Meno matters
In part two of our look at ayurvedic advice for midlife, JoWebber explains the difference between the doshas (body types) and shares nutrition tips for all.
IN AYURVEDA, PEOPLE ARE divided into “doshas” meaning types. Each dosha describes a general mind/ body constitution, although you can be a combination of two or even all three. Once you know your doshic constitution you can manage hormonal imbalances that might occur through diet, herbs and lifestyle changes.
●VATA IN MENOPAUSE: Vata types often experience mood swings in menopause, along with anxiety, memory loss, insomnia, constipation, reduced bone density, dry skin and dry mucous membranes, including a dry vagina, which around a third of women experience. Try to rest more, hydrate and nourish your body with oils and cook with ghee (clarified butter), as well as massaging the skin with oils to keep it lubricated
●PITTA INMENOPAUSE: You may find you experience heavy bleeding in perimenopause, as well as anger, high blood pressure, irritability, skin rashes and hot flushes. Up to 80 per cent of menopausal women have hot flushes, which from an ayurvedic perspective are due to excess pitta (or heat) in the system. Cooling and calming herbs such as rose, sage and aloe vera will help as will pomegranate juice or cooled peppermint tea.
●KAPHA INMENOPAUSE: A typical kapha-type menopause could involve weight gain, fluid retention, high cholesterol, depression, lethargy and feelings of mental and physical heaviness. Herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, black pepper and turmeric are helpful for getting things moving and supporting metabolism, as well as drinking green tea. Physical movement can also be very helpful, such as brisk walking outside.
