I am a 53-year-old woman. I try to eat a diet of mainly quality pure foods (good teas, pure water, and low sugar) and vitamins. I often crave carbohydrates though, and my level of exercise activity is low, and I’m about 40 pounds overweight right now. I don’t seem to have menopause symptoms, but my allergies and asthma (environmental) is just terrible. My sinuses feel dry, I have some inflammation in my rib area, and I have some neck muscle tightness and a little numbness too. My lungs feel tight and I’m wheezing at night, but my lung X-rays are all fine. I know I am imbalanced – maybe too much Kapha – and I’m just trying to figure out food-wise, what to add and what to eliminate. Thank you.

The perimenopausal period is a time of powerful transformation for a woman’s physiology, and it’s common for women to experiences imbalances as a result of the physical changes that are occurring. The Ayurvedic explanation for your symptoms is that your digestive fire – your agni – is weakened, and your body is therefore accumulating ama, which is undigested toxic residue. This is the time to practice pratyahara, which means sensory withdrawal. I would encourage you to perform a 24-hour liquid fast, in which you only drink freshly squeezed fruit and vegetable juices, and gentle, caffeine-free herbal teas. During this 24-hour period, I’d also encourage you to perform an Ayurvedic oil massage – a self-abhyanga – three times a day. If your symptoms are more characteristically Vata in nature (dry tissues, anxiety, insomnia), use a heavier oil such as almond or sesame. If your symptoms are suggestive of a Pitta imbalance (hot flashes, irritability) use a coolor oil such as coconut or olive. If you are struggling with Kapha-retentive problems (weight gain, congestion), use a lighter oil such a mustard seed or safflower. Use the day to commit to an exercise program. Walk for one hour at a brisk pace to begin to enhance the circulation of life energy. Also, if you aren’t currently engaging in a regular meditation practice, this is the time to start.

Although it’s not uncommon for women in perimenopause to experience emotional turbulence, this is the opportunity to redirect your creative energy from the call to reproduce to the manifestation of your deepest desires and the fulfillment of your dharma.

Love,
David