Ayurveda on menopause

As you can imagine, Ayurveda has a LOT to say about menopause - its causes and what we can do about to become more in harmony. First of all, Ayurveda does not view menopause as a disease as we do in Western medicine. It is a natural phase of life where we shift to our vata time of life (sannyasa ashram). This time allows for insight, wisdom, reflection & contemplation which may even inspire you to share that wisdom with others. That being said, all the doshas can be involved in menopause. For example, pitta is involved in hot flashes, feeling irritable or emotional in other ways. Kapha contributes to depression and weight gain. And vata as we know - our biggest player here - is responsible for bone density loss, anxiety, trouble sleepy, bleeding irregularity during perimenopause, vaginal dryness and skin and digestive issues. Importantly to remember, Vata is the only dosha that can increase, or "push", the other doshas when it is increased. 

It is important even well before menopause to take action to prevent imbalances in the future - this means a solid ayurvedic lifestyle and nutrition plan according to your constitution. 

Here are just a few tips to help ease into menopause with ease and grace: 
- Calm your sympathetic nervous system
- Strengthen your agni (digestive fire) with CCF tea or have grated ginger with lime and salt before meals
- Consider a brief monthly mini-cleanse especially if you have high pitta symptoms
- Follow a vata balancing diet and lifestyle (cooked foods with warming spices, minimize stress, maintain a schedule etc)
- Have a regular yoga, meditation and pranayama practice
- Daily abhyanga (oil massage) 
- Be sure you're hydrated!
- Boost your immune system with chyavanprash
- Have a great evening routine for best sleep 

There is SO much more info on this topic - we just touched the tip of the iceberg! Read the article below for even more about menopause!