Women Health Exploration Through Ayurvedic Lenses

Did you know that according to recent statistics, India faces significant health challenges among women? Women’s health is a treasure that must be maintained with the utmost attention. From reproductive issues to mental health concerns, women often bear the brunt of societal pressures and biological complexities.    About 30% of women in India experience reproductive health issues and mental health disorders affect around 20% of women.  A woman’s body undergoes incredible modifications and variances from the time she reaches adolescence until the life-changing stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause.    Unfortunately, disrupting this delicate balance can lead to a variety of women’s-specific health difficulties. However, with the support of Ayurveda, women may embark on a path of healing and rejuvenation, regaining their well-being with grace and vitality.   Ayurveda shines a ray of hope in a world where stress, the environment, and hormone imbalances may all harm women’s health. The system of medicine recognizes that women need special care as they navigate the tangled web of their lives.    Ayurveda provides women with the skills they need to embark on a life-changing journey toward robust health by balancing the Doshas and supporting overall well-being. As an Ayurvedic doctor, I’ll shed light on how Ayurveda can be a game changer for women’s health. So, let’s dive in.    Let’s talk about women’s health first!   When we discuss women’s health, we recognize that it encompasses various issues at different stages of a woman’s life. Every woman goes through several massive changes over her lifetime. Menarche, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause are vital changes.    The uterus, ovary, and breast are the three organs that carry out these physiologic functions. The vagina is another organ that is essential to a woman’s overall health. Female hormones are vital in many physiological and emotional changes, making them equally important factors.    Women have unique health challenges, ranging from pregnancy and menopause to gynaecological disorders such as uterine fibroids and pelvic floor abnormalities. Only women are impacted by the following health conditions. While some other ailments afflict males, they affect women more severely.     Gynaecological issues affecting women include menstruation and menstrual irregularities, urinary tract health, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, and ailments such as bacterial vaginosis, vaginitis, uterine fibroids, and vulvodynia.     Pregnancy-related issues include prenatal care, miscarriage, early birth, preterm labour, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), breastfeeding, and birth challenges. Uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and primary ovarian insufficiency are some of the disorders associated with infertility.     An add-on is the societal expectations of a woman centred on her weight and looks, in which she continually stresses herself out to try to achieve the perfect figure, unaware that it indirectly impacts their mental health as well.    How does Ayurveda come to the rescue?   Ayurvedic beliefs highlight that every woman is unique, and her health is affected by her distinct constitution, or Dosha, which might be Vata, Pitta or Kapha dominant. Menstruation, pregnancy, parenthood, and menopause are all distinct life stages that women will experience over their lives.   The ancient method also clarifies the importance of diet, natural medicines, and lifestyle choices. They are created exclusively for a woman’s requirements. These practices also highlighted the value of self-care, stress management, and emotional balance.   Hormonal Balance Ayurvedic medicines and treatments assist in managing the hormonal fluctuations that women regularly experience. They treat conditions including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), irregular periods, and menopausal symptoms.   Fertility and Reproductive Health Ayurveda offers extensive recommendations for increasing fertility and improving reproductive health. It’s accomplished by food recommendations, natural remedies and lifestyle changes.   Menstrual Health Ayurvedic medicines for monthly discomfort include particular herbs, warm oil massages, and heat therapies to relieve cramps, bloating, and mood swings.   Pregnancy and Postpartum Care Ayurveda encourages a healthy pregnancy and a quick postpartum recovery. It offers advice on a healthy diet, prenatal yoga, herbal medicines, and complementary therapies for the mother and child’s health.   Menopausal Support Ayurveda uses herbal supplements, changes in diet, and relaxation techniques to assist people manage menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, nocturnal sweating, mood swings, and insomnia.   Ayurvedic Practices for Women’s Health   Now, let us look at some ayurvedic techniques that advise for improving women’s health.   Abhyanga Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic practice of self-massage, is one of the most beneficial ways for women to care for their minds and bodies. The mild ritual, therefore, consists of applying warm oil to the body.  It has several benefits in addition to relaxing.    The process also helps to improve blood circulation and calm the nervous system. Abhyanga is particularly effective for women facing discomfort or menopausal symptoms. The therapy also helps to keep the joints lubricated and the skin healthy. Abhyanga promotes a profound connection with one’s body and increases self-awareness daily/anytime you desire some self-care.   Yoga and Pranayama Yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) are two of the most effective methods advised by Ayurveda for women’s health. These activities promote body-mind harmony, making them crucial for emotional and physical well-being. Yoga positions, or asanas, can help with common conditions, including menstruation cramps and back discomfort.    They increase flexibility, strength, and posture for women of all ages. In contrast, pranayama focuses on breath control. Practising these strategies can be beneficial. They are a great way to relieve tension and relax your thoughts. One can readily adapt these techniques to any age group and can perform them with or without the assistance of an ayurvedic doctor.   Herbal Remedies Ayurveda offers a wealth of herbal therapies for addressing typical women’s health concerns. Several herbs give significant health advantages to women. They help promote hormonal balance, making them ideal for menstruation irregularities and menopausal symptoms.    Turmeric and ginger are well-known home treatments for digestive and inflammatory disorders. They identify as the root cause of a variety of women’s health issues.  Herbal drinks such as chamomile and peppermint might help relieve tension and anxiety.  … Continue reading Women Health Exploration Through Ayurvedic Lenses

