Pregnancy is an important phase in a woman’s life and needless to say, critical as well. It is normally a physical & emotional roller coaster ride with its ups and downs, and every day can be a new day as far as experiences are concerned. Ayurveda helps in various ways, by protecting the mother’s as well as the child’s life and even supporting the recovery period after the birth. Ayurveda can help avoid complications during the pregnancy, which is characterized by nine conditions, viz. nausea, anorexia, vomiting, dryness of mouth, fever, oedema, anaemia,diarrhoea and fluid retention; collectively known as garbhopadravas.
Here are a few simple remedies that can make the entire journey to motherhood a fulfilling experience.
- Favour your cravings, but in moderation: Since you are eating to maintain two lives, it is important to note that what you crave may not be suitable for the life inside you. Hence consume what you want, but in moderation. The important advice is to eat when you desire, and eat adequate amounts of protein, healthy carbohydrates and vegetables.
- Balance your vata: The vata dosha needs more attention during pregnancy, as it affects the energy of the nervous system. A diet of fresh, plant-based, whole or sprouted grains and non-processed foods along with warm, freshly cooked foods with healthy oils of olive, ghee and coconut are good. The three tastes that balance vata are sweet, sour and salty. Drink plenty of water and fluids.
- Experience ayurvedic massage: Massages do wonders for the body and has physical and mental calming effects. A calm mother helps calm the baby as well. Daily massage with Ayurvedic herbal massage oil feeds the microbiology on the skin, as well as calms the skin-based sensory nervous system of the mother. Ensure that this is done by an expert Ayurvedic practitioner.
- What to Avoid: Extremes like fasting or over eating, having strong & pungent foods, sleeping during the day or staying up late at night, watching or listening to depressing events, traveling for long periods or lifting heavy items and any such activities that can cause discomfort to body or mind should be avoided.
During this period, many therapies like Abhyanga or Shirodhara may also be applied, but only after due consultation with an Ayurvedic physician. With a legacy of 114 years, Itoozhi Ayurveda is one of the leading traditional Ayurveda Hospitals in Kerala and specializes in wellness therapies, having an expert panel of physicians to take care of any ailments.
