On World Menopause Day (October 18), the Ministry
of Ayush highlighted the importance of awareness, preventive care, and holistic
management for menopause — a natural transition in a woman’s life. The
Ministry, through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences
(CCRAS), emphasised Ayurveda’s time-tested, integrative solutions to help women
maintain physical, emotional, and hormonal balance during and after menopause.

Menopause, the cessation of menstruation owing
to decline of ovarian function, typically occurs from age 45 to 55 years. The
physiological and psychological changes during this period are collectively
termed as Menopausal Syndrome (Rajonivritti Janya Lakshana Samucchaya) in
Ayurveda. Common symptoms include irregular menses, hot flushes, vaginal
dryness, mood swings, sleep disturbances, joint pains, and anxiety.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry
of Ayush, said, “The Ministry of Ayush is committed to advancing evidence-based
traditional health solutions for every stage of a woman’s life. Menopause
represents a crucial physiological milestone, and Ayurveda provides
comprehensive guidance rooted in preventive, promotive, and restorative
healthcare principles. Through focused research, clinical validation, and
public health integration, we aim to make Ayurveda interventions for menopausal
wellness more accessible and acceptable globally. This approach not only
supports women’s physical health but also nurtures emotional resilience and
quality of life in alignment with India’s holistic health vision.”

Ayurveda provides a multidimensional
strategy for managing menopausal symptoms through Rasayana (rejuvenation)
therapies, diet, counselling, yoga, and herbal formulations.

Ayurveda advises avoiding heavy, pungent,
and salty foods, alcohol, smoking, and excessive physical or emotional strain
as they aggravate Vata and Pitta doshas and worsen
menopausal symptoms. The ministry urged women to embrace Ayurveda’s holistic
practises.