Ayurvedic treatment is provided after an evaluation by a trained practitioner and would depend on the symptoms and the makeup of the patient but there is a common and many would say, commonsense, foundation to this treatment. The body's makeup is considered to spring from the five elements of the physical creation--fire, air, space, water and earth, with each of us having a mind-body profile called a 'dosha'. There are three doshas--vata, pitta and kapha and each is a combination of elements with one dominating element. Here is a brief summary of the menopause treatments that are normally prescribed for these doshas:
Vata dosha types have symptoms like nervousness, anxiety, panic, mood swings and insomnia among others and they are advised to eat warm, regular meals, use fennel and cumin seed spices, avoid sugar drinks, coffee and other stimulants. They are also advised to practice yoga and meditation, go to sleep early and walk for exercise. Some of the herbs suggested are garlic, ginseng, hawthorn berries and licorice.
Pitta dosha types suffer from hot flashes, nightly sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding and are prone to anger, irritability and a hot temper. They are advised to consume cooling foods like melons and cucumbers, avoid hot, spicy food and alcohol, drink a lot of water and fruit juices. They should sleep in early and meditate to eliminate the anger and resentments in their minds. Herbs suggested are aloe vera, barberry, saffron and golden seal.
Kapha dosha type symptoms include weight gain, sluggishness, lethargy, fluid retention, depression and lack of motivation. They should consume warm foods, whole grains, vegetables and legumes while avoiding meat as much as possible, along with cheese, sugar and cold drinks. Spices suggested are black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Herbs advised are bayberry, cayenne, cinnamon, motherswort and mustard.
Vata dosha types have symptoms like nervousness, anxiety, panic, mood swings and insomnia among others and they are advised to eat warm, regular meals, use fennel and cumin seed spices, avoid sugar drinks, coffee and other stimulants. They are also advised to practice yoga and meditation, go to sleep early and walk for exercise. Some of the herbs suggested are garlic, ginseng, hawthorn berries and licorice.
Pitta dosha types suffer from hot flashes, nightly sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding and are prone to anger, irritability and a hot temper. They are advised to consume cooling foods like melons and cucumbers, avoid hot, spicy food and alcohol, drink a lot of water and fruit juices. They should sleep in early and meditate to eliminate the anger and resentments in their minds. Herbs suggested are aloe vera, barberry, saffron and golden seal.
Kapha dosha type symptoms include weight gain, sluggishness, lethargy, fluid retention, depression and lack of motivation. They should consume warm foods, whole grains, vegetables and legumes while avoiding meat as much as possible, along with cheese, sugar and cold drinks. Spices suggested are black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Herbs advised are bayberry, cayenne, cinnamon, motherswort and mustard.
