Menstrual Pain

Menstruation is a normal process in every woman’s life in reproductive age, but it becomes horrible when it cause severe pain and discomfort that can significantly interfere with everyday activities for several days each month.

Dysmenorrhea can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp pain, throbbing pain, dull pain, nausea, burning or shooting pain. Dysmenorrhea may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usually subsides as menstruation tapers off.

Symptoms

• Aching pain in the abdomen (pain may be severe at times)
• Feeling of pressure in the abdomen.
• Pain in the hips, lower back and inner thigh region.
• May spread to your lower back or to the top of your legs.
• Usually starts as the bleeding starts but it may start up to a day before.
• Spasmodic menstrual pain

Few may experience

• Nausea &  Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hypersensitivity to sound, light, smell and touch.

Cause of dysmenorrhea / Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus by a chemical called prostaglandin. During menstruation, the uterus contracts more strongly.

According to Ayurveda, Aartav or Menstruation is controlled and governed by Apana Vayu (Sub type of Vata Dosha). Vata is a factor which moves all other factors of the body in its desirable directions. Apana-Vayu is situated in the pelvic floor and its energy pervades the lower abdomen. The flow of Apana-Vayu is downward and out.

Due to movement of Apana Vayu  in opposite direction or disturbance, obstruction  in the flow of vayu it may cause severe pain during menstruation called as Kashtartav (Dysmenorrhea ).

Treatment

Dysmenorrhea, the first important thing is to control the Vata. Oil therapy including massage is used to relieve any obstructions in the passage, relieve any spasms, facilitate free movement of vata in the proper direction, and enhance a proper menstrual flow.

Anuvasan Basti(Oil Enema) is beneficial in menstrual pain by normalizing the flow and direction of Apana Vayu (Vata). A Series of Oil and decoction enema are administered to patients, post which  patients have experienced a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. Therapy including massage is used to relieve any obstructions in the passage, relieves spasms, facilitate free movement of vata in the proper direction, and enhance a proper menstrual flow.

Uttar basti: Uttar basti is a procedure where in medicines are administered inside uterus. This helps in removal of blockages of channels (which provides nutrition to uterus) also it helps to give more nutrition (poshan) to the garbhashay (uterus).