What are Hot Flashes?

If you've ever experienced the sudden surge of heat, followed by sweating, flushed skin, and a racing heartbeat, you're likely familiar with hot flashes.

It occurs in perimenopausal and menopausal age due to sudden hormonal changes.

To know what is happening to you during this time, check out out blog - Ayurveda And Yoga For Managing Hot Flashes And Night Sweats

What is nausea?

Nausea is a sensation of unease or discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied by an urge to vomit. 

A common symptom can arise from various causes, ranging from minor indigestion disturbances to more serious underlying conditions. Nausea is not a specific illness but a symptom that different factors can trigger.

Some of the most common causes of recurrent nausea are:

• Digestive Issues: Conditions such as gastritis, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, and food poisoning can lead to nausea.
• Medications: Certain medications, including those used for pain relief, chemotherapy, or anaesthesia, may have nausea as a side effect.
• Pregnancy: Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, can occur during early pregnancy.
• Motion Sickness: Travelling in a vehicle, especially by car, boat, or aeroplane, can induce feelings of nausea.
• Emotional Factors: Stress, anxiety, and intense emotions can trigger or exacerbate nausea.

Does A Connection Between Nausea and Hot Flashes Exist?

Hot flashes and nausea often go hand in hand, especially for women experiencing menopause. 

Hot flashes, often associated with hormonal changes, particularly in oestrogen levels, can disrupt the body's temperature regulation and lead to nausea and an upset stomach.

How Are Nausea and Hot Flashes Linked?

During menopause, when oestrogen production declines, the hypothalamus (a region in the brain that regulates body temperature) becomes more sensitive to temperature changes. This hypersensitivity can lead to the sudden onset of hot flashes, characterised by a rapid rise in body temperature, flushing of the skin, and profuse sweating. So, this intense heat experienced during a hot flash can sometimes trigger a feeling of sickness or an upset stomach, resulting in nausea.

But there is another thing too.

The hormonal imbalance associated with menopause can also affect the gastrointestinal system, contributing to nausea. 

Oestrogen receptors are present in the digestive tract, and alterations in oestrogen levels can disrupt normal digestion, leading to feelings of nausea or an unsettled stomach.

It's common to feel slight nausea or dizziness during these episodes, but most women don't typically complain. 

However, if you find yourself frequently experiencing post-hot flash nausea, it may be worth discussing with your doctor to ensure no underlying conditions are contributing to these symptoms. 

Some of the conditions that can be the reason for both symptoms occurring together :

• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Certain medications
• Heat exhaustion

It can also be some significant conditions like -

• Medical conditions of GIT
• Thyroid diseases
• Carcinoid syndrome 

Addressing any persistent or concerning symptoms is essential for a comprehensive evaluation.

An Ayurvedic Perspective 

From an Ayurvedic perspective, hot flashes and nausea are seen as imbalances in the body's doshas, specifically Pitta and Vata, but predominantly Pitta dosha, which is responsible for heat production in the body.

During menopause, the decrease in oestrogen levels disrupts the balance of Pitta dosha, leading to hot flashes. Excessive heat accumulates in the body, causing sudden waves of intense heat and sweating. This imbalance can also affect the digestive fire (Agni), leading to impaired digestion and resulting in feelings of nausea and an unsettled stomach.

An imbalance Vata being led by an aggravated pitta dosha itself is the cause of nausea and vomiting. 

To address hot flashes and nausea, Ayurveda emphasises the need to balance Pitta and Vata doshas and support the body's natural cooling mechanisms. 

Ayurvedic Recommendations

Cooling Diet: Include cooling foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, cilantro, cucumber, coconut water, and mint. Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods, which aggravate Pitta dosha.

Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Shatavari, Brahmi, and Amla have cooling properties and can help balance hormones and alleviate hot flashes and nausea. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised herbal recommendations.

Lifestyle Modifications: Practise stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and gentle yoga to calm the mind and balance Vata dosha.

Ayurvedic Oils: Massaging the body with cooling oils like coconut or sandalwood can help regulate body temperature and relieve hot flashes.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and herbal teas to stay hydrated and support the body's cooling mechanisms.

Yoga for Cooling Your Body

Some of the yoga practices you can adopt are;

Pranayama (Breathing Exercises): Practise cooling pranayama techniques such as Sheetali and Shitali pranayama. These involve inhaling through the mouth with a curled tongue or drawing air in through pursed lips, which helps cool the body and calm the mind.

Sitali Breath:

Sit comfortably and roll your tongue into a tube shape or make a small "O" shape with your lips.

Inhale slowly through the rolled tongue or pursed lips, allowing the breath to feel relaxed as it enters your body.

Exhale through the nose.

Continue for several rounds.

Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations): Include a gentle and modified version of Surya Namaskar in your practice. The flowing movements and conscious breathing can help regulate body temperature and promote well-being.

Cooling Asanas (Poses): Practise cooling and calming yoga poses such as Savasana (Corpse Pose), Balasana (Child's Pose), and Viparita Karani (Legs-up-the-Wall Pose). These poses help relax the body, reduce heat, and restore balance.

Meditation: Regular meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote hormonal balance. Sit comfortably, focus on your breath, and cultivate inner peace and tranquillity.

Lifestyle Considerations: Maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle by incorporating mindful eating, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Creating a supportive and nurturing environment for yourself is crucial during this time.

It's important to note that Ayurvedic recommendations are personalised based on an individual's unique constitution (Prakriti ) and overall health. Consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner can provide personalised guidance and tailored treatment options for managing hot flashes and nausea using holistic approaches.

 Embracing a holistic approach incorporating techniques like Ayurveda and yoga can relieve the underlying hormonal imbalances, promoting overall well-being and reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and nausea.

To Conclude

Hot flashes and nausea may cloud the present moment, but they cannot dim the inner light that shines within.

However, relief is within reach by embracing a holistic approach that combines Ayurveda, yoga, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurvedic remedies, such as cooling foods and herbal remedies, can help balance the body's doshas. Yoga practices, including pranayama and calming asanas, offer a pathway to soothe the mind and regulate body temperature. Lifestyle modifications like stress management and mindful eating can enhance overall well-being.