PMS is a Teacher: What Your Cycle is Trying to Tell You

We often talk about PMS as a nuisance – the cramps, the cravings, the mood swings. But what if PMS wasn’t just something to endure? What if it was your body’s way of sending a message? Ayurveda sees it this way.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, PMS isn’t just a collection of symptoms – it’s a conversation between your body and your mind. The discomfort you feel isn’t random. It’s your body’s way of letting you know that something is out of balance. And the best part? Once you understand the language of your body, you can respond with clarity and compassion.

Your Body Speaks Through Doshas

According to Ayurveda, our bodies and minds are governed by three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each of these doshas has specific qualities, and when they become imbalanced, they create distinct symptoms, including PMS.

• Vata PMS: Anxiety, restlessness, irregular periods, bloating, constipation. Your body may be telling you it needs more warmth, routine, and grounding practices.

• Pitta PMS: Irritability, hot flashes, heavy bleeding, acne. These are signs of excess heat in the body, and a reminder to cool down – literally and figuratively.

• Kapha PMS: Sluggishness, water retention, emotional eating, a sense of heaviness. This is your body’s way of telling you it needs movement and lightness.

But this isn’t just about knowing your dosha. It’s about recognizing that your body is communicating with you all the time.

Listening to Your Body’s Signals

Imagine if you could hear the whispers before they became shouts. That’s what Ayurveda offers – a way to tune in to your body’s quiet messages before they turn into loud, uncomfortable symptoms. Here are a few ways to start listening:

1. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a simple journal of how you feel before, during, and after your period. Over time, you’ll notice patterns.

2. Adjust Your Diet: Choose foods that support your dominant dosha, especially in the week leading up to your period.

3. Practice Restorative Movement: Gentle yoga, walking, and deep breathing can all help balance your body’s energy.

4. Stay Hydrated and Warm: Whether it’s warm herbal teas for Vata, cooling peppermint tea for Pitta, or ginger tea for Kapha, hydration is key.

5. Respect Your Energy: Your cycle is a rhythm – some days are for rest, others for action. Honor that flow.

Embrace PMS as an Opportunity

Ayurveda reframes PMS as a gift – a chance to understand your body, make subtle adjustments, and practice self-compassion. When you stop seeing PMS as an enemy and start seeing it as a guide, everything changes.

Want to learn more? I dive deep into this topic on the latest episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate. Tune in to hear how you can decode your body’s messages and use Ayurveda to bring balance back to your cycle.

Listen here: 

https://healwithkate.org/podcast

Or explore even more in my book, Everyday Ayurveda for Women’s Health: https://healwithkate.org/book-tour/book-tour

Let There Be Moonlight: Why Ayurveda Wants You to Reclaim the Night

Inspired by Episode 31 of the Everyday Ayurveda Podcast

We talk a lot about nutrition in Ayurveda — warm foods, oily foods, foods that ground or energize. We talk about rituals and rest, routines and rasa. But there’s one quiet force that governs our entire hormonal orchestra — and it doesn’t come on a plate.

It comes from the sky.

Ayurveda has long taught that we are not separate from nature. That we are subject to the same tides, currents, and rhythms that move the planets, the trees, and yes — the moon. And nowhere is this more evident than in the menstrual cycle.

It’s no coincidence that a healthy menstrual cycle mirrors the length of the lunar cycle — 28 days. That ovulation often aligns with the full moon. That bleeding aligns with the new moon. These aren’t poetic metaphors. They’re physiologic facts. But for most of us, living in climate-controlled homes, lit by screens and LED bulbs, we’ve lost our relationship with this natural light/dark rhythm — and with it, some of our hormonal balance.

The Hidden Cost of Artificial Light

Modern lighting allows us to stretch our days. It also stretches our bodies beyond their natural limits. When we bathe in blue light at 11 PM, we’re telling our bodies: Stay awake, be alert, produce cortisol. When we stare at glowing screens before bed, we’re inhibiting melatonin — the hormone that tells our body to sleep, detox, and restore. And over time, this chronic overstimulation begins to confuse the subtler rhythms — the ones that govern ovulation, menstruation, and fertility.

In short? Too much artificial light can throw off your cycle.

Ayurveda says: Restore the rhythm, restore the health.

A Return to Light as Medicine

So, how do we do that? How do we bring balance back to a 28-day cycle by working with a 24-hour one?

Here are a few Ayurvedic strategies that center light as a healing tool:

1. Catch the morning light.

Sunlight in the early hours helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is deeply tied to your monthly hormonal rhythm. Step outside without sunglasses for 5–10 minutes within the first hour of waking, and you’re giving your hypothalamus the signal: This is day. Let’s begin.

