The Moon and the woman's cycle

 

What is the connection between the moon and a woman's cycle? As humans, we are profoundly influenced by the natural cycles that surround us. The most apparent cycle is the Earth's rotation on its axis, which creates the alternating patterns of night and day. The second cycle is caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis, resulting in varying amounts of sunlight as the Earth orbits the Sun, which is why we experience seasons.

The third cycle is more subtle and relates to the moon's orbit around the Earth. Although its effects are not as obvious, research indicates that the moon can influence our sleep and energy levels. This connection is also recognised in the Ayurvedic concept of marma points.

There is a relationship between a woman's menstrual cycle and the lunar cycle, as both last roughly the same duration. In Ayurveda, menstruation is viewed as a vital and purifying process for a woman's body, and it is important to respect it. Menstruation is primarily governed by the underdosha known as apana vata, which is the descending form of vata. If women engage in strenuous activities or experience stress during their menstruation, it can disrupt the function of apana vata. This disruption may prevent the natural downward cleansing processes from occurring, potentially leading to various health issues.

During menstruation, it is essential for women to rest, take it easy, and avoid exposure to stress or negativity. When they do so, the cleansing processes can work effectively, waste products can be eliminated, and women can feel revitalised with ample energy for the rest of the month.

In ancient India, women would divide their work in such a way that those who were menstruating could rest during that time. However, in today’s society, this is not as common. Women are often expected to carry on with their usual responsibilities even while menstruating. Recently, the issue of female athletes being required to compete during their periods has started to gain attention.

As a woman, it’s important to take care of yourself during menstruation. If possible, try to reduce your workload and allow yourself to rest. While exercise is beneficial, it may be wise to take it easy during this time. Focus on self-care and try to avoid negativity whenever you can. 

If you are a man living with a woman, your support can make a significant difference in her life. Take on household chores, be kind and positive, and help create a calm and happy environment for her. Your efforts will be appreciated and returned throughout the month—and in the long run.

Training

 Exercise is essential for maintaining good health, a view supported by both Ayurveda and Western health science. Lack of exercise can lead to brittle bones, muscle atrophy, and an increased risk of various diseases. As we age, the importance of regular exercise becomes even more pronounced in order to maintain our bodies' optimal functioning. 

Additionally, exercise is one of the most effective methods to manage stress. Stress prepares us for physical activity, helping us to flee from or confront threats. However, the stressors we face today are often not something we can escape or physically fight off. This is why physical exercise is so beneficial; it provides an outlet for the stress hormones that can otherwise disrupt our bodies.

According to Ayurveda, those who neglect to make time for exercise will eventually find themselves needing to allocate time for illness. Ayurveda also emphasises that exercise plays a key role in strengthening digestion, which is crucial for overall health. However, it's important not to overdo it. The approach recommended by Ayurveda is to exercise at about 50% of your maximum capacity. There are various interpretations of what this means in practice. My guideline is that training should always be fun and enjoyable; it should bring joy, not pain. If you push yourself too hard or train too frequently, your body may break down instead of building up. 

Strength, speed, and endurance are not gained during the training itself but during the recovery periods between workouts. This highlights the importance of recovery. It's not just about how long you rest between training sessions, but also about how you recover. Proper sleep, a nutritious diet, and managing stress are essential. Additionally, practices like meditation, especially Transcendental Meditation (TM), can provide deep rest that benefits recovery.

Hypertension

 High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a significant public health concern. Often referred to as “the silent killer,” it typically presents no symptoms. However, it is a crucial risk factor for various serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, vision loss, and vascular dementia.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, in collaboration with other key organisations in cardiovascular care, have established internationally recognised guidelines for the evidence-based treatment of high blood pressure. These guidelines are considered some of the most reliable globally. American doctors are expected to adhere to them, and many countries base their own guidelines on these standards. 

The recommendations encompass both medications and lifestyle modifications to effectively manage and reduce high blood pressure.

The latest version of the guidelines recognises Transcendental Meditation (TM) as the only meditation and relaxation technique recommended. This designation indicates that TM is viewed as an evidence-based method for treating high blood pressure, setting it apart from other meditation and relaxation practices. This strong endorsement highlights the significant positive effects of TM on health improvement.