Caraka and the other Ayurvedic authorities state that the suppression of natural urges, excessive sex and excessive physical exercise, along with an improper diet, are linked to female reproductive disorder. Ayurveda theory points to the buildup of toxins and impurities and blockage of circulation as a major contributing factor in PMS symptoms. When these impurities and blockages accumulate in the female reproductive area, they predispose the woman to many symptoms during the heightened activity and transformation of menstruation.
Many women also experience increased symptoms when they are under more mental stress and nervous system strain. Since menstruation is a natural physiological rhythm, it can be imbalanced when other biological rhythms are disturbed through poor patterns of eating and sleeping.
An important contribution of Ayurveda to the understanding of PMS comes from the understanding that the type of symptoms a woman experiences during PMS depend largely on the type of imbalance that is present in the physiology when the menstrual cycle begins.
Ayurveda describes three major divisions of physiological functioning called Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
.Vata imbalance predisposes women to symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, headache and interrupted flow as the menstrual cycle begins.
.Pitta imbalance predisposes women to anger, irritability, excessive heat, poor complexion and pain during menstruation.
.Kapha imbalance predisposes women to depression, heaviness and lethargy as menstruation begins.
This understanding of imbalance provides a new perspective as to why different women experience different symptoms during menstruation.
According to Ayurvedic perspective the cause of PMS is aggravated vata dosha. More specifically apana vata, the sub-dosha of vata dosha, is involved. Apana vata is located in the lower pelvic region and it is responsible for elimination of menstrual blood, stool, urine and reproductive fluids. At the commencement of menstruation, the apana vata is increased. The symptoms of aggravated apana vata are disturbed digestion, flatulence, cramping, headaches, tiredness, pain in thigh, legs, pain/cramps in pelvic area and back.
Apana vata causes aggravation of next dosha that is prana vata. Prana vata is the next sub-dosha of vata dosha. Prana vata located in the head and brain, is linked to anxiety, mood swings and depression like problems. Thus, emotional symptoms are also involved during those days.
