In Ayurveda, our menstrual cycle provides us with a uniquely valuable insight into the workings of our female body. In this episode, Eminé Rushton takes a look at how each part of our menstrual cycle is defined by a different dosha – which gives each part its own natural characteristics and sensations – and how each dosha type presents with a different set of pre- post- and menstrual symptoms and experiences. By looking to balance the body with diet, lifestyle and spiritual practices, we can look to create a truly gentle period, and a harmonised menstrual cycle.

I mention shatavari, brahmi (gotu kola or bacopa) and tulsi (holy basil) in this podcast too – they are wonderful adaptogenic herbs, which are useful for bringing balance to our bodies. Always seek out a reputable organic supplier – I like Pukka, Organic India and Ayurveda Pura. It is always a good idea to have a full Ayurvedic consultation with a doctor or practitioner – the APA UK (Ayurvedic Practitioner’s Association) are a wonderful resource for this.

Some fantastic books, a few of which I mention in this podcast, which help us better understand our bodies and cycles:

Women’s Bodies and Cycles

Wild Power, Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Wurlitzer

Love Your Lady Landscape, Lisa Lister

Code Red, Lisa Lister and Megan Watterson

Yoni Shakti, Uma Dinsmore Tuli

Period Power, Nadya Okamato

Womancode, Alisa Vitti

Our Bodies Our Selves, Boston Women’s Health Book Collective

Women’s Bodies Women’s Wisdom, Dr Christiane Northrup

Moon Time, Lucy H. Pearce

You can purchase our book, Sattva: The Ayurvedic Way to Live, here — https://amzn.to/2XQJQM7