ used to feel like a traitor to women by resting,not working, and by not running around oblivious to myogy throughout my period. But now that IVe experienced howbenefits my health and relationships, I've come to feel I d be a

tor to myself if I didn't rest."lf you are a mother, plan shopping trips, appointments,

talning, and so forth around those two or threc days as best('iln; try to take some extra rest time for yourself in thentttl rctirc carly, if at all possible . If your rt'sponsibilities do not

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PURIFICATION

mit you to rest adequately during your period, try to rest duringthe weekend before or after and pay extra attention to other mea-sures for Vata pacificatiofl (see chapter 4). And do the best thinglirr Vata that you can: Don't worry about it!

As a mother of four has found, "It's a relief to know I'm notonly justified but 'wise'-as opposed to feeling irresponsible-when I tell my family not to expect me to cook or go with the kidson a long hike, and that I'll be taking it easy instead. ['ve learnedtx)t to strain to accomplish what I can't do easily at that time."

2. It'EEP Y()IIR EXERGTSE EASY

A walk each day for about fifteen to thirty minutes during a periodls ideal for most of us. If you are in the habit of exercising, whethernrnning or participating in an aerobics or dance class, it would belx'tter to reduce your exercise workout during your period to norrrore than a brisk walk. This smooth, steady, lighter activity is moret'orrducive to normalizing menstrual flow and maintaining balanceIrr Vata dosha. No one doubts your ability to get your pulse rate upto 16O while you're menstruating, it's just physiologically inappro;rriate. You can, however, use your exercise program to prepare foty'otrr period. Women commonly experience fewer cramps and haveiilr casier period when they have been exercising regularly through-uut the month. Consistent, moderate exercise is one of the bestprt'ventive measures for menstrual health in general, especiallywlrcn you follow a program that considers your bodymind type aswt'll as your level of conditioning (see chapter 4).

.T. LET Y()URSELT TURN INWAN,ID IT POSSIBLE

l'lrls is a time for reiuvenation, the best time to attend to your ownnct'tts and happiness. To keep Vata settled, it's better to avoidlrrrgthy conversations or matters that involve a lot of mental work.ll you can take extra rest, allow youf awareness to be more inwardIrrtl pay attention to your body. Try to do the things that you enjoyrhrrlrrg your period. Don't save up all the chores just because youltrow you're going to take a little time off. In general, say the Ayur-Vc(ll(' lexts, positive emotions at this time help culture more re-lilrrrl li'clings throughout the month.

A WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

If you are more inward, one woman noted, "The period itse[ ltsmoother-there's less discomfort and irritability, and I have Ilighter flow, so I don't need painkillers to make it through. It aholeads to a much greater sense of mental well-being, because I'mnot straining to focus and be active when my mind and body wantto be more quiet and settled. This sense of well-being camlelthrough the rest of the month."

4. ENJr'oY A YATA.PACITYING EATING n,EGIII 8

Your diet should be full of light, warm, Vata-paciffing foods that an!easy to digest, because your digestive fires are weaker during yot[period. Avoid carbonated beverages, which aggrivate Vata. Thtsecond focus during your period, after keepingY*a balanced, ls tqminimize ama production. The most important points are to eat Ilittle less than usual, especially in the evening, to avoid cold drlnlfland cold foods, and to avoid ama producers such as cheese, yoguft,red meat, chocolate, and fried foods.

'. IIANIDLE CRAYINGS GloMTloRTABLY

Many women experience cravings for sweets or for salty foodsfore or during their periods. This craving time is not at allit represents your bodymind's desire to pacify Vata or Pitta. Itcan be the result of ama. that is blocking proper delivery oftion to your digestive tissues. As a rule, you will usually dodamage by satisffing the salt craving first; you may then noticethe sugar craving disappears. Salt cravings can be more fullyfied for a longer time by having a cooked dish seasoned withthan by eating chips or other quick-fix snacks.

