The Cycles of Life: An Ayurvedic Perspective on Menopause and Rebirth
- Jennifer Peck, RYT500, e-RYT200, YACEP, AHC, RM
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Ayurveda is often introduced through the lens of the doshas — our unique constitutions of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. And while these archetypes are incredibly helpful, they’re just one thread in the larger tapestry of Ayurvedic wisdom.
What we often overlook in the West is Ayurveda’s deep reverence for cycles. Not just the seasons or stages of life — but the rhythm of the day, the flow of the menstrual cycle, the transitions between phases, and even the quiet pulse of breath and digestion. Everything is cyclical. Nothing is static.
Right now, the cycle that feels most alive for me is the one our culture often avoids talking about: the transition into menopause.
Rewriting the Menopause Narrative
In Western culture, menopause is often treated like a disease — something to be managed, medicated, or hidden. There’s little space for honoring this sacred transition, let alone embracing it.
Ayurveda has shown me something entirely different. It’s taught me that menopause is not an ending — it’s a rebirth into our wisdom years. A powerful shift in identity, energy, and purpose. Through daily rituals, seasonal awareness, and compassionate self-care, I’ve been able to meet this phase not with fear, but with grace.
I’ve learned that while every woman experiences menopause, no two journeys are alike. Your dosha, your life experiences, your diet, your habits — they all influence how this transition shows up. Ayurveda doesn’t give one-size-fits-all answers. It gives us tools to support our unique bodies through the changes.
And perhaps the most powerful shift I’ve made is in mindset. I had to let go of the belief that this phase meant I was “getting old” or that it was “all downhill from here.” That narrative no longer belongs to me. I now see menopause as a rite of passage — a sacred doorway into deeper power, presence, and peace.
What Living in Rhythm Looks Like
Over the past 10 years of practicing Ayurveda, my daily life has changed in subtle but transformative ways.
I rise and rest with the sun and moon.
I eat three meals a day, mostly at the same time.
I practice yoga daily - even if just a few minutes of Savasana.
I do daily Abhyanga (oil massage) to soothe my nervous system and ground myself.
I nourish my body with herbal teas throughout the day.
I say no more often to protect my energy.
I’ve learned that less is more — and that doing less often means receiving more.
These rhythms have created a steady foundation beneath me. No matter what happens in my day, I know I’ll be rested and nourished. That alone reduces stress more than I could have imagined.
A Note to My Younger Self
If I could go back and speak to the version of me who was just beginning to feel the stirrings of perimenopause, I would say:
Slow down. Breathe. Make self-care a priority — not something you squeeze in when there’s time. Ask for help. Don’t try to do it all alone. Do yoga. Yoga will create awareness and gently shift your mindset. It will show you what you need to know. Trust it. Trust yourself.
To the girl who once stood on the edge of becoming: You were never alone. You were always arriving.
I started practicing yoga 13 years ago, and I’m so grateful I did. It has been one of my greatest teachers — on and off the mat — helping me enter this phase with more wisdom, care, and self-respect.
The Wisdom of Cycles
If there’s one truth I hope every woman carries with her, it’s this:
There’s a beginning and end to everything. But that’s not something to fear. It’s an invitation to change, to grow, to begin again. The cycles of life are always offering us opportunities — little doors of light and rebirth. It’s never too late to step through them.
You're Not Alone
If you’re reading this and finding yourself in a season of transition — whether it’s menopause or simply the quiet knowing that something is shifting within you — know that you’re not alone. The cycles of life are sacred, and with the right support, they can become portals of deep healing and transformation.
If you feel called to make changes but aren’t sure where to begin, I’m here to walk beside you. Through Ayurveda Yoga Therapy, Health Counseling, and Body Treatments, I offer personalized support to help you reconnect with your natural rhythm and move through this transition with more grace, ease, and self-love.
With much love and support,
Jennifer
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