Menopause and menarche are two very common terms that every woman is familiar with. They are two crucial events in the lifetime of a woman and are natural processes that every female body undergoes. Today, here we will read a little and understand about menopause in accordance with ayurveda, an ancient science of life rooted deep in Indian culture.
What is Menopause?
It is the stopping of the menstrual cycle of a woman after a certain point in her life. To be very specific,‘Rajonivritti’ or menopause according to ayurveda is that significant stage in her life when she has not had her menstrual cycle for twelve consecutive months. It is generally achieved at age 50.
However, with the current lifestyle and conditions of women, it sets in earlier because the Vata dosha responsible for it gets affected. Since during this stage, the vata and pitta doshas are activated, there is extensive degeneration of tissues.
Ayurvedic Approach to Tackle Menopause with Change in Diet and Lifestyle
Ayurveda stresses on a proper and healthy diet, lifestyle and ayurvedic treatments to tackle menopause. This approach takes on the process of aging which is slowed down. Rasayana is prescribed to take on aging. It is a process where hormones and enzymes are induced.
Lifestyle Changes
In ayurveda, as part of rasayana, a daily routine is to be maintained and followed rigorously. It helps by reducing stress, strain and wear & tear of the body. It can be achieved with proper meals taken on time, regular exercising of the body and adequate sleep which has to be taken on time. Yoga and meditation also are good to help with menopausal syndromes that can be severe in some women.
Proper Diet
Another ayurvedic approach to tackling menopause is a specific diet. Since there is depletion or degeneration of tissues, the diet should consist mainly of milk, ghee, black lentils, and chickpea with plenty of vegetables. As this diet is a phytoestrogen-rich diet, it not only helps tackle menopause but they are also good for the bones which wear out after this stage.
Herbs to Tackle Menopause
Another approach in tackling menopause is the consumption of certain herbs. They have a very positive effect on the body. Herbs used to tackle menopause are listed below:
- Shatavari which relieves symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety and lack of libido. This can be included in the diet as a powder or in capsule form.
- Ashwagandha improves sleep which is a common problem associated with menopause and also improves the tissues. It can be taken in powdered form or as a supplement.
- Ashoka improves ovary functions. It is added to water or any fruit juice and taken 2-3 times a day in a quantity of 2-3 ml.
- Amalaki is rich in Vitamin C and has antioxidant properties which have anti-ageing properties and supports healthy organs. The fruit can be consumed whole or crushed and taken as juice.
- Bala promotes strength, boosts immunity and body strength. Its stem and roots are used. It can be consumed in powdered form or taken with water or juice. Capsules are also available in the market.
- Kumari or aloe vera for regeneration of youth. The juice of aloe vera is consumed on its own, in smoothies, cocktails, lemonade or the juice in gelatin form.
- Yashtimadhu relieves hot flashes, excessive sweating and night sweating. It also improves memory and intellect. It is consumed as a powder mixed in a cup of warm water. It has to be taken daily. ½ -¼ teaspoon of it is enough.
Apart from the above mentioned herbs, ashtisringala, godanti, praval pishti and mukta pishti are recommended for bones. Besides herbs, there are some spices that are also good in tackling menopause. They are mainly cumin, fenugreek and fennel which reduces menopausal syndrome with their phytoestrogen effects.
Concluding with the Overall Well-Being
Ayurveda can help manage and tackle menopause with proper diet, lifestyle and herbs which are a natural way. Rather the overall well-being of a woman is taken into consideration. Ayurveda practices help a woman get a grip on all the physical, emotional and psychological changes that take place in her body.
Also read – https://www.healthshots.com/intimate-health/menstruation/ayurvedic-remedies-for-menopause-symptoms/
