Pain During Periods: Causes and Treatments

Do you also go through those intense cramps that make it impossible for you to even get out of bed during the monthly cycle?

Well, don’t worry – you’re not alone and you don’t have to suffer anymore. Now it’s our turn to take care of you. It’s time to say GOODBYE to cramps and HELLO to pain free, healthy periods with the right ayurvedic approach.

Nearly 80% of women experience menstrual pain at some point in their lives, yet most accept it as something “normal” or “just part of being a woman.” Most female patients visit clinics only when the pain becomes unbearable and one such patient was Kamaljeet Kaur (name changed for privacy) who came to us looking for help.

Kamaljeet Kaur was a 23-year-old college student. Every month during her periods, she faced severe pain like backache and leg cramps, stomachache, mood swings, clots and heavy bleeding. Her periods affected her daily life routine. She told me during the first consultation:

“Doctor, I have stopped planning anything during my periods. Those 4–5 days, I just lie in bed with painkillers. I don’t think anything can fix this.”

It is not only Kamaljeet Kaur’s problem. Painkillers gave relief but only for a few hours. The pain recurs after a few hours, sometimes even worse. And that is exactly what I suggest to most of my teenage girl patients: painkillers manage the pain, but Ayurveda manages the cause.

Introduction: Why Do Periods Hurt?

Menstrual cramps arise when the uterus contracts to shed its lining; the contractions caused by hormones are medically known as prostaglandins. The higher their levels, the more intense the pain that would lead to discomfort, aches that can affect the back and thighs.

In Ayurveda, menstrual pain is called Kashta Artava. This condition occurs when your Vata dosha, which controls the movement in the body and flow of the menstrual cycle, is disturbed. If Vata gets high it results in symptoms like dryness, tightness, and discomfort in the lower stomach and back.

According to Ayurveda, the menstruation cycle is a natural body cleansing process. However, this process gets disturbed when one has bad eating habits and poor lifestyle which will eventually cause pain and discomfort.

Cramps and discomfort aren’t a form of punishment but simply a signal that your body needs more attention, care and lifestyle changes.

What Causes This Imbalance?

Most of my patients don’t understand that period pain is not normal — it is deeply connected to one’s lifestyle and digestion and needs to be treated as soon as possible. As per both modern and Ayurvedic science there are multiple factors that cause imbalance:

Hormonal fluctuation:

• Imbalance in hormonal levels
• Increased prostaglandins
• This makes the uterus contract more, which causes strong cramps

Vata aggravation:

• More consumption of cold and junk food
• Disturbed and irregular eating patterns
• Staying awake late at night increases Vata energy

Poor lifestyle habits:

• High levels of stress & overthinking
• Less sleep
• Irregular eating habits
• Too much caffeine intake can have an effect on hormonal equilibrium and digestive wellbeing

Underlying conditions:

Problems related to periods or menstrual blood occur in women like PCOD/PCOS, endometriosis, or fibroids that can be treated through Ayurveda.

How Can Ayurveda Help in Period Pain Relief?

Ayurveda doesn’t just stop the pain for a few hours – it’s a natural treatment that cures the cause from its roots. Unlike a painkiller that numbs the pain temporarily and may cause problems later in life, Ayurveda is the permanent solution for period pain relief:

Balancing Vata Dosha:

The first and foremost step is to cleanse your disturbed Vata energy through good healthy food, oil massages and essential herbs.

Some key herbs are:

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) – boosts strength and overall health and also nourishes female reproductive organs
• Ashoka (Saraca indica) – initiates a good healthy menstrual cycle without pain and calms the muscles of the uterus
• Hing (Asafoetida) – known for its natural properties that relax muscles and help reduce cramps and bloating
• Ginger & Turmeric – natural ability to calm uterine muscles and also reduce inflammation and pain

Panchakarma Therapies:

These Panchakarma treatments are for the women who are suffering from severe pain. These therapies target the root cause rather than just giving temporary relief.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage):

• Enhances/improves blood circulation
• Balances Vata dosha
• Relaxes the muscles

Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy):

• Opens the body’s channels
• Reduces stiffness
• Provides relief from menstrual pain

Basti (Medicated Enema):

• Most effective therapy for Vata disorders
• Detoxifies and nourishes the reproductive organs
• Reduces cramping and irregular cycles

Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations:

Your daily habits have a direct effect on your menstrual wellbeing. Ayurveda emphasises gentle and nurturing habits especially during menstruation.

Diet tips:

• Eat warm and freshly cooked meals like khichdi and soups
• Avoid cold and oily foods
• Drink more herbal teas
• Eat jaggery after meals to boost iron which naturally reduces cramps and purifies blood

Lifestyle tips:

• Proper 7–8 hours of peaceful sleep
• Avoid heavyweight exercising
• Avoid fasting during your periods
• Practice gentle yoga postures
• Do oil massages that ease tension and pain

Simple Home Remedies for Menstrual Discomfort

You don’t always have to rely on strong medicines – consistency in home remedies can give you powerful results like:

• Ginger-Fennel tea to relax your abdomen
• Warm compression (heat therapy) – placing a heating pad on your lower abdomen will give you relief from pain
• Turmeric milk (natural anti-inflammatory drink)
• Sesame oil massage (rich in calcium and zinc)

When to Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor

If you’re experiencing unbearable pain for more than 2-3 days or any of these symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, lower abdominal pain and back pain – don’t ignore it, it’s time to pamper your body. It’s advisable to consult an Ayurvedic specialist nearest to you.

Conclusion:

Ayurveda teaches you that your body has the ability to recover on its own. Instead of offering temporary relief, it brings long lasting relief by balancing physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing together.

The First Step Toward a Pain-Free Cycle

At Dr. Abrol Ayurveda & Panchkarma Hospital, Amritsar, we focus on:

• Treating the root cause of the problem
• Balancing hormonal levels naturally
• Improving digestion and circulation
• Nourishing the reproductive organs without any side effects

Ayurveda doesn’t just reduce pain — it restores your overall health, energy and emotions. If you relate to the symptoms mentioned above, then it’s the right time to seek guidance.

Book a consultation or visit our hospital to understand which therapy suits your body best.