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Mother care
Ayurveda
system of medicine lays utmost emphasis on pregnancy care and calls
it Garbhini paricharya. It aims at providing the most nurturing
environment both for the mother and child. Garbhini paricharya describes
ahara (diet), vihara (life style) and vichara (thought process)
to be followed by the mother throughout the period of pregnancy
as these have a direct bearing on the health of the child.
A pregnant woman according to the garbhini paricharya should consume
highly nutritious food that should contain proteins, vitamins and
minerals. She should also follow certain exercises during the period
of pregnancy. Ante natal care in ayurveda includes suggestions regarding
simple exercises and lifestyles that help to give birth to a healthy
and beautiful child.
Ayurveda lists the names of selective herbs and spices to be taken
by the mother during the various stages of her pregnancy. And, towards
the end of her pregnancy period, there will be different processes
to make labour easier. Ayurveda recommends that pregnant women take
herbs like Shatavaree and Ashwagandha in various forms as these
improve the immune system of the mother and the baby. The intake
of the nutritional supplement, Chyavanaprash, is also suggested
for the healthy growth of the fetus.
It is advised that the pregnant mother take medicated ghee (Gritha)
from the very first month of the pregnancy period. Sukaprasava gritham
should be taken by the seventh month as this gritham helps the mother
to have an easy delivery.
Ayurveda recommends that pregnant woman have an oil massage (Abhyanga)
on a daily basis. Special attention is to be given to the care of
feet, legs, abdomen, lower back, neck and the shoulders.
A pregnant woman should have as diet, chapattis, white basmati rice,
moog beans, fresh fruits, vegetables and should also drink large
quantities of water. She should rather concentrate on having several
light meals instead of one or two heavy meals. Consuming boiled
milk with cinnamon, ghee and raw honey will give nourishment to
the body during this time and is to be taken before going to bed
or early in the morning. She should consume an increased quantity
of milk during the pregnancy period as milk contains an abundance
of calcium, lactose and butter fat. Vitamin B & C complex are also
recommended.
Yoga can be practiced during the early stages of pregnancy. However,
it is not advisable from the third month of pregnancy. And, during
the early stages, simple and safe postures like lying on one’s back
and pushing the back to the floor, then swaying knees to one side
and the other could be practiced. Besides, simple poses such as
cat pose and corpse pose could also be practiced. She should also
have a minimum of 8 hours sleep and should avoid having tension
and worry as these may ultimately affect the mental disposition
of the child.
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| Child
Care |
| Child care in ayurveda starts before a woman conceives a child and lasts till... |
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