The description of Kilaasa dates back 3,518 years ago. It is mentioned in Vedic texts like Atharva-veda (1500 BC) and Manu-smriti (1250 BC -1000 BC). Etiopathology, symptoms and management of this disease is mentioned in all major samhitas, manusmriti, Atharva-veda, dermatology textbooks. It is a non-contagious skin disease characterized by whitish patches on the body. Shirt, Darun and Aruna are its synonyms. Incompatible diet, excessive sun exposure and inapt social behaviour are mentioned as causes of Kilaasa in ayurveda literature. However, exact cause of Kilaasa remains un-known until date. In this disease, aggravated three doshas (bodily humors) vitiate rakta, maamsa and meda dhatu of the affected skin. Three sub-types of Kilaasa are based on colour of the patch. Shodhana and shamana are principal treatments of Kilaasa. Under the shodhana therapy, three processes are described for this disease. Vamana(emesis) and virechana karma are mentioned in all three samhita of brahatatrayi while Raktamokshana has been advocated in Astang Hradya only. Ayurvedic etiology, pathology and treatment of the Kilaasa are similar of the maha kushtha and kshudra-kushtha. The symptoms are similar to the Vitiligo described in the modern text.

Ayurveda stands on the framework of tridoshas, sapta dhatus and trimalas. Apart from sapta dhatu, updhatu also plays an essential role. Artava, the updhatu of rasa dhatu is responsible for conception in females. Henceforth, the healthy status of Artava is of prime importance when we talk about reproductive health. Any anomaly in Artava and its functions has an impact on menstrual regulation as well as reproduction. The menstrual cycle is the cyclical events that appear in the endometrium of uterus to form visible flow of menstrual blood every month. Menstrual cycle in Ayurveda is termed as artavachakra. The word chakra signifies regular onset at regular intervals, just like a wheel or cycle. It manifests a periodicity of one chandramasa (28 days). Ayurvedic acharyas has not interpreted artavachakra into stages, but depending upon available references in Samhitas, it is divided into following phases – rajahsravakala, ritukala, rituvyatitkala. Abnormal menstruation is the most common and important cause of many gynecological disorders and infertility. The present paper emphasizes on the study of day, duration and events of menstrual cycle in Ayurveda and with that of contemporary science.