 Prepare for a Healthy Menopause
Seventy
percent of American women suffer from hot flashes associated with
menopause. Memory loss, mood swings, and vaginal dryness have become
so common that women today consider them to be a normal part of
menopause.
But
it doesn't have to be that way. If you start taking care of the early symptoms
of menopause when they first appear, you can delay the onset of
menopause and even avoid major discomfort.
Early
Symptoms to Watch For
Because menopause occurs during the last half of the Pitta time
of life (30-60), many women experience an imbalance in Pitta dosha.
Imbalanced Pitta can cause mood swings, anger, breakouts, brown
spots and increased sensitivity to the sun. Waking up between 2:00
and 4:00 a.m. with lots of energy and not being able to fall asleep
again is also due to an imbalance in Pitta dosha.
Apana
Vata, the subdosha of Vata that governs elimination and menstrual
flow, also plays a role in menopausal discomfort. When out of balance, it causes symptoms of constipation
and irregularity or discomfort during the menstrual cycle.
Emotions
and Digestion
Sadhaka Pitta, the subdosha of Pitta that governs the emotions,
is usually the first to be affected. If a woman in midlife
experiences sudden mood swings, or finds herself suddenly critical
of her husband, this could be a sign of imbalanced Sadhaka Pitta..
To
avoid problems in relationships, The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians recommends that if
you feel suddenly critical of a loved one, eat a sweet, juicy pear
or take a teaspoon of Rose
Petal Preserve. Emotional imbalance can cause major problems
and even lead to early menopause. So
it's necessary to keep Sadhaka Pitta balanced at all times.
Another
subdosha of Pitta that impacts menopause is Ranjaka Pitta, which
governs liver function. When out of balance, it can cause skin breakouts
and anger.
An
imbalance in Pachaka Pitta, which governs the digestion of food,
results in the formation of ama (digestive impurities). When ama clogs the channels of the body, it can lead to hot flashes and other
menopausal problems later on.
Preventing
Problems Through Diet
To bring all three subdoshas of Pitta back into balance, be sure
to follow a Pitta-pacifying diet. Avoid foods that are spicy, such
as hot peppers, cayenne and black mustard; foods that are too salty;
and foods that are very sour, such as vinegar, yogurt, and sour
fruits. To balance Pitta, favor bitter, astringent and sweet foods.
For a detailed chart of foods that balance Pitta, visit index
recipes and click on the Pitta guidelines link.
Cooking
with Pitta-reducing spices, including cinnamon, coriander, cardamom,
and fennel, and small amounts of cumin seed, is also recommended.
Pitta Churna is a good balance of Pitta pacifying spices.
While
balancing Pitta, you'll also want to attend to Apana Vata. A good breakfast for both Vata and Pitta
is a cooked apple with cooked prunes and figs. Include more cooked
leafy greens in your diet, and drink plenty of warm liquids throughout
the day. These will help regulate bowel movements.
Balance
through Lifestyle
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.
Going to bed early (before 10:00 p.m.) is essential, as you'll gain
more rest and give the body a chance to cleanse itself during the
night. Arise before 6:00 a.m.
The
morning massage is very important for preventing menopausal problems. Use the Youthful
Skin Oil for Women. This will increase circulation, calm Vata
dosha, and provide needed moisture to the skin.
And
be sure to get lots of rest during your menstrual cycle in this
transitional time of your life, to help balance Apana Vata and facilitate
a smooth menopause.
Products
for Prevention
From age 35, or whenever early symptoms of menopause begin, take
the Midlife
for Women I herbal supplement to eliminate digestive impurities,
strengthen the digestion, promote strong bones, and help promote
even emotions.
ReGen Vitality is also a special rasayana for women that is very helpful
in preventing menopausal discomfort. Take
one tablespoon of Amla Berry with lunch and dinner to pacify Ranjaka
Pitta, Sadhaka Pitta and to provide overall nourishment to the female
physiology.
Other
herbal formulas to relieve the early signs of menopause:
When
should you begin these recommendations? "The time of menopause
differs according to a woman's heredity, culture and lifestyle. For the most ease and comfort in menopause,
it's best to start a prevention program as early as possible, in
your mid to late thirties, but definitely when the first signs begin.
These articles provide a great resource from The Council of Maharishi Ayurveda Physicians on the knowledge, practices, products, and applications of Maharishi Ayurveda.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these newsletters is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call our Health Educators or e-mail us for the number of a physician in your area.
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