16: Unlocking the Secrets of Women’s Health: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges with Adena Rose Bright
Today, I am excited to have Adena from Adena Rose Ayurveda with me on the podcast.
Adena is a women's health Ayurveda practitioner with 15 years of experience at the AyurvedicCenter of Vermont, where she once served as one of my Panchakarma therapists.
As an Ayurvedic practitioner, Adena works primarily in reproductive health, doing hands-on work, including Maya abdominal therapy and Ayurvedic therapies, to support women through various life stages, overcome fertility issues, and help them heal painful and irregular menstrual cycles.
Adena loves sharing vital self-healing tools to empower women. In this episode, she dives into the most effective and recommended tools. We also explore the practice of vaginal steaming and how to do it.
Join us for her years of clinical experience as Adena shares her insights on women's health.
Fertility
Adena believes women must ensure that the soil, or conditions for fertility, are optimal. Her approach fosters a deeper understanding of physical signals, guiding women to reclaim their health and well-being through Ayurveda.
Monitoring Fertility
Cervical Fluid: Recognizing changes in cervical fluid can help identify the fertile window without invasive measures.
Basal Body Temperature: Tracking temperature changes can indicate ovulation phases to clarify fertility status.
Cervical Examination: For those comfortable with it, feeling the cervix can offer insights into ovulation.
These methods can help women gain a more intimate understanding of their bodies without relying on ovulation kits.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Ovulation Issues
By assessing digestion and menstrual patterns, practitioners can identify underlying dosha-related issues affecting ovulation. Adena explains that the symptoms of not ovulating can vary widely, from irregular cycles to different bleeding patterns, all of which can link to specific dosha imbalances.
Navigating Fertility Paths
Many clients seek out alternative methods after being disappointed with conventional treatments. Some approach Adena before starting their fertility journey, while others go to her after trying IVF or other medical interventions. Adena highlights the importance of conscious conception, where couples prepare their bodies and balance doshas before attempting to conceive.
Perimenopause and Menopause Insights
Women in their 40s may experience hot flashes, irregular periods, and heightened anxiety. Adena explains that those symptoms often reflect dosha imbalances, which can manifest as increased sensitivity. She acknowledges the cyclical nature of female health, highlighting the importance of self-awareness during life transitions.
Ayurvedic Self-Care Practices for Women
Abhyanga: Daily self-massage with warm oil to promote relaxation and balance.
Pranayama: Breathing techniques that help connect the breath and nervous system, including NadiShodhana (alternate nostril breathing).
Nourishing Herbal Infusions: Using herbs like nettles and red clover to provide essential nutrients is particularly beneficial for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Herbal Infusions
Herbal infusions involve soaking herbs in hot water for an extended period (8-12 hours) to maximize the extraction of iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. You can include the Ayurvedic herbs, Shatavari, and ashwagandha, but Western herbs like nettle, rose, and tulsi are usually more accessible.
Hydration
In Ayurveda, hydration is fundamental for health. Adena recommends starting the day with a glass of warm water with lemon to stimulate digestion and detoxification. Drinking warm or room-temperature water throughout the day supports digestion, balances bodily functions, boosts energy levels, and enhances skin health.
Empowering Alternatives to Pharmaceuticals
Adena suggests exploring holistic methods for at least six months before resorting to pharmaceutical medications.
Emotional and Physical Healing
Invasive medical procedures can feel overwhelming. Adena recommends a holistic approach to support women looking to process their experiences after medical interventions.
Yoni Steaming
Yoni steaming is a tool for self-healing that focuses on the pelvic and womb spaces. The practice involves sitting over steaming herbs for various purposes, from physical healing to emotional and spiritual support. Adena explains that with specific herbs, yoni steaming can create homeostasis in the body by supporting the natural function of the reproductive system. The heat from the steam, combined with the properties of herbs like calendula, chamomile, or mugwort, helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and encourage the natural detox processes in the body. Those herbs also soothe inflammation, regulate menstrual cycles, and address painful periods.
Customizing Practices for Individual Needs
Adena focuses on creating customized routines involving diet, herbs, and specific therapies to ensure that each woman receives the most effective support for her individual body and healing journey. She explains that what works for one person may not work for another in healing. She always considers the constitution of each woman, her menstrual patterns, and her overall health when determining the best approach.
Offerings and Future Programs
Adena now offers Yoni steaming at the AyurvedicCenter in Vermont, often alongside Maya abdominal therapy. She has taught womb-healing practices for years, covering techniques like Yoni steaming, castor oil packs, and self-abdominal massage, and she will launch a year-long Ayurveda practitioner apprenticeship in 2025, focusing on advanced herbal formulas and fertility awareness. She will also offer the Sacred Spiral Ayurveda Collective as a lighter course for those wanting to learn healing tools without one-on-one sessions.
Links and Resources:
Ayurvedic Living Community Membership
Practical and Authentic Healing for Women: Adena Rose Ayurveda
