Indian system
of medicine, Ayurveda, has given utmost importance to the care of Garbhini and Soothika (Postparum woman) and Navajata
(newborn). All classical Ayurvedic texts have univocal opinion as far as the
care of Garbhini and Soothika are
concerned. These principles have been adapted to our lifestyle with slight
regional variations throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
PRASOOTHI
TANTRA AND BALAVIDYA
It is the
branch of Ayurveda that deals with Gyenecology and Pediatrics. The Ayurvedic
protocol for Garbhini starts even before conception as good parental seeds lead
to good progeny. The elected parents are advised to undergo detoxifying
methodology (panchakarma) and the
husband is given medicines and foods which will improve his libido and vigor.
Food and regiment that will improve anabolism or kapha factor. Female is given fat and protein rich food which
includes sesame oil and black gram. In general females are advised to eat food
and drugs that stabilizes the functions of pitta
(Read factors that corrects hormonal functions). The concept of newlyweds
visiting relatives and they are given a grand feast by the hosts are part and
parcel of preparing the prospective mother and father.
“Sudhe sukla arthave satwaswa karma klesha
chodita:
Garbha sambadyate yukti vasaad agni
iva aranow”
(Astanga
Hrudayam, Sarira Stanam Ch 1, Ver 1)
Promted by the merits of its karma in previous births the ‘atman’ enters the womb at the time of conception.
During
pregnancy period,the hallmark of Ayurveda, Panchakarma treatments, barring very
few exception, are generally contra-indicated during pregnancy as these
detoxifying methods utilizes the excretory pathways which might trigger an
abortion or premature delivery.
Only
panchakarma treatment recommended for garbhini is vasti (medicated enema) which
can be administered after the 8th month. Even an unlikely event of
premature birth is not serious hazard as the fetus would have become viable by
that time.
Drugs beneficial for Garbhini-yoga
ratnakara gives a list of dravyas that can be used by garbhini, these are-Sali,
Sastika Rice: –Due to its Madhura Snigdha Seeta properties it helps in
nourishment of fetus, samana of vata and helps in body metabolism
Ø
Mudga and Wheat: Acts due to its Madhura,
Seeta, Sandhana and Jeevana Properties.
Ø
Flour of parched rice – Acts as samana in
thirst, vomiting, and diarrhoea and also as appetiser
Ø
Navaneetha, Gritha and milk- Provides
nourishment and stability to the fetus and in milk production.
Ø
Gooseberry:
Mild laxative & provides immunity
Ø
Draksha: Vrishya, Vata samana, Madhura,
Snigdha guna
Anointing
with cooling agents like Musk, Sandal and camphor.
There are
restrictions in the use some alcohol-containing medicines like Vasaristam.
Pregnant
women are given special status and utmost care is given to them both for
physical and psychologically. Ayurveda says a pregnant woman possesses two
hearts as her desires are reflections of baby’s desires as well. The desires of
a woman have to be fulfilled without compromising the special modalities of
pregnancy.
It is high
time we amalgamate our ancient knowhow in Prasoothi Tantra (Ayurvedic
Gynecology), modern medical practices and yogic practice making the gestation
and lactating period a time to celebrate.
