IT IS YOUR FAULT!

Yes, it really is your fault and my fault and our faults. It is our Doshas (faults) that impact the way we will transition through our peri-meno and menopause journey.

In Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha are Doshas that govern our body and dictate how we structured, our characteristics and how we feel. Doshas in its literal meaning is a fault. A Dosha can be thought of as something that can cause us a problem. I read somewhere this term "biological energies" and that seems quite apt for a Dosha. Each of the Doshas are governed or impacted by the 5 elements of Prithvi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), Akasha (ether or space) as with everything else in this living and non living universe. It is such a beautiful concept and so simple yet powerful, that we are all part and need to be in tune with the elements, nature and the universe. Each Dosha is a combination of two elements.

Vata is governed by Air and Ether (Vata means air) Pitta by Fire and Water (Pitta is acidic) Kapha by Water and Earth (Kapha means flem) Vata is the strongest Dosha of all three. Because it is governed by space, it provides space for all functions of life, cavities in the body. Air signifies movement so Vata is all about movement in the body, blood circulation, respiration, nervous system. Pitta is about fire so all functions pertaining to digestion, metabolism, body temperature. It is also responsible for assimilation of food on a physical level and processing of thought and perception on a mental level. Kapha is governed by water and earth so presents as the physical body, growth and development of body structure and cells. It is connected to the immune system, lubrication of the skin, body and joints. From the body perspective, if we look at our cells: Vata is responsible for movement of energy to the cell, Pitta assimilation of the cells and Kapha gives it structure. In Ayurveda we identify the combination of Doshas and based on that, define characteristics, body types, traits. It explains, behaviours when Dosha is balanced and when unbalanced in a person. This ancient science is truly fascinating and the detail is precise.

Ayurveda understands that as the female body ages, blood tissue starts to age and circulation decreases. The Agni or digestive fire starts to diminish. This is related to Pitta and so the heat in the body is disturbed. The deep blood tissues don't function well and cannot process the heat and therefore we get hot flashes. We start to move to a predominant Vata state when going through menopause. Vata being the strongest of the three has the most amount of symptoms. When Vata is out of balance, people lose their spark, are more anxious, nervous, suffer health issues related to rheumatism. They are overcome with fear and depression. They experience stiffness in joints, insomnia, exhaustion and fatigue. They usually have dry skin, poor blood circulation and headaches. This is why we observe women who are going through menopause experience these symptoms when they were previously OK. I am predominantly Vata dosha.. Yippie! I do experience quite a few of these symptoms BUT through my yoga practice and change in lifestyle, I am managing them really well. One of the significantly impacting solutions to balancing Vata is to have a peaceful environment and feeling of security and calm. Managing workload and overwork as well as taking up yoga, tai-chi to restore the nervous system is recommended for Vata to be in balance.

Regular massage, warm and nourishing food eaten in quietude, plenty of rest and relaxation is a must for the Vata balance to be restored.

These all come down to self love and self care as well as changes in diet and lifestyle. So it makes total sense right?

If you haven't already, please subscribe to my yoga freebies that cover solutions based on Yoga and Ayurveda for tackling symptoms of peri-meno and menopause.

At the moment there are three freebies. The first one covers simple food tips, the second breath and third a short yoga sequence all to combat hot flashes. I'm creating some more simple and easy to do freebies that I know will educate and help you.

Subscribe to Yoga Freebies

If you can get to an Ayurvedic doctor to get your Doshas identified please do. If not you can try out the Dosha quiz that I have added below.

Ayurveda Dosha Quiz

Have a try and see if you fit into a particular Dosha combination and if it makes sense. I would love to hear from you if you do.

with gratitude Purnima insta: @PurnimaTrasi Web: www.purnimatrasi.com AUCKLAND