Rtu Vidya: Ancient Science behind Menstrual Practices

by Sinu Joseph

The book Ṛtu Vidyā emerged in search of answers to questions asked by adolescent girls and women in India during the author’s interactions with them as part of Menstrual Health workshops, conducted over a span of a decade across rural India. In an attempt to decode menstrual practices, the author undertook a journey across India and studied various indigenous knowledge systems such as Ṣaḍ-Darśana, Āyurved, Tantra, Cakra, Yōg, Āgama Śāstra, Jyotiṣa Śāstra, and several sub-texts from these categories. As a result, the book goes beyond just describing cultural practices and takes a deep dive into explaining the scientific and logical reasoning behind the origin of these practices.

This book is for all Indian women who have unanswered questions pertaining to menstrual practices, for menstrual researchers who will find a treasure trove of potential areas for research pertaining to menstrual health, for sportswomen to discover the ancient techniques that worked in sync with women’s periods and not against it, and also for the feminist who assumes that cultural practices around menstruation are a taboo that needs to be done away with.

The correct understanding of the science behind menstrual practices, as given in this book, will help women prevent menstrual difficulties, develop a positive attitude toward menstruation, and learn to work in sync with nature’s cycles.

Ṛtu (pronounced as ruthu) is one of the terms for menstruation in Sanskrit. Vidyā means knowledge. Ṛtu Vidyā is the author’s attempt to bring together various indigenous knowledge systems that provide information about the science of menstruation, which is relevant even to this day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

388 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2020

Reviews

[Madhuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every woman

This is an eye opener and deals with intricate details of menstruation from point of view of Ayurveda. Every woman must read this book

[Srav · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my 3rd book out of 21 in 2021.

What can I say about Sinu Joseph except that she is doing the world a service?

My first exposure to Sinu Joseph's work was last year when I had stumbled across her work about Sabrimala and watched an interview she did for promoting Rtu Vidya. I was already in so much awe about how wonderful of an orator and a visionary she is. In my opinion, Ms. Joseph has understood what it means to be a feminist in the finest way. I do want to avoid spoilers for anyone who still is interested in reading this book because I think reading this book is like having a feminine journey about understanding yourself. After reading this book, I take many precautions and treat my menstrual time as a time of sensitivity. Of course, those who have keenly followed my Goodreads from a while can tell very well that I am a little witchy in my own way and have been trying to understand the concept of feminity for a while now. But, I think that Sinu Joseph has scientifically also broken barriers in this book because she really undergoes deep research and explains the feedback loops and hormonal concepts behind the practices as well. And as someone who has a medical background, I can surely confirm everything she said is 100% accurate as for the science.

And another aspect that I want to really touch on is the feminist lens in this book. She goes into discussion many times of the concept of the red tent in America in comparison to the seclusion huts which are practiced still in rural India. Why is it, as Ms. Joseph very smartly brings up, that when our women do practice it is regressive but when white women do it it's alternative medicine? Why is it that when Indian women are practically screaming for their menstrual amenities the government and other NGOs are not listening to them and taking them away from them? Is it not patriarchial to eradicate the voice of women in the face of saying we are being feminist? I am a 101% proud feminist and I will always be a feminist because we cannot measure the success of a movement based on the views of the most radical member present. But, I'll be damned if I think that letting a woman have a damn view and a choice is anti-feminist whether they're "patriarchially brainwashed" or not. I understand 100% that people have negative views of the menstrual taboo and believe it is patriarchial. I used to be a member of that crowd for a very, very long time and it is okay to have that perspective and have negative views on the menstrual taboo. The taboo itself is so problematic and I don't condone it. But especially when something that is so crucial to the process of life itself is seen as a taboo, it's even more important to listen to women and their choices. Some women are forced to suffer until they are forced to rest due to dehabilitating symptoms, and Ayurveda (and recently modern medicine) sees the period as the woman's 5th vital sign so that's not normal. To allow women to choose to rest is feminist inherently. I hope my words are not misconstrued.

Coming back to Ms. Joseph, I hope this book reaches many more amazing women out there who want to understand their menses more and that they are fully able to understand themselves better and how to care for themselves better after this book. Thank you Ms. Joseph for a masterpiece and for caring about women's health. Thank you also for the respect you are giving Hinduism. And, thank you for being an amazing author. This book is edited and written so consisely and it feels that the book is exactly as many pages and in as much detail as needed. A very crisply written book.

This book will change your perspective and therefore your life because I'm sure every woman will retain something or the other from this treasure.

