It is very narrow to associate menopause only with the end of menstruation or with a simple physical evolution.
Too many women are buried (often even before being at this stage of their lives) under the weight of this occidental vision that associates it with a burden…including aging, wrinkles, decay, weight gain, loss of libido, hot flashes, and loss of confidence and self-esteem in their beauty and femininity.
Well, in reality, it is the exact opposite of that.
Ayurveda, the multi-millenniary medicine of India, and Chinese Medicine agree on the fact that this time is on the contrary an accomplishment that opens the third phase of a woman’s life after menstruation (Celestial Water in Chinese Medicine) and pregnancy (The maturation of the Fruit).
Menopause is called 'Second Spring', to signify that there is a renewal of the energy and of opportunities in Life.
It is in any case not aging, but a natural effort of the body to slow down and to bring a new balance for the coming years. It is the ultimate step on a path towards unity and totality where our vital essence, our Spirit, and our potential are balanced to engage in harmony.
At this time, we clarify our inner deeper identity. We leave the past aside to become who we want to be. In fact, our energy is given back to us instead of flowing externally, to nourish a new potential.
Before we were building a family, or a career, we were into relationships, we were identifying ourselves as our social position, our husband, our cultural or familial expectations, etc. But, during Menopause, we are given the power to find our own independence, to express ourselves in full authenticity: moving, following a Yoga retreat, sharing love with our relatives, traveling, and nurturing a project.
The lowering or loss of hormones induces a diminution of our vital energy (Prana and Ojas), along with the immunity and the internal coherence (Homeostasis, comprising the temperature, the ecosystem, and flora, the nervous system, etc.): all is readjusting.
The activity of the sympathetic nervous system rises, which increases the cortisol levels (the stress hormone), the blood pressure, the cardiac rhythm; all that imprisons a lot of fire element (Pitta) in the body and manifests as:
…because, as with each transition, there is an adjustment of the Body and Mind.
We can feel overwhelmed by contradictory emotions, but the underlying purpose is to lead to wisdom and understanding that changes and cycles are an inherent part of Life and that it is time for new emotions to emerge, other than frustration or anger.
So, how do we return to that graceful, harmonious, and luminous Menopause that women knew in ancient times?
Please note that these do not apply to everyone, but are here to enrich your perception and offer you keys. In any case, auto-medication is suggested. One should work with an Ayurveda practitioner or competent holistic practitioner who would be able to personalize and adapt treatment.
1) Igniting the Agni (Digestive Fire)
2) Calming the Nervous System and the Pitta Dosha
3) Use Famous Ayurvedic Herbs
4) Cocooning Oneself
5) Make Peace
Menopause celebrates and welcomes the entrance, the start of a new radiant time of wisdom and grace. It is a transition that we can prepare for with perspective, instead of seeing it as a vortex of changes and instability.
Childhood is the time to absorb, grow, and discover the world.
Then comes the time to initiate, to build, to do. Those are the years for the Ego and its need to take its place in the world.
Eventually comes another time, a time to let go of that need to prove something to the world and others, to get the energy back on us, to work on a self-accomplishment, for oneself and by oneself.
It is no longer time to be in image or demonstration.
We no longer have anything to prove and clarity comes as we listen to our inner and higher Soul, in deep contemplation on Life.
It is also time to share this wisdom with our family, relatives, and society more globally.
We can approach the sunset of our life with satisfaction and peace, remembering that ultimately we are a Soul, a pure essence that will remain well after the body will return to mother Earth who lent it.
Hence, by reconnecting to our essence, we will be able to flood the world with our felicity and compassion.
The best way to prepare or live a healthy and serene Menopause is to start right now, wherever you are, with whatever you are.
Ultimately, Menopause is only another phase, such as puberty or pregnancy. It is not a disease, as it is often claimed to be.
As in any transition, it requires that we remain listening and careful to make wise choices since all the disagreements and disorders manifest only to show something that needs to be taken care of.
Bow to and recognize the natural intelligence that is put in place and return its energy inside; it is one of the most beautiful things that you can offer to you and your family.
Let’s help each other for health and femininity, and remove all the negative connotations that make too many women in our society face this phase with discouragement even before starting to live it.
I hope this article will support you in that way. Let me know below.
Sources
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Women: Reflections of the Moon on Water, Xiaolan Zhao avec la collaboration de Kanae Kinoshita, Partie VII
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