Vihāra (Lifestyle)

Vihāra (Lifestyle)

Dinacaryā (daily regimen)
Transitions are arguably the most challenging times. Remember puberty? Or the transition from downward facing dog to lunge? Perimenopause is a monumental transition and can cause a feeling of unrest. In Āyurveda, many qualities arise in our lives to help push us either into or out of balance. Perimenopause is a time of high vāta, the doṣa that is made up of air and ether.

Many of my clients experience what we classify as vāta type symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, difficulty sleeping, digestive issues and more.
Two of our greatest resources in supporting health and happiness are Diet (Āhāra) and Lifestyle (Vihāra). Creating a simple, enjoyable daily routine as part of your lifestyle practices is paramount for helping to balance vāta and gain strength and resiliency in the nervous system, which in turn supports the mind and body.

Example of a morning routine for a perimenopausal woman:
● Wake up at appropriate time for your constitution or any imbalances you are currently
facing
● Eliminate (pee and/or bowel movement)
● Jihva nirlekhana (tongue scraping)
● Kavala (gargling), Ganḍūṣa (holding liquid,) and/or oil pulling
● Abhyanga (self oil massage) and snāna (bathing)
● Drink 12-16 ounces warm lime water (or just warm water, depending on your constitution and current imbalances)
● Yogāsana (physical postures), Prāṇāyāma (breathing specifically designed to help move the life force energy within the body), Dhyāna (meditation), mantra
● Breakfast

Each individual is different with different needs. We must also consider that what is best for ourselves is not always achievable. There are many challenges in life that can interfere with what we might need. If you are having difficulty finding a sense of peace, joy and health, consider working with an Āyurvedic practitioner to determine what’s right for you, help set attainable goals and possibly include the use of herbs to assist and support your body.