The Nourished Nervous System
An exploration of stress, the nervous system, and resilience through the lenses of Ayurveda, Somatic Practice, Herbs, Neural Plasticity and much more!
The Nourished Nervous System
Ojas and the Perimenopause Portal: Tending Vitality, Resilience, and the Sacred Nectar (part 3 of a 3 part series)
In this episode, I’m concluding our three-part series on Ayurveda and perimenopause with a deep dive into ojas — the subtle essence that governs vitality, immunity, resilience, and emotional steadiness.
We’re recording in the dark days of winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, and I begin by reflecting on how seasonal rhythms mirror the inner transitions many of us experience during perimenopause.
Just as nature turns inward in winter, this phase of life invites us to slow down, listen more closely, and tend ourselves with greater care.
In Ayurveda, perimenopause is not seen as a problem or a decline, but as a time of refinement — a transition into a wiser, more conserving phase of life.
Ojas becomes especially precious during this time, as rising vata (air and space) can draw on our reserves of vitality if we’re not supported.
In this episode, we explore:
- What ojas is from an Ayurvedic perspective — physically, energetically, and emotionally
- Why perimenopause is considered an ojas-sensitive window
- How hormonal shifts, stress, sleep disruption, and midlife responsibilities can affect ojas
- The relationship between rasa dhatu, agni, and ojas
- Signs of ojas depletion — emotionally and physically
- The difference between para ojas (essential, life-sustaining) and apara ojas (day-to-day, replenishable vitality)
- How ojas depletion can show up differently through vata, pitta, and kapha qualities
- Gentle, realistic ways to rebuild and protect ojas during perimenopause
- Why this phase is not a depletion story, but a recalibration of energy and vitality
This episode is an invitation to soften the narrative around perimenopause and to see it as a meaningful turning point: a time to protect the sacred nectar of vitality so we can move into the next phase of life feeling steadier, resourced, and radiant.
Resources mentioned:
- Free download: A Gentle Ayurvedic Guide to Perimenopause: Five Ways to Support Your Nervous System and Digestion
- Self-abhyanga (oil massage) practices
- Previous episodes in this series on Rasa and Agni
If this episode resonates with you, I’m also quietly preparing a spring offering that weaves together one-on-one Ayurvedic consultations, group support, yoga, somatic practices, and seasonal rhythm — you can join my mailing list to learn more when it’s ready.
Thank you so much for listening and for walking this transition with curiosity and care.
Resources:
Ayurvedic Dosha Quick Reference Guide
Nourished For Resilience Workbook
Find me at www.nourishednervoussystem.com
and @nourishednervoussytem on Instagram