Let’s talk about something that many people shy away from - menstruation. Yes, that monthly visitor that has been both celebrated and misunderstood across cultures and times. But here’s the thing: menstruation is not just about biology or discomfort. It’s deeply spiritual, beautifully cyclical, and a doorway to a heightened connection with yourself and the universe.
In this conversation, we’ll explore how menstruation is perceived in different cultures, the way Indian traditions honor it, and how Yoga approaches it - not as a limitation, but as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Ready? Let’s dive in!
How Cultures View Menstruation
First, let’s address the elephant in the room: why is menstruation often seen as a taboo? Some cultures treat it as a time of exclusion, others as a sign of impurity. Yet, many also view it as a sacred process.
For example, in certain Native American tribes, menstruating women were believed to possess heightened spiritual powers. They were encouraged to retreat into special huts or spaces, not as a form of isolation but to focus on their inner wisdom. Similarly, African and South American tribes hold elaborate ceremonies to mark a young girl’s first period, celebrating it as a rite of passage into womanhood.
Puberty celebrations in South India
Let’s take a little pause in our story and dive into something fascinating—Ritu Kala Samskara, also known as the Half-Saree Ceremony or Puberty Function. This is a beautiful tradition celebrated in Southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, to mark a young girl’s transition into womanhood. It’s a coming-of-age ceremony that honors a girl’s first period, celebrating this significant milestone with love, blessings, and a lot of fanfare.
Here’s how it unfolds: When a girl gets her first period, the family gathers to celebrate her entry into womanhood. The day begins with rituals like bathing her in turmeric (a symbol of purity and auspiciousness), followed by draping her in a vibrant new half-saree, which is her first step into the world of traditional attire. Then comes the pooja - a special prayer ceremony to bless her as she embarks on this new phase of life.
But the celebrations don’t stop there! Her maternal uncle steps in with a special gift - a full saree, which she wears later in the day. It’s a symbolic gesture, marking her gradual transition to adulthood. And, of course, no celebration in Tamil Nadu is complete without a feast. The day is filled with delicious food, thoughtful gifts, and even some monetary blessings, all wrapped in the warmth and joy of family and community.
It’s more than just a ritual - it’s a way of saying, “You’re stepping into a new chapter of life, and we’re here to celebrate you.” A beautiful blend of culture, tradition, and family love, isn’t it?
A temple celebrating menstruation
But perhaps one of the most fascinating and progressive examples comes from India. At the Kamakhya Temple in Assam, the goddess Kamakhya, representing the divine feminine, is believed to menstruate once a year during the monsoon. During this time, the temple closes for three days, and people gather to celebrate her creative and regenerative power. Think about that - a temple celebrating menstruation! Doesn’t that flip the narrative of shame on its head? It’s a bold statement: menstruation is not just natural; it’s sacred.
Biological Perspective: What Happens During Menstruation?
Now, let’s look at what’s happening inside the body during menstruation. Biologically, menstruation is a cleansing process. It’s the body’s way of shedding the uterine lining when conception hasn’t occurred. This process is controlled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which influence not only the reproductive system but also mood, energy levels, and mental focus.
This is why you might feel more emotional or introspective during your period. And here’s where it gets interesting: Yoga and Ayurveda see this sensitivity as a gift, not a weakness.
Ayurveda on Menstruation: The Wisdom of Rajasrava
In Ayurveda, menstruation is called Rajasrava, and a menstruating woman is referred to as Rajasvala. Let’s pause and appreciate that for a moment. The word Rajas signifies movement, energy, and the essence of life. So, instead of viewing menstruation as a burden, Ayurveda treats it as a time of renewal and cleansing.
Ayurveda explains that menstruation helps eliminate toxins (or ama) from the body, acting as a natural detox. It’s a time to honor your body’s need for rest and nourishment.
The advice is simple:
Diet: Eat warm, grounding foods—think kichdi, soups, and herbal teas. Avoid raw or cold foods that aggravate Vata.
Lifestyle: Minimize physical exertion. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s alignment with your body’s needs.
Mental State: Let go of overstimulation. Ayurveda sees menstruation as an inward journey, a chance to reset and realign.
Menstruation and Yoga: Moving Beyond the Mat
Now let’s bring Yoga into the picture. Yoga views menstruation as part of life’s natural cycles, much like the sunrise and sunset, the waxing and waning of the moon, or the solstices. These are times of transition, where energy shifts, and the mind becomes more receptive.
This is why, in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga tradition, practitioners are advised not to perform asana practice during menstruation, as well as on full moon and new moon days. But before you panic, let me clarify: “no practice” doesn’t mean doing nothing. It means shifting the focus.
Instead of intense physical asanas, menstruation is the perfect time to:
Dive into Pranayama: Practices like Nadi Shuddhi and Bhramari (Bee Breath) are wonderful for calming the mind and balancing the nervous system.
Explore Meditation: Your heightened sensitivity during menstruation makes it a powerful time for introspection and mindfulness.
Practice Restorative Yoga: Gentle poses like Child’s Pose, Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclined Bound Angle Pose), or even lying in Shavasana with props can ease discomfort and help you connect with your breath.
Practice Yin Yoga - It is. a wonderful time to practice Yin Yoga.
Yoga Nidra - Yoga Nidra practice can be another idea during menstruation.
This isn’t just about Ashtanga Yoga, by the way. It’s deeply rooted in Indian tradition. In ancient Gurukulas, there were no weekends, but students were given breaks on full - moon and new - moon days - not for rest, but for introspection, meditation, and deep spiritual work. These times were seen as opportunities to connect with higher consciousness.
Cycles: Nature’s Wisdom in Action
Think about the cycles of nature for a moment - the rise and fall of the sun, the ebb and flow of tides, the waxing and waning of the moon. They all have their transitions, their moments of pause and renewal.
Menstruation is no different. It’s not just a physical cycle but part of the universal rhythm of life. Just as the moon has its full and new phases, the body has menstruation and ovulation. And just as the moon’s transitions affect tides, these cycles influence us on physical, emotional, and energetic levels.
Yoga teaches us to align with these rhythms, not fight them. A true Yoga practitioner doesn’t view menstruation as a hindrance but as an opportunity - a chance to slow down, reflect, and deepen their sadhana (spiritual practice).
Reframing Menstruation: A Call to Awareness
So, what if we started looking at menstruation differently? What if instead of calling it a “problem,” we called it a process? Instead of seeing it as “impure,” we saw it as sacred?
When we embrace menstruation as a time for renewal and introspection, we tap into its transformative power. It becomes more than just a biological event - it becomes a spiritual practice.
Practical Tips for Menstruation and Yoga
Here are some practical ways to approach your Yoga practice during menstruation:
Replace dynamic flows with restorative poses.
Focus on pranayama and meditation.
Journal your thoughts - this is a time when emotions and creativity flow freely.
Treat your body with compassion. If you feel tired, rest. If you feel emotional, honor it.
And most importantly, let go of guilt. Taking time to slow down is not laziness - it’s wisdom.
Final Thoughts
Menstruation is a gift, not a curse. It’s a time when the body aligns with the universe’s rhythms, offering you an opportunity to go deeper into your practice - not through intensity but through awareness.
So, the next time your cycle begins, celebrate it as the Kamakhya Temple celebrates the goddess. Treat it as a sacred pause, a time to realign, reconnect, and remember your place in the grand rhythm of life.
I strongly recommend reading this article for more interesting insights: Women & Faith - View of Menstruation in Sanatana Dharma
Menstruation isn’t just part of being a woman - it’s part of being human, part of being nature. Let’s honor it, one breath at a time.
