Symptoms or discomfort associated with women’s cycles can be understood in terms of imbalances in the doshas. The knowledge of Maharishi Ayurveda both simplifies the treatment and gives the individual understanding about what they can do to create balance. For example when Vata is out of balance it can cause insomnia, sweet cravings, anxiety and constipation premenstrually. During menstruation excess Vata can result in cramps and feeling spaced out. During menopause Vata can contribute towards vaginal dryness, poor sleep, forgetfulness and changeable moods.
Kapha out of balance can cause breast swelling, fluid retention, lethargy and depression before the period. During menopause Kapha’s excess heaviness can contribute towards weight gain, lack of motivation and elevated cholesterol. Getting up early in the morning; regular exercise; reducing sweet, cold, heavy foods and favouring a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrains will help keep Kapha balanced.
Instead of trying to treat each symptom, general Vata pacification will help to balance all the problems associated with Vata. A warm oil massage; favouring warm, easy to digest foods and avoiding cold, raw foods; having early nights and more rest; and keeping a regular routine of sleep, exercise and meals will offset Vata’s dry, light, cold, variable nature.
Too much Pitta can cause premenstrual irritability, skin breakouts and feeling too hungry. Hot flushes, anger and skin problems during menopause are also a result of excess Pitta. Pitta’s heat is soothed by cooling foods such as sweet, fresh fruit and salads; taking time out for meditation or walking in nature; reducing caffeine and stimulants and avoiding acidic foods such as tomatoes, pineapples and oranges.
The cycles of menstruation and menopause are an opportunity for renewal and rebalancing. The menstrual cycle allows a woman to get rid of impurities each month. This is more effective if she follows some simple guidelines for rest and diet. While menopause is the time that we move from our Pitta dominated time of life, to a time when Vata is more prevalent. If Vata or Pitta are out of balance the effects become more noticeable during this transition phase. However this discomfort can be understood as a signal that some rebalancing needs to take place and if properly treated menopause can be a time to restore balance and improve overall wellbeing ensuring a more balanced phase of life in the later years.
Wendy Rosenfeldt is a Maharishi Vedic Health Educator and Teacher of Transcendental Meditation. Call Wendy on 5499 9580 for more information or to book in for an Ayurvedic health consultation. Special Offer for March 10% of all consultations for women.
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