Cause:
Menopausal age coincides with the woman’s transition from the pitta time period
of her life in to the vata time period. Many of the symptoms that are experienced
with menopause are a combination of the three doshas—vata, pitta and kapha. A woman’s
hormones are governed by pitta and kapha. This is one reason why many women will
experience hot flushes (pitta) and weight gain (kapha) when they are menopausal.
Nervousness and affected sleep will be part of vata imbalance.
Symptoms:
- Anemia
- Weakness
- Sudden hot flashes
- Profuse sweating, especially at night
- Excessive fall hair
- Irregular menstrual periods with excessive or scanty bleeding
- Burning urination
- Incontinence or increased frequency of urination
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Joint pain
- Edema or water retention
- Irritable nature and mood swings
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Sleeplessness
- Dizziness
- Chilly sensations
- Breast reduction
- Poor concentration
- Poor memory
- Headaches
- Weight swings
Treatment:
Ayurvedic treatment for menopause , which comes under the branch of "Rasayana Therapy",
involves correcting the imbalance, a Diet rich in phyto-oestrogens and internal
medications and Detoxification to eliminate Toxins in the system. For this Ayurveda
Panchakarma & Rejuvenation Procedures are carried out.
Panchakarma Procedure link Abhyanga (Oleation), Swedam (Suddation), Vamanam (Emesis),
Virecanam (Purgation), Asthapana Vasthi (Cleansing Enemas), Anuvasana Vasthi (Nutritive
Enemas) in consecutive order are performed and the Toxin accumulations are thus
removed thereby bodily channels are cleaned and there is a tremendous amount of
relief in the Menopausal Symptoms
Diet & Lifestyle Advice:
- Avoid excessive intake of salt, chilies, spices, sour foods, and pickles.
- Decrease intake of caffeine and other stimulants, refined sugar and cold drinks.
- Completely avoid junk food and carbonated drinks.
- Increase intake of warm foods and drinks; maintain regular meals; and use spices
such as fennel and cumin.
- An early bedtime, daily oil massage (with almond and olive oil), meditation, yoga,
and regular exercise (like walking) are all helpful.
Many Ayurvedic herbs can help strengthen and rejuvenate the female reproductive
system, regulate hormones, and calm emotions. These include Aloe Vera gel, shatavari
(asparagus), saffron,kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens), and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).
These herbs can be taken in milk decoctions to relieve the symptoms of menopause.
Licorice should be consumed during menopause, because it has phytoestrogens that
can help correct the hormonal imbalances. Also taking beetroot juice daily is helpful.
When a woman reaches perimenopause, she can benefit from turning inward to renew
her self-awareness and self-knowledge. We can come to know ourselves better by simply
reflecting on the energetic forces that create balance as opposed to imbalance in
our lives. Along with tridosha-balancing treatments and lifestyle changes suggested
by Ayurveda, we’ve seen many women benefit from practices like meditation and yoga,
as well as other relaxation techniques and gentle exercises.