Journal · April 17, 2023
Your Cycle Through Ayurveda: Tips for Each Phase
By Mel, 500-hour RYT · Well With Melo
In Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is closely linked to the doshas. Each phase is governed by one of them, when its elements are at their peak. Understanding this can help you work with your body all month long.
The three phases
- Kapha phase: after your period until ovulation. Kapha is about growth and building.
- Pitta phase: ovulation until your period. Heat and intensity rise as the body prepares.
- Vata phase: your period. Vata governs movement, carrying the flow down and out.
Supporting the Kapha phase
This is a time of renewal and growth. Nourish yourself with a steady routine and nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and seeds. Kapha benefits from bitter, astringent and pungent tastes. Stay active with walking, swimming or yoga, enough for a gentle sweat. Drink warm water with lemon or ginger, and make time for things that light you up, like dry brushing, self-massage, meditation and community.
Supporting the Pitta phase
You may feel your most energized and productive here, which is wonderful. Just balance the heat. Favour cooling foods like fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs such as cilantro, mint and coriander, and go easy on spicy food, caffeine and alcohol. Manage stress with breathwork, meditation and gentle or yin yoga. Prioritize rest, stay hydrated with cooling herbal teas like peppermint or fennel, and spend time in nature. It's a creative time, so make space for journaling and pleasure.
Supporting the Vata phase
Your period is a time to slow down and nourish. Eat warm, soft, easy-to-digest foods like soups, stews and root vegetables. Rest more, take warm baths and practise gentle yoga. Sip warm drinks and avoid iced ones. Warming spices like ginger, turmeric and cinnamon are lovely additions to your cooking. Make life easier by prepping ahead and asking for support.
Listen to your body
Bring awareness to how each phase feels for you, and adjust your days to match.
This is general wellness education. If you have painful, irregular or heavy periods, or any symptoms that concern you, please see your doctor. Always check with a healthcare provider before taking herbs or supplements.
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*Some links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps keep my classes free. This post is for general wellness education and isn't medical advice.