Menopause in Ayurveda

Content : Overview | Ayurvedic Perspective | Vata Dosha | Kapha Dosha | Faq

Overview

Menopause is the natural phase in women’s life. In Ayurveda menopause (“Rajo Nivrutti”) is a predominance of Vata dosha in the body. It is technically not considered a disease or disorder. When women bleed it’s a natural purification (“swabhavaj”), when it comes to an end we need to eliminate the toxins by gently cleansing (“shamana”).  

A very high percentage of women go through a series of symptoms at the onset of menopause. Leading a healthy lifestyle beforehand helps in making this journey smooth. It is easier to embrace the changes and bring mental calmness within oneself.

Ayurvedic Perspective

Ayurveda identifies this period where Vata dosha is dominant. Therefore it is important to balance Vata, but all three doshas in ayurveda have an effect and Doshic balance is important through Ayurvedic Lifestyle and Diet. 

Different Doshas imbalance leads to different types of symptoms. Therefore it is not one fits all. And you have to individually understand your body better. 

Vata Dosha Menopause: Symptoms – Stress anxiety, pain, mood changes, internal as well as vaginal dryness, feeling cold, irregular periods, insomnia, mild hot flashes, constipation, bloating, and joint pain. 

Pitta Dosha Menopause: Symptoms –Prone to Hot temper, anger, irritability, feeling hot, hot flashes, night sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding, urinary tract infections, skin rashes, and acne 

Kapha Dosha Menopause: Symptoms- Weight gain, lethargy, fluid retention, laziness, depression, lacking motivation, slow digestion

Here are some diet tips according to dosha’s in Ayurveda to avoid menopause symptoms:- 

Vata Dosha

Vata Dosha Diet tips-   

        Include:

• • Only warm food and drinks. 
  • Add ghee, coconut, avocado, walnut, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and spices like cumin, dry ginger powder, and fennel to your diet.
  • LifeStyle- Early bedtime, oil massage, using sesame oil or almond oil, meditation, yoga, and regular exercise like walking. 

         Avoid:

• • Consumption of Caffeine, tea, refined sugar, beverages, cucumber
  • Avoid eating spicy foods and eating late at night. 
  • Herbs- Anti Vata herbs include Ashwagandha, Arjuna, and Holy basil.

Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha Diet tips- 

Include:

• • Eat food that cools down your digestion. Add more alkaline-based food. All gourds, coconut water, spices like coriander, fennel, and rose petals. Herbs like shatavari and punarnava.
  • Lifestyle: Sleep around at 10 pm, do oil massage using coconut, meditation. Reduce excessive sun exposure.

Avoid: 

• • Spicy food, liquor, and hot drinks as well as no eating late at night. Avoid excessive use of garlic.
  • Herbs: Aloe Vera, Arjuna, saffron, sandalwood, Shatavari.

Kapha Dosha

Kapha Dosha Diet tips- 

Include:

• • Prefer warm, light food and dry food. Consume whole fruits, vegetables, and use spices like black pepper, turmeric, and ginger.
  • Lifestyle: Avoid day sleeping. Try to get some morning sunlight. Massage with sesame oil.     

Avoid: 

• Cold food, oily food, sugar, an excessive amount of sour and salt.
• Herbs: Long Pepper, Shatavari, Brahmi and Punarnava

Faq

What is menopause according to Ayurveda?
Menopause, called “Rajo Nivrutti” in Ayurveda, is the natural cessation of menstrual cycles. It reflects a predominance of Vata dosha and is considered a normal phase rather than a disorder, requiring gentle cleansing and balance of the doshas.

What are common menopause symptoms for each dosha?

• Vata Dosha: Stress, anxiety, mood changes, dryness, insomnia, joint pain, constipation.
• Pitta Dosha: Hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, heavy bleeding, skin rashes, UTIs.
• Kapha Dosha: Weight gain, lethargy, fluid retention, slow digestion, depression.

How can diet help manage menopause symptoms?
Ayurveda recommends diet tailored to your dominant dosha. Warm, nourishing foods for Vata, cooling and alkaline foods for Pitta, and light, dry foods for Kapha can reduce symptoms and maintain doshic balance.

Which lifestyle practices support menopause in Ayurveda?
Regular exercise like walking or yoga, early bedtime, meditation, oil massages, and exposure to sunlight (especially for Kapha) help maintain balance and reduce menopause symptoms.

What herbs are beneficial during menopause?

• Vata: Ashwagandha, Arjuna, Holy Basil
• Pitta: Shatavari, Aloe Vera, Arjuna, Saffron
• Kapha: Shatavari, Brahmi, Punarnava, Long Pepper