Menopause Musings

Andropause (male menopause typically characterized by man-boobs, 24x7 man-flu bouts) still has a lot of taboos, like once were associated with women’s menopause. However, as we are maturing as a society, the taboos associated with M word are disappearing and women are leading the conversations, which are becoming easier and frequent. So we will cover women’s menopause in this blog post for discovering how Ayurveda’s ancient wisdom can help women navigate menopause, with a sprinkle of humor (not to belittle it, but to make it bit lighter to read).

There is one old saying in India, ‘digging the well after becoming thirsty is of no use’. Similarly, if one starts looking at options to manage Menopause after reaching that station, the journey may feel frustrating, helpless and never-ending!

“It’s nothing but change of phase. It’s law of nature, inevitable”- are the sentences that get on the nerve, right? Things like these are easier said than experienced!
Not labeling it as ‘ageing’ is the first step to freedom from its clutches.

As per Ayurveda, it’s a transition from the active, ambitious Pitta phase of life (pardon the jargon) to the haphazard, dry Vata phase, marked by an increase in Vata dosha. Does not mean that like Vata everything has to be dry and cold!

Hot Flash Chronicles: Ah, the infamous hot flash – a sudden surge of heat that leaves you feeling like you're standing in the Sahara Desert. I’ve seen this first-hand with my wife - I am all snugged in winter and she will open the window, gasping to get some cold air. Ayurveda has some cool tricks up its sleeve to tame the fiery flames. From cooling herbs like Brahmi and Aloe Vera to practicing calming Pranayama techniques, we're turning down the heat and embracing our inner chill.

Mood Swing Mania: One minute you're riding high on the wave of euphoria, and the next, you're plunging into the depths of despair or irritability. Welcome to the world of mood swings, where emotions run wild and unpredictability reigns supreme. But Ayurveda can help you find your center amidst the chaos. With a little help from adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari and Gokshura, Guduchi aiding in hormonal balance, we're balancing our doshas and reclaiming our emotional stability – one mood swing at a time. You don’t have to bend backwards or twist yourself, but a dose of simple Yoga and Meditation can support emotional well-being.

The Dryness Dilemma : Dry skin, dry eyes, dry ‘everything'. Menopause sure knows how to suck the moisture out of life. But again, Ayurveda is here to moisturize, hydrate, and rejuvenate from the inside out. With sweet, cooling, nourishing foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats and, luxurious massage rituals, we're saying goodbye to dryness. Using warm herbal oils, regular Abhynaga massage has helped women from ancient times to balance doshas, soothe the nervous system, hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. Say hello to dewy, radiant skin.

Sleepless sighs: The dreads of insomnia – tossing, turning, and counting sheep until the cows come home. Ayurveda has some dreamy solutions to help you catch those elusive Zzz's. From creating a calming bedtime routine to sipping on soothing herbal concoctions, we're embracing the sweet embrace of sleep and bidding farewell to restless nights. And never forget the Shirodhara- the antidote for sleeplessness.

In all seriousness, Menopause, a significant transition in a woman's life, a wild ride bringing about changes both physically and emotionally.While this natural process is inevitable (again that!), using time-tested wisdom of Ayurveda, you can navigate this journey with grace, humor, and a healthy dose of self-love. Ayurveda emphasizes restoring balance to the doshas to alleviate symptoms, support overall health to ease the transition and promote well-being during menopause.

Knowing that each one wants to shine with their own unique flair, Ayurveda acknowledges that each woman's experience of menopause is unique, and hence develops a personalized approach that addresses individual needs and concerns.

So, grab your herbal tea, strike a warrior pose, book a massage and say Cheers to embracing the adventure of menopause and reclaiming your vitality with Ayurveda.

#menopause