Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Ayurveda is the life science which shows way of living. Ayurveda specially mentions Paricharyas for women for different phases of her life like Rutumati paricharya [1]. One of the most important phase for a women is the menstrual phase. The female who is menstruating is called as “Rajaswala”. Acharyas like Charaka,Sushruta,Vagbhata ,Kashyap have explained the concept of menstrual care under the heading “Rajaswala Paricharya”[2] .

The entire period of one month is divided into three i.e:[3]

1. Rajahsrava (menstruation) – 3 to 5 days
2. Ritukala ( proliferative phase including ovulation ) – 12 to 16 days.
3. Rituvyatitkala ( post ovulatory phase or secretory phase )- 9 or 13 days.

The duration of menstruation according to Acharyas as follows :

1. Charaka  - 5 days
2. Vagbhata and Bhawamisra  - 3 days
3. Harita and Bhela  - 7 days .

Commonly it is considered 3 to 5 days [4]. In this particular period a women goes through lot of physical and psycological changes within her body . So there is a need to take special care within these days which is explained under Rajaswala Paricharya in Ayurveda . Back in the days Women used to follow them strictly , however with the time some of the rituals given in the paricharya got converted into taboo and the science behind them got vanished.

AIM :

To study the role of Rajaswala paricharya in today’s time.

OBJECTIVES :

1.To know the do’s and don’ts during menstruation period.

2. To know better menstrual care for woman health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS :

Review of Ayurvedic Literature

Review of Modern literature

Review of Journal and website.

LITERATURE REVIEW :

The blood collected for whole month by the uterine vessels and their endometrial capillaries; assuming slight black colour and specific odour is brought downwards to vaginal orifice by vayu  for excretion. Acharya Viswamitra  has clarified that hair thin vessels fill the uterus for whole month to receive Bija ( both stri and pumbija or zygote).

Above description clearly indicates that menstruation is a result of changes going on in vascular apparatus of uterus for whole month or in other words this refers to cyclic changes of endometrium[5].

Do’s  and Don’ts according to Rajaswala paricharya :[6],[7]

DO’S  :

1. Should concentrate on good thoughts or Auspicious things
2. To observe chastity ( purity).
3. Should sleep on bed made of darbha ( specific sacred leafy plant)  spread over ground.
4. Diet : Should eat havisya (meal made of ghee , Sali rice and milk) yawaka ( meal made of barley and milk )
5. Should take less quantity of meals.
6. Food should be directly taken on palm or in utensil made of clay or leaves or unbroken utensil .

DON’TS :

1. Sleeping during daytime .
2. Application of collyrium, shedding of tears , bathing , massaging , laughing , talking too much .
3. Excessive exercise , physical exertion.
4. Nasya (inhalations), swedana (sudation),vamana (emesis) are contraindicated.
5. Diet :  Should avoid pungent (tiksna) , hot (katu) and salty (lavana ).

On 4th day the female should take bath washing her head as well, wear white or new garments and worship God.

After the religious enchantation she should first of all see her husband.

Adverse effects on the progeny if the women does not follow the Rajaswalaparicharya .[8]

Discussion

The utility of these restrictions reflects the social customs of that period, in which for earning livelihood hard work was needed, these restrictions might help in avoiding this hard labour at least for those three days.[9]In todays competitive world where most of the women are working and changed lifestyle patterns; women need rest from daily chorus in these days . Meanwhile these practices got abolished in the name of myths and lack of knowledge; there is science behind them.

Scientific approach to Rajaswala Paricharya: Need in todays time[10]

1. Good and auspicious thoughts – A menstruating women needs to stay away from anxiety and stress as this will eventually affect hormonal levels.
2. Diet – Foods like Havisya and yawaka are easy to digest and gives good nourishment to the body .
3. Less quantity of meals – Digestive system gets purified.
4. Use of utensils made up of clay – clay has alkaline properties which counters hyperacidity and enhances digestion. It also has nutritive value.
5. Sleeping on Darbha grass mattress – It is considered as the sacred grass and researches has found that it protects body from toxic radiations. In todays times it will help rajaswala to protect from mobile phone’s radiations.
6. Avoid sleeping in daytime – It will cause excessive production of Kapha dosha which eventually leads to formation of Aama in the body.
7. Avoid physical exertion and excessive exercise – It will increase Vata Dosha which is already prominent in the menstrual period. Therefore rest is advised.
8. Not having bath – It means not having head bath but body bath is necessary for maintain hygiene and cleanliness of private parts.
9. Observe chastity ( purity) – Women’s condition may worsen due to physical exertion during intercourse . Also it will increase the vata dosha .Therefore it is necessary that the body gets rest during this period.
10. Avoid applying collyrium ,laughing loud , talking too much – As the body needs rest to restore its energy ; these unnecessary activities should be avoided.

Conclusion

The reproductive health is the result of a healthy menstrual cycle. In todays world where the couples are finding difficult to conceive and women facing various gynecological problems we need to opt to our ancient values. For the Career oriented women it is difficult to follow this routine but even in this fast life everyone desires better health and healthy progeny. Therefore, following the menstrual care regime has become very important. It is a therapeutic prescription.We all need to change our perception towards Rajaswala paricharya as a “BLESSING” for women health and not merely restrictions imposed on them.