Fatigue, mood swings, or embarrassing facial hair are all common symptoms of menopause, but they can also signal a hormonal imbalance. These symptoms of hormonal imbalance can result from a multitude of factors, but the main cause is linked to the uneven levels of estrogen and progesterone within a woman's body. Through the principles of Ayurveda, or ayurvedic medicine, hormonal harmony can be restored.
Read on to find out how ayurvedic medicine can help combat hormonal imbalance during menopause.
What Is Ayurvedic Medicine?
Originating in India and considered one of the oldest medical systems worldwide, ayurvedic medicine is a whole medical system that incorporates the mind, body, and spirit to help prevent illness and promote wellness. Meaning “the science of life”; Ayurveda uses a combination of techniques and products to cleanse the body and restore balance. These therapies include herbs, massage, and specialized diets.
How Does Ayurveda Help Combat Hormonal Imbalance?
Viewed as a “holistic” therapy, ayurvedic medicine is believed to lead to happiness and health and to prevent illness. According to ayurvedic theory, diseases result due to imbalances from three doshas (life forces) which control the activities of the body. These doshas are the vata, pitta, and kapha. Hormonal imbalance occurs as a result of physical, mental, or lifestyle factors.
To regain hormonal balance, ayurvedic treatment is tailored to the individual and requires changes in diet, lifestyle, and habits. A practitioner will determine the primary dosha within their patient that is “aggravated” or “depleted”, to help restore balance with the other two doshas.
This is done by assessing, among other things, diet, behavior, physical characteristics, urine, speech, and pulse (each dosha is believed to create a distinctive pulse). Although doshas become imbalanced for a variety of reasons, practitioners believe there are two key areas that can make significant improvements in a woman's physical and mental well-being - a nutritious, well-balanced diet and a regular routine incorporating daily exercise and plenty of rest.
Ayurvedic medicine can help restore balance to the body in a similar way to other treatments of hormonal imbalance. In this way, ayurvedic therapy helps to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, night sweats, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and loss of hair.
Ayurvedic medicine is one of many alternative treatments available during menopause. Click here to find more information about other treatments for hormonal imbalances during menopause.
