introduction and question re: doshas and menstrual c

[Guest guest]

Hi Kim, Pattie and Friends;

My general rule is first 3 days no abhyanga, and actualluy also

advised to take a rest from any non-prescriptive drugs or

non-essential vitamins, herbs etc, though if premenopausal and

bleeding excessively, not abhyanga then also though nutrient

supplements would be needed. It was explained because there is

different kind of bodily cleansing going on at this time, and

valueable not to confuse the apana vata's downward flow of menstrual

cleansing with other styles.

 

I was very disappointed one time on special out of the country retreat

for a week of Panchakarma, big family expense for this rare

opportunity. I missed 3 days of treatments as my body said,

cleansing? Oh, I know how to do blood cleansing....and the clinic of

course followed the classical instruction. What became clear to me

however, was that my private time for more meditation created much

deeper experience. It was a blessing and deep cleanse whose benefits

lasted a long time afterwards, anyway.

 

It is intresting that postpartum mothers, in spite of a similar and

usually longer bleed, benefit greatly from the warm gentle oil massage

on or by themselves daily. We try to observe not giving massage the

frst three days of menses for the doula's cycle, arranging a backup

doula in case, though that is not always possible the clients are

prepared for this possibility.

 

I quite found it natural also not to want to do abhyanga at this time.

 

Ysha

 

> Is it best to take a break from self-massage also during menses?

For some the body gets so challenged and uncomfortable at this time

that such self-care intuitively makes sense.