---
title: Does Ayurvedic medicine explain premenstrual symptoms? | Niyora
description: According to Ayurvedic medicine, premenstrual symptoms happen when there is an imbalance in Apana Vayu, an important function in the lower abdomen. Restoring
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/an-observational-study-to-assess-the-status-of-apana-vayu-in-premenstrual-2024/
---

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- Does Ayurvedic medicine explain premenstrual symptoms?

Study, 2024

# Does Ayurvedic medicine explain premenstrual symptoms?

According to Ayurvedic medicine, premenstrual symptoms happen when there is an imbalance in Apana Vayu, an important function in the lower abdomen. Restoring balance in this system may help relieve both emotional and physical symptoms.

 Early or limited evidence

Conceptual framework based on Ayurvedic medicine - no population studied

## What they did

Explained the Ayurvedic concept of Apana Vayu and how this vital bodily function controls the movement and release of menstrual flow and other bodily substances. Described how balance in this system supports normal menstrual function while imbalance may cause premenstrual symptoms.

## What they found

According to Ayurvedic medicine, premenstrual symptoms occur when Apana Vayu is out of balance. When it is in balance, the body's menstrual function works normally. When imbalanced, women experience both emotional and physical symptoms before their period.

## What it means for you

From an Ayurvedic perspective, treating the imbalance in Apana Vayu could help resolve premenstrual symptoms. The main limit is this is a description of Ayurvedic theory rather than findings from scientific research or clinical studies with measured outcomes.

## About the study

Original title An observational study to assess the status of Apana Vayu in Premenstrual Syndrome Authors Rumee Tandukar, Hakkeem Panthappulan, Ananda Lakshmy K N et al. Journal Kerala Journal of Ayurveda Year 2024 Study design Study What was tested None - theoretical explanation Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.55718/kja.262](https://doi.org/10.55718/kja.262) Original abstract

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a psychneuroendocrine disorder with an unclear origin that manifests just before menstruation, marked by symptoms in the luteal phase, aligning with the Ayurvedic concept of Rituvyateetakala vyadhi characterized by pitta and vata imbalance. A key factor is Apana Vata located in the lower pelvic region, which plays a vital role in expelling sukla (seminal fluid), arthava (ovulation or menstrual flow), sakruth (feces), mootra (urine), and garbha (fetus). Although menstruation is a natural occurrence, numerous women undergo affective and somatic symptoms before this process. When Apana vayu is in prakruthavastha (balance state), it supports regular bodily functions, but vaigunyavastha (imbalance state) leads to various issues. Addressing imbalances in Apana Vayu contributes to alleviating both the mental and physical symptoms of PMS, leading to an enhancement in the overall well-being of women.

Reproduced under CC-BY.

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

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