Book Review: Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science Behind Menstrual Practices" by Sinu Joseph

"Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science behind Menstrual Practices" by Sinu Joseph provides insightful information on ancient practices aimed at helping women's menstrual situation and overall health. I recommend reading this book, particularly for women and young girls who view their periods as an inconvenience or feel annoyed by this bodily function. The book carries a body-positive message, encouraging women to accept their monthly bleeding as a cleanse and reminding them that menstruation is tied to their overall health and not just fertility and reproduction.

However, there were a few weak or misplaced parts of the book. For example, it could have been shorter, and it spends too much time praising Vedic culture. Chapters 9 (Chengannur Bhagavathy Temple) & Chapter 11 (Kamakya Temple) focus on the author's personal experiences and inspirations and may not be relevant to all readers.

The author acknowledges the lack of modern research done on old practices of menstruation. Thus, barring a few small studies, there is no significant data to support the claims. Hopefully, this book will inspire some studies on the impact of Vedic practices on menstrual health. The book is also a manual for Ayurvedic practices for menstrual health and gets technical and heavy on definitions in many parts.

However, I agree with the major takeaways of the book:

Ancient practices of menstrual seclusion kept ‘complete rest’ for women at the center. The author highlights in Chapter 4 how some communities want to continue the practice of 'complete rest' for menstruating women. They seek help from the government to provide infrastructure in the form of common resting houses that have all the facilities to properly house menstruating women. Many women have voiced how their issue is not the separated rest they get but the lack of facilities in their menstrual rest huts. It is important that menstrual health improvements also focus on the desires of rural women and not just assume we as so-called educated people know better than them.

Menstruation guidelines/restrictions are not to be found only in Vedic traditions but also exist in Christianity, Judaism, Pacific Island practices (author does not mention Jewish Pacific Islanders practices), and Islam. Many modern practitioners of these religions do not abide by these guidelines, but they do exist in their books.

Women's sports need to factor in women's periods. Too many female athletes have menstrual issues, and it should not be ignored. Rather than debate about letting biological men participate in women's sports through trans participation, women's sports could benefit from better study of women's periods.

The book beautifully explains Menarche celebrations in India. It is worth noting that many communities in Nepal also celebrate Menarche. These celebrations have womanhood at their center and help young girls with their self-esteem and also help them develop a positive relation to their periods. A happy first-period memory could be a base for a better relationship with this monthly visitor.

I gauge from my reading of the book that ritualistic purity is not the same as physical cleanness. Most major religions place some restriction on menstruating women, although there is nothing inherently impure about the menstrual process. Some religions regard the impurity as purely spiritual, while others are concerned about physical harm or danger as well. Indian practices around menstruating women focus not just on religious services purity but also on ensuring that physical harm does not come to women due to heavy work during periods. Sadly, that part is being forgotten and only aspects of ritualistic restrictions are being attacked. A lot of the modern outcry against menstrual practice is built on lack of knowledge among the masses. This book is a lovely attempt to fight this ignorance. 

Overall, "Ṛtu Vidyā: Ancient Science behind Menstrual Practices" pivots the conversation around menstruation from pain management through medication to a holistic lifestyle change for better health leading to a better period experience for women.