Navaratri.. Celebration of Woman Power - Part 1.

                  Navaratri is going on and everyone is in festive mood.But every approaching Festival or ritual gives a silent shudder to women.Menstrual dates are the major make and break point of the festive mood.

                Menstruation has always been a taboo subject and Gynecological problems are always discussed in hushed tones with shameful guilt. But we need to change our mindset. On occasion of this Navaratri Festival, which is a celebration of Stree Shakti , we will discuss about this Boone for women and will try to wash off its taboo status. Inspite of all the awareness from various media many  misconceptions, distorted customs and traditions have forced Ladies to think of menstruation  as a curse. To understand science of menstruation we need to understand anatomy of female reproductive system.

                  Ayurvedic texts have described female reproductive system as external genitals, two muscular Labia (Majora and minora) and Smaratpatra (Clitoris), a pair of Stanyashaya (mammary glands-breasts) and a Garbhashaya (Uterus).

Garbhashaya is situated behind Basti (Urinary bladder), in front of pakwashaya (colon) and at postero-inferior aspect of Bhagasthi (pubic symphisis). Garbhashaya is considered as Third aavarta of Yoni. It means it situated in the third whirl. Garbhashaya has anatomical structure like a conch which has whirls in it. First avarta is Yonimarg (vagina) , second avarta is Garbhashayamukha (Cerivx) and the third innermost avarta is Garbhashaya (Uterus). Also it is lined with a layer called Jarayu (Endometrium) in which Rajah - stree dhatu is situated which fertilised ovum is embedded, protected and nourished.Rajah is also responsible for menstruation.

Antahphala (Ovaries) are present as pair and responsible for ovulation and menstruation.

• Yonimarg (Vagina) is a stretchable , muscular canal which connects external genital organs to the cervix. It is responsible for semen entry, excretion of menstrual discharge and also serves important role delivery of fetus.

• Garbhashayamukh (Cervix) - The cervix is the neck of the uterus, the lower, narrow portion where it joins with the upper part of the vagina.

It closed during pregnancy thus provides protection to the growing fetus. And dilates at term to ejaculate the fetus out.

• Garbhashaya (Uterus and fallopian tubes) - it is the main body which comprises of fundus and fallopian tubes. Uterus is made of three layers of strong and flexible muscular layers. It has a major role in providing mechanical protection, nutritional support, and waste removal for the developing embryo  and fetus. Also contractions in the muscular wall of the uterus are important in pushing out the fetus at the time of birth.

• Antahphala (Ovaries) - these are an almond shaped pair of organs situated at each side of uterus. Ovaries have major role in ovulation and reproductive hormones production.

Menstruation -

According to Ayurveda Aartava is a stree beej (ovum) which is fertilised by a sperm and Rajahsrawa is menstrual bleeding which takes place every month in absence of fertilization.

Rajah is considered as a upadhatu of Rasadhatu. In healthy women Rajah is red in colour like Gunjaphal , red sealing wax,red Lotus or aalata (these different shades of red are described according to age, prakruti of different women.) If it stains a piece cloth, it can be washed thoroughly with water. Menstrual bleeding should happen once in a month and it should last for 3-5 nights only. Anything more or less than that will be considered abnormality. Discharge should not be heavy or scanty. It should not be sticky or foul smelling.There should not be any pain or spasm.

                                       To be continued..