Care for the female body

Recommendations for a Healthy Menstrual Cycle: Women should never drink any ice-cold beverages before and during menstruation or swim in cold water. Cold causes stagnation in the body and will exacerbate any menstrual problems. The diet before and during the cycle should be light, foods should be nourishing, warm, for example, lightly steamed vegetables, well-cooked grains, lots of leafy greens and green herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley. Spices such as fennel, coriander, turmeric, cardamom and saffron are wonderful to enhance digestion and alleviate PMS symptoms. Many women have food cravings during PMS, and the cravings usually focus on sweets and snacks such as ice cream, chocolate and potato chips. Eating complex carbohydrates is probably the best way to ward off those food cravings. These foods are a good source of fiber, which helps to clear excess estrogen from your body. High levels of estrogen have been shown to contribute to PMS. Also, research has found that high-carbohydrate foods actually relieve the psychological symptoms of tension, anxiety and mood swings that accompany PMS. Good sources of complex carbohydrates include whole grains, potatoes, corn and legumes. But remember, it takes at least two hours for the carbohydrate high to "kick in;" plan your eating and snacking accordingly. Sugar, alcohol and caffeine should absolutely be avoided. Walking, deep breathing, warm baths, massaging the abdomen with warm sesame oil, drinking fennel tea or ginger tea will help alleviate many symptoms. Taking mild laxatives like Triphala for about two days before the scheduled start of menstruation, or eating stewed apples will help with constipation. Ayurveda looks at individuals differently, depending upon their respective body type of Vata, Pitta, or Kapha. There are distinct patterns of Vata, Pitta and Kapha PMS. Vata Imbalance: Mood swings and anxiety, nervous tension, depression, insomnia, forgetfulness, constipation, light amount of flow, menstrual pain/cramps, backaches, extended length of period with dark, clotted flow; irregularity of periods or amenorrhea (absence of menstruation). Avoid cold and raw foods. Instead, stick to soups, rice, and cooked vegetables. Avoid exposure to wireless devices and computers. Pitta Imbalance: Irritability and anger, sweet cravings, increased appetite, headache (especially migraine), excessive body heat or sweating, diarrhea, skin rashes/acne, excessive menstrual bleeding, increased frequency of periods, bright red flow. Avoid foods that are hot and spicy, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Do not engage in excessive exercise and have regular meals. Kapha Imbalance: Weight gain, breast tenderness, fluid retention, abdominal bloating, acne, stiffness in back, achy joints, pale, mucousy menstrual flow. Skip dairy products and fried or oily foods, such as nut butters. In general those with a Vata imbalance get the best results from rest, meditation and a regular routine. Those with a Pitta imbalance respond best to monthly internal cleansing, and those with a Kapha imbalance find that herbal supplements, exercise and a lighter diet have the best effect. Yoga Regular yoga practice helps prevent PMS symptoms in three ways. First, it releases endorphins, the body's natural mood-elevating compounds. Second, it calms the central nervous system and increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the reproductive organs. Third, it eases stress and encourages deep relaxation, which further mutes the symptoms of PMS. During menstruation inverted postures and vigorous asanas should be avoided and restorative poses should be favored. Panchakarma With the tremendous growth of industry over the past 100 years, thousands of toxic chemicals have been introduced into our food, air, drinking water, and almost every manufactured product. As a result, we are exposed to a potentially huge toxic overload during our lifetime. Regular Panchakarma cleanses (one to four times a year) help the body eliminate toxins and rejuvenate, strengthen, and balance it. Panchakarma offers the most powerful treatments for removing toxins and balancing the body/mind. The Panchakarma program consists of a specific cleansing diet enhanced by daily warm oil massages, steam sauna, mild herbal enemas, herbalized body scrubs and many more individualized treatments.