Menopause & Ayurveda: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Relief
Hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia...oh my! If these symptoms sound all too familiar, you’re probably navigating the unpredictable journey of menopause. While Western medicine offers some solutions, many find these remedies inadequate or unsuitable. This has led to a growing curiosity about the Ayurvedic approach to menopause and its natural strategies for managing symptoms.
I recently had the pleasure of discussing this topic on The Healing Catalyst Podcast with Dr. Claudia Welch, a noted expert in women's health. Dr. Welch is a licensed Doctor of Oriental Medicine, an Ayurvedic practitioner, and the author of Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life. She shares how Ayurveda and Eastern medicine can transform menopause from a series of challenges into a profound opportunity for health and self-discovery.
The Ayurvedic Understanding of Menopause
In Ayurveda, menopause is viewed not just as a physiological change but as a significant life transition—from the fiery, dynamic Pitta phase, marked by career and family responsibilities, to the more reflective and serene Vata phase, where introspection and wisdom prevail. During our conversation, Dr. Claudia Welch highlights how this transition manifests uniquely for each woman, influenced by her dosha, or intrinsic mind-body constitution. She emphasizes that a deep understanding of one’s dosha can lead to more tailored and effective personal care strategies, enabling a smoother transition through menopause. This approach encourages women to embrace this natural shift as an opportunity for personal growth and holistic wellness.
Reframing Menopause: Cultural Insights and Personal Transformations
Dr. Welch expands the conversation to explore the profound personal and cultural narratives that shape our understanding of menopause. She emphasizes that menopause should not be seen merely as a biological event, but as a crucial life transition that encompasses spiritual and emotional growth. This perspective stands in stark contrast to the often narrow Western medical interpretation, which typically focuses on the physical symptoms. By advocating for a holistic view, Dr. Welch urges us to consider the psychological and social dimensions of menopause, recognizing it as a transformative period rich with potential for self-discovery and deeper community connection.
Ayurvedic Wisdom: Natural Strategies to Manage Menopause Symptoms
Our discussion shifts to menopausal symptoms, where Dr. Welch offers practical advice rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. She recommends lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, herbal treatments, and the specific breathing exercises of Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing). Dr. Welch highlights how these practices have been effective in alleviating common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Her suggestions serve as a pathway for those seeking natural and holistic ways to manage menopause in harmony with Ayurvedic principles.
Whether you're nearing this stage of life yourself or supporting someone who is, the insights shared in our discussion are sure to deepen your appreciation and approach to holistic health. I encourage you to listen to the full episode on The Healing Catalyst Podcast.
Connect with Dr. Claudia:
Instagram: @drclaudiawelch
Website: drclaudiawelch.com
Online Course: Women's Health & Hormones: Hormonal Balance and Stagnation
Membership: Menopause Chronicles
I hope you’ll dive deeper into the transformative power of Ayurveda and menopause, and start redefining this natural transition in your life or the lives of those around you.
Be well,
Avanti Kumar-Singh, MD
P.S. I think you’ll also enjoy my conversation with Dr. Mariza Snyder on the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how to navigate hormone fluctuations. And for more on menopause, check out my episode with Dr. Somi Javaid on menopause and sexual health.
