In the modern world, menopause is frequently viewed as a medical event, a biological process marked by hormonal decline and a list of inconvenient symptoms to be suppressed. This perspective often reduces a profound, multidimensional life phase into a collection of failures.

The ancient science of Ayurveda, however, offers a radical and empowering alternative. It views this transition, which it calls Rajonivritti, not as an ending but as a “Second Spring”, a gateway to wisdom, spiritual clarity, and a new, potent equilibrium.

For the contemporary woman, navigating this shift is challenging. The physiological heat of hot flashes, the psychological unsettledness of anxiety and insomnia, these are not random punishments of aging. They are your body’s articulate language, signalling a dramatic shift in its fundamental energies, or Doshas.

At Ojas Ayurved, we recognize that while the physiology is universal, the experience is deeply individual. This guide synthesises classical Ayurvedic wisdom with practical, actionable steps for women seeking holistic management of menopause. By understanding the root cause, the shifts in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, we move beyond the simplistic ‘hormone-deficiency’ model to treat the woman, not just the symptoms.

The Ayurvedic Lens: Understanding Rajonivritti

Ayurveda categorizes Rajonivritti as a Swabhavika Vyadhi—a natural, inevitable condition that occurs due to the passage of time, similar to hunger or thirst. It is not a disease to be cured, but a physiological stage to be managed with dignity and care.

This transition is governed by two core principles:

Dhatu Kshaya (Tissue Depletion): As we age, the reproductive tissues decline, leading to the cessation of the menstrual fluid (Artava).

Vata Dominance (Vata Vriddhi): The period around age 50 marks the shift from the fiery, metabolic stage of Pitta to the dry, airy, and movement-governing stage of Vata. An aggravation of Vata is the primary driver of most menopausal discomfort.

The symptoms you experience are a direct result of which Dosha is most out of balance:

Vata-Type: Characterized by dryness, instability, and fear. Symptoms include high anxiety, insomnia (waking 2-6 AM), brain fog, vaginal dryness, lower back pain, and constipation.

Pitta-Type: Characterized by heat and intensity. Symptoms include intense hot flashes, drenching night sweats, irritability, anger, and skin rashes.

Kapha-Type: Characterized by heaviness and sluggishness. Symptoms include weight gain (especially abdominal), fluid retention, depression, and lethargy.


The Pharmacopoeia of Transition: Potent Herbs

Ayurvedic pharmacology utilizes herbs not as hormone substitutes, but as powerful Rasayanas (rejuvenatives) that nourish deep tissues and support the body’s natural endocrine balance.

Herb / Formulation Primary Dosha Key Indication Mechanism
Shatavari  Vata, Pitta Vaginal Dryness, Hot Flashes, Fatigue Phytoestrogen, highly cooling, and deeply Nutritive.
Ashwagandha  Vata, Kapha Anxiety, Insomnia, Fatigue, Stress Premier Adaptogen regulates the HPA (stress) axis.
Ashokarishta Pitta, Kapha Heavy/Irregular Perimenopausal Bleeding Uterine Tonic and Astringent balances monthly flow.
Praval Pishti Pitta Severe Hot Flashes, Bone Support Highly cooling and a natural source of replenishing calcium.

 

 Panchakarma – The Deep Reset

For chronic or severe imbalances, internal herbs must be supplemented with the deeper intervention of Panchakarma. These purification therapies cleanse toxins and nourish the tissues.

Matra Basti (Medicated Oil Enema): Regarded as “half of all treatment” in Ayurveda because the colon is the primary seat of Vata. The administration of a small, retained amount of medicated oil directly and deeply lubricates the system, combating systemic dryness, calming the nervous system, and promoting bone health from the inside out.

Shirodhara (Oil Flow): The continuous, rhythmic pouring of warm medicated oil over the forehead is the ultimate mind-body reset. By transmitting signals to the hypothalamus (the endocrine control centre), it is the therapy of choice for insomnia, severe anxiety, and reducing the intensity of hot flashes (especially when performed with cooling liquids like Takra).

Abhyanga (Therapeutic Massage): Regular full-body massage with warm, herbal oils is essential to counter the drying effects of Vata, improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and support skin health.

Daily Nourishment: Eating for Agni 

Food is your primary medicine. During menopause, agni can become erratic. Your diet must stabilize Agni while pacifying the dominant Dosha.

  • Rule of Warmth: Favor warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and cooked grains. Raw salads, cold smoothies, and iced drinks aggravate the cold, dry nature of Vata.
  • Healthy Fats: Include warming, nourishing fats like Ghee and olive oil to pacify Vata and lubricate the drying tissues.
  • Cooling Pitta: If hot flashes are dominant, prioritize naturally cooling foods like cilantro, coconut, pears, and melons.
  • Therapeutic Teas: The CCF Tea (Cumin, Coriander, Fennel) is a renowned daily elixir that balances all three Doshas, aids digestion, and reduces bloating.

Lifestyle & Yoga for the Second Spring

Medicine is only half the cure; lifestyle completes it. The antidote to Vata’s irregularity is routine.

Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Waking, eating, and sleeping at the same time every day stabilizes the nervous system and the biological clock.

The 10:00 PM Rule: Going to bed by 10:00 PM is crucial. The Pitta energy (10 PM to 2 AM) that processes metabolism and ambition will keep you awake and can lead to night sweats if you are up during this time.

Yoga & Pranayama:

Weight-bearing poses like Downward Dog help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose) is deeply restorative for the pelvic region and nervous system.

Sheetali/Sheetkari Pranayama (Cooling Breath) acts as an internal air-conditioner, offering immediate relief during a hot flash.

The Ojas Ayurved Approach:

We do not believe in a generalized approach. Located in Pune, Ojas Ayurved specializes in women’s health under the expert guidance of Dr. Sarita Vaidya (M.D. Ayurveda), a practitioner with over 28 years of experience.

We offer a specialized protocol designed for this phase of life:

Customized Care: Tailoring Panchakarma treatments like Matra Basti and Shirodhara to your unique constitution and lifestyle.

Holistic Support: We address the root cause—correcting your Agni, clearing Ama, and nourishing your Ojas.

This is an invitation to transform the friction of transition into a profound period of rejuvenation. At Ojas Ayurved, we are committed to guiding you through your Second Spring with the dignity, care, and expertise you deserve.

Please consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician, such as Dr. Sarita Vaidya at Ojas Ayurved, before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you are currently on medication.