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Introduction

A woman undergoes various physical, psychological and emotional changes throughout her life time. Ayurveda helps women in journey towards better health throughout different phases of life and add quality to her life by following ‘Paricharyas’- conducts to be followed like Garbhini Paricharya, Sootika Paricharya, Rajaswala Paricharya etc.Menstruation is a phenomenon unique to woman. Menstruating female is termed as “Rajaswala”. The code of conduct mentioned for a Rajaswala Stree is termed as Rajaswala Paricharya and is most neglected part in the society. In present era, women are more career oriented. Along with their careers, they alone manage the household responsibilities. This demanding lifestyle has made it very difficult for them to pay attention to their own health and to follow Rajaswala Paricharya.

In the present era, a drastic rise in the number of menstrual problems and cases of PCOD, Menstrual disorders & infertility has been observed which had little existence in the past. Menstrual problems like lower back ache, lower abdominal pain, nausea etc. have become so common, now days there are termed as associated symptoms of menstruation. But in Ayurveda, it is mentioned that normal menstruation is devoid of pain, burning sensation, also the excreted blood should not be unctuous, very scanty or excessive in amount. It is already known that Rajaswala Paricharya was being followed by our ancestors as a routine practice which gives woman strength to cope up with these physical and mental changes during menstrual cycle and give women a healthy life.

Aim and Objective

To review the literature of Rajaswala, Rajaswala Paricharya, Pathya Apathya and the importance of Rajaswala Paricharya from Ayurvedic classical texts & Internet

Materials and Methods

The literary study is done with the help of Ayurvedic classical texts as well as the internet in connection with Rajaswala Paricharya.

Rituchakra: 

In Ayurvedic classics, the duration of Rituchakra or menstrual cycle is mentioned as average one month and this entire period is divided into three phases, they are-

• Rajahsrava (menstruation): 3 to 5 days
• Ritukala (proliferative phase including ovulation): 12 or 16 days
• Ritu Vyatitakala (post ovulatory or secretory phase): 9 or 13 days

The female in Rajahsrava Kala is called as “Rajaswala Stree” and the mode of life to be followed in this period as mentioned by different Acharyas is termed as “Rajaswala Paricharya.”

Rajaswala Paricharya: In Samhita’s specific Ahara and Vihara are mentioned which is to be followed by the Rajaswala (menstruating) women in order to improve her health & Regulation of her Menstrual Cycle

Pathya

Ahara:

              Many menstruating females experience decrease in appetite during this period. As menstruation is a naturally occurring Shodhan process, so physiological decrease in digestive capacity (Agnimandya) is observed during menstruation.

Therefore, she should eat Havisya (meal made of ghee, Sali rice and milk) and Yawaka (meal made of barley and milk), Agni Deepaniya, Easily Digestable Laghu Ahar, in less quantity.

Vihara:

1. Sleep over bed made up of Darbha (leafy plant) spread over ground.

2. Follow Brahmacharya for first 3 days.

3. Always concentrate on thinking good or auspicious things.

Apathya

Ahara: Avoid Tiksna (pungent), Katu (spicy), Lavana (salty) substances.

Vihara:

1. Avoid sleeping in day time.
2. Avoid application of collyrium, crying, laughing, talking too much and excessive exercise.
3. Application of Anjana, use of Swedana, Nasya and Vamana Karma are contraindicated during this period
4. Coitus is contraindicated.
5. Should not adorn her with ornament

Discussion

Rajaswala Paricharya aids in maintaining optimal health. Adhering to Rajaswala Paricharya facilitates the conception of healthy kids as well as the adaptation of women to the physiological and psychological changes brought on by menstruation. If Rajaswala Paricharya is not properly followed, it may result in Yoni Vyapada or Ashta Artava Dushti, which are menstrual illnesses that are linked to issues with menstruation such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, PCOD, infertility, etc. For this reason, during Rajasrava Kala, one must adhere to Rajaswala Paricharya. During menstruation, endometrial shedding causes a brief opening of blood vessels and is regarded as a raw wound. For this reason, comparable Pathya-Apathya should be recommended during Rajaswala Paricharya. Stress and the modern lifestyle could be the root of all menstrual issues.

According to the findings of another study, individuals who were prepared to adhere to the traditional Rajaswala Paricharya showed significant improvements in their psychological and physiological states. They reported fewer menstrual discomfort sensations, particularly cramping in the abdomen and low back. Consequently, even in this day and age, adhering to Rajaswala Paricharya might assist relieve a variety of menstrual discomforts.

Conclusion

After reviewing all the literature related to Rajaswala Paricharya, it can be said that major restrictions are directed towards isolation, less physical exertion, and celibacy. Main aim of these is to avoid vitiation of Vata and Kapha, prevent formation of Ama, restore energy and to get a healthy progeny from a healthy mother. Therefore, by following Rajaswala Paricharya, the woman responds healthily to the physiological and psychological changes by keeping Doshas, Agni and Bala in balanced condition.Following Rajaswala Paricharya might help women prevent menstruation illnesses and mitigate the detrimental effects of modern lifestyle on reproduction. Paricharya is a great example of Nidana Parivarjana Chikitsa. The most neglected paricharya, "Rajaswala Paricharya" can assist women deal with the severe physical and emotional changes.Rajaswala Paricharya was therefore created to assist women in regaining their body's lost strength.

Additionally, by adhering to these procedures, the ovum's quality is raised, increasing the likelihood of conception. In order to preserve menstrual health, it's also critical to embrace and adhere to the Rajawala Paricharya, given the rising prevalence of gynecological ailments in the modern period.  it prevents disorders such as Atyartava, Udavartini, Vandhya etc. preserving the body's three Dosha’s equilibrium in the process. Preserving the body's general state of health. Rajaswala Paricharya should therefore be viewed as therapeutic guidelines rather than as "oppressive restrictions" placed on women.Owing to the physiological alterations that occur during menstruation, women are more susceptible to many types of illness. Therefore, by maintaining the Doshas, Bala and Agni in a balanced state, women who practice the Rajaswala Paricharya respond to the physiological changes in a healthful manner.