2. Moon bathe on ovulation week.

Yes, really. Expose your skin and eyes (gently) to the full moon during your ovulation window. This helps reinforce your body’s connection to natural lunar rhythms, which is especially powerful if you’re experiencing irregular ovulation or luteal phase issues.

3. Avoid artificial light after 10 PM.

Ayurveda considers 10 PM the beginning of the Pitta time of night — when the body turns inward to metabolize and detox. Staying up past 10, particularly under artificial light, can derail these processes. Try replacing overhead lights with salt lamps or candles in the evening, and aim for lights out by 10:30 when possible.

4. Switch to an amber or red light in the evening.

If you need to use screens, use blue light filters (many phones have a “Night Shift” mode) or consider wearing amber-tinted glasses to help protect your melatonin production.

5. Create a bedtime wind-down ritual.

Let your body know it’s safe to drop into stillness. This might be oiling the soles of your feet, lighting a ghee lamp, or simply breathing deeply in dim lighting for five minutes before bed.

Light, Hormones, and Menstrual Grace

When we begin to trust the intelligence of light — and our body’s response to it — we reconnect with something ancient. Not just the moon and stars, but ourselves. We begin to feel the natural rise and fall of energy throughout the month. We stop resisting it. We stop pushing through fatigue, through irritability, through the whispered cues that something is off.

And with that awareness, we open the door to more regular cycles, smoother periods, and deeper sleep. More importantly, we begin to feel like our energy belongs to us again.

Not borrowed. Not burned out. Not bypassed by coffee or screens.

Just ours.

And that’s the heart of Ayurvedic living — not just eating the right foods or taking the right herbs, but living in rhythm with nature. Even when the rest of the world is staying up late, scrolling through a glow.

So tonight? Maybe turn the lights down low. Step outside. And let the moon remind you of everything your body already knows.

How to Work With Planetary Cycles for Healing and Growth

If you’ve ever felt like life was moving in slow motion — or rushing forward at a breakneck pace — you may have been sensing the influence of your planetary period, what Vedic astrology calls a Mahadasha.

Unlike the quick daily movements of the planets we often hear about in pop astrology, Mahadashas stretch over years or even decades. They’re long, textured chapters of your life that quietly (and sometimes loudly) shape your inner and outer landscapes.

But here’s the key:

These periods aren’t cages. They’re invitations.

Understanding the Energy You’re Swimming In

Each Mahadasha carries the energetic flavor of a planet — Mars, Saturn, Venus, the Moon — each bringing its own qualities, challenges, and gifts.

You might experience a Mars period as a time of boldness, ambition, and action. Or it might spark restlessness, frustration, or fierce independence.

A Saturn period could be an era of discipline, hard work, and the slow building of structures — or a stretch where patience, humility, and faith are rigorously tested.

The planetary influence isn’t here to punish or reward.

It’s a curriculum uniquely tailored to your soul’s evolution.

I have a really fun workshop on how to tailor your wardrobe and jewelry choices to support your planets! Find that here: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/harmonizing-with-the-planets 

Healing Through Alignment, Not Resistance

When we don’t know the nature of the energy we’re moving through, it’s easy to push against it, feeling confused, exhausted, or discouraged.

But when we begin to recognize the current — to know we’re in a Mars river or a Saturn ocean — we can choose to align rather than fight.

For example:

• During a Saturn period, focusing on small, daily efforts (and letting go of instant results) can feel much more sustainable than pushing for rapid change.

• During a Venus period, nurturing relationships, beauty, and art can feel surprisingly natural and abundant.

Healing happens not because everything is easy, but because we learn to dance with the tempo of time, rather than trip over it.

Your Free Will Still Matters

One of the beautiful insights Roma Kapadia shared on the podcast is that while planetary periods offer a certain set of circumstances or tendencies, they don’t remove your free will.

The planets provide a landscape.

You choose how you walk it.

Knowing you’re in a Saturn period might encourage you to adopt supportive habits, seek mentorship, or pace yourself through a slow-building project.

Recognizing a Rahu influence might help you stay grounded in your values while still reaching for bigger dreams.

The invitation is not to surrender passively, but to partner actively with the energy at play.

Practical Ways to Tune Into Your Planetary Period

• Track your patterns: Notice emotional themes, repeating challenges, or new interests that emerge over a span of months or years.

• Consult a trusted Vedic astrologer: Personalized guidance can help you map the broader movements affecting your unique chart.

• Practice compassion: Some periods are meant for growth through challenge. Holding yourself with kindness is part of the practice.