[Ganesh V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on menstruation and related concepts piqued my interest mainly due to the author’s previous work on Women in Sabarimala. The book starts with a wonderful introduction which lays out the expanse of the topics being covered by the author. The book starts with the author making a pertinent point: While modern science relies on evidence to prove a theory, what is generally not considered is that the evidence can be derived from self experiences i.e. pratyaksha pramana , much like her previous work.

The section on Ayurveda and its comparison with other healing systems in the world, coupled with the historical references is a very well written part. I would highly recommend reading this aspect to understand the intermix of human intelligence across geographical boundaries in the past. The significance of our customs and rituals is very well explained. For example, the importance of the “function” (rtu kala samskara) after the first period of a girl i.e. menarche ritual is explained quite comprehensively with multiple references, including those related to episodic memory. The scientific significance of these steps makes for some interesting reading.

The first part of the book is a wonderful description about menstruation from Ayurveda perspective. The section on Sports and impact of menstruation on women’s health and performance is very written. Deriving from multiple interviews, the author has really put in commendable effort to bring up a holistic perspective. The section on the astrological analysis and effects on menstruation is also interesting.

One observation: In the kindle version, the charts are split across views i.e. subsequent pages which is not pleasant to read/interpret. I hope this is corrected in future revisions.

The second part is related to the experiences and inferences thereof. The author explains the various Samskruta words used to describe the different facets of Dharma. Similar to her earlier book, the author explains the 6 chakras, difference between Bhukti & Mukti temples along with the impact of visiting temples during menstruation or in simple scenarios such as just after consuming food. The chapter on Mantras & their impact on our physiological functions is a definite must read. I particularly enjoyed the section on Maa Kamakhya, which is very well written interlaced with personal experiences. The last section on menstrual practices in other religions is quite an informative read. For interested readers, the author has captured some very interesting details at the end of the book in the form 6 notes.

Some portions of the book could be overwhelming for a few as the data presented is quite detailed, but for true aspirants, this is a treasure trove of information. For non-technical readers, real life experiences are great source of motivation and hence, one feels a few more real life incidents could have been included.

Overall a magnificent book. Highly Recommended Read. Please do read if not already done so.

[The Conch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why girls suddenly become untouchable during their periods. Is this conspiracy of patriarchal society ? What is the reason to humiliate them by keeping away from every auspicious occasion in those days? This was the reason of invasion of Sabarimala by woke feminists.

This book addresses all these questions from science, Ayurveda and spiritual dimension. Author did expansive research from all fields to establish the reason. She experimented with her own body before making any inference. At the end of the book, extensive discussion is given on Hindu Shastras.

This book must not be limited to only female, but males must read to remove misconception and superstition from mind.

[Derick Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing books I have read in a long time. While it focused on women's health, it demystifies the effect Khoshas, Chakras have on human well being. It then goes on to explain the link between the vibrations perceived in consecrated spaces in temples and its effect on human energy system. Simply amazing. A must read !

[Sahil Shirke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is sooo sooo goood !!! I'll be gifting this to my sister and all my female friends, must read for every woman and every man who has important women in his life !!! Sinu Joseph ji is an inspiration 🙏🏽

[Muskan Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has been an eye opener for me.
We, as youngsters, usually refuse the so called "traditions" claiming it to "superstitions". We often, go with the trend, neglecting the possibility to understand the age old practices that even our previous generation maintains. The reason behind being the lack of scientific basis & a good narrator to make us understand the practicalities of life.

I would say, this is an encounter with that lost knowledge of ours about science of menstrual health, which is relevant even today.

Hope this book delivers justice to your monthly repetitive answers!

[Mahathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book clarified most of my doubts about the importance of the menstrual cycle on women's health, the reason behind the rituals, and the mysteries behind the Indian traditions around menstruation. This book is a recommended read for every woman, especially to the parents of a girl child.

Some important information that helped me are the basics about Ayurveda concepts, the different types of dosas, and the diet-related to those dosas. This helped me understand my body better, types of menstrual problems and symptoms to watch out for in the future, and practices to avoid menstrual problems. I am grateful to the author Sinu for explaining these complex practices and principles in a simple way.

I felt the author might have added a chapter on modern-day menstrual problems and some practical solutions to incorporate ancient practices these days. I couldn't get an answer for a few questions like why there is a tradition of taking hair wash on the first and 3rd day of periods and its importance.

I really appreciate that the author has mentioned all sources of research information and articles. This will help in learning more about those topics.

