Menstrual Taboos: Follow or Avoid?

Dear Granny,

I am again chumming. Apart from all the mood swings and cramps, I am just fed up of the things that I am restricted to do. Please help me understand why am I not supposed to do things such as:

1. Not allowed to go to temple or attending religious functions. I feel so out of place.  

2. Not allowed to do intense exercise 

3. Avoiding certain types of food during periods

Dear Garima,

I am just feeling relieved that I no more have to go through periods pain anymore. Hahah..

But I know the pain of both the cramps and the menstruation taboos. I will explain the reason behind these three things and how relevant they are at recent times. 

1.   Ayurveda and the science of mudras can better explain answers to few restrictions. After thousands of years, people with incomplete information have misinterpreted some of those.

There is a build-up of energy in the days leading to menstruation as the body prepares for pregnancy. Apana vayu, one of the elemental air functions of the Vata Dosha, is responsible for the downward flow of menstruation. Therefore, any activity that interferes with this necessary downward flow of energy during menstruation should be avoided. This is the basis of most of the cultural practices around menstruation in India.

      2.  If you can exercise, you must. It depends on your energy levels. Due to low levels of oestrogen and progesterone hormones, your energy levels also decrease. Some people like to exercise, whereas some like to relax during that time. There are certain exercises that rather help you manage your cramps and pain better. 

      3.    You should avoid salty and dairy products. Dairy causes an increase in the production of chemical called prostaglandins, which are responsible for cramping. The salty food dehydrates people and causes more uneasiness. Also, it increases the bloatedness. This is the reason why some people ask you to not have spicy and fried food as well.