If you still want sugar, fresh whipped cream with honey cana surprisingly satisrying substitute for ice cream, without thcter's digestive fire-extinguishing effect. Warm milk with honey lrcxcellent choice as well; add the honey after the boiled mllkt'rxrlcd down.

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P URI FICATION

6. BATIIING AND ()ILING

llrthing in cold water tends to reduce flow, while bathing in hotwater tends to increase it. while baths can be relaxing and sooth-Ing to Vata, for most women a shower is ideal on days of heavyl'krw to minimize any interference with the natural pace of thenrcnstrual flow vata can also become aggfavated if there's a lot oftturssaging, especially around the head area, so it's advisable tokccp shampooing to a minimum and postpone having a facial orother head or face treatments during the first few days.

Gently massaging your head with warm sesame oil on thelirrrrth or fi-fth day of the cycle, leaving it on for several hours orrvcn overnight (keeping a towel on your pillow) and then sham_pooing it out has a wonderfrrlly soothing effect on Vata.

'l'he daily abhyanga or oil massage described in chapter 12rrt'cds to be modified during your period. kave out any vigorousnr:lssage-or you may want to skip abhyanga altogether.

7. SEXUAL ACTItrTTY'l'lrc classic Ayur-Vedic texts say that menstruation is not a goodtllrrc for sexual activity. This recommendation is not based eitheriln the desirability of a woman at this time or on a woman's de-rlrt's; it is based on a sound principle for health. sexual activitytclrcls to disrupt the smooth flow of Apana Vata during your men-rlruirl flow and can thus promote the development of vata imbal-tln('cs.

A. HYGIENE

'lhnrpons are not as healthy as they are convenient. Even thought.onccrns have abated about Toxic Shock Syndrome (fSS), tamponsIrr gcneral impede the free passage and clearance of the menstrualIrkxrtl. Use external absorbent pads if possible. If you find it too in-r.orrvcnient or impractical to forgo tampons entirely, at least use ex-lcrnal pads at night and whenever you are just taking it easy[rorrnd the house.

IA WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

The AyurrYedic Prescription for Premenotnral endMenstrual Problems

Some pain during the monthly period is common, especially whttlwe are active and focused. Menstrual pain, backache, or crampr lilthe result of imbalanced Vata. So are the severe pain of dysmcnoirhea and the attachment of uterine tissue to the abdominal org[lthat occurs in endometriosis, although these are far less comm0lsymptoms. [ncapacitating menstrual pain should alwaysevaluated by a physician.

You can also reduce the symptoms of PMS by following thevice given under the menstruation section above, in addition tofollowing:

l.Yata pacification through diet and rest is a generalIf you habitually have menstrual problems, this may indicateyour Vata dosha is out of balance. You may really need to restduring your period.

2. Drinking plain pure hot water frequently, as often as

thirty to sixty minutes, during your period will help regulateflow and reduce menstrual cramping by promoting thedownward movement of Apana Vata. Drink just a few sips up tOcup, according to your thirst at the moment.

3. A regular eating and rest routine throughout tbe montbvery helpfrrl. Remember that harmony in your daily rhythmchelp balance your monthly rhythms. The imbalance of Apanaoften happens when you haven't stayed on a regular eating,cising, and rest routine.

4. Darly oil massage, abl4tanga, is also higtrlythroughout the month. (See chapter 12 for instructions.) Focrumassage on your abdomen; massage it gently with sesame oil,a clockwise circular motion, for a few minutes every day.

with a warm tub bath.5. Heat and oil are great Vata-pacifiers. l)uring your

gcntly massage the abdomen and low back, if it is hurting,wurnr scsame oil and then apply a hot watcr hottlc to thc a

nrrrl/or krw back. This often helps to allcvlutt. thc pain cnorrgh

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rlcep at night or to feel reasonably comfortable during the day.

