Harnessing Ancient Ayurvedic Wisdom for Modern Menopause

Hot flashes, mood and body changes, insomnia, and the list goes on. Menopause is a transitional period that can bring about significant physical and emotional changes that can not only be uncomfortable but distressing.

The Menopause Mastery Podcast recently explored the powerful synergy between ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary health practices in the episode “How to Use Ancient Wisdom to Improve Menopause.” Host Dallas Nutritionist Dr. Betty Murray and expert guest Dr. Shivani Gupta provided valuable insights into how Ayurveda can support women during menopause.

Understanding Ayurvedic Doshas

Ayurveda categorizes individuals into three doshas (energy patterns in the body): Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas influence physical, mental, and emotional traits, and understanding them can help tailor health interventions.

• Vata – Energetic and creative but prone to dryness and anxiety. Becomes more prominent during menopause.
• Pitta – Intellectual and ambitious but may suffer from inflammation and mood swings when imbalanced.
• Kapha – Grounded and nurturing but can experience sluggishness and weight gain.

Dietary Strategies for Balancing Doshas

Dr. Gupta emphasizes the importance of diet in managing menopause symptoms and provides tailored tips for balancing each dosha. For Vata, she recommends grounding meals with healthy fats like avocados and ghee, along with warm root vegetables to aid digestion and combat dryness.

Pitta individuals should avoid spicy foods to prevent hot flashes and instead incorporate cooling options such as watermelon and coconut water. For Kapha, it’s essential to focus on light, easy-to-digest meals that support metabolism, prioritize morning activity and consume warm, cooked foods to maintain balance.

Incorporating Ayurvedic herbs and spices, such as turmeric, shattavari, tulsi, Brahmi, and ashwagandha, can further support health. These herbs are known for their anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties, which help to balance the body during menopause.

Integrating Ayurvedic Spices

Ayurvedic spices are not only flavorful but also offer therapeutic benefits. Here are some practical ways to incorporate them into your daily routine:

• Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory; add to soups, stews, or make a turmeric latte.
• Shatavari – Supports reproductive health; take as a supplement or in herbal teas.
• Tulsi (Holy Basil) – Manages stress; enjoy as a tea or in culinary dishes.
• Brahmi – Boosts cognitive function; use in supplements.
• Ashwagandha – Balances hormones and reduces stress; add to smoothies or take in capsules.

Self-Care Practices Rooted in Ayurveda

Dr. Gupta discussed essential Ayurvedic self-care practices for managing menopause, focusing on holistic approaches to enhance overall well-being. Yoga and pranayama play a key role in improving both mental and physical health while aligning daily routines with nature’s cycles, known as circadian rhythms, and supporting balance in the body.

Incorporating rejuvenating oils and foods, such as sesame oil or ghee, nourishes the body from within. Additionally, Ayurvedic self-care practices like tongue scraping and oil pulling contribute to digestive health, promoting overall wellness during menopause.

Modern Science Meets Ancient Wisdom

Dr. Betty Murray highlighted how Ayurveda aligns with modern scientific findings. Research by Dr. Lisa Moscone’s group reveals that neural rewiring during menopause increases creativity and reduces stress. Ayurveda’s focus on nurturing the Vata dosha supports these findings by emphasizing grounding and rejuvenation.

Dr. Betty Murray’s ‘Estro Balance Mastery’

Designed to support women through perimenopause and menopause, this product includes a blend of ingredients like DIM, Chrysin, flaxseed extract, green tea extract, broccoli sprout compounds, and milk thistle for comprehensive health support.

Additional Resources

Explore more about Ayurveda through Dr. Gupta’s resources by visiting drshivani.com, where you can take a dosha quiz and access an anti-inflammatory cookbook. Stay connected by following her on Instagram and tuning in to the Fusionary Health podcast. Plus, use code “menopause” for a 15% discount on Fusionary Formulas supplements.