Premenstrual Syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms a woman may experience before the onset of menstruation. The duration and intensity both vary depending on person to person.
Having a vata predominant diet and lifestyle can aggravate the symptoms although PMS can be triggered by imbalance of any of the three doshas.
- The symptoms related to vata are anxiety, insomnia, headache, mood swings,interrupted flow.
- The symptoms related to pitta are anger, irritability, excessive heat, poor complexion and cramps.
- The symptoms related to kapha are depression, heaviness, lethargy and swelling.
These are a few tips that may prove to be useful.
- Having a routine helps.
- Take moderate quantities of meals at regular intervals. Don’t skip meals. Include lots of fruits and vegetables , and avoid spicy, fried food and caffeine. Take soups.
- Keep yourself hydrated, drink lots of lukewarm water.
- Stay warm and comfortable.
- Use hot water bottle or hot, wet towel and apply heat to lower abdomen and lower back after applying mustard oil. Hot water bath also helps.
- Take adequate rest and ensure a regular sleep pattern.
- A regular walk of 15-20 minutes everyday goes a long way .
- Yoga asanas like bhujanga asana and hala asana are very helpful in PMS.
- Try meditating for at least five minutes everyday.
- Take ajwain 5 gm with a small amount of salt ( or gur ) with warm water twice or thrice in a day.
- Add 10 gm saunf to half a litre of boiling water and cover for five minutes to prepare diffusion. Sip this water frequently.
- Or take 5 gm turmeric powder in a glass of hot milk.
- Take Triphala powder 3gm every night to avoid constipation.
- If you suffer from severe symptoms, taking Kumari asava or Ashokarishta 20 ml twice a day for three cycles is advisable.