6. A liquid diet (juices, dhals, soups, or blended solid foodsrrrade from vegetables, grains, etc.) is also very beneficial on thelirst day of the period when your agni is naturally slowed down.l,iquids are digested more easily. This procedure helps prevent andtliminate ama, reduces bloating, and helps promote a normal flowwithout cramps or pain. You might also want to avoid eggs or any-llring fermented such as vinegar, ketchup, or soy sauce, as well as

vcry spicy or very sour foods.7. Ttke two tablespoons of pure aloe vera iuice after lunch and

rlhrner every day of the month until one week before your period.lk'sume after completion of the menstrual flow.

INTERNAL CLEANttING INSTRUCTIONt5

\irrr can also help alleviate menstrual problems by the followingrrronthly internal cleansing program. This Maharishi Ayur-Vedic pro11r:rm is suitable for women in overall good health who have no se-

rlous gastrGintestinal diseases. Its purpose is to clear your digestivetrirt't of toxins and other ama-producing substances. Cfhis programlirn also be beneficial for menopausal symptoms, which we discussIn t'hapter 11.)

l)crform the cleansing once a month for three months inrrrltlcycle, at ovulation, i.e., between the fourteenth to twentiethrhy of your cycle, counting from the first day of the last period.

()n a day when you can remain at home (or at night if you pre-h'r), take a warm bath or shower, then take four teaspoons of castor oil mixed well with one-fourth cup of fruit juice (other thanBrill)c), for palatability. Irmon or orange work best. This will usu-llly result in three to four bowel movements ovef the next four torlx lrours. If you've had no bowel movements after the first threelrorrrs, take an additional two teaspoons castor oil. Do not eat untilllrr nraiority of the laxative action has ceased, although smallnnounts of warm water or juice are all right if you feel the need.

Yrrtrr diet for the remainder of the day should consist of warm,lrxrkcd food that is not too oily, preferably liquid or semisolid, suchil,r rorlps, lentils or dahl, or cooked cereal. Avoid any cold drinks orfrrrxls, and have a restful, easy day.

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rA WOMAN'S BEST MEDICINE

lf these measures are not helping, you may want to consider a con-sultation with a Maharishi Ayur-Vedic physician. He or she may beable to prescribe specific herbs for Apana and other imbalancesand may suggest some Panchakarma treatments (see chaptet l2).

Now that we've explored this very vital aspect of women's healthcare, let's look at the reproductive aspect of the menstrual cycle. Inthe following chapter, we'll see how Maharishi Ayur-Veda can helpsupport you through pregnancy, childbirth, and being a newmothe! and can expand your conception of motherhood.

242 213 -J

Cbapter 10

@NURTURANCE

Pregnancy, Childbifth, and OtherConceptions of Motherhood

We sbould knout that tbe purpose of creation istbe atpansion of bapplness.l

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Ayrrr-Veda defines human life span in terms of a sequence of thetlrrcc doshas. The Kapha cycle starts at birth and lasts to around"tlrirty-something." It creates the psychophysical and social struc-Itrrt' through which we experience rapid physiological growth andIlrirrrge, as well as mental development. During the Pitta cycle,wlrk'h governs the middle years, from about thirty to seventy, weput our development to use. This is the most active and interactiver 1'r'lt'-the "metabolic" time of life, a time of focus, when we expe-llt'rrt'c the processes of transformation and learn to make thingsImgrllcn, whether we are raising a fumtly and/or making other con-lrllrtrtiOns ro society in dynamic activity. The Vata cycle of life cantl{rl ls carly as age fifty-five or as late as age seventy, depending onunr''s pcrsonal psychophysiology, and can last a very long timellrrt'llicr. The Vata cycle is associated with expansion, related tollr rlt'rrrcntal qualities of wind (uayu) and space (akasba). It is alltttc whcn intuition and other aspects of inner development canhlurmrru, when we can gtow to higher levels of awareness, and canl'otttrllrtrtc the dcpth of our wisdom, our counsel, our healing pow-tfr, lrl r'vcr largcr communities.