PLANET AYURVEDA: ASK DOCTOR AJIT Each month, DR AJIT, Australasia’s most experienced Ayurvedic practitioner answers a reader’s question. Please e-mail yours to info@ponsonbynews.co.nz
Q:
I have reached menopause and am having a terrible time with night sweats and hot flushes. I am reluctant to try HRT so want to explore more natural therapies. What can you recommend? Name and address withheld
Menopause is a normal developmental event for middle-aged women, regardless of race, childbearing, weight, age of menarche or socio-economic factors. For some women the menopausal years may be asymptomatic but up to 75% of women have hot flushes, most for more than one year and 50% for more than five years. The physiological changes of menopause are caused primarily by declining ovarian function and a resulting decrease in ovarian hormone secretion. In the menopausal years, FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (lutenising hormone) produced by the pituitary gland are elevated, and oestradiol and progesterone organs (uterus, vagina, cervix) gradually atrophy.
A:
Hot flushes are caused by vasomotor changes. They are characterised by a rise in skin temperature, dilation of peripheral blood vessels, changes of electrical resistance in the skin, and transient increase in heart rate. The flush may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea, headaches, palpitations, sweating or night sweats. It is thought these flushes are triggered by estrogen withdrawal rather than estrogen lack. They can also be triggered by emotional stress, excitement, fear or anxiety. According to Ayurveda, menopause is a natural phase of life. Any problems that occur during menopause are the result of earlier dietary and lifestyle habits that have caused toxins to accumulate. Hot flushes are considered a Pitta aggravation, when heat is trapped in the body by this accumulation. As heat becomes trapped, sweating occurs especially at Pitta time at night (midnight to 2 am). Other Pitta symptoms are irritability, short temperedness, anger, and an inability to adjust to warm temperatures. The emphasis in Ayurveda is on prevention so that imbalances and subsequent problems do not arise. Prevention is based on following an Ayurvedic diet, daily and seasonal routines and following Ayurvedic principles during menstruation. The main recommendation at this time of a women’s life is to follow a Vata pacifying diet. You need to avoid dry, rough, cold foods, and have warm, smooth moist foods rather than raw foods like salads. A low protein diet will be helpful to maintain or improve the
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strength and density of the bones. Food sources of calcium are cow’s milk, yoghurt, sesame seeds, carrots, coconut and almond milk. A nutritious drink is to soak almonds overnight in water and in the morning remove skins and blend in with a cup of warm spiced milk. As snacks, include small amounts of soaked almonds and raisins every day. Lightly boiled whole milk with fresh grated ginger or cardamom is helpful in the evening before bed. Sesame seed toasted with jaggery is also very nutritious. The main items to avoid are red meat, yellow cheese, coffee, excess tea, recreational drugs and alcohol. DAILY ROUTINE • Rise early and go to bed early (this is dosha balancing) • After going to the toilet, clean the teeth & scrape the tongue (removes ama and stimulates the internal organs). • Drink a glass of warm water with ginger, honey and lemon (encourages the bowels to move, aids the circulation and expulsion of ama) • Self-massage using warm oil such as sesame or Vata oil (reduces Vata). • Light exercise or yoga would be ideal or a short walk. • Deep breathing – five minutes at least six times a day • Regular meditation is also beneficial (calms the mind) • Eat regular, warm cooked meals. • Walking after dinner would be helpful (allow 30 minutes rest after the meal) • Allow at least three hours between the evening meal and retiring to bed. • Monthly massage from a qualified Ayurvedic massage practitioner is advisable. The massage will stimulate the flow of prana in the body, as well as aiding the circulation and expelling toxins. • The most beneficial Ayurvedic herb is Shatavari (asparagus racemosa), 1tsp, taken at night in hot milk. You could also try Planet Ayurveda’s Gynocare, a special preparation of Ayurvedic herbs to help regulate menstrual function. By following some of these suggestions, you will ensure that this natural transition in your life occurs smoothly, allowing you to live a full and balanced life. (DR AJIT) PN If readers have any health concerns they are welcome to contact me at my clinic, PLANET AYURVEDA WELLNESS CENTRE, 41 Gillies Avenue T: 09 522 5390 or email info@ planetayurveda.co.nz
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)