An Ayurvedic View of Dysmenorrhea (Kashtartava) (Review Article)

Author(s): Mohini Grewal* and Pradnya Shirke

Abstract: Kashtartava (painful menstruation/dysmenorrhea) is one of the most commonly seen gynecological symptom seen among women before the menopause. It has been explained as a symptom of various diseases such as Vatalayoni, Udavartini Yonivyapada etc. in Ayurvedic texts. It is a condition in which Artava (menstrual fluid) comes out from the vagina with difficulty and pain. None of the gynecological problems may emerge without the presence of vitiated Vata dosha, a sort of bodily humor, according to Acharya Charaka. The factors involved in producing pain in dysmenorrhea is due to vitiation of Vata dosha only or in combination with other Doshas like Kapha Dosha, this is the outcome of margavarodha (channel obstruction owing to Kapha Dosha), vata vriddhi (rise in the Vata level) due to Apana vayu (kind of Vata), etc. Prevalence of Dysmenorrhea in India is 70% and according to worldwide it is 50-90% in which 90% of adolescent females and above 50% of menstruating women are suffering from it. In order to gather information on the subject, old Ayurvedic books have been examined, and a literature search has been conducted using the keywords "Kashtartava, Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual pain, Menstruation, Yonivyapada (vaginal disorder)" in a number of internet databases. According to research, the three main variables that contribute to the vitiation of the Vata dosha, which results in dysmenorrhea, are Dhatukshaya (tissue depletion), Kopa (dosha aggravation), and Vata dosha, and Margavarodha (obstruction of channel). It can be managed with various Ayurvedic preparations such as Dashmool sidh anuvasan basti, Trivarit anuvasana basti, Jeerakadi modak, Maharasnadi kwath, etc. Panchkarma (five therapeutic bio detoxification procedures) such as Shatavaryadi anuvasana basti and Baladi anuvasana basti along with Pathyaahara and Vihara (whole some regulated diet and lifestyle).

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