• Honor small rituals: Simple choices — like wearing calming colors during a fiery Mars phase, or focusing on stability during a Saturn stretch — can help you stay aligned.

Above all, remember:

Planetary periods aren’t about resigning to fate.

They’re about growing with intention inside the rhythms of a much bigger life.

And that, to me, feels like a beautiful kind of freedom.

Don’t forget! I have a really fun workshop on how to tailor your wardrobe and jewelry choices to support your planets! Find that here: https://courses.ayurvedicliving.institute/courses/harmonizing-with-the-planets 

Why Panchakarma Isn’t a Quick Fix

There’s a certain glow that follows someone who’s just completed Panchakarma. Their skin is clear, their eyes bright, their energy quiet but steady. And if you ask them how they’re feeling, they’ll usually pause—because the words don’t come easy. There’s a stillness, a subtle transformation, and yes, sometimes even a little awe.

It’s no wonder that people are curious about Panchakarma. This intensive Ayurvedic cleansing process promises deep detoxification and powerful rejuvenation. But if you’re imagining it as a reset button, a shortcut to health, or a wellness vacation, let me gently reframe the narrative.

The Myth of the “Spiritual Spa Day”

The wellness world can romanticize detox. Between juice cleanses, infrared saunas, and chlorophyll water, it’s easy to view “cleansing” as something you can buy, schedule, and conquer over a weekend. But Panchakarma isn’t a quick turnaround. It’s not a spiritual spa day or a miracle cure. It’s more like a personal excavation—followed by delicate restoration.

Ayurveda doesn’t see healing as linear or immediate. In fact, the classical texts warn us that trying to rejuvenate without first cleansing is like trying to dye a dirty cloth. The new color won’t work. Similarly, your body can’t deeply absorb nourishment if the tissues are clogged or inflamed.

But—and this is important—you don’t always need Panchakarma.

Begin Where You Are

One of the most common questions I hear is:

“Do I need to go to India for three weeks to be Ayurvedic?”

Absolutely not.

In fact, it can be destabilizing to jump into a deep cleanse without the scaffolding of daily care. If your system is depleted, overwhelmed, or stressed (hello, modern life), a forceful detox can create more harm than good. You might release toxins faster than your body can eliminate them. You might inflame a sensitive gut. Or worse, you might walk away thinking Ayurveda didn’t work.

Panchakarma works—when done at the right time, with the right support, and the right preparation. And part of that preparation is giving your body consistent signals that it’s safe, loved, and capable of healing.

Start by aligning with daily rhythms.

Eat your largest meal in the middle of the day.

Put your phone away after dinner.

Practice oil massage in the mornings.

Go to bed closer to 10 p.m.

Cook your food.

Chew it slowly.

Breathe.

These small things, done daily, are how the body begins to trust again.

When You Might Be Ready

There are times when Panchakarma is the right move. When a chronic condition is not resolving, when autoimmune symptoms persist, when hormonal or digestive issues are deep and stubborn—this is when Panchakarma can become not just appropriate, but essential. I’ve done it several times over the past 20 years, and each time, it has changed the trajectory of my health.

But I never do it in a hurry. And I never do it without first preparing my life to receive the benefits—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Long View of Healing

I believe that sustainable healing is slow. It’s the kind that respects the body’s timeline. Panchakarma is one of the most profound interventions Ayurveda offers, but it’s not a place to start.

Instead of looking for the next cleanse, consider what your body is asking for today. What would happen if you gave it rest instead of restriction? Ritual instead of rigidity?

Panchakarma is not a quick fix.

But neither is Ayurveda.

That’s exactly why it works.

Herbal Infusion

I’m grounding it down after months of travel with a tulsi rose infusion. I love sharing about the power of plants!

This spring I’m sharing how I’m using herbal infusions for seasonal wellness. Spring is time for blood cleansing and for this infusions work wonders! I am also teaching a class on how to use herbs in this way, and what to use for what ails you. Find it in the Ayurvedic Living Institute course catalogue and join me LIVE on May 1st!

Shown here:

1/4 cup dried tulsi leaf

1 Tbsp dried rose petals

1 Tbsp slippery elm powder (all I could find)

Pour almost boiling water over the herbs and steep overnight. Strain and drink room temp or warm, finish over the course of the day.

No-Donut Holes

This plant-based recipe is one of our favorite treats from our second cookbook.

