Embracing Ayurveda to navigate the Menopause Transition

I love learning about alternative approaches to optimising health. As a Certified Yoga teacher, I have had some exposure to Ayurveda but my understanding is limited so I was excited to chat with Dr Shivani Gupta all about this ancient system for health and healing for a recent Podcast episode.

We dug into Ayurvedic approaches to Menopause management and Dr. Shivani shared her health journey which led her to study Ayurveda formally.

Having uncovered the amazing power of Turmeric she was inspired to take a deeper dive and her Ph.D. studies focussed on using turmeric to battle inflammation. That is definitely in my wheelhouse as a Physiotherapist.

Join our chat to discover how Ayurveda can support Women around Menopause.

What is Ayurveda

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health, healing, and medicine originating from India over 5,000 years ago. It takes into account our individual body tendencies, known as Doshas, and offers unique tools to maintain balance. These tools include practices like aligning with our natural circadian rhythm, getting adequate sleep, and using spices and herbs in our diet.

Understanding Doshas

According to Ayurveda, we’re born with our dosha – a unique biological energy that governs our body’s physical and mental processes – determined by factors like our date and time of birth, and our parents’ doshas. There are three doshas, Vata (wind and air), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water), with each contributing to our physical, emotional, and mental characteristics. Recognising and understanding our dosha type can help us to tailor our approaches to health and life transitions, including menopause.

Top Ayurvedic Approaches to Menopause

So, let’s explore some practical Ayurvedic tips to help manage menopause symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

i. Proper Nutrition and Supplementation:

We need to feed our bodies properly. Ayurveda encourages the use of potent spices like turmeric and hing for their powerful health benefits. Turmeric is excellent for reducing inflammation, a common issue during menopause. However, to reap its full benefits, it should be taken in supplement form.

ii. Detoxification:

It’s more than taking a break from unhealthy foods; it’s also about cleaning out our systems. Tools include a copper tongue scraper for daily detox, regular Ayurvedic self-care rituals, and an annual or seasonal detox to prevent the accumulation of toxins (referred to as ama in Ayurveda).

iii. Movement and Exercise:

Movement is vital in Ayurveda. If a high-intensity workout seems too much, opt for yoga or walking in nature. A leisurely 45-minute walk once or twice a day does wonders for our overall well-being.

iv. Adequate Sleep:

The role of restorative sleep can’t be overstressed. Ayurveda teaches us to leverage our melatonin’s natural release by sleeping between 10 pm and 2 am. Doing so aids in proper detoxification and rejuvenation.

Adopting an Ayurvedic Lifestyle

Remember that Ayurveda is not just about herbs and nutrition. It’s about lifestyle changes and creating a routine supporting your well-being. Putting these practices in place might take time, but with consistent effort, the rewards will be long-term health benefits, not just through menopause but beyond.

With the right tools, we can navigate through our menopause journey smoothly and naturally. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach, nurturing us from inside and out as we transition into this new phase of life.

Menopause needn’t be something feared, but rather a change to be embraced, understood, and managed better with prevailing wisdom that could include the ancient Ayurvedic practices.

Listen to our Chat

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Video

00:00 Understanding the Importance of Healthy Habits

00:29 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

00:52 Introducing the Guest: Dr Shivani Gupta

01:52 Dr Gupta’s Journey into Ayurveda

03:43 Understanding Ayurveda and Its Benefits

04:09 Personal Experiences with Menopause

05:10 Exploring Ayurvedic Medicine

07:10 Understanding Doshas in Ayurveda

12:32 The Importance of Detoxification in Ayurveda

16:39 Daily Detox Practices in Ayurveda

18:59 Introduction to Ayurvedic Self Care

19:49 The Importance of Gut Health

20:42 Super Spices in Ayurvedic Medicine

22:36 The Power of Turmeric

23:28 The Magic of Hing

24:31 The Role of Food in Ayurvedic Medicine

31:30 The Importance of Sleep in Ayurveda

35:42 Top Three Health Tips

36:53 Spreading the Message of Ayurvedic Medicine

Thanks to Dr Shivani

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Disclaimer: Please note that any information we provide in this podcast does not constitute medical guidance and you should consult your medical practitioner before making any changes that could impact your health