Role of Ayurveda therapeutic procedures in prenatal and postnatal care

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy and childbirth are challenging events in women’s life cycle. Throughout this journey very often a mother faces several health issues, discomforts, and complications increasing the risk for her life. To deal with this situation, modern medicine usually needs help of different medical and surgical interventions but not all medicines and surgeries are effective. Ayurveda has advocated ample of therapeutic procedures that can take care of the safety of woman during the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Such procedures are being discussed in this article. Materials and Methods: Selected Ayurveda classics, electronic databases, namely PubMed, Digital helpline for Ayurveda Research Articles, National Centre for Biotechnology information, and so on are searched to compile the evidence of such therapeutic interventions advocated during obstetrical management. Results: Shodhana therapy (bio-purification procedures) is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. However, Panchakarma (five cleansing methods) such as Basti (therapeutic enema), Nasya (instillation of herbal oils, juices, or powders through the nasal route), and other Upakarmas (allied therapies) such as Parisheka (pouring medicated liquids), Avagahana (Tub bath with herbal liquids) are prescribed in the classics of Ayurveda in the context of Garbhini Chikitsa (pregnancy management), Prasava Paricharya (intrapartum management), and Sutika Paricharya (puerperal management). These ancient methods of treatment procedures are advised to be used moderately with pleasant manner. Conclusion: Specific Panchakarma therapies are useful in achieving and maintaining normal pregnancy and enable normal labor. Various Upakarmas facilitate healthy growth and development of fetus, prevent minor ailments and complications in intrapartum as well as in postpartum phase. Hence, Ayurveda procedures appear to be the most effective remedial measure in preventing obstetrical complications, promoting maternal and child health, and lowering maternal mortality rate.