The Ministry of Ayush, through the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), is promoting Ayurvedic approaches to menopausal health on World Menopause Day 2026, observed on 18 October. The initiative emphasizes awareness, preventive care, and comprehensive approaches to women's health during menopause, with attention to physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
Menopause is described as a natural biological stage occurring between 45 and 55 years of age, accompanied by physical and psychological changes including irregular menstruation, hot flushes, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, mood changes, joint pain, and anxiety. In Ayurveda, these symptoms are discussed in the context of Rajonivritti and its associated clinical features.
Key officials emphasized the Ayurvedic approach to menopause. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, stated that Ayurveda offers a comprehensive framework emphasizing prevention, appropriate lifestyle practices, and individualized care. Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General of CCRAS, emphasized that Ayurveda views menopause as a natural transformation rather than a disorder, with research focusing on validating classical formulations such as Ashokarista and Amalaki Rasayana for their effectiveness in supporting hormonal balance, bone health, and emotional resilience. Dr N. Srikanth, Deputy Director General of CCRAS, noted that Ayurveda empowers women through time-tested approaches in diet, Rasayana therapy, yoga, and emotional well-being.
The Ayurvedic approach includes Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies, dietary guidance, counseling, yoga, and herbal formulations. Specific recommendations include moderation in food intake, avoiding excessive consumption of pungent and salty foods, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and managing physical and emotional stress. Yoga practices recommended include Setu Bandhasana, Vipreetkarani Asana, Marjariasana, Shavasana, Sitali Pranayama, Bhramari Pranayama, and Yoga Nidra.
The Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS continue to advance research on Ayurvedic approaches to women's health, focusing on generating scientific evidence, evaluating clinical outcomes, and promoting informed awareness of menopausal health and well-being. The ministry has made available an IEC publication on Menopausal Syndrome through their website.