Female Menstrual Cycle and its relation to Tridosha and Sapta Dhatu - A Literary Review

Abstract

Ayurveda is the life science which specifies its two purposes very clearly, first maintenance of one’s health and second curing the diseased condition. Concepts of Ayurveda are based on Tridoshas, Sapta Dhatus and Trimala. Their balanced state is said to be the characteristic feature of a healthy individual. Beside the Doshas and Sapta Dhatus, Upadhatu also mentioned which plays a major role in individual health. Artava, the foremost of its category is the Upadhatu of Rasa Dhatu plays a significant role in reproductive health and conception. The word Artava is used for menstrual blood in Ayurveda classics. The menstrual cycle in Ayurveda is known as Rituchakra, consisting three phases which are Rajashravakala, the Ritukala and the Rituvyatita Kala and shows a time period of 28 days. The normal characteristics of Shudh Artava has been mentioned in Ayurveda classics and deviation from this characteristic are shown due to Tridosha imbalance leading to further problems in Menstrual cycle and reproduction. This abnormality has been described as Artavdushti, Yonivyapad in Ayurveda classics where they are classified on the basis of the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Considering the normal physiology of menstrual cycle, the bleeding phase is facilitated by Vata dosha, whereas the time period during ovulatory/proliferative phase shows the predominance of Kapha dosha. During the luteal phase, the Pitta Dosha comes into action. Most of the discomforts, abnormalities during menstruation are the outcomes of the Doshas imbalances.