The female body can be affected by hormonal changes as a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause syndrome. These hormones affect mood, period cycle, weight, food cravings, and libido. The most common issues women present are period pain, metabolic issues, fertility, menopause and hot flushes.
According to Ayurvedic medicine – Hormones are considered as “dhatu” & “agni” which the 7 tissues & fire elements in the body are. Therefore, they are considered as part of Pitta. Dietary and behavioural activities bring many changes in the “rakta dhatu” (blood). For example; if a pitta-type woman eats plenty of hot, spicy and acidic foods while indulging in pitta-aggravating activities such as playing in the sun or taking a hot bath, getting angry, she will aggravate the pitta in the blood. This can cause excessive bleeding during menstruation or lead to menorrhagia. Another example, after the age of forty, the body begins to move towards the vata stage of life and away from the pitta stage of life. During this period, if a vata-type woman does not sleep well, works until late at night, eats plenty of cold foods and salads and eliminates sweets, salt and fats from her diet, she will most certainly aggravate vata in both the blood and the body. This will lead to a more difficult menopausal syndrome. In same way, when a kapha-type woman excessively indulges in sweet, rich food, eats plenty of dairy products and nuts, and lives a sedentary lifestyle during pre-menopause, she will be accumulating an excess of kapha (mucous) in her blood and body which can lead to tumours or depression.
By knowing one’s own prakriti (true nature), one can plan and practice an appropriate daily and seasonal dietetic and behavioural regime. With this simple effort, the body will maintain balance of the doshas (vata, pitta and kapha). From an Ayurvedic perspective, this balance is considered the “healthy” state of a person. In all situations; women must always take into consideration their constitutional needs regarding diet, lifestyle and rest.
According to Traditional Chinese medicine – The female reproductive system is closely related to Kidney, Ren and Chong Meridians. Development, maturity of the reproductive system and ability to perform the normal functions will depend on abundant supply of kidney essence, and enough flow of chi and blood in the Ron and Chang meridians. According to TCM the function of spleen and liver are to transform the food into blood and supply free flow of chi and blood to these meridians. Therefore any factors which damage the kidney, spleen or liver or affect the normal flow of chi and blood in the Chong and Ren meridians may result in any kind of hormonal issue in female body.
Acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine are effective in treating women’s health conditions such as:
- Period pain,
- Infertility,
- Endometriosis,
- Poly cystic ovary syndrome,
- Excessive uterine bleeding,
- Irregular period
- Absence of period
- Infertility
- Menopause and hot flushes.
Dr Kusum Lata has a special interest in working with women in all ages. She is registered acupuncturist with AHPRA and Accredited member of ATMS in Acupuncture & Ayurveda and also accredited member of AAA in Ayurveda.
For further information, please contact Dr Kusum Lata on 0414822244 or email to: info@acuayur.com.au
