Page 29 - February 2024

to Ayurveda, which is consistent with
modern medicine:

Phase 1: Rajah kala – Menstrual Phase

The blood collected in the preceding
month in the uterus (garbhashaya) and the
endometrial vessels (artavavahi dhamani)

flows downwards to the vagina, carried by
apana vayu; rajah lasts 3 – 5 days

Phase 2: Ritu kala – Follicular/
Ovulatory Phase

Following menstruation, the endometrium
starts to proliferate again, in preparation

for possible conception. As per Ayurveda,
the female looks healthy and bright with
moist mouth and teeth, eyes and hair soft

and relaxed, twitching over the breasts,
pelvis, thighs, and desirous of sexual

relations. These are all caused by the effects
of estrogen predominance during this stage
which lasts up to the 12th or 16th day.

Phase 3: Ritavatita kala – Secretory/

Luteal Phase
The yoni (cervix – specifically the cervical
mucus) does not promote entry of sperm

(shukra) into garbhashaya (the uterus)
due to the influence of progesterone. Pitta

dosha is high in this phase, bringing heat
and causing the vasculature and glands
in the endometrium to change. These

changes last up to day 28 or so.

Ayurveda emphasizes menstruation
as a noteworthy life event for every
female. In different regions of India,

communities celebrate menarche with
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