A REVIEW ON THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM OF TRIDOSHA IN THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE (ARTAVACHAKRA)

Abstract

In Ayurveda, menstruation is referred to as artava, an upadhatu formed during rasa dhatu formation. It usually begins at the age of twelve (Rajapravritti kala) and ends at the age of fifty (Rajonivritti kala) in women. The menstrual cycle is a cyclical bleeding that occurs every month for three to five days in reproductive-age women. The artavachakra is divided into three phases: ritu kala, rajavyateeta kala, and rajasrava kala, which correspond to menstrual bleeding, the proliferative phase, and the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. These three phases are controlled by the three doshas, and any imbalance in them may lead to menstrual abnormalities. The equilibrium of the three doshas results in a regular menstrual cycle. The aggregation or vriddhi of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata occur in ritu kala, rituvyateeta kala and rajasrava kala, respectively, along with the chaya and shamana of other doshas.