Westerners are taught not to let anything slow us down or get in our way. So when it comes to monthly periods, most women try to proceed with full schedules and loads of activities as though nothing were happening.
But in India, this time of the month is sacred because it represents a woman's special relationship with the powerful cycles of the moon. The science of Ayurveda teaches us that if we respect our body's cleansing cycle and act according to our body's needs, we will have fewer related physical and emotional problems. In fact, the female disorders that are rampant in the West are reported to be very rare in India. Here are some Ayurvedic tips that may help you to be more comfortable and emotionally content during this time:
- Practice gentle yoga to reduce stress, oxygenate the body, release endorphins (mood elevators), and promote relaxation -- leave the vigorous pratice for another time. If tired, do a restorative routine or simply practice breathing and meditation. Do not practice inversions such as headstand and shoulderstand, as they interfere with the body's focus on downward flow and elimination. 
- Rest. Honor your body's call to take it easy at this special time. The body is working very hard to clean itself and eliminate toxins, so follow your body's energy patterns. When you are tired, rest. This will rejuvenate you and help you to ward off symptoms of PMS.
- Eat light, warm, healthy meals such as steamed vegetables with rice, soups, leafy greens, and complex carbohydrates. Fennel, cardamom, turmeric, coriander, and saffron are good for digestion and PMS. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar. Avoid cold drinks, and for that matter stay away from cold showers and pools, as cold is thought to interrupt the menstrual cycle. Instead, drink warm teas with ginger or the above-mentioned spices.
- Take warm baths and massage your abdomen with warm sesame oil.
To learn more about Ayurveda and how it applies to you, it's important to know your dosha, or general constitution. Click here for charts that give the general characteristics of the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha: http://www.bluelotusayurveda.com/doshas.html
Namaste!
Sandy Pradas