Painful menstruation that may incapacitate the day-to-day activities of a woman is known as dysmenorrhea. In Ayurveda, it is known as Kashtartava. An article published in the International Journal of Ayurveda focuses on the various lifestyle modifications (pathya and apathya) that can help in dysmenorrhea. The article mentions that women affected by kashtartava should use diet depending on the predominant dosha. Juice of lasuna (garlic) in the morning and diet abundant in milk should be taken. A diet rich in barley is good. Daily use of lasuna prevents laxity of breasts, protects beauty, progeny, energy and longevity, and women do not suffer from menstrual disorders and diseases of sacral region, pelvis and other body parts. Menstrual pain can be reduced by increasing the intake of the following products:

1. Omega 3 fatty acids – They tend to decrease pain and inflammation associated with menstrual cycle. They can be obtained from cold water fish like salmon, sardines, walnuts, green leafy vegetables and even eggs.
2. Magnesium – Magnesium helps with the relaxation of the uterine muscles. Cashews, soya bean, spinach, almond and halibut are rich sources of magnesium.
3. Vitamin B - Eating more lean pork, fish, dried beans, peas, and fortified cereals can help reduce menstrual pain.
4. Vitamin E – Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and helps balance hormones and menstrual flow, and thus improves menstrual pain. Foods high in Vitamin E include almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, fortified cereals and juices.

Yoga can also relieve the pain in dysmenorrhea. Navasana, Matsyasana, Dhanurasana, Vajrasana, Paschimotasana, Ustrasana, Ardhmatsyendrasana, Salabhasana, Bhujangasana, Sarvangasana, Uttanapadasana, Padmasana and Suryanamaskara can be practiced; one should perform these daily for 40 minutes. Meditation should also be practiced everyday for 10 minutes.

Unhealthy food habits and lifestyle are major causes of dysmenorrhea. Therefore, lifestyle modifications with changes in diet and inclusion of yoga can help relieve the pain in dysmenorrhea.