Chitra's Story:
Ayurveda, Menopause,
and Four-Legged Wisdom
Hello, I'm Chitra (pronounced chih-truh).
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I help peri and post menopausal women who are 40+ and have always prided themselves in living a healthy lifestyle, now anxious and fired up by symptoms such as brain fog, uncontrolled anger, weight gain, thinning hair or hair loss, sleeplessness, hot flashes, cold flashes, skin breakouts, dry skin, bloating and digestive issues and simply cannot or do not want to undergo the HRT route.​
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My path to becoming an Ayurvedic practitioner specializing in menopause has been a journey of discovery, challenges, and growth.
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The Seeds of Healing
My journey began in the late 80s when a curandera awakened my awareness of my innate energy healing and intuition abilities. This sparked a 20-year exploration, which included studying with Dr. Norm Shealy and Caroline Myss in Medical Intuition and Sacred Archetypes. Always seeking a language to describe what I intuitively practiced and always searching for a comprehensive holistic system that addressed the root causes of disease.
Life's Unexpected Turns and Discovering Ayurveda
As often happens, life had its own plans for my education.
While caring for both my mother and father, I discovered Ayurveda. This experience deepened my understanding of aging, health, and the profound connection between mind and body. These experiences left me questioning both conventional healthcare and new age practices, pushing me to seek a more comprehensive approach to healing.
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It was during this time that Ayurveda entered my life, feeling like a language for what I had always known intuitively – a complete system of medicine that resonated with my holistic approach.
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During this period, I also met my husband. Our shared interest in holistic health led us to start an organic food-buying club, which became successful enough to support my next big step.
Deepening My Ayurvedic Knowledge
The success of our food-buying club allowed me to move to Albuquerque to study Ayurveda at the Ayurvedic Institute with Dr. Vasant Lad, a pivotal moment in my journey.
However, life had more lessons in store for me.
My studies were interrupted when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I put my education on hold to care for him until he passed. After his passing, I honored his memory by continuing my Ayurvedic path. I became one of the first westerners who assisted in the translation and editing of the Ashtanga Hrdayam with Dr. Sanjay Pisharodi.
A Dream Realized
Eventually, I returned to Albuquerque, intending to complete my studies at the Ayurvedic Institute.
However, my journey had taken me beyond the scope of their curriculum at that time. I ultimately completed my studies elsewhere, fulfilling my promise to my late husband and achieving my goal of becoming a Doctor of Ayurveda by my 61st birthday.
Finding My Focus
During my studies, I had an epiphany.
Most women's healthcare systems focus primarily on menstrual cycles (and not much of that beyond hormone adjustments), fertility and childbirth, but what about women like me? A childless cat lady who experienced the often shamed, unspoken, and vilified journey of menopause?
I saw a significant gap in resources and support for women in this life stage, and I knew I had found my focus.
Ayurveda for Modern Menopausal Women
Today, I dedicate my practice to supporting women through menopause using the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda.
My approach integrates nutrition, massage, yoga, essential oils, lifestyle modifications, some woo and much more to address not just symptoms, but their root causes. I'm committed to ensuring women's health is respected, not over-medicalized, and that we have sustainable, natural options for menopause support.
Home is Where the Cats Are
Currently, I call Albuquerque, NM home (on the traditional land of the Pueblo of Sandia and Tewa), though I'm exploring the exciting possibility of becoming an expat or spending part of the year abroad. But no matter where I am, my four feline companions are always by my side – or more accurately, on my keyboard!
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My owners add an element of unpredictability to my days. Don't be surprised if you hear a meow during our consultations or spot a tail swishing across your screen. They've even tried to contribute to my work – one of them once sent a message to my client that simply read "p[p". Between you and me, I think they know more about Ayurveda than I do, and one is even fluent in Sanskrit!
Continuing the Journey
My exploration of Ayurveda and its applications for women's health, particularly during menopause, is ongoing.
I'm continually learning, growing, and seeking ways to better support women through this significant life transition. If you're interested in learning more about how Ayurveda might support your journey through menopause, I'm here to share what I've learned and continue learning alongside you.
Feel Like We're a Fit?
Three Ways To Get Started
Art of Menopausing Essentials Starter Kit
Ready to discover natural, Ayurvedic approaches to managing menopause symptoms?
Whether you're just starting to wonder if you are in menopause, in the thick of it, navigating medical menopause, or well past it.
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The starter kit offers core strategies that are easy to follow and effective, no matter what you’ve tried before.
Find practical steps you can use right away to feel better in your daily life. ​
• Gain clarity • Feel more vibrant in a way that truly makes a positive impact
• No dogma • No restrictive rules • No pressure