Ayurveda’s View on Menopause

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years.

In Ayurveda, this period is often considered a Vata-dominant phase, which explains why many women experience symptoms like dryness, anxiety, joint stiffness, and fluctuating energy.

As Vata increases in the body, its qualities of dryness and lightness can become more pronounced, manifesting as dryness in the skin, hair, and mucous membranes.

Why Does Dryness Occur?

From an Ayurvedic perspective, dryness intensifies when:

1. Vata Imbalance: Excess Vata (the dosha associated with air and space) can disrupt internal moisture levels, leading to dryness throughout the body.
2. Decline in Hormonal Support: Estrogen levels drop during menopause, reducing natural lubrication in the body. Ayurveda sees this as a shift in the body’s balance, calling for extra nourishment and grounding to counter dryness.
3. Lifestyle & Diet Choices: A diet low in healthy fats or routines that increase Vata—like lack of sleep or high stress—can further exacerbate dryness.

5 Ways to Resolve Menopausal Dryness

1. Increase Good Fats in Your Diet

• • Why It Works: Adequate intake of nourishing fats helps maintain lubrication in the body, supporting everything from supple joints to hydrated skin.
  • How to Do It: Incorporate grass-fed ghee, avocado, and nuts/seeds into your meals. For an extra boost, try one of our Vital Ojas ghee products:
    • Ultimate Ojas: Rich and sweet, perfect for spreading on toast or adding to warm porridges.
    • Cacao Magic Ghee: A luscious blend that adds both moisture and rejuvenating herbs to your daily routine.

2. Harness the Power of Shatavari

1. • Why It Works: Known as the “Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda, Shatavari is traditionally used to support women’s health through all life stages. It helps maintain balanced hormones and can alleviate dryness by promoting internal hydration.
   • How to Do It: You can take Shatavari as a supplement or find it in Vital Ojas Cacao Magic Ghee, which combines Shatavari with comforting flavors to nurture both body and mind.

3. Practice Abhyanga (Self-Massage with Oil)

1. • Why It Works: Warm oil massage helps calm Vata and lock in moisture. It is especially beneficial during menopause when dryness is common.
   • How to Do It: Choose an organic oil suitable for your dosha or a tri-doshic oil blend (sesame or almond oil work well). Gently heat the oil and massage your entire body with slow, rhythmic strokes before a warm shower or bath.

4. Stay Well Hydrated & Nourished

1. • Why It Works: While good fats address internal lubrication, consistent fluid intake and a nourishing diet amplify the effect.
   • How to Do It: Sip warm water or herbal teas throughout the day. Incorporate a balance of grains, legumes, vegetables, and warming spices (like ginger, cumin, fennel) to keep digestion strong.

5. Reduce Stress Levels

• • Why It Helps: Lifestyle factors greatly impact Vata levels. Reducing stress, honoring regular sleep patterns, and incorporating gentle, grounding exercises help keep dryness at bay.
  • How to Do It: Aim to be in bed by 10 p.m., practice meditation or yoga, and avoid over-stimulating activities (late-night screen time, heavy workouts after dark).