MENOPAUSE IN AYURVEDA - A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF RAJONIVRTTI LAKSHANA

Abstract

Menopause, referred to as Rajonivritti in Ayurveda, marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, characterized by the cessation of menstruation and various physiological, psychological, and hormonal changes. Unlike the modern medical perspective, which primarily attributes menopause to ovarian insufficiency and declining estrogen levels, Ayurveda explains Rajonivritti through the lens of Dosha imbalance, particularly Vata Dosha aggravation and depletion of Shukra Dhatu and Ojas. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Rajonivritti Lakshana (clinical features of menopause), its pathophysiology (Samprapti), and Ayurvedic management strategies, including Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Chikitsa (therapeutics). Classical texts describe symptoms such as Santapa (hot flashes), Anidra (insomnia), Kati shula (lower back pain), and Sharira daurbalya (body weakness), aligning with modern clinical observations. This study aims to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurvedic concepts and modern gynecological perspectives, highlighting the efficacy of Ayurvedic interventions in alleviating menopausal discomforts.