Antenatal & Postnatal treatment { गर्भिणी परिचार्य ,सुतिका परिचार्य] }
Antenatal care (गर्भिणी परिचार्य): In Ayurveda, the Antenatal care comes under the heading of “Garbhini Paricharya" [गर्भिणी परिचार्य]. And some do's and don'ts come under the Garbhaposhaka bhava [गर्भपोषक भव: things which are suitable for the fetus] and "Garbhopghatkara bhava [गर्भोपघटकार भव: things harmful for the fetus].
In garbhposhaka bhava, Ayurveda suggests a monthly dietary regimen to meet the increased calorie requirements of pregnant women, behaviour alterations to enhance spiritual & mental status and herbs, medication helps strengthen the uterus, support hormonal balance, and boost immunity and procedures to treat complications during pregnancy. Daily routines emphasise gentle oil massages (Abhyanga), mild yoga, and adequate rest to maintain Vata balance. Mental and emotional health is supported through meditation, breathing practices, listening to calming music, and staying mentally positive. Preventive care focuses on observing pregnancy symptoms, avoiding activities or foods that aggravate doshas, especially Vata, and implementing specific therapies such as Pumsavana Karma for fetal vitality.
The garbhopghatkara suggests avoiding some dietetics & modes of life which are contra-indicated during pregnancy. The proper implementation of Garbhini Paricharya ensures a healthy child and an expected healthy delivery, which is helpful to the mother in the postnatal period.
Post-delivery care ([सुतिका परिचार्य): Post-delivery care, known as “Sutika Paricharya” [सुतिका परिचार्य] or “Sutika Ahara Vihara,” [सुतिका अहार विहार] is an important aspect of Ayurveda that focuses on the well-being of both the mother and the newborn during the postpartum period.
This period, especially the first 45 days, is considered crucial for the physical and mental recovery of the mother, as well as the healthy development of the baby. After delivery, the uterus shrinks back to its normal size after the expansion due to the delivery. Additionally, the tendons, muscles, and ligaments connected to the uterus regain their lost strength and power during pregnancy. To regain the lost strength in childbirth, Ayurveda focuses on the mother and the newborn for up to forty-five days to bring back the pre-pregnancy health to the mother and make the child strong and healthy.
Ayurveda treats the post-delivery period as crucial for recovery and actively focuses on pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha. Ayurveda recommends a warm, nourishing diet including rice gruel, moong dal, ghee, herbal soups, and milk to rebuild strength, support digestion, and enhance lactation, while advising avoidance of cold, heavy, and processed foods.Suitable herbal formulations aid in hormonal balance, uterine healing, pain relief, and milk production.
Daily Abhyanga (oil massage) using medicated oils helps alleviate body aches, improve circulation, and calm the nervous system. Swedana (mild steam therapy) promotes muscle relaxation and toxin elimination. In some cases, Basti (medicated enemas) may be administered to regulate Vata and promote rejuvenation. Lifestyle recommendations include adequate rest, avoiding physical exertion and cold exposure, and staying in a warm, stress-free environment with emotional support. Ayurvedic herbal formulations are also used to enhance lactation. Overall, Ayurvedic postnatal care fosters faster recovery, hormonal balance, and long-term vitality, ensuring a smooth transition into motherhood.
Note: Modern Medicine focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, while in Ayurveda, the treatment for the
same disease can differ significantly for each person, because Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by considering the
individual’s constitution (Prakriti), imbalances (Vikriti), and the interrelationship between the body and the environment hence
Ayurveda, the treatment for the same disease can vary for different individuals.
