Observational Survey Study on Association of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Sharira Prakriti (Body Constitution)

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common health issue. Reported prevalence of dysmenorrhea is 84% in young girls. Primary dysmenorrhea is correlated with Udavartini yonivyapad from Ayurveda. There are limitations for the management by Western medicine to this issue. Hence, there is a need of comprehensive and holistic approach. Ayurveda has termed this uniqueness of body as Prakriti (body constitution). Knowledge of Prakriti is very important to maintain health as well as for planning of the treatment in Ayurveda. The knowledge of the relationship between Prakriti (body constitution) with primary dysmenorrhea may be beneficial for the management of primary dysmenorrhea. Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the association of primary dysmenorrhea with Sharira Prakriti (body constitution). Methods: This was a exploratory observational clinical study by interview method. Results: Regarding Sharira Prakriti (body constitution), it has observed that the maximum subjects of Vata, Vata-Pitta, and Vata-Kapha Prakriti(s) were suffering from Grade 1 and Grade 2 type of pain of primary dysmenorrhea as well Vata dosha provoking food, incompatible food, and non-vegetarian food are responsible for Vata vitiation which was responsible for pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusions: The present study has revealed that maximum subjects having Sharira Prakriti (body constitution) of Vata dominance and Vata associated Prakriti are suffering from pain in primary dysmenorrhea. It has also revealed that Vata dosha provoking food, opposite food, and non-vegetarian food does Vata vitiation which is responsible for pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Hence, knowledge of Prakriti (body constitution) is beneficial in the management of primary dysmenorrhea.