A woman’s body goes through remarkable changes, from puberty to significant life events like pregnancy, delivery, and menopause. Ayurveda proves invaluable in maintaining balance and preventing women-specific health issues. Its transformative therapies aid women in recovering, renewing, and regaining well-being gracefully and energetically. It’s crucial to highlight and give better exposure to Ayurveda for women. Ayurveda offers hope by addressing hormone imbalances in a world filled with stress and environmental factors. Rooted in a deep understanding of the human body, mind, and spirit, Ayurveda recognizes women’s unique needs, providing tools for a life-changing journey toward robust health through dosha balance and holistic well-being.

Ayurvedic View on Women’s Health

Ayurveda, a holistic health system, views women’s well-being by recognizing their unique constitution and life stages. Emphasising menstrual health, pregnancy, and postpartum care, Ayurveda uses herbs and lifestyle guidance. It tackles hormonal balance, encourages a mind-body connection through practices like yoga, and addresses dosha imbalances to prevent diseases. With an individualised approach, Ayurveda tailors recommendations to a woman’s specific constitution, promoting overall health by considering physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Life Stages (Jara and Yauvana): Ayurveda acknowledges different life stages, or “Jara and Yauvana,” that women go through, from childhood to old age. Each stage is associated with specific health considerations, and Ayurveda guides diet, lifestyle, and therapies to support women through these transitions.

Menstrual Health (Rtu): Ayurveda places significant importance on menstrual health, considering it a natural cleansing process. Imbalances in the doshas can affect menstrual cycles

Preconception and Pregnancy (Garbhadhana and Garbhini): Ayurveda offers guidance for preconception care and pregnancy. This includes dietary recommendations, specific herbs, and lifestyle practices to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing foetus.

Postpartum Care (Sutika Paricharya): Ayurveda emphasises postpartum care for women to support recovery after childbirth. Specialised diets, herbal formulations, and massage therapies are recommended to rejuvenate the mother’s body and promote overall well-being.

Menopausal Support: Ayurveda helps manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia through herbal supplements, dietary changes, and relaxation techniques.

Hormonal Balance (Sukra and Artava): Ayurveda addresses hormonal balance through the concept of Sukra and Artava, which represent male and female reproductive factors. Herbal remedies and lifestyle adjustments are employed to maintain hormonal equilibrium.

Mind-Body Connection: Ayurveda recognizes the strong connection between emotional well-being and physical health. Practices such as yoga and meditation are recommended to balance the mind, reduce stress, and support mental health.

Dosha Imbalances and Diseases: Ayurveda identifies that imbalances in the doshas can lead to diseases. Women are encouraged to maintain doshic balance through appropriate diet, lifestyle, and Ayurvedic therapies to prevent health issues.

Ayurvedic  Diet and Lifestyle for Women’s Health

Ayurveda indeed offers a holistic approach to maintaining health and well-being by considering various factors such as diet, lifestyle, and specific regimens for each stage of a woman’s life.

The practices mentioned in each stage align with the Ayurvedic principles of balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and promoting overall well-being. Here’s a summary of key points for each stage:

1. Rajaswalacharya (Menstruation):

• Emphasises a light diet with milk and ghee, avoiding spicy and sour foods.
• Recommends avoiding strenuous activities and certain rituals during menstruation.
• Suggests refraining from oil massage, domestic work, and sexual activities.

2. Rutumaticharya (Preparing for Conception):

• Highlights the best period for conception after menstruation until the 12th day.
• Emphasises dietary and lifestyle practices conducive to fertility.
• Considers the cervical mucus and its pH as factors influencing fertility.

3. Garbhini Paricharya (Pregnancy Care):

• Recommends a monthly dietary regimen with specific foods for a healthy pregnancy.
• Encourages positive emotions, good conduct, worship, and clean clothing.
• Addresses common pregnancy-related issues with specific herbal remedies.

4. Soothikaparicharya (Post-Delivery Care):

• Focuses on postpartum care to overcome nourishment loss and prevent diseases.
• Involves specific treatments like abhyanga, ushna jala snana, and herbal decoctions.
• Recommends vata-reducing measures to relieve pain and promote lactation.

5. Rutubhandha Paricharya (Menopause):

• Suggests the use of Shatavari, a rejuvenating herb, during menopause.
• Proposes specific powders and decoctions to support overall health during this stage.

What are the common health issues among women?

Infertility:

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse. Ayurveda addresses infertility by focusing on an individual’s body type or “dosha” and enhancing the body systems involved in the fertilisation process. Ayurvedic treatments often incorporate a combination of herbal remedies, lifestyle adjustments, and yoga practices to promote overall reproductive health. A balanced and nourishing diet is also emphasised to support fertility.

