Ayurveda is considered one of the oldest healing systems in the world still being practiced. The basic principle of therapeutics in Ayurveda is both preventive and therapeutic — with preventive measures significantly preferred.
Two core approaches from Charak Samhita
- Swasthyashya Swasthya Rakshanam — To protect the health of the healthy. This preventive approach is practiced through daily routine, seasonal routine, lifestyle, food, diet and eating habits, yoga, mantra and meditation.
- Aturasya Vikara Prashamanancha — To relieve the maladies of mind and body. This therapeutic approach is achieved through various Ayurvedic modalities including herbs and herbal formulations prepared as powders, pastes, teas and hand-rolled tablets, as well as detoxification modalities such as Panchakarma.
Maintaining homeostasis
For good health, Ayurveda emphasizes maintaining the homeostasis of the body (Dhatu Samyama Kriya cha ukta, tantrasyasa prayojanam). Various measures described in Ayurvedic texts that help maintain this balance through changing seasons, age and various influences on mind and body include:
- Tryopastambha — The three pillars of health: diet, sleep and healthy intimacy
- Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatanam — Food and eating habits
- Rasayana — Rejuvenating herbs and therapies
- Vajikarana — Aphrodisiac herbs
- Swasthavritta — Code of conduct through daily and seasonal routines
- Sadvritta — Social and personal ethics
- Achara Rasayana — Ethics having Rasayana effects
These ancient and time-tested tools of Ayurveda help maintain the homeostasis of the body. They are the tools that help women transition through the turbulent period of menopause uneventfully — easing discomfort and improving quality of life.
An intelligent selection of various approaches suited to an individual's unique mind-body type and presenting symptoms is always the best Ayurvedic path forward.