Some Excerpts from the book:

Āyurved stresses on the individual’s ability to shape his/her health based on his/her thought process. It is agreed in modern medicine as well that stress negatively impacts the physical well-being, resulting in psychosomatic disorders (diseases of the mind that affect the body).

Thousands of years ago, seers of Āyurved defined a healthy menstrual discharge very clearly.
According to the above verses from Caraka Saṃhita, ārtava (menstrual flow) is said to be healthy if it has the following features:
niṣpiccha – free from sliminess of discharge; dāhārti – (free from) burning sensation and pain;
pañcarātrānubandhi – lasts for five nights; na ati bahu na aplam – flow is neither too heavy nor too scanty;
guñjā phala sa varṇam – the color of menstrual discharge is like the gunja fruit (rosary pea/abrus precatorius);
padma alaktata sannibham – or (the color) is similar to the lotus or Indragopa insect (trombidium).

I would recommend this book to all women and if you think of it, it's a good gifting option for this Women's day!

[Gayathri Raja · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read and much needed for the hour.

Though some chapters were bit difficult to comprehend, the book overall gives much insight and explanations to many of our ancient practices. Especially, it defines actual women empowerment. The author has clearly given so much effort to pen this down that one can't easily ignore it saying, 'Its all a myth!'

[Prerna Pratik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched book which lets you know the logical reasons with detailed explanation behind menstrual practices, right from the importance of menstrual cycle on women's health to reasoning of menarche rituals to effects of chanting religious mantra's during menstruation to the visiting of temples to the effects of menstruation for the women in sports and more. This book is recommended not only for female readers but for male readers as well.

[Dee · Rating 1 out of 5]

First, this was a well-made book in that the language is simple, the letters are large and there are accompanying illustrations where required.

There is a lot of scripture says in there, and for the believers that is reason enough. For those who approach things with a rational mind, I have summarized some important points in the book, and the reasons why I find it difficult to agree with that explanation.

It starts off with an introduction to ayurveda, and what precautions women should take during menstruation. This section was reasonably interesting. Sesame seems to be a recommended food during menstruation in ayurveda, this was news to me since there are myths floating around that it can increase blood output and should be avoided.

The first part of the book deals with "science" and health aspects, and the second part delves into religious aspects. Highlighting some main points here from the 1st part -

1. Celebrating Menarche festival - Psychologically a way for women to mark their transition from girlgood to womanhood. However, making this public knowledge across an entire village will make the outliers - women who start menstruating at too young and age or too old an age be subject to gossip, and potentially forced into early marriages or go unnarried due to more popular myths fermenting fertility concerns. This is not addressed in this book - and I wouldn't take the writer's defacto nod to every religious custom at face value. It will be useful to get a n inpartial sociologist's take on many of these customs as well.

It is also surprising a book about menstruation doesn't address the topic of sex education, which is already a huge problem in India. Given the writer's experience visiting communities all over the country, I'd have loved to read how girls were taught about safe sexual practices.

2. The book presents a few reasons to persist seclusion of women during menstruation-
a. Quoting - "The right index finger showed an increase in positive polarity to several thousands of microvolts". "In the case of menstruating women, they tend to attract electrons from those who touch them.As a result a person who has touched a menstruating girl experiences a loss of electrons putting their body at risk of oxidative stress" "Water in motion is said to produce negative ions. Hence bathing is a good way to regain loss of electrons".
First she quotes a study which was probably made by someone like the Oura ring manufacturer to predict ovulation/menstruation in women from just gathering stats on their finger. A few thousand microvolts is a few millivolts which is 0.001 Volts. Static electricity is 1000s of volts. So wearing wool or silk, which is actually recommended in the scriptures, can cause millions of times greater oxidative stress than touching a menstruating woman. The wording of this as "few thousand microvolts" instead of less than a volt seems to be a way to make this sound much more serious than it is in reality.

b. Banning of seclusion huts in some places, especially after a girl was killed in a natural disaster in one of them - through her travels, the writer claims, she has seen multiple women claim they like this process of seclusion. The problem with this statement is that, the only women coming up to speak to her are probably like-minded. The ones who are actually bothered by these seclusion huts, the ones whose daily wages or education is affected by this custom are likely not being heard. If a 100 women like being secluded, but even one woman does not - making this a tradition or custom is still causing oppression. The lack of free choice should airways be considered a problem, when that decision is not causing harm to anyone else.

c. Plants and infants can be affected by menstruating women - the book claims women can absorb more praana from them, increasing oxidative stress on infants or plants like Tulsi. 2 minutes of research shows people undergoing chemotherapy, taking heart medications or smokers tend to exhibit similar amount of free radicals. If heart patients cannot be near infants, given the prevelance of this among older generations, the entire system of joint families will collapse in India.

d. Cooking - menstruating women absorb prana from vegetables, so they dont taste good anymore. The book itself says there is a similar effect on vegetables if they are frozen for a while, and I think most vegetables sold in cities nowadays tend to come from a freezer at some point so this doesn't seem very relevant either.