Menstruation Issues:

Menstruation issues encompass a range of conditions affecting the menstrual cycle, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or painful cramps. Ayurveda categorises these issues based on the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and offers personalised programs to address the root causes. Long-term resolution is sought through Ayurvedic treatments, which may include dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the individual’s dosha.

• Scanty Periods (Alpartava):

Symptoms: Menstrual flow is very light, and the menstrual cycle duration may be irregular.

• Excessive Menstruation (Atyartava):

Symptoms: Heavy menstrual bleeding, potentially leading to anaemia.

• Dysmenorrhea (Kastartava):

Symptoms: Painful menstruation, often accompanied by cramps.

• Leucorrhoea (Shweta Pradara):

Symptoms: Abnormal white or yellowish vaginal discharge, often associated with itching or irritation.

• Dryness in Vagina (Shushka Yoni):

Symptoms: Difficulty in sexual relations, mild pain in the vagina, lack of sexual interest.

Vaginal Discomfort and Uterine Infection:

Vaginal discomfort and uterine infections can result from various factors, including infections, hormonal imbalances, or irritations. Ayurvedic approaches for these conditions may involve herbal treatments, dietary recommendations, and practices to maintain overall reproductive hygiene. Individualised plans are often designed to address specific imbalances and promote a healthy environment in the reproductive organs.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS):

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder characterised by hormonal imbalances, ovarian cysts, and metabolic disturbances. Ayurveda has demonstrated success in managing PCOS by addressing the underlying factors, including hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and insulin resistance. Herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes are commonly employed in Ayurvedic treatments for PCOS.

Uterine Fibroids, Breast Lumps, and Leucorrhoea (White Discharge):

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus, while breast lumps and leucorrhoea (white discharge) may indicate various reproductive health issues. Ayurveda provides diverse options for managing these conditions, combining herbal treatments, dietary guidance, and lifestyle modifications to alleviate symptoms and restore balance.

Endometriosis and Postmenopausal Syndrome:

Endometriosis involves the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, causing pain and fertility issues. Postmenopausal Syndrome refers to symptoms experienced after menopause. Ayurvedic approaches to these conditions aim to manage symptoms and enhance overall well-being through personalised herbal treatments, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle practices tailored to the individual’s constitution.

How Yoga Helps Women Maintain Health

Yoga is vital for women’s well-being, offering physical and mental benefits. It manages stress through breathing exercises, enhancing mental peace. Diverse poses boost blood circulation, supplying oxygen for overall health. Mindfulness aids relaxation, easing daily stress. Yoga supports metabolism, aids digestion, and improves hormonal balance, benefiting reproductive health. Enhancing body awareness and flexibility fosters efficiency and grace in daily tasks. With a holistic approach, yoga promotes overall well-being and a positive, healthier lifestyle through consistent daily practice.

• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend):

Benefits: Targets tummy fat, stretches shoulder and back muscles, relieves hamstring pain, calms the nervous system, treats high blood pressure and infertility, and tones internal organs.

• Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose):

Benefits: Enhances awareness of body positioning, maintains balance, and strengthens back muscles, hamstrings, shoulder muscles, and joints.

• Marjariasana (Cat/Cow Pose):

Benefits: Enhances spine flexibility, massages internal organs, improves digestion and metabolism, relaxes the mind, and strengthens wrists and shoulders.

• Shishuasana (Child Pose):

Benefits: Relaxing posture, massages, and tones internal organs and muscles, provides a good stretch to the body, eliminates back and neck pain, relaxes muscles, and rejuvenates the body.

• Ardha Chakrasana (Standing Backward Bend):

Benefits: Stretches the entire body, tones arm and shoulder muscles, provides a great stretch to the spine, reduces lower back pain, and helps cure respiratory disorders.

• Hastapadasana (Standing Forward Bend):

Benefits: Stretches almost all muscles in the body, improves spine flexibility, and increases blood circulation. Caution: Not recommended for individuals with specific health issues.

• Utkatasana (Chair Pose):

Benefits: Tones ankle, thighs, legs, and knees, exercises the spine, hips, and chest muscles, enhances balance. Caution: Not recommended for individuals with chronic knee pain, arthritis, or a sprained ankle.

• Yoga Nidra (Yogic Sleep):

Benefits: Ultimate relaxation, practised at the end of a yoga session to help the nervous system absorb the effects of previous postures.

• Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose):

Benefits: Provides a great stretch to inner thighs, groin, and knees, facilitates intestines and bowel movement, improves fertility, and supports a smooth pregnancy. Caution: Not recommended for individuals with chronic knee pain or groin injury.

Menstrual wellness and women’s health

Menstrual wellness is an important aspect of women’s health that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being during the menstrual cycle. Promoting menstrual wellness involves addressing various aspects, including education, hygiene, and emotional support. Here are some key factors related to menstrual wellness and women’s health:

Education and Awareness:

Providing accurate information about the menstrual cycle, including its phases, hormonal changes, and common symptoms, helps women better understand their bodies.

Promoting awareness about menstrual hygiene practices and debunking myths surrounding menstruation can contribute to a healthier experience.

Hygiene Practices:

Encouraging proper menstrual hygiene practices, such as using sanitary products like pads or tampons, changing them regularly, and maintaining personal hygiene, helps prevent infections and discomfort.

Nutrition:

A balanced diet can positively impact menstrual health. Nutrient-rich foods, including iron, calcium, and vitamins, contribute to overall well-being and can help manage symptoms like fatigue and mood swings.

Physical Activity:

Regular exercise can alleviate menstrual cramps, improve mood, and contribute to overall physical health. However, it’s important to balance exercise with rest, especially during menstruation.

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

Recognizing and addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of menstruation is crucial. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can affect mood, and providing emotional support and understanding can help women navigate these fluctuations.

Access to Menstrual Products:

Ensuring access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products is essential for women’s health. Lack of access can lead to unhygienic practices and health risks.

Pain Management:

Many women experience menstrual pain, and providing information on effective pain management strategies, such as heat therapy, over-the-counter medications, or alternative therapies, can improve the overall menstrual experience.

Environmental Sustainability:

Encouraging the use of sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual products contributes to both individual well-being and environmental health.

The importance of understanding menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries permanently stop working, leading to the end of menstrual periods. It typically happens between 45 and 50, with an average age of 47. During this time, hormonal changes cause irregular periods, and the ovaries produce less oestrogen, resulting in menopausal symptoms.

Menopause is associated with a stage of life where the Vata Dosha becomes more dominant, according to Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine. This dominance of Vata is believed to cause symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, urinary issues, and changes in bone density. Additionally, symptoms related to Pitta Dosha, such as hot flashes and irritability, can also be observed during this phase. The term “Rajonivrutti Janya Lakshan” refers to a set of symptoms resulting from the body’s degenerative process, which Ayurveda explains as “Dhatukshaya Lakshana,” indicating changes in bodily tissues. In simpler terms, Ayurveda suggests that menopausal symptoms are influenced by the dominance of specific energies in the body, leading to various physical and emotional changes.

Common menopausal symptoms

• Hot flushes
• Insomnia
• Mood changes
• Vaginal dryness
• Atrophic vaginitis
• Cystitis
• Skin drying and thinning
• Palpitations
• Loss of libido
• Osteoporosis
• Anxiety/Depression

Understanding menopause is crucial for several reasons, as it impacts women both physically and emotionally. Here are key reasons highlighting the importance of understanding menopause:

• Physical Changes: Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, leading to hormonal shifts. Understanding these changes helps women and healthcare providers manage associated symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, and bone density loss.
• Emotional Well-being: Menopause can affect mood and mental health. By understanding the emotional aspects, individuals can seek support and adopt coping strategies, promoting overall mental well-being.
• Health Risks: Menopause is linked to an increased risk of certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis and heart disease. Awareness allows women to take preventive measures, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking regular medical check-ups.
• Relationships: Menopause can impact relationships due to changes in libido, mood swings, and other factors. Understanding these dynamics helps individuals communicate effectively with their partners, fostering stronger relationships.
• Preventive Health Measures: Menopause often coincides with an increased focus on preventive health measures. This includes lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and adopting habits that contribute to overall well-being.

Ayurveda treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda for women’s health

In an era amplifying the call for women’s empowerment, Ayurveda stands out as a holistic well-being solution crafted for women. Anchored in ancient Indian wisdom, this natural healing system orchestrates harmony among mind, body, and soul. Dheemahi Ayurveda embodies this philosophy, offering personalized treatments that encompass nutrition, mindfulness, and herbal remedies. With a focus on addressing the distinctive needs of women, Ayurveda at Dheemahi Ayurveda becomes a guiding light in promoting comprehensive health and empowerment. Dheemahi Ayurveda Hospital, spanning five generations, specializes in women’s health. Our expert lady doctors offer Panchakarma-oriented treatments, ensuring holistic well-being through traditional Ayurveda practices.