There is a lot of information available about menopause, but much of it is based on Western medicine and treatments. Ayurveda offers a different perspective on menopause and how to deal with the symptoms.
In Ayurveda, menopause is considered a natural process that happens as women age. It is a time for women to take a step back and reflect on their lives, much as they did when menstruation began. Menopausal called “Raja Nivrutti” in Ayurveda is an important benchmark for a woman.
Women who have been estrogen dominant may begin experiencing symptoms of progesterone deficiency, including night sweats and hot flashes.
Estrogen decreases with age so women who have not had children may begin to experience symptoms earlier than those with multiple children, but there is no way to predict when or how the symptoms will manifest. Women who are in perimenopause may continue to menstruate for several years before menopause is actually reached.
In Ayurveda, the aim is to help the woman ease through this time of change with as little discomfort as possible. There are a number of treatments that can be helpful, including dietary changes, herbs, and yoga.
Dietary Changes
A balanced diet is essential for good health, and menopause is no exception. Estrogen dominance can be brought on by a diet high in processed foods and sugar, as well as certain environmental factors such as heavy metals like mercury.
As estrogen decreases during menopause, women may experience symptoms of progesterone deficiency that are made worse with these types of foods. Furthermore, the average American diet is deficient in important foods and nutrients, such as vegetables and essential fatty acids, further increasing the risk for developing symptoms of menopause.
Selecting diet changes should be done with guidance from a trained practitioner to ensure that the diet will meet all nutritional needs and not put undue stress on other systems in the body. A certified herbalist, naturopath, or Ayurvedic practitioner can guide women through dietary changes that will help ease symptoms of menopause.
Yoga and Meditation as Therapy
Stress is one of the main causes of many diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Yoga and meditation can reduce stress by helping to center the mind and create a sense of peace. In Ayurveda, it is believed that stress and anxiety can aggravate the symptoms of menopause. Find your meditation style here.
A regular meditation practice can help ground the individual in the present moment, allowing her to let go of any worries about the past or future and find peace in the now. Meditation provides relief from symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, insomnia, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and anger.
Natural Supplements
There are a number of herbs that can be helpful for women going through menopause. Herbs such as black cohosh, chasteberry, and red raspberry leaf are often used to help regulate menstrual cycles and ease the symptoms of menopause. Herbal supplements should only be taken under the guidance of a trained practitioner, as some herbs can interact with prescription medications.
In conclusion, Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on menopause and how to deal with the symptoms. With guidance from a trained professional, women can find the right combination of treatments to help them feel their best during this time of change.
