As the sun rises, a new day begins, painting the sky with vibrancy and signaling the start of endless possibilities. In the same way, as menopause unleashes its transformative magic, a new chapter unfolds, inviting women to embrace their inner strength, rediscover their true essence, and ignite a brilliant spark that lights the path of self-discovery, liberation, and empowerment.
Menopause is a natural and transformative phase that every woman experiences in her life. It brings about many physical and mental/emotional changes as the body adjusts to a new hormonal landscape. But amidst these changes, a wealth of wisdom and opportunity for growth is waiting to be discovered.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, emerges as a guiding light, offering a holistic approach to support women during this transformative transition.
In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore some of the Ayurvedic perspectives on mastering menopause symptoms—a journey that unveils the power of holistic healing and celebrates the innate wisdom of the female body.
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being. When it comes to mastering menopause symptoms, Ayurveda emphasizes restoring balance and harmony within the body rather than merely addressing individual symptoms.
Let us share a few Ayurvedic keys with you.
Key #1 - Understanding the Elements
According to Ayurveda, everything in the universe, including our bodies, is composed of five fundamental elements known as the Pancha Mahabhutas. These elements are space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Understanding the elements and their qualities helps assess the balance or imbalance of our bodies and design appropriate interventions to restore equilibrium. Ayurveda utilizes various techniques, such as diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, body therapies, mental/emotional support, spiritual growth, and seasonal routines, to balance the elements and promote health and well-being.
Space (Akasha): Represents the field or container for all elements, providing potential for growth and movement.
Air (Vayu): Represents mobility and movement, governing processes like breathing, circulation, and nerve impulses.
Fire (Agni): Represents transformation and energy, responsible for digestion, metabolism, and warmth.
Water (Jala): Represents fluidity and nourishment, associated with bodily fluids and providing hydration and lubrication.
Earth (Prithvi): Represents stability and structure, forming the physical body and providing grounding and material substance.
Here's an example of how you can practice connecting with the elements. Ask yourself, for instance, how can I create space and invite expansiveness of the space element into my daily life?
Another one is what foods or practices can support nourishing the Earth element within my body?
These elements combine to form an individual's unique constitution, and their balance is essential for overall health and well-being.
Key #2 - Understanding the Doshas
According to Ayurveda, each individual has a unique constitution, known as doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), influencing our physical and mental characteristics.
During menopause, imbalances in these doshas can contribute to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, anxiety, depression, loss of libido, headaches, muscle tension, joint pain, sleep disturbances, and many more. Balancing Doshas: According to Ayurveda, menopause is associated with a decrease in the hormone-producing function of the ovaries, which can lead to imbalances in the doshas (bioenergies) within the body. Balancing the doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta, is essential during this time.
This can be achieved through a personalized approach that includes dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and stress reduction techniques.
"Menopause is a natural transition that signifies the blossoming of wisdom and the emergence of a woman's authentic self." - Dr. Aviva Romm
Key #3 - Nourishing Food - 60:40 Bowl
This concept was life-changing for me!
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a nourishing diet during menopause. Food that is nourishing, easily digestible, and promotes hormonal balance are recommended. This includes incorporating a variety of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and herbs, and spices with balancing properties into daily meals.
During my Ayurvedic Health Trainiungs and my journey, I learned about the 60:40 bowl from my mentor and counselor Myra Lewin, the founder of Hale Pule,
The 60:40 bowl refers to a dietary principle they promote, where 60% of the bowl consists of augmenting foods and 40% of extractive foods. The terms "augmenting" and "extractive" refer to the qualities or effects of certain types of foods when incorporated into a meal.
Augmenting Foods: Augmenting foods are those that enhance and nourish the body, providing essential nutrients and promoting overall well-being. These foods often have a balancing effect and contribute to the 60% portion of vegetables and greens in the bowl.
Extractive Foods: Extractive foods, on the other hand, can deplete or extract nutrients or energy from the body, which is partly healthy because it helps to detox and clean the body. On the other hand, it is unhealthy to take in too much of them,
The 60:40 bowl concept encourages individuals to focus on augmenting foods that provide nourishment, vitality, and balance to the body while being mindful of the intake of extractive foods.
Key #4 - Mind-Body Connection
Ayurveda recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Mastering menopause symptoms also involves nurturing mental and emotional well-being. Ayurvedic practices such as meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental and emotional balance. Also, practicing Yoga can be beneficial to support women during menopause by addressing various physical, mental, and emotional changes that occur during this transitional phase.
Key #5 - Lifestyle Practices the Ayurvedic Way
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of daily routines (dinacharya) and seasonal routines (ritucharya) to maintain balance. Establishing any kind of daily and seasonal routines, for example, a regular sleep schedule, regular mealtimes, engaging in stress-reducing practices like meditation or yoga, nature walks, and maintaining a consistent movement routine (fun movements for you), can help manage menopause symptoms effectively.
Key #6 - Herbal Support
Ayurveda harnesses the healing power of herbs to manage menopause symptoms. Certain herbs, such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Brahmi, are known for their hormone-balancing properties and can help alleviate hot flashes, mood swings, and anxiety. These herbs can be consumed in the form of teas, herbal supplements, powders, massage oils, or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Key #7 - Ayurvedic Perspective on Menopause and Sexual Health
Ayurveda recognizes that during menopause, a woman's body undergoes significant changes, including hormonal shifts, which can affect various aspects of her health, including sexual well-being.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, sexual health is considered an integral part of overall well-being. Some key principles and perspectives on menopause and sexual health in Ayurveda include: maintaining hormonal balance, nourishing the vital essence of the body (Ojas), supporting libido, addressing vaginal dryness, balancing stress and emotions, and an individualized approach.
Ayurveda recognizes that changes in hormonal levels during menopause can impact libido and sexual desire. Herbal supplements, aphrodisiac herbs, practices like abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage), and specific lifestyle recommendations may be employed to support and enhance libido during this phase.
Ayurveda encourages cultivating intimacy and open communication with one's partner during menopause. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy sexual relationship.
Final Thoughts - Ayurveda Suggests to Enjoy Menopause
In summary, embracing the Ayurvedic approach to mastering menopause symptoms empowers women to navigate this natural transition with self-care, balance, and vitality. By recognizing the importance of the balance of the elements, nourishing foods, herbal support, stress management, intimacy cultivation, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices, we can effectively address menopause symptoms and enhance our overall health and well-being.
Through the Ayurvedic lens, menopause becomes a time of empowerment and rejuvenation, where you can cultivate intimacy, nurture your vitality, and embrace the wisdom and beauty that comes with this natural transition.
Embrace the Ayurvedic way and embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being during menopause and beyond.
Take the first step towards mastering menopause symptoms the Ayurvedic way and embark on a transformative journey of growth and self-discovery in a holistic way. Incorporate Ayurvedic principles into your daily life to nurture your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being during this transitional phase.
By taking this proactive step, you open yourself up to the profound potential for growth and self-discovery that menopause offers. Enjoy the transformative power of Ayurveda and embark on a journey that not only addresses menopause symptoms but also unlocks your true potential and ignites your inner radiance.
Remember that Ayurveda emphasizes the uniqueness of each individual, so seeking guidance from an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional is crucial for personalized recommendations.
Consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or holistic healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs. Explore Ayurvedic practices, including nourishing foods, herbal remedies, stress management techniques, and self-care practices, all aimed at fostering balance and vitality.
Start your Ayurvedic journey today and enjoy menopause as an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and renewed vitality.
With Love,
Annabelle