02: Hormone Health Through Ayurveda
Today, we are diving into hormones, specifically from the Ayurvedic perspective.
With the recent release of my book, Ayurveda for Women's Health, I am excited to share a simple yet effective approach to balancing your hormones.
Stay tuned to learn more about this easy-to-understand and helpful perspective on finding your ideal hormone balance.,
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic system of medicine from India that views the body as a dynamic interplay of energies and elements. Unlike modern medicine, Ayurveda does not address hormones directly, as they did not identify them as such in ancient times. Instead, it uses the language of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) to describe bodily functions and imbalances, emphasizing finding balance between them to achieve overall well-being.
Challenges with Hormone Balance Perception
Recently, conversations about hormone balance among women have surged, yet the concept remains elusive. We are bombarded with the notion that our hormones are out of balance and causing various issues. However, the explanations often leave us confused. That narrative raises questions about the authenticity of the problem, and there is a concern that the idea of hormone imbalance is getting sold to us, with pharmaceutical solutions looming as the answer.
The Ayurvedic Perspective on Hormones
Ayurveda equates the qualities of hormones to the energies described by the doshas, promoting practices that balance hot and dry qualities (often linked to stress hormones like cortisol) with cool, moist, and soft properties, similar to sex hormones of estrogen and progesterone. This perspective encourages a lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and mental peace to maintain hormonal harmony and optimal overall health.
Insights from Dr. Claudia Welch
Dr. Claudia Welch is a renowned expert in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She has significantly contributed to understanding women's health through a holistic lens. Her work bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary health issues, particularly regarding hormones. She introduced a model that simplifies the complex interplay of hormones by categorizing them into two primary groups: sex hormones and stress hormones. She highlights the importance of balancing these groups, explaining how stress can disrupt hormonal harmony. Her insights provide practical, intuitive methods for women to manage their hormonal health by integrating Ayurvedic principles into their daily lives.
“Ayurveda would say, to create a balance in your hormones, create a balance in your energies and daily life.”
Understanding Sex Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone play pivotal roles in the menstrual cycle, with estrogen initiating the build-up of the endometrial lining and progesterone balancing those effects in preparation for menstruation.
Unpacking the Stress Hormones
Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol respond to survival instincts. However, chronic stress can lead to imbalances with far-reaching health implications.
Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause
As women age, natural hormonal shifts occur, impacting their resilience to stress and overall well-being. Understanding these changes is the key to managing symptoms and maintaining optimal health.
Strategies for Achieving Hormonal Harmony
Ayurveda emphasizes balancing hot and active solar energy with cooling and receptive lunar energy as a pathway to hormonal balance. That requires various lifestyle adjustments, dietary considerations, and mindful practices.
Practical Steps for Achieving Hormone Balance
Incorporating breathing techniques to improve pelvic circulation.
Adopting mindful habits for the consumption of media and food.
Evaluating and adjusting stressors in daily life.
Embracing gradual changes for sustainable hormonal health.
Empowering Choices for Well-being
Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to understanding and addressing hormonal balance. By integrating its ancient wisdom with modern-day insights, women can make informed choices and begin the journey toward optimal well-being and hormonal harmony.
Links and Resources:
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