Menopause is a natural transition.Ayurvedic advices are there for to minimize discomfort and make it easier to undergo the phase.
Ayurveda describes 3 phases of life based on 3 doshas.First phase is kapha phase( childhood till adolescence),second one as pitta phase( the adulthood) and last phase as Vata phase (older age).For females Menopause marks a lot of characteristics of vata also some part of pitta.For example flashes of heat waves can be compared to sparks of fire which is brought out by influence of Air.Same way pitta with is taken out by vata and spread from centre to periphery.Many times this phase is also made worst by situations of profession and family life. Mordern day women who are alot doing for others and for their job misuse or overuse the mind, body, emotions, or senses.Its also results in kind of situation of burn outs which can make things worst.Ayurveda describes the depletion of Agni also playing a role and formation of Ama (digestive impurities).Some explanation of Ayurveda about menopausal can be as follows. Artava (menstrual blood) is an Upadhatu (secondary constituent), formed from Rasa Dhatu ( compared with )blood tissues within a month after proper metabolization of Rakta dhatu by its dhatvagni tissue level metabolism)and bhutagni(metabolic fire in the level of 5 elements). The kshaya of Rakta dhatu causes Artava kshaya due to utarottar dhatu kshaya( the depletion of tissues). Kshaya of Updhatu Artava and Shukra( tissues of sexual organs) can be compared to to stopping of ovulation, manifest as cessation of menstruation and decreased libido. Further, due to same reasons loss of Ojas (body vitality) makes women more susceptible to illnesses.
Symptoms of menopause
irregular periods-vata characteristic
Vaginal dryness-vata characteristic
Hot flashes-pitta vata characteristic
Chills-vata characteristic
Night sweats-Pitta characteristic
Sleep problems-pitta vata characteristic
Mood changes-pitta vata characteristic
Weight gain and slowed metabolism- kapha vata characteristic
Ayurvedic treatment for Menopause
Lifestyle changes
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 to balance vata.
Moderate intensity exercises is best.
Sleep is most important for Women in menopause or approaching menopause to balance vata.Best time to sleep is between 10 pm to 6am.
Diet for Menopause
Include a lot of well cooked whole grains, cooked veggies, fresh fruits which are ripened and seasonal.
Legumes provides protein which is essential to the menopause.
Spicy, salty, and sour foods need to be avoided or reduced to balance pitta .Include more 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 coriander, cinnamon, cardamon, fennel, mint,basil,dills ,Orange Peel,Parsley,Peppermint,Saffron,Spearmint,TarragonTurmeric,Vanilla,Wintergreen are all favorable.Almost all the bitter western spices are generally pitta passifying. Include milk products also in the food as its generally cooling and nourishing the vitality ( Ojovardhana).
Spaced out mind, changing moods, vaginal dryness are some of the symptom of vata and in this case lighter but still nourishing food is a must.
Eat foods that are cooked, warm, and unctuous (meaning that they have a small amount of good fats such as ghee and olive oil). 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.
Ayurveda therapies
Abhyanga/Ayurvedic oil massage is very helpful in menopausal conditions.
Various Pancha karma therapies can be done as per the guidance of Ayurvedic doctor.
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