Ignorance is a curse and women have to put the act together to be free from all ignorance. Women have been spoon-fed with this myth that when menstruation happens they must cut themselves away from hectic life and hide in the bedrooms - in some homes in the store room! Even in this modern age, there are homes where women are untouchables.

Apparently, society at large and women in particular don’t know a thing about what menses are.

Menstruation is a natural monthly cycle in women. The discharge consists of blood and cells which sheds from the lining of the uterus. The bleeding can last from two to seven days and signifies that no conception has taken place. The main hormones involved in controlling menstruation are estrogen and progesterone. The cycle begins when a dormant egg cell within an ovary begins to ripen. The cells around this maturing egg cell then release estrogen which prompts the lining of the endometrium to thicken as preparation for the receipt of fertilized egg. When the egg matures, ovulation begins. In ovulation, the matured egg will burst from the ovary and go down to the fallopian tube to the uterus. The cells that are left behind after ovulation will then begin the production of progesterone. This hormone, the progesterone, is responsible for the further growth of the endometrium.

Menstruation is experienced by women between puberty and menopause - between the age of 8 and 18 and last until between ages 40 and 60. The menstrual cycle of most women is about 28 days, though it can vary considerably from one month to another.

Though menstruation is normal, some women experience some dilemma during this cycle, like Menstrual Cramps or Dysmenorrhea, or Pre-menstrual Syndrome. They are normally asked to rest - probably the reason why elders asked them to stay in their room and forget home chores. But how this changed into banishment is a mystery.

Dysmenorrhea is a Greek word which literally means “Painful Menstruation”. These are abdominal and pelvic pains experienced before and during menstruation. Menstrual Cramps may last for hours or up to three days. The cramps may be mildly or severely painful and can be debilitating and interfere in regular activities, sometimes leading to absences from work, school or other functions. It is caused by uterine contractions and can be aggravated by emotional stress. It can be classified into Primary and Secondary Dysmenorrhea.

Primary Dysmenorrhea is the more common form that occurs with no underlying cause. It can be caused by platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, or dysrhythmic contractions with pressure higher than systemic blood pressure. It is also believed to be caused by prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance produced by the uterine tissue, which triggers strong muscle contractions in the uterus during menstruation.Genetics, stress, obesity, cigarette smoking and body type also play a part as women have high prostaglandin levels but do not experience Menstrual Cramps.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The pain usually occurs a few hours before bleeding, comes to a peak within a few hours, and subside in one to two days. Rest, heating pad on abdomen or back, aerobic exercise, nutrition, and medication are common therapies. A balanced diet which includes adequate amount of calcium, fluids and Vitamin B6 can help prevent or alleviate pain. Medication may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, and hormonal alternation of the menstrual cycle. Hormonal alternation includes the use of oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation and decrease the thickness of the uterine lining which result to lesser prostaglandin production.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea is related to the presence of pelvic lesions such as endometriosis (implant of endometrial tissue outside the uterus), adenomyosis (benign growth of endometrial tissue in the uterine walls), pelvic inflammation, congenital uterine or vaginal abnormalities, leiomyoma, or cervical stenosis. The use of Inrauterine Device can also cause Secondary Dysmenorrhea. Pain starts a few days before menstruation and usually lasts several days after onset of flow. The onset of the peak period does not happen as clearly or quickly as Primary Dysmenorrhea. The pain may also occur at other times of the month. Symptoms include continuous pain, tenderness of the pelvis, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, quivering, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.

It can be treated with the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen. Birth control pills can also be effective. However, the treatment of this kind of Dysmenorrhea depends on the cause. Surgical or medical treatment may be needed.