Across all of these points the science is really weak or non-existent. For those who prioritize rationality over spirituality, the reasoning behind very few of these customs seem to hold water.

There is a segment in there about charting the menstrual cycle along side amavasya, Purnima and also mars on a woman's astrology chart. I completely agree that charting the menstrual cycle is essential, but modern science says it is also useful to track other physical indicators like body temperature, vaginal discharge, mood and so on, none of which are mentioned in this book.

The second part of the book deals with religion, visiting temples and reciting mantras. All of the reasoning here is backed by tantric yoga, 6 chakras of the body which can be affected by the specific prana pratistha performed in a temple or imbibed into individual sanskrit words. For the believers, there is useful knowledge about practicing religion correctly.

Bukthi temples seemingly resolve problems in lower chakras, so they are safe for menstruating women, and only mukti temples are to be avoided? Maybe I misunderstood this part.

The author oes narrate a personal story, about a temple for a menstruating goddess in Kerala. During her first visit, her cycle adjusted to match the goddess', to sync with amavasya. During her second visit however this same temple was inundated with Aiyappa devotees and her cycle actually got delayed due to their influence. One thing to note here is, these men aren't banned from menstruating temples even if their presence has this big a difference in female devotees.

Unfortunately much of this book did come off as a way for the author to justify a message that she wants to convey by cherry-picking or massaging facts.

[Mrudula Neelam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5
A highly recommendable read, especially for women! Most of it seems to be very well researched, experienced and written. The fact that menstrual health determines a woman's overall health needs to be amplified and this book does a brilliant job at that! The author's writing style and the subject matter made it quite an easy read for me. So many priceless takeaways, possibly life changing!

[Shreya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might not agree with all the science listed in the book as this is one of a kind book and I need to read more such books to land on any conclusion

[Gagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

अयि! जगदम्ब मदम्ब
Salutations to the mother of the universe who is my mother.

It is Sanatana Dharma that has worshipped the Shakti, the feminine divinity form yugas. The glorious Tripura Sundari has been hailed by this land that all its sacredness is an embodiment of this divine mother.

The ancient Bharatha knew that the female plays a most critical role in the flourishing of human manifestation. Yet, modernity which has its foundation based on the Judeo-Christian heritage of western thoughts, by its very nature of being materialistic has exploited the purity of this divine life in the name of Equality, Justice and progression which is producing more and more confused and toxic minds.

Coming to this brilliant work by Sinu mam.
Ṛtu pronounced as Ruthu is one of the Sanskrit words for Menstruation. Viḍyā means knowledge.
Rtu Vidhya is the author’s attempt to bring together the various Bharatiya knowledge systems that provide information about indic science of Rtu, which is relevant even today.

This topic surely is a vast one yet the book covers it brilliantly and propels the curious readers to go further with the reference mentioned and amass more knowledge.

To me, Rtu Vidhya is among those works in the emerging Indic Renaissance which surely act as decolonizers to those minds which under the influence of “ yet to develop “ nation think that bharAta’s culture regarding various aspects of life is “regressive, Superstitious or patriarchal'' without much understanding of the reasons why these customs are in practice in the first place.

The book is brilliantly written with various studies based on both modern science and the Dharmic aspects. I believe this work is a first step to understand this land in its purest form as the author talks about how Sanskrit has non-translatable terms.

The book is divided into 2 parts the first part talks about Menstruation in science. Both ancient and modern views are well recorded and explained.

