Do you get hot flashes and night sweats? Do you wake up at night all sweaty? Don’t worry! These unwanted guests often show up during menopause. Disrupting sleep, leaving you drenched and impacting your overall well-being can make a natural transition feel like a hot mess. But fear not, for ancient wisdom has a gentle way out.
Ayurveda views these symptoms through the lens of doshas, the mind-body energies. Hot flashes and night sweats are seen as signs of an aggravated Pitta dosha, the fire element in your body. By calming this internal fire we can find relief.
The Fire Within: Pitta and Menopause
Doshas are the three energies that govern our body and mind. Pitta, the fire and water dosha, is in charge of digestion and metabolism and our body temperature. During menopause hormonal fluctuations can throw Pitta out of balance and manifest as heat and sweating of hot flashes and night sweats.
Ayurveda’s Cooling Comfort: Remedies
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Food: Eat cooling and soothing foods like coconut water, fennel seeds (saunf) and cardamom (elaichi) for digestive support and jeera water (cumin seeds soaked in water) for digestion and to reduce Pitta. Remember spicy and fried foods can further agitate the fire so minimize them.
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Herbs: Nature has many powerful allies. Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, helps manage stress – a major trigger for hot flashes. Shatavari, a female uterine tonic, nourishes and supports the reproductive system. Licorice, a balancing herb, regulates hormones. Also consider Brahmi for mental clarity, Triphala for overall well-being, Aloe vera for its cooling properties and Saffron for mood regulation. You should also consider Nari Sondarya Malt 40+ for an overall wellbeing.
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Lifestyle: Meditation and yoga are great tools for stress management which can reduce hot flashes. Ayurvedic oil massage (Abhyanga) with sesame oil or specific medicated oils can improve circulation and promote relaxation leading to better sleep.
Beyond the Remedies
Remember a good night’s sleep and managing stress is key to overall well-being. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and practicing relaxation techniques can make a big difference. Also consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner can give you personalized advice and herbal formulations for your specific needs.
Conclusion: A Hotter Menopause
Ayurvedic remedies offer a natural way to manage hot flashes and night sweats. Try these and enjoy a cooler, calmer menopause and focus on the many good things about this stage of life. So, douse the internal flames and step into a brighter you!