Embracing Menopause with Ayurveda

Menopause is a natural phase of a woman’s life, signalling the end of her reproductive years. In Ayurveda, it is viewed as a significant transition that requires careful attention to maintain overall health and well-being. It’s a natural occurrence for healthy women as we grow older.   According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 1.2 billion women aged 50 and above worldwide, many of whom are likely to be experiencing or have experienced menopause.   In Ayurveda, the process of ageing in women is known as Rajonivritti. Growing older is an inevitable part of life that cannot be avoided. During this phase, the levels of estrogen decrease and ovulation does not occur. This imbalance causes women to experience issues such as irregular menstrual cycles, vaginal dryness and difficulties conceiving.    By understanding menopause from an Ayurvedic perspective, women can embrace this transformative journey with grace and vitality. This blog will explore what every woman should know about menopause, including its symptoms, signs, and Ayurvedic approaches to support women’s health during this transition.   Understanding the signs of menopause in Ayurveda   In Ayurveda, menopause is considered a natural stage of life characterised by the gradual decline of the Pitta Dosha, which governs metabolism, digestion and hormonal balance.   As a woman approaches menopause, the body undergoes various physiological changes, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and irregular menstruation.   Ayurveda recognizes that each woman’s experience is unique and emphasises the importance of personalised care and holistic approaches to support women’s health during this transition.   Menopause Symptoms   Ayurveda recognizes several common symptoms of menopause. They include:   Hot flashes: Sudden sensations of heat and sweating, often accompanied by skin flushing.   Mood swings: Fluctuations in mood, including irritability, anxiety, and depression.   Irregular menstruation: Changes in the menstrual cycle, including shorter or longer periods, heavier or lighter bleeding, or skipped periods.   Vaginal dryness: Reduced lubrication in the vagina, leading to discomfort or pain during intercourse.     Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often due to hormonal changes or night sweats.   Fatigue: Persistent feelings of tiredness or exhaustion despite adequate rest.   Digestive issues: Changes in digestion and metabolism, including bloating, indigestion, and weight gain.   Signs of Menopause as per Ayurveda   From an Ayurvedic perspective, signs that indicate a woman is entering menopause include:   Decreased reproductive function:  Changes in hormone levels, consequently, lead to a decline in fertility; therefore, menstruation ceases.   Imbalance of  Doshas: Menopause is associated with a decrease in Pitta dosha and an increase in Vata Dosha, leading to symptoms such as dryness, coldness, and instability.   Accumulation of Ama: As the body undergoes metabolic changes, Ama (toxins) can accumulate, leading to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion and fatigue.   Effects of Menopause   Ayurveda recognizes that menopause can have a profound impact on a woman’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.    Imbalance of Doshas: Menopause can disrupt the delicate balance of the doshas, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and digestive issues.   Decline in reproductive health: As menstruation ceases, women may experience changes in libido, vaginal dryness, and reduced fertility.   Bone and joint health concerns: Decreased estrogen levels during menopause can affect bone density and high osteoporosis and joint pain.   Emotional and psychological changes: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can contribute to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.   Digestive disturbances: Menopause can disrupt digestion and metabolism, leading to symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, and weight gain.   Ayurvedic Approaches to Menopause   Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to supporting women’s health during menopause, balancing the Doshas, detoxifying the body, and promoting overall well-being.   Follow a Pitta-pacifying diet: Emphasize cooling, hydrating foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and herbal teas. Avoid spicy, oily, and processed foods, which aggravate Pitta Dosha and worsen the symptoms.   Practice stress management: Engage in daily relaxation practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote emotional balance.   Stay physically active: Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help improve circulation, digestion, and mood.   Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care with massage, aromatherapy, and herbal baths to nourish the body, calm the mind, and promote relaxation.   Detoxify your body: Ayurvedic practices such as Panchakarma or detox therapies, can remove toxins and restore balance to the Doshas.   Seek support: Connect with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor who can provide personalized guidance and support tailored to your needs.   Conclusion   Menopause is a natural and transformative phase of a woman’s life that deserves attention, care, and support. By understanding menopause from an Ayurvedic perspective and incorporating holistic approaches to support women’s health, women can embrace this transition with grace, vitality, and resilience. By nurturing the body, calming the mind, and nourishing the spirit, women can navigate menopause with confidence and ease, embracing this new chapter of life with joy and empowerment.   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us.  You can also visit us at our hospital.