Manage Menopause through Ayurveda

Menopause is a transitional phase of women's life. In India, a woman is called “Devi”, who is having special powers within, so she is able to give birth to a new life. In the present era women have a multidimensional attitude and enjoy special place in the society by reaching all kind of heights by their spectacular physical, mental and spiritual performance in almost every fields.

According to Ayurveda, menopause is termed as Rajonivrutti. As it is the most significant milestone in a woman's life. Many females experiences symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, irritability, mood swings, dry vagina, fatigue etc. But few may suffer from serious disorders like Osteoporosis, heart diseases, stroke etc. Natural menopause occurs at or after the age of 40.

The Ayurvedic wisdom explains beautifully these three major reasons for menopause discomfort:

1.            As menopause is the transition from the Pitta phase of life to the Vata  phase, if a woman already has a significant Pitta or Vata imbalance in the years before menopause, things are likely to get worse during menopause, which is a period when hormonal and other natural changes take place in the body.

2.            Another factor leading to menopausal imbalances is the accumulation of digestive impurities (Aama) in the physiology. Aama blocks the channels that transport nutrition to the cells and remove waste from the body, and thus contributes to menopausal problems.

3.            A third factor is the misuse or overuse of the mind, body, emotions and senses. Basically, this happens when a woman strains her mind too much or under tremendous emotional stress.

Ayurvedic Therapy for Menopause, which really helped many women all over the world, is available in Vedic science.  The main aim is to maintain balance within which is very possible with Ashtang yoga, pranayama, meditation, counselling, involving in satvic activities.

 Panchakarma therapies-

Abhyangam, Shirodhara, Shiropichu, Talapothichil, Nasyam, KsheerBasti, MatraBasti, Nityavirechanam, Shastikashalipindaswedam.

Rejuvenation (Rasayana therapy) - It is very effective after Panchakarma therapies and proper administration of Rasayan helps to keep the person healthier for longer time.

According to Ayurved Sadvritta and Swasthavritta, by following Dinacharya, Ratricharya and Ritucharya along with taking measures to relieve stress- strain, aging process can be delayed & symptoms associated with menopause can be minimized. 

Dietary tips to manage menopause

Diet can be an important tool in menopause management.

If a woman is prone to Pitta-based problems, such as hot flushes or excessive irritability, follow a Pitta-pacifying diet avoid foods that are spicy, such as chilies, cayenne and black mustard seed. Salty foods and foods that are sour, such as yogurt (unless it is diluted and sweetened in a drink called lassi), and sour foods mustard, and other salad dressings and condiments made with vinegar should also be avoided.

Favor foods that are bitter, astringent and sweet, as these are cooling to Pitta dosha. Bitter and astringent foods include most vegetables. Sweet foods include rice, milk and cream, sweet lassi, and wheat products. Sweet, juicy fruits such as pears and plums also pacify Pitta dosha. Cook with Pitta-reducing spices, such as cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel and small amounts of cumin seed.

If you experience Vata-related symptoms of menopause such as memory loss or vaginal dryness, you'll want to work at bringing Vata dosha back into balance. For this, you should consume foods that are cooked, warm, and unctuous (meaning that they have a small amount of good fats such as ghee and olive oil). Eat foods that are sweet, sour and salty, as thess balances Vata dosha.

Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract, elimination, and menstruation, is a key area to attend to when preparing for menopause. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day.

Eat plenty of cooked, leafy greens, as this helps elimination and is also a good source of calcium. For both Pitta and Vata imbalances, a breakfast of cooked apples and prunes and figs is a good way to start the day, as it balances the doshas and cleanses the digestion. It is also important to keep your digestion strong and free of aama.

Avoid eating foods that are packaged, processed, frozen, canned or left over. Eat organic foods that are cooked fresh each day. The bulk of your diet should consist of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes and light dairy products such as milk, buttermilk or cottage cheese for protein.

This type of light-but-nourishing diet will aid your digestion and avoid the build-up of aama. Avoid heavy foods such as meat, salted cheese, yogurt and frozen desserts like ice cream, especially at night.

Lifestyle tips for balance

Sleep is important for the woman entering menopause or going through menopause, because both Vata and Pitta imbalances can cause sleep problems that will worsen the menopausal imbalance.

Important:

To keep both doshas in balance and to sleep more deeply at night, be sure you're in bed before 10:00 pm and that you arise before 6:00 am. This is the time of night when sleep comes easier and is more restful. If you stay awake past 10:00 pm, it will be harder to fall asleep, and you'll also increase any Pitta imbalance, because 10:00 pm to 2:00 am is the Pitta time of night, when the body needs to be at rest in order to cleanse and purify itself.

The morning abhyangam (ayurvedic oil massage), is extremely important for preventing menopausal problems. Samvaya oil is designed to increase circulation, calm Vata and pitta dosha, and provide needed moisture to the skin.

For both Pitta and Vata dosha, it's important not to skip meals and to eat your main meal at noon, when digestion is the strongest. Try to eat at the same time every day, and go to bed and wake up at the same time.

Be sure to get lots of rest during your menstrual cycle as you approach menopause, because this will keep Apana Vata in balance and avoid the more serious complications of menopause.

Daily exercise (gentle for Vata and not too overheating for Pitta) is also important for keeping all doshas in balance.