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MENOPAUSE

Ayurveda regards the perimenopause, the time leading up to the end of the periods, as a natural transition that has to be managed to minimize discomfort.

A Maharishi Ayurveda Self care system includes specific recommendations for diet, lifestyle and related herbal formulas. The perimenopause system is a natural step-by-step process that helps to support balance and health.

Maharishi Ayurveda physicians cite three main reasons for perimenopausal discomfort:

1. PHASE OF LIFE

Since menopause is the transition from the Pitta phase of life to the Vata phase, if a woman already has a significant Pitta or Vata imbalance in the years before menopause, things are likely to get worse during menopause, which is a period when hormonal and other natural changes take place in the body.

2. DIGESTIVE IMPURITIES

Another factor leading to menopausal imbalances is the accumulation of digestive impurities (ama) in the physiology. Ama blocks the channels that transport nutrition to the cells and remove waste from the body, and thus contributes to menopausal problems.

3. STRESS/ENVIRONMENT

A third factor is the misuse or overuse of the mind, body, emotions, or senses. Basically, this happens when a woman strains her mind too much, is under too much ongoing stress or pressure, or is doing work that is too "heavy" for her body, or is under tremendous emotional stress.

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DIET FOR PITTA PROBLEMS

Diet can be a crucial tool in perimenopause management. If you are prone to Pitta-based problems, such as hot flushes or excessive irritability, follow a Pitta-pacifying diet:

AVOID foods that are spicy, such as chilies, cayenne and black mustard seed, salty foods and foods that are sour, such as yogurt (unless it is diluted and sweetened in a drink called lassi. Sour fruits such as ketchup, mustard, and other salad dressings and condiments made with vinegar should also be avoided.

FAVOUR foods that are bitter, astringent and sweet, as these are cooling to Pitta dosha. Bitter and astringent foods include most vegetables. Sweet foods include rice, milk and cream, sweet lassi and wheat products. Sweet, juicy fruits such as pears and plums also pacify Pitta dosha.

COOK with Pitta-reducing spices, such as cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel and small amounts of cumin seed.

DIET FOR VATA PROBLEMS

If you experience Vata-related symptoms of peri-menopause such as memory loss or vaginal dryness, you'll want to work at bringing Vata dosha back into balance. For this, you'll need to eat foods that are cooked, warm, and unctuous (meaning that they have a small amount of good fats such as ghee and olive oil). Eat foods that are sweet, sour and salty, as this balances Vata dosha.

APANA VATA

Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract, elimination, and menstruation, is a key area to attend to when preparing for menopause. To balance Apana Vata, drink plenty of warm water throughout the day. Eat plenty of cooked, leafy greens, as this helps elimination and is also a good source of calcium.

For both Pitta and Vata imbalances, a breakfast of cooked apples and prunes and figs is a good way to start the day, as it balances the doshas and cleanses the digestion.

IMPROPER DIGESTION PRODUCES AMA

It is important to keep your digestion strong and free of ama (note: read more about ama in the article on toxins).

Avoid eating foods that are packaged, processed, frozen, canned or left over. Eat organic foods that are cooked fresh each day. The bulk of your diet should consist of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes and light dairy products such as milk, lassi or paneer for protein.

This type of light but nourishing diet will aid your digestion and avoid the build-up of ama. Avoid heavy foods such as meat, cheese, yogurt and frozen desserts like ice cream, especially at night.

LOOK AFTER YOUR LIFESTYLE

SLEEP

Sleep is important for the woman entering perimenopause or going through menopause, because both Vata and Pitta imbalances can cause sleep problems that will only make menopausal imbalances worse.

To keep both doshas in balance and to sleep more deeply at night, be sure you're in bed before 10:00 p.m. and that you arise before 6:00 a.m. This is the time of night when sleep comes easier and is more restful.

If you stay awake past 10:00, it will be harder to fall asleep, and you'll also increase any Pitta imbalance, because 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. is the Pitta time of night, when the body needs to be at rest in order to cleanse and purify itself.

OIL MASSAGE

The morning abhyanga or ayurvedic oil massage is extremely important for peri-menopausal problems. Use the Rejuvenation Massage oil for Women. This oil is designed to increase circulation, calm Vata dosha, and provide needed moisture to the skin. 

REGULAR MEALS ON TIME

For both Pitta and Vata dosha, it's important not to skip meals, and to eat your main meal at noon, when digestion is the strongest. Try to eat at the same time every day, and go to bed and wake up at the same time.

REST

Be sure to get lots of rest during your menstrual cycle as you approach menopause, because this will keep Apana Vata in balance and avoid the more serious complications of the peri-menopause.

EXERCISE

Daily exercise (gentle for Vata and not too overheating for Pitta) is also important for keeping all doshas in balance.

HERBAL SUPPORT

The Menopause Support Range of products from Maharishi Ayurveda Products is designed to prevent and treat the imbalances related to menopause. It provides both general support and targets specific imbalances that women experience before, during and after menopause.

The entire range is targeted especially for women of Western countries: women who have the Western physiology, live in that environment, or work in that culture. It addresses the dietary needs, lifestyle and stress levels of women who live a fast-paced life. This line, along with the Menopause Support 1 & 2 formulas, is designed to promote the overall emotional, physical and mental health of women.

The products help keep the body free of ama and maintain the balance between soma (lunar energy) and agni (solar energy)--a balance that is vital for health during menopause and beyond.

SUMMARY: A TYPICAL CONCERN

Question:

I'm going through menopause (defined here as perimenopause). What can I do to make the transition easy and also to stay young later in life, without using hormone replacement therapy? Also, osteoporosis is a big concern for me.

Answer:

The key is to cleanse the body of impurities that can accumulate before and during menopause. These toxins cause imbalances and uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flushes in the middle of the night.

It's especially important to balance Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract and process of elimination. The health tips listed below will help make peri-menopause easier.

To help avoid the brittle bones of osteoporosis, it's important to get enough calcium in your diet. The question is, can your body assimilate the calcium in your diet? Calciocare will improve your absorption.

SUMMARY: DIET AND LIFESTYLE TIPS

Give yourself a daily warm oil massage. It is especially helpful for balancing the emotions and the genito-urinary tract.

Avoid stressful situations.

Eat foods that are easy to digest — soups, cooked vegetables, fruits and grains.

Eat your biggest meal at midday when your digestive fire is strongest.

Favour fresh foods, avoid leftovers.

Eat in a settled environment.

Go to bed early, so the body is at rest during the natural purification period from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

 

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING:

 

The Ageless Woman 

Natural Health and Beauty after 40 with Maharishi Ayurveda

"Menopause is not a disease nor a debilitating hormone deficiency that requires hormone replacement therapy."  In this book you will learn how to reclaim menopause as natural transition that is health-promoting, symptom-free and spiritually transforming

(Soft back 290 pages)