According to Ayurveda, menopause is a natural progression of life characterized by the decline of the Pitta dosha (associated with metabolism and transformation) and the rise of the Vata dosha (related to movement and dryness). This shift in doshas can manifest as symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, vaginal dryness, and fatigue.
Ayurvedic Principles for Menopause Management:
- Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda emphasizes restoring balance to the doshas through lifestyle modifications, diet, and herbal remedies. Foods and herbs with cooling properties, such as aloe vera, coconut, and coriander, can help alleviate heat-related symptoms like hot flashes.
- Nourishing the Body: During menopause, the body's need for nourishment increases. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods, including whole grains, leafy greens, and healthy fats, can provide essential support during this time.
- Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Ayurveda recommends practices such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork) to calm the mind and balance the nervous system.
- Herbal Support: Ayurvedic herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, and Brahmi are renowned for their rejuvenating and hormone-balancing properties. These herbs can be taken in various forms, including teas, capsules, or powders, under the guidance of an Ayurvedic practitioner.
- Routine and Rest: Establishing a daily routine (dinacharya) and prioritizing adequate rest are crucial for supporting hormonal balance and overall well-being during menopause.
- Detoxification: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of regular detoxification to remove ama (toxins) from the body. Simple practices like drinking warm water with lemon in the morning and incorporating detoxifying spices like turmeric and ginger into meals can support this process.
The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Menopause:
Experts believe that essential oils containing phytoestrogens may help balance hormones and relieve symptoms such as mood changes and hot flashes during menopause. There is also benefit to creating a morning and evening routine that incorporates essential oils for nervous system support and emotional regulation. According to a group of NIH Research, the following oils may support hormonal balance:
- Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
- Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare)
- Juniper (Juniperus communis)
- Geranium (Pelargonium x asperum)
- Lavender (Lavandula angostifolia)
Our Alevan products most recommended for perimenopause and menopause support include our Queen Spritz and Roller, Evening Spritz, Awaken Spritz, Soothe Diffuser Blend, Evening Diffuser Blend and Agni Roller Blend.
An example of a daily routine incorporating Alevan could look like Awaken Spritz, a blend of Juniper, Lemon and Eucalyptus, misted onto the face in the morning to energize and cool, followed by the Queen Roller Blend applied to inner wrists and back of neck during the day as needed and ending with Soothe Diffuser blend before bedtime with gentle stretching or meditation.
Menopause is a natural phase of life that can be embraced with grace and vitality with the support of Ayurveda and aromatherapy. By adopting Ayurvedic principles and incorporating essential oils, women can navigate this transition with greater ease, maintaining hormonal harmony and overall health. With Ayurveda's time-tested wisdom, women can embrace menopause as a journey of empowerment and transformation.
