Rtu Vidya

As presented in this book, a sound understanding of the science behind menstrual practices can help women avoid common menstrual health issues, cultivate a positive outlook toward menstruation, and learn to function in harmony with nature's cyclical rhythms.

Rtu Vidya emerged from a process of seeking answers to the questions posed by adolescent girls and women during workshops on menstrual and reproductive health conducted across rural India for nearly a decade. In her quest to understand traditional menstrual practices, the author not only traveled across the country but also explored diverse knowledge systems such as the Shad Darshanas, Ayurveda, Tantra, Chakras, Yoga, Agamas, Jyotisha Shastra (Vedic astrology), and their associated sub-texts, along with various regional wisdom traditions.

As a result, this book goes beyond merely describing cultural practices-it delves into the logical and scientific foundations behind those traditions.

This book is for:

Indian women who have unresolved questions about menstruation, Researchers studying the menstrual cycle and its health implications, Female athletes seeking ancient techniques to align with their natural cycles rather than working against them, Feminists who believe that all menstrual practices are superstitions and must be discarded.

In Sanskrit, "Rtu" refers to menstruation, and "Vidya" means knowledge. This work attempts to bring together diverse regional wisdom traditions to provide scientific insights into the menstrual cycle that remain relevant even today.