Timelines for Menopause

Forgotten history and never taught to women in our culture

In this first of hopefully many Art & Heart of Menopause Salons, Chitra, an Ayurvedic Doctor, and Clarissa, a practitioner in Oriental Medicine, explore their diverse approaches to women's health with a focus on perimenopause and menopause.

Both come from traditions that emphasize the body's holistic balance, longevity, and the importance of preparing for menopause early.

We discussed our personal backgrounds, the philosophies of Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, and how these systems address women's health, particularly the transition through menopause.

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Key topics include the significance of rejuvenation practices, the impact of lifestyle choices, and the emotional aspects of significant life changes such as postpartum recovery and surgical menopause.

We both stressed the interplay between the mind, body, and soul and advocate for practices that support overall health and well-being.

The discussion also touched on the importance of individualized herbal treatments and the cultural and historical ties between Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.

The Art and Heart of Menopause - Episode 1: The Importance of Preparing for Menopause

Hosts: Dr. Chitra (Ayurveda specialist) and Clarissa (Chinese Medicine practitioner)

Episode Overview

Join Chitra, a doctor of Ayurveda specializing in women's health, and Clarissa, an Oriental Medicine practitioner focused on Qigong and Chinese dietary therapy, as they explore the critical importance of preparing for menopause through ancient wisdom traditions. This introductory episode reveals why preparation for perimenopause should begin decades earlier than most women realize, with Chinese Medicine dedicating 21 years to the preparing, experiencing, and recuperating phases of this life transition. We discuss how both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine view menopause not as a sudden arrival, but as part of a natural progression that can be supported through proper lifestyle practices, herbal medicine, and understanding of constitutional imbalances.

Key Topics Discussed

The episode covers the fundamental concept that women aren't "parachuted into perimenopause" but should begin preparation as early as their thirties, or even from their first menstruation.

Dr. Chitra explains the Ayurvedic perspective on tissue formation, the importance of postpartum care, and how every major hormonal transition creates opportunities for either depletion or renewal.

Clarissa shares Chinese Medicine's understanding of Jing (essential life force), the seven-year cycles of women's health, and how factors like overworking, overthinking, inconsistent nutrition, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption can severely impact the menopausal transition. The discussion includes practical insights for women who have undergone hysterectomies, addressing surgical menopause and the importance of supporting the body's healing process through rest, specific herbs, and acknowledging the emotional and spiritual aspects of this transition.

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Women

Both practitioners emphasize that menopause represents a "second spring" rather than decline, drawing from thousands of years of traditional knowledge that views this transition as a journey toward wisdom and inner strength. The episode highlights how modern Western approaches often medicalize menopause while missing the mind-body-soul connection that both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine consider essential.

Listeners learn about the importance of individualized treatment approaches rather than generic supplementation, the role of constitutional assessment in determining appropriate therapies, and why working with qualified practitioners is crucial for navigating this transition successfully.

Both Clarissa and Chitra stress that preparation involves not just physical practices but also boundary-setting, stress reduction, and honoring the body's need for rest during this transformative period.

Fresh unconventional conversations from the world of Ayurveda and TCM. Discover what’s really happening during perimenopause beyond hormones. Join us for the next Art & Heart of Menopause live salon on Thursdays.