Looking at Menstruation from the Perspective of Ayurveda

There is a lot of discussion and debate about impurity or purity during menstruation. This has gained importance particularly due to its connection with the entry or denial of entry of women to some religious places during menstruation.

Let me make it very clear right at the beginning that I am not touching upon aspects like gender discrimination. There are institutions with the mandate of the Constitution to evaluate and pronounce judgments on such matters.

The purpose here is to bring to light two aspects of menstruation to the public domain, as this information has not been widely seen before. The two perspectives are:

1. From the perspective of Ayurveda.
2. From the perspective of Sanatana Dharma.

Those who are seriously interested in the topic can take it forward through constructive debates and discussions for the overall goodness of humanity, which is the very purpose of Sanatana Dharma.

Ayurveda

As all of us know, Ayurveda is a recognized medical science. We have Ayurvedic medical colleges, degrees approved by appropriate authorities for Ayurvedic doctors, and a ministry under the Government of India to deal with matters relating to Ayurveda.

Sushruta Samhita is an authoritative text on Ayurveda and is part of the curriculum. I am going to quote from Sushruta Samhita – Shareera Sthanam – Chapter 2, titled Shukra Shonita Shuddhi Shaareeram, which deals with the health of both semen and ovum.

Shloka number 25:
ऋतौ प्रथमदिवसात् प्रभृति ब्रह्मचारिणी दिवास्वप्न – अञ्जन – अश्रुपात – स्नान – अनुलेपन – अभ्यङ्ग – नखछेदन – प्रधावन – हसन – कथन – अतिशब्दश्रवण – अवलेखन – अनिल – आयासान् परिहरेत्

What all should a woman in menstruation avoid (परिहरेत् means "stay away from")?

1. Brahmacharya: She should observe brahmacharya, i.e., avoid physical relationships.
2. Divaswapna: She should not sleep during the day.
3. Anjana: She should not apply kajal.
4. Ashrupata: She should avoid tears, grief, or sorrow.
5. Snana: She should not take a bath.
6. Anulepana: She should not apply anointments such as sandalwood paste or creams.
7. Abhyanga: She should not apply oil to her body.
8. Nakachhedana: She should not clip her nails.
9. Pradhavana: She should not run.
10. Hasana: She should not laugh aloud.
11. Kathana: She should not talk unnecessarily.
12. Atishabdashravana: She should not hear loud sounds.
13. Avalekhana: She should not comb her hair.
14. Anila: She should not expose herself to wind.
15. Ayasa: She should avoid all kinds of physical exertions.

किं कारणम् (What is the reason?)
If these activities are done and she conceives in the next cycle, the child born from such a pregnancy may be affected:

• दिवा स्वपन्त्याः स्वापशीलः: If she sleeps during the day, the child will be sleepy and inactive.
• अञ्जनादन्धः: If she applies kajal, the child may be born blind.
• रोदनाद्विकृतदृष्टिः: If she cries, the child may have deformed eyes.
• स्नानानुलेपनाद्दुःखशीलः: If she bathes or uses anointments, the child may develop a sorrowful nature.
• तैलाभ्यंगात् कुष्ठी: Applying oil may result in skin problems for the child.
• हसनाच्छ्यावदन्तौष्ठतालुजिह्वः: Excessive laughter may lead to discolored teeth, lips, and tongue in the child.
• प्रलापी चातिकथनात्: Talking unnecessarily may result in the child being a babbler or chatterbox.
• अतिशब्दश्रवणाद्बधिरः: Hearing loud sounds may cause deafness in the child.
• अवलेखनात् खलतिः: Combing her hair may lead to baldness in the child.
• मारुतायाससेवनादुन्मत्तः: Exposure to wind and physical exertion may cause mental issues in the child.

So many precautions have been mentioned, all for the well-being of the mother and the child, particularly the child.

Additional Thoughts

A question can arise: what if the woman is not planning to conceive? Still, can it not be inferred that these actions might harm the body of the woman, particularly the organs connected with reproduction? Otherwise, how would the child be affected?

This is what Ayurveda says about precautions during menstruation. It is a health science and has nothing to do with religion. Care during menstruation is not only about hygiene; it is about overall health as well. Ayurveda emphasizes healthy living, complete health, and not just cures when one falls sick. It teaches us how to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

If you do not eat properly and fail to control your diet, then medicines will not work for you. If you eat properly and manage your diet, you may not need medicines at all.

Following this verbatim is not the objective. It is more about understanding how to care for your body during menstruation. Ayurveda says your conduct during menstruation can impact not only your health but also the health of your child. Three days of care have been prescribed, especially by minimizing physical strain and unnecessary activities.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi