By Smita Naram, Co-Founder of Ayushakti
Is your menstrual cycle showing signs of irregular periods and hot flashes troubling you? The time leading up to menopause is known as perimenopause. There are lots of changes in your body’s hormone levels throughout this era. In Ayurveda, menopause is seen as a significant transition from the Pitta to the Vata-dominant phase of life. This natural process is influenced by the interplay of three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, and each woman’s experience is unique based on her constitution and the balance of these doshas.
During menopause, the Vata dosha tends to increase within the body and brings out anxiety and insomnia. Ayurveda recommends practices to pacify Vata, including a nourishing diet, gentle yoga, , and a consistent routine. The fiery Pitta dosha may become aggravated during menopause, leading to hot flashes, irritability, and inflammation. Balancing Pitta involves incorporating cooling foods, staying hydrated, and engaging in calming activities.
Kapha dosha naturally decreases during menopause, causing feelings of stagnation and weight gain. Balancing Kapha requires regular exercise, warming spices in the diet, and maintaining a consistent routine. During perimenopause, women experience irregular periods, changes in bleeding duration, headaches, insomnia, heart palpitations, night sweats, vaginal dryness, breast tenderness and thousands of constant mood swings. Between the ages of 45 and 55 is often when this shift starts. Perimenopause is not an illness. It’s simply another typical stage of your existence. There are numerous approaches to treating and managing the different perimenopausal symptoms.
Herbs and Dietary Changes Can Alleviate Perimenopause Symptoms:
Ayurveda suggests using herbs such as Shatavari and Ashwagandha for menopausal support. Licorice, fennel, and chamomile can help alleviate symptoms. A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is recommended. Avoiding spicy, salty, and processed foods is advised, while regular consumption of ghee is encouraged for its nourishing properties.
Herbal Remedies to Get Relief from Premenstrual Symptoms:
1. Natural Estrogen Therapy:
This remedy contains a blend of jeera (cumin), sauf (fennel), ajwain (carom seeds), yashtimadhu (liquorice), Hing (asafetida), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and praval pishti (coral calcium) to support hormonal balance.
Body Pain and Headache Relief Remedy:
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp carom seeds
1/4 tsp black mineral salt
1 pinch asafetida
1/2 glass water
1 tbsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp fenugreek powder
1/2 tbsp dill seed
Instructions:
1. Mix all ingredients and drink twice a day for effective results.
Lifestyle Changes
Ayurveda emphasizes lifestyle practices like establishing a daily routine, adequate sleep, exercise, and stress management during menopause. Yoga, especially gentle poses and breath work is beneficial for symptom relief. One can also opt for Ayurveda Detox Therapies like Panchakarma therapies, treatments like Abhyanga (full body massage) and Shirodhara, can be highly beneficial in managing both the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause and perimenopause. These holistic treatments help in alleviating common issues such as hot flashes, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, Panchakarma can aid in detoxifying the body, improving circulation, balancing hormones, and promoting overall well-being. By incorporating these therapies, women can experience significant relief and enhanced quality of life during this transitional period.
