Have you ever wondered why women are compared to Prakruti(Nature)? Because, just like nature’s role in the universe, women bring forth life into existence and go through numerous changes at every stage of their lives.

It is believed that women have superpowers to manage everything from personal to work life. But when it comes to their well-being, you can often find them at the bottom of their own priority list, be it the mom, sister, or wife.

So how can we turn the tables and empower women to take centre stage in their own lives? 

There is a self-care roadmap deeply rooted in Ayurveda that enables women to support their own health holistically – amidst the chaos of everyday life.

Female Health And Lifestyle Management 

You must have seen your mother juggling countless roles. And if we say they are expected to excel in everything, whether it’s their careers or household activities, it wouldn’t be wrong.

In the whirlwind of responsibilities, fear of judgment and reluctance to seek help make self-care challenging, leading to various health issues.

• Teens: As girls enter puberty, their teenage years are marked by hormonal changes bringing about acne, mood swings, and menstrual irregularities. Not just this, body image concerns, peer pressure, and menstrual cramps can also affect their emotional well-being.
  If you have teen girls at home, it’s crucial to create a safe space for them to embrace this transformative time with confidence and resilience.
  
• 20s and 30s: As we enter our 20s, our main focus is building careers, establishing relationships, and starting families. But hormonal fluctuations continue, and many women experience irregular periods, PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), and fertility concerns.
  Most of the time, the stress of balancing multiple roles and societal pressures to “have it all” also take a toll on mental and physical health.
  
• 40s and 50s: Have you noticed your mood swings lately? One moment you’re beaming with joy, and the next, you’re overcome with sadness.  It’s like you’re on an emotional roller coaster, navigating through perimenopause. It’s a phase where hormones throw their own party with irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleepless nights. 

When you just think you’ve got it all figured out, menopause crashes in during your 50s, bringing surprises like vaginal dryness and a dip in libido. Managing these symptoms and maintaining bone health become key concerns during this stage.

• 60s and 70s: As women enter their 60s and 70s, they have to deal with both the effects of menopause and age-related health issues like joint pain, cognitive decline, and a higher risk of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Therefore, it’s crucial to eat healthily and stay active during this phase.

Ayurveda For Overall Female Wellness?

Ayurveda offers personalized solutions to manage various aspects of women’s health, including skin, physical well-being, mental health, and sexual health, tailored to different age groups. Let’s explore how Ayurveda addresses these aspects and some of the key herbs commonly used:

Teens:

• Skin: Ayurveda recommends gentle cleansing and nourishing practices for teenagers. You can use herbs like Neem and Turmeric, as they can help to combat acne and inflammation.
• Reproductive Health: Herbs such as Ashwagandha and Shatavari are beneficial for hormonal balance and reproductive health in young women. 
• Mind: Teen hormones such as estrogen can increase the risk of mental health challenges. If you’re a teen or parent of a teen, Restiva Capsules can help promote relaxation and alleviate stress. It has Brahmi and Shankhpushpi.

20s and 30s:

• Skin: Ayurvedic herbs like Aloe Vera and Manjistha are known for their skin-rejuvenating properties. You can use them to maintain a youthful complexion and address issues like pigmentation.
• Reproductive Health: Herbs such as Shatavari, Stri Kalp, and Ashoka are used to support hormonal balance, menstrual health, and fertility during the reproductive years. You can try your hand at our amazing product – Utro care.
• Mind: We live in a competitive world where competition breeds stress. To manage stress, promote mental clarity, and enhance overall resilience, consider incorporating adaptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha and Tulsi into your routine 

 40s and 50s:

• Skin: Aging becomes a concern at this stage. But no worries! Ayurvedic formulations containing Triphala and Amalaki are valued for their anti-aging properties, which may help to nourish the skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve elasticity.
  Besides this, Lodhra Organic Powder can be an excellent addition to skincare routines, promoting a clear and radiant complexion.
• Reproductive Health: Perimenopause and menopause may hinder your enjoyment of this phase of life. But herbs like Shatavari and Gokshura will not let this happen and have proven beneficial for managing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, supporting hormonal balance and reproductive health. 
• Mind: You can use Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi and Shankhpushpi to help support cognitive function, memory, and emotional well-being during the transitional stages of menopause.

60s and 70s:

• Skin: Ashwagandha and Yashtimadhu have anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties, which can help maintain skin health and vitality in later years.
• Health: In this stage, immunity, and joint health become priorities. And herbs Guduchi and Punarnava helpful in supporting immune function, joint health, and overall vitality during aging.
• Mind: You can continue to have Brahmi, Chamomile, and Jatamansi to promote mental clarity, cognitive function, and emotional balance at this age.

In addition to these herbs, Ayurveda suggests new lifestyle practices, dietary modifications, and stress management techniques to support women’s health at every stage of life. 

 Yoga For Women

Ayurveda recognizes that women’s bodies have unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. There are specific yoga asanas that can help to address their needs and promote overall well-being.

• Balasana (Child’s Pose): This gentle forward bend stretches the hips, thighs, and lower back, promoting relaxation and relieving tension. You can introduce this asana to your yoga regime to calm your mind.
  
• Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose): It is also known as Butterfly Pose, this asana opens the hips and groin area, improving flexibility and circulation in the pelvic region. Incorporating this asana can help you to alleviate menstrual discomfort and prepare your body for childbirth.
  
• Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This backbend strengthens the back, buttocks, and legs while stretching the chest, neck, and spine. It not only stimulates the reproductive organs but also promotes hormonal balance, and can help relieve symptoms of menopause.
  
• Supta Matsyendrasana (Reclining Spinal Twist): This gentle twist stretches the spine, hips, and shoulders, releasing tension and improving spinal flexibility. If you have digestion issues, it can be helpful.
• Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall Pose): This restorative inversion promotes relaxation and reduces fatigue by allowing blood to flow back toward the heart. It also relieves swollen ankles and improves circulation in the legs, making it beneficial if you’re experiencing hormonal imbalances or menstrual issues.

Ayurveda’s Daily Rituals for Women

• Morning Rituals: Ayurveda highlights the significance of commencing your day with a foundational morning ritual. You may include the following practice in your routine such as:

1. Tongue scraping to remove toxins.
2. Oil pulling for oral health
3. Self-massage with warm oils to nourish the skin and promote circulation.

          Starting the day with mindfulness, gratitude, and intention setting can also set a positive tone for the day ahead.

• Daily Routine: Ayurveda encourages women to follow “dinacharya,” which aligns with the body’s natural rhythms and the seasons. So try to wake up and sleep at consistent times, eat meals at regular intervals, and incorporate self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork) throughout the day.
  
• Bedtime Routines: A calming bedtime routine is essential for winding down and preparing the body and mind for restorative sleep. It would be great if you incorporate Abhyanga (self-massage) with relaxing oils like sesame or almond, sip herbal teas such as chamomile or ashwagandha, and practice relaxation techniques like gentle stretches or meditation to promote deep relaxation and rejuvenation overnight.
  

Ayurveda offers more than just a system of supplements; it provides a holistic approach to living in harmony with oneself and the world. By embracing Ayurvedic principles, women can cultivate a deeper understanding of their bodies, minds, and spirits, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, vitality, and well-being. Through daily rituals, mindful practices, and the use of women-centric products, Ayurveda empowers women to maintain their overall health and thrive in all aspects of life.