It explains and decodes the traditional rituals like Menarche celebrations according to modern biological facts which surely will satisfy the Educated “logical open Minds”
he author has given first hand proofs of her own and others’ experiences and has provided suggestions regarding diets and lifestyles to actually experience the Gift of Menstrual cycle which is most often termed has “painful periods“ in modern feminist trends.
Part 2 deals with the Dharmic practices in Devalayams and mandirs regarding menstruation and how hindu Tirtha Kshetras impact Menstruations. Author’s experiences in Chengannur Bhagavathy and Devi Kamakhya temple.Mantras and their effects on menstrual cycles. The last section also talks about the Menstrual practices in religons like Islam and Christianity.
To me, as a guy who is rooted in Dharmic acharanas it always was a curious and concerning thing to understand the reason behind such customs since I hold my firm belief in our ancestors who hail “मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् । - let no one suffer“. and This book is surely the one which helped me understand this land’s caring nature.
Being an Adhyatmik Sadhaka I have understood that to Men the path is a long vigorous one like going to different Kshetras and practicing purifying rituals. But to a Woman in the Adhyatmik path Menstruation in a Satvik life by itself is a Sadhana it a nature’s gift to her Motherly natured Daughters to have a yajna of purification within their biology.
Manu Smrithi 9.5 :“Women should keep themselves away from vices.Because when women lose a Character, The entire society is destroyed.”

[Vijeyata Naidu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book like "Rtu Vidya- Ancient science behind menstrual practices" By Sinu Joseph was much needed in the times when there's so much ambiguity behind these practices in all the cultures around the world. The author dives deeper into the changes occurring within a menstruating woman at atomic level and decodes underlying scientific reasons for these practices which are currently lost somewhere between misinterpretation and superstition. She took me back to my menarche when I was as lost as any girl would be, and connected that experience to the symptoms of Dysmenorrhea that I currently experience. The book is filled with classifications according to body type in the context of Ayurveda and various other categories to which a certain diet is attributed. I was awstuck by how she connects the mother nature with the cycles of a woman and how intuitive a female becomes during that time, almost goddess like. This book shifts the paradigm and makes us marvel at all that's happening inside our bodies. Its an entire universe. Nothing has empowered me more than the realization that the menstruation gives us a chance to cleanse and reset our bodies, a biological advantage that needs to be revered not detested. The author's account of her visit to Kamakhya devi temple in Guwahati is filled with lively narration that one would immediately relate to if they've visited this powerful temple of the menstruating goddess. She drags the reader inside the temple sanctum and your chakras throb along with the authors when you read her description of how she felt when she enters these temples. She offers impressive phenomenological research in this book with personal accounts of countless women from all backgrounds who corroborate the ancient practices and what happens to their cycles when menstrual rules are not followed. There's so much more the book offers, if one is receptive enough this book will certainly change how we perceive this primordial occurrence in a woman's life.

#rtuvidya #bookreview
#sinujoseph #menstruation #divinefeminine #ancientscience

[ASD · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a visionary book in that it combines years of field-research on women's menstrual health with seemingly disparate strands of Indian knowledge systems, spanning Ayurveda to the six philosophical schools. It gives us a picture of the intricate conception of human existence by ancient Indian sciences, that can prove invaluable in tackling current medical and lifestyle problems, if approached with a truly open scientific temper. It clears subtle concepts like prana and chakras, which are from Yoga and Samkhya schools, and anybody with even a cursory experience with Yoga can explore these concepts experientially, if they want to test its basis. I tried some aspects and found it true for me. It has opened a whole new approach towards my body. Deeply grateful for such a book.

[Sanhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who has questions on the customs/ traditions surrounding menstrual practices in India, this is a must read.
Also I would recommend this book to those who have menstrual issues.
Understanding is the 1st step.
Whether you agree or not is a different matter also whether you choose to follow any of the customs is completely left to you.
But empower yourself with information, else you too will fall in the category of being superstitious, in your misunderstanding and rejection of so called superstitions.

[BHARATI · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for every women!

Very well written. What I understood through experience have answers now. I say it again a must read for every girl/ women to understand the misinformation floating around.

[Pratyasha Pokhrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gem.

[NEHA D · Rating 5 out of 5]

really loved to read about menstrual practices in ancient India and their logical reasonings. this book is a great guide for anyone wanting to approach their holistic journey towards a better health.

[Miss Rini · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for every women.

[Sowjanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read to understand the science between menstrual practices followed in India and the need to follow rather than tagging them as myths or superstitions

[Shabana · Rating 4 out of 5]

As part of our growing up years as girls many of us especially in the Indian sub continent have had to deal with many a restrictions related to menstruation days and have wondered why and where these came from . Irrespective of the religion or culture we grew up in, these somehow had a common thread of donts that made one think if there really was something to it. For all the thinkers for all the rebels and all believers this is one book that will answer the why and how. A must read for any one looking for answers and practical approach to deal with reasoning or restrictions we are brought up with and will raise our future generations with.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book for women who want to honor their wombmanhood. I’d recommend it to all women and their daughters