As women journey through their 40s and beyond, they often experience significant hormonal shifts that can impact their overall wellbeing. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to supporting women's health during this transformative time, focusing on restoring balance and promoting vitality through diet, lifestyle, and targeted therapies that address the doshas and maintain healthy srotas (channels).

Understanding Women's Health After 40 in Ayurveda:

Ayurveda recognizes that women's health needs change throughout their lives. After 40, the focus shifts to managing Vata and Pitta doshas, which tend to become more prominent during this stage of life. While Vata's influence increases with age, Pitta can also play a significant role in menopausal symptoms. The interplay between Vata and Pitta can also impact Kapha, leading to a variety of symptoms. This can manifest as:

• Menopause Symptoms: Hot flashes (often associated with Pitta), night sweats (Pitta), mood swings (Vata), sleep disturbances (Vata), and vaginal dryness (Vata). Imbalances in Vata and Pitta impact Ojas (vital energy) which can exacerbate these symptoms.

• Digestive Issues: Bloating (Vata), constipation (Vata), and changes in appetite (imbalances in Agni, the digestive fire, influenced by Pitta).

• Kapha Involvement: Procrastination, feelings of heaviness, sluggish, weight gain, and overeating may arise due to the influence of imbalanced Vata and Pitta on Kapha.

• Bone Health: Increased risk of osteoporosis (linked to weakened Asthi Dhatu or bone tissue, influenced by Vata).

• Emotional Wellbeing: Anxiety (Vata), stress (Vata), and feelings of overwhelm (imbalances in Prana Vata), affecting the Mano Vaha Strota.

Ayurveda views these symptoms as signs of imbalance and offers gentle and effective ways to restore harmony to the doshas and strengthen Ojas.

Ayurvedic Support for Menopause:

Ayurveda aims to ease the transition through menopause by addressing the root causes of imbalance. Here are some supportive strategies:

• Eating Habits: Favor warm, cooked, and easily digestible foods to pacify Vata. Reduce hot, spicy, or fermented foods if Pitta is aggravated. Incorporate healthy fats, such as flaxseed, ghee, olive oil, and nuts to nourish Ojas. Be mindful of sweet, heavy foods that might aggravate Kapha.

• Lifestyle: Establish a regular daily routine (dinacharya) with consistent sleep and meal times to balance Vata. Sleep and arise with the flow of the sun. Practice gentle yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system and promote Prana flow. Engage in regular physical activity to balance Kapha.

• Physical Activity: Proper exercise techniques are essential for women over the age of 40 especially during perimenopause and menopause. Incorrect methods may possibly lead to elevated cortisol levels or other health complications. Experts recommend incorporating short interval high-intensity workouts that includes jumping, as well as heavy resistance training in your weekly schedule. Consulting with a qualified professional trainer is advised to design a balanced and age-appropriate fitness regimen before beginning any new workouts.

• Herbal Support: Certain Ayurvedic herbs, such as Shatavari (known to balance both Vata and Pitta in the reproductive system), Ashwagandha (to strengthen  Ojas and calm Vata), and Brahmi (to soothe the mind and balance  Prana Vata), may assist to support hormonal balance and ease menopause symptoms. Triphala, if required may assist in balancing Kapha. (Note: Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.)

• Abhyanga (Ayurvedic Massage): Regular self-massage with warm sesame oil (especially good for Vata) can assist to soothe the nervous system, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. It is deeply nourishing and grounding in terms of supporting sleep and other quality of life measures. Keeping the Srotas or channels open and clear. BOOK your first Abhyanga with REVIVE Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Support for Gut Health:

A healthy gut is essential for overall wellbeing, especially during menopause, as it impacts the absorption of nutrients needed to maintain Ojas and balance the doshas. Ayurveda offers several ways to support gut health:

• Eating habits: Eat a balanced diet that is appropriate for your dosha. Protein should be an essential component in your every meal. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and excessive caffeine and alcohol, as these can disrupt Agni (digestive fire) and imbalance the doshas. Favor light, warming foods to balance Kapha.

• Eating times: The timing of meals based on the circadian rhythm is also a key component in Ayurvedic practice to help regulate Agni (digestive fire). It is recommended that you start your day with a light meal (8:00-9:00am), followed by a larger meal at midday (12:00–1:30 pm, Pitta time), ending with the lightest meal after sunset (5:30–7:00 pm), with no food afterward. This schedule allows for optimal digestion and overnight rest. Then, break the fast in the morning with a light and nourishing meal.

• Probiotics: Incorporate prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and fermented vegetables, to support a healthy gut microbiome and strengthen Agni. But take fermented vegetables in moderation as this may disrupt the Pitta dosha for some.

• Digestive Spices: Use digestive spices like ginger, cumin, and fennel to assist to stimulate Agni (digestive fire) and reduce bloating (related to Vata).

• Triphala: This gentle herbal formula may assist to promote regular bowel movements, and gently cleanse the digestive tract and Srotas. (Note: Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before taking herbal supplements.)

Discover REVIVE Ayurveda's Wellbeing Program:

www.reviveayurveda.com.au/ayurvedic-program

At REVIVE Ayurveda, I offer a comprehensive Wellbeing Program specifically designed to support women's health after 40. This program includes:

• Personalized Ayurvedic consultations to assess your unique needs and create a customized plan based on your Prakruti (constitution) and Vikruti (imbalances) and provide strategies to balance all three doshas.

• Diet and lifestyle guidance to support hormonal balance, gut health, optimal Ojas, and address any Kapha imbalances.

• Herbal recommendations (with appropriate guidance and precautions) to balance the doshas and support specific needs.

• Relaxation therapies, such as Abhyanga and Shirodhara, to calm the nervous system, balance Prana Vata, promote emotional wellbeing, and gently stimulate Kapha when needed.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. If you are considering taking any herbal supplements, consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for you.

Ready to embrace balance and vitality after 40? Explore REVIVE Ayurveda's Wellbeing Program and book a free 20-minute consultation to learn how Ayurveda may assist to support your unique needs and restore harmony to your doshas, addressing the interplay between Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.