— HeyMonicaB

So, I got a question today about what remedies help hot flashes from menopause. It’s a good question and while I did give some suggestions, there are a couple of very basic things to remember.

FIRST it’s a totally natural process so many times treatment is not needed. Also be mindful about any remedies you are using to soothe discomfort. Just make sure those remedies do not hinder the natural processes. Ayurvedically speaking, during menopause womens’ bodies are moving from pitta life cycle (puberty thru menopause) to vata life cycle (menopause thru golden years). During this time, pitta starts to decline and vata begins to increase. Remembering that pitta is the energy of transformation, pitta is doing a lot of the work to transform the body’s energy. Therefore, excess pitta can be found during hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, anger (all relating to heat). On the vata side of things, there can be insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, forgetfulness, overall dryness, and joint pain (relating to dryness and lightness).

If you read all of that above, you might find that some of that is true for you and others are not. That is because my SECOND point is that YOU are an individual. Each person will deal with menopause differently depending on their individual make-up. Ayurveda will help you get through this transition, but it might not be by the same methods for your sister or girlfriends. Keeping that in mind, it’s always good to see an Ayurvedic Practitioner or so they can advise proper treatment for YOU.

THIRD, even if you see an Ayurvedic Practitioner remember that there is no “quick fix” in Ayurveda. That said, it’s up to you to follow the daily routine and to eat according to the nutritional guidelines. That will keep you most in harmony with nature which will give routine and structure to your body in mind. Structure and routine are important especially when your body is changing like crazy. Something needs to keep the peace!

SO! Here are some Ayurvedic tips to keep your body, mind and soul balancing during menopause:

• Stick to the nutritional guidelines
• Follow the daily routine
• Daily nadi shodhanam (mornings are best, but you can do it anytime!)
• Daily savasana (corpse pose). Lay for 5 minutes on your back, palms up, shoulders away from the ears. Just relax. Sounds too easy, but it does wonders for peace of mind.
• Incorporate ghee into the diet. No joke, ghee is the best. You can put it on rice, cook veggies in it, or melt 1 tsp in hot milk before bed (throws out excess pitta while you sleep)
• To help hot flashes, make CCF tea and drink it throughout the day. Take 1 tsp each of cumin, corriander, and fennel seeds. Boil in a tea pot (or pot) for 5 minutes. Strain and drink as a warm tea or make a large batch and sip through the day at room temp.
• Pomegranate juice with 5-10 drops of lime juice will also help hot flashes.

Just remember, these are basic guidelines and therapies will differ per person. It will be important to really nourish yourself through good diet and routine. If you have more questions, I am happy to answer the best I can. Remember, I’m totally NOT a doctor of any sort so if you are having major issues, see your physician!