Though menstruation is normal, some women experience Dilemma during this cycle, like Menstrual Cramps or Dysmenorrhea, or Pre-menstrual Syndrome. They are normally asked to rest - probably the reason why elders asked them to stay in their room and forget home chores. But how this changed into banishment is a mystery.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Another form of menstrual disorder is the Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS, characterized by uncomfortable mental and physical symptoms that can occur up to two weeks prior to the onset of menstruation. Though most experts believed that it is caused by the estrogen level, they also consider that a combination of psychological, genetic, nutritional, and behavioral factors are likely to be involved. Some psychological manifestations of PMS include anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, confusion, forgetfulness and the exacerbation of existing psychiatric ailments. Physical symptoms include tenderness of breasts, migraine, nausea, changes in energy level, swelling of arms and legs, feeling bloated, back pain and difficulty in sleeping.

Treatment includes the intake of vitamins and minerals like calcium, Vitamin B6 and magnesium. The person will also need a deeper self-knowledge and social support in order to cope with the changes in mood and behavior. Changes in lifestyle and diet will also help in dealing with PMS. Healthy diet will alleviate irritability, fluid retention, joint aches, breast tenderness, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. Caffeine, alcohol, simple sugars, salt, and fats should be avoided to decrease bloating, fatigue, depression and tension.

Several yoga poses are proven to ease Menstrual Pain. They can also help mind and body adapt with stress, anxiety and depression making you feel relaxed and calm, and enabling you to cope with psychological symptoms of PMS. Having a generally relaxed mind and body can also help in alleviating the Menstrual Pain. A healthy yoga diet can help supplying the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to counteract the symptoms of PMS. However, it is important to recognize the need to slow down and practice yoga gently. The abdomen should remain soft and inactive throughout the practice so that the menstrual flow can continue unobstructed. Twists and inverted positions are not suitable as this may reverse the flow or squeeze the abdominal area and interfere with the natural discharge. Kapalabhati: This is a breathing technique used specifically for cleansing. If you have a lot of mucus in the air passages or feel tension and blockages in the chest it is often helpful to breathe quickly.

Do these yoga aasnas and be free from pain and cramps. Women have to run the house, run to catch the bus, run behind naughty kids and run after this and that. Who has the time to lie down on bed with cramps.

Easy Pose (Sukhasana): This is one of the classic Meditation Poses and is usually performed after doing the Corpse Pose or shavasana. The Easy Pose helps in straightening the spine, slowing down metabolism, promoting inner tranquility, and keeping your mind still.

Cat Pose (Bidalasana): The Cat Yoga Pose teaches you to initiate movement from your center and to coordinate your movement and breath. These are two of the most important themes in yoga practice. Keep in mind that the Cat Pose may not be advisable if you have any chronic or recent back pain or injury.

Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): The Bow Pose resembles an archer’s bow. It strengthens the muscles in the back area, improves posture, and helps in dealing with several gastrointestinal problems. Take note that this pose is not for those suffering from serious neck or back injury.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): This improves spinal flexibility and strengthens the muscles in the arms and back. In addition, it is effective in relieving menstrual irregularities and constipation.

Fish Pose (Matsyasana): It relieves stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles and improves flexibility of your spine. It is the counter-pose of the Shoulderstand. Hold the Fish Pose for at least half the amount of time you spent in the Shoulderstand in order to balance the stretch.

Wind Relieving Pose (Pavanamuktasana): The term Pavanamuktasana comes from the Sanskrit word ‘pavana’ which means air or wind and ‘mukta’ which means freedom or release. The Wind Relieving Pose works mainly on the digestive system. It specifically helps in eliminating excess gas in the stomach.

Anuloma Viloma: It is also called the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique. You inhale through one nostril, retain the breath, and exhale through the other nostril.

Yoga Exercise - Final Corpse: For you to appreciate the benefits of relaxation, you should first be familiar on how it is to be tense. This is what happens when you do the Final Corpse.

Relaxation Pose: The first step in Yoga practice is to learn how to relax your body and mind. Relaxation is essential in practicing Yoga. Women have to run the house, run to catch the bus, run behind naughty kids and run after this and that. Who has the time to lie down on bed with cramps. When life doesn’t stop, then why should we? When it is period time, enjoy life and menstruation too as this very system has been gifted to us by nature, by mother god so that we can become goddess ourselves one day when we give birth to our bundles of joy.