Ayurvedic viewpoint - Menopause
The menopause is a natural transformation in a woman’s life. It can occur anywhere between the mid thirties to mid fifties, but typically occurs between 45-55. The ovaries stop producing mature eggs on a monthly cycle. There may just be a gradual cessation of menstruation or a lengthening of the time between each period that will naturally cease. It is not a disease, merely a transition. Living naturally and healthily can have many benefits at this time of change.
Typical symptoms of menopause
This alteration in the hormonal balance may result in certain symptoms such as:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Insomnia
Dryness
Lowered libido
Palpitations
Mood swings
Ayurvedic viewpoint
Ayurveda is the traditional medical system of India based on the three basic constitutional elements of vata, pitta and kapha. It uses natural remedies along with lifestyle and dietary recommendations to balance these elements and bring optimum health.
The Ayurvedic perspective on menopause is that the pitta phase associated with ambition, family rearing and drive is evolving into the vata phase of wisdom, maturity and insight. This also has physiological effects and in individuals where the constitution is destabilised there can be some uncomfortable symptoms.
The main symptoms of vata are: nervousness, dryness, depression, anxiety, irregular cycle, missed menses, mood swings, sleep disturbances, lowered libido, hot and cold flushes.
The main symptoms of pitta are: hot flushes, heat sensations, vata pushing pitta upwards, irritability, anger, change in menstrual flow, night sweats, digestive upset.
It is also common for some women to put on weight (kapha symptom) during menopause, especially if they have disturbed digestion or are taking HRT.
Treatment
There are some very effective natural treatments for the menopause as recommended by Ayurveda:
Use Shatavari as the basic menopausal symptom relieving herb. It nourishes the reproductive system and restores a healthy balance to hormonal levels via its steroidal saponin content. Energetically it is sweet, bitter, moistening and cooling. This means that it nourishes dry tissue whilst clearing aggravating heat and sweats. Available as tincture or capsule.
Organic Aloe Vera Juice has an affinity with the female reproductive system. It can be taken each morning as a gentle cooling herb. It is also sweet and bitter and this helps to nourish dry mucus membranes and clear inflammatory heat from the body.
Use Organic Rose Water as an astringent, aromatic and cooling spray for the skin that dries hot flushes and instantly cools the system.
Organic Hemp Seed Oil is full of Omega 3-6-9 Essential Fatty Acids and is great for nourishing the mucus membranes. Omega-3 also helps to create prostaglandins which can reduce water retention and normalise hormone levels. It can be taken by the spoon or added to food.
Refresh Tea: a delicious herbal blend including peppermint, renowned for helping the body keep a balanced temperature.
Harmonise Tea: A delicious blend of herbs including rose, shatavari and hibiscus that have all been traditionally used to help balance women’s health.
Some Ayurvedic dietary suggestions
Diet will depend on the constitutional factors causing aggravation. Some general advice is:
Avoid hot spices, greasy food, very cold foods
Increase warm and easy to digest foods, increase soya products as these are high in isoflavones that are beneficial in reducing hot flushes.
Avoid coffee and alcohol. They increase blood pressure, heart rate and dilate the peripheral skin vessels, which all encourage sweating.
Lifestyle recommendations
Become involved with some form of self-nurturing, personal inspiration, creativity enhancing practice such as Yoga. Have regular massage to help tone the skin, clear toxins and calm the nervous system.
Testimonial
Dear Pukka Herbs
“Thank you for the most wonderful product I have tried. I noticed whilst reading my Sunday Times a letter from a reader who was suffering from night sweats, she was recommended to try Shatavari - Asparagus racemosa. I rang your company and within 11 hours I was using the drops and feeling much better, I have now ordered another supply and I am still delighted. Thank you very much.”
Margaret Walker