No-Donut Holes
2 Tbsp coconut oil
2 Tbsp raw almond butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup almond meal
1 1/2 cups oat flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbsp cacao nibs
2 Tbsp finely shredded coconut

Combine the oil, almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Add almond meal, oat flour, and salt. Mix well with a fork to break up any chunks. Fold in the cacao nibs. Shape into balls and roll in the shredded coconut. Enjoy with a friend! These store best in the refrigerator.

from our 2018 book “Everyday Ayurveda Cooking for a Calm, Clear Mind” @shambhalapublications

Ayurveda and the Role of CBD in Sleep

For centuries, plant-based remedies have been used in Ayurveda to promote relaxation. Herbs like ashwagandha and Brahmi are known for their calming properties, and hemp-derived compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) share a similar ability to soothe the nervous system. CBD, particularly in tincture form, aligns with Ayurvedic principles by helping regulate the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create an environment conducive to deep, restorative sleep. By reducing cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—CBD can help create a sense of calm, making it easier to fall and stay asleep without the grogginess associated with conventional sleep aids.
I was overwhelmed by the amount of CBD products out there and felt paralyzed. I also easily get a sleep hangover from a lot of THC products. So I took it slow when Acknowledge Farms reached out about me trying their tinctures by starting with the Sleep one. I liked the idea of a small, woman-owned business on the East Coast (and she’s coming on the podcast later this month!). So I gave it a go, and it’s working! I’ve learned a few things along the way, so let me share this start-up guide with you if you’re interested. You get 30% off your first order with code KATE30!
Step-by-Step Guide to Better Sleep with CBD:

1. Start Small: Begin with a minimal dose—usually ½ a dropper—and adjust as needed. I landed on one dropper right before bed.

2. Time It Right: Take the tincture 30-60 minutes before bedtime to allow it to take effect. I read in bed for a bit after taking it.

3. Pair with a Nightly Ritual: Engage in calming activities such as reading, meditation, or light stretching.

4. Create a Sleep-Inducing Environment: Dim the lights, avoid screens, and maintain a cool room temperature. Do not look at screens before bed!

5. Stay Consistent: Use the tincture nightly to encourage your body’s natural sleep rhythms, but also take a break for a week quarterly or a month annually to ensure consistent potency.

Let me know if this works for you and what you learn! Happy sleeping.
Kate,

Refresharama

One of YOUR spring favorites REFRESHARAMA!

• Juice of 2 grapefruits (about 2 cups)

• 1/2 inch piece of ginger, peeled

• 1-2 tsp raw honey

• juice of 1 lemon

• dash of cayenne (optional)

• Puree the ginger and half of the juice until smooth. Run the blender on low and drizzle the honey through the feeder, then add the rest of the juices and blend 1 minute. Drink right away. Favor this recipe on an empty stomach to move out mucous.

We’ve got a recipe like this in the Spring Cleanse Recipes- plus so many more! Join me for this 10-day journey that starts April 5th and get oodles of spring recipes for your cleanse and beyond. DM me CLEANSE, and I’ll send you the link- can’t wait to see you there.

Follow this space to watch us roll out the release of the 10-year anniversary edition of The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. This cookbook was developed as a resource to keep my community members cooking clean foods after the spring and fall and cleanses are over. Now you can find 100 recipes to cook the Ayurveda way through the year.

Why Choose Natural Oral Care Products?

Choosing natural oral care products is not only trendy but a conscious decision to protect our body while respecting nature. Products like DrTung’s floss are not only effective in maintaining oral hygiene but are also free from harmful chemicals, and cruelty-free. Using products like these ensures that we are not exposing our bodies to unnecessary synthetic ingredients and are also contributing to environmental conservation. Even the packaging is totally natural and sustainable.

Embracing natural oral care practices is a step towards healthier living and environmental responsibility. By integrating the wisdom of ancient Ayurveda practices with modern innovations, we can achieve a holistic approach to oral hygiene that benefits our body, and preserves our planet. According to Ayurveda, doing one without the other is missing the point.

Interested in experiencing a totally natural and effective oral care routine?
Try DrTung’s Activated Charcoal VEGAN Floss and enjoy the benefits of a clean, fresh mouth. Use the code KATE15 at checkout for a 15% discount on your first purchase at www.drtungs.com.

Rediscover the ancient wisdom of natural oral care and step into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle today.

Late Winter Transition tips

You may notice the metabolism starts to slow down in late winter. Those cookies that were working fine start to sit in the gut, citrus fruits begin to sound AMAZING. You know what I mean?

I’ve learned a few things over the years that help keep the fires bright as we head into early spring, a kapha time of year for many

1. Replace a pastry habit with a savory breakfast.
2. Drink Tulsi and/or ginger tea.
3. Start adding more cooked greens to meals.
4. Keep it warm- not time for salads yet!

For the complete scoop on late winter/early spring, check out the workshop!