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Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe The Art and Satara of Pregnancy

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 Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe is considered a

pioneer in Ayurveda, going far
beyond mere herbs, medicines and
remedies, in his holistic approach to
the science. The grand unity ofthe
disciplines of Ayurveda, Yoga, food
science, spirituality and healing
music, are explained in a clear and
entertaining manner in his
discourses.

He has taken on the near impossible

task of researching and reminding us
of the great treasure that is the
ancient Vedic culture. He explains
with flair how the traditions, ~_
festivals, rituals and philosophies
pertain to present life and deliver
immeasurable value, if followed with
understanding. He cuts through
myth and superstition and works to
take forward the inspiration and
knowledge that the ancients left
behind for us to discover. He'shows
easily how those traditions are truly
applicable in every phase of human
development, since they are based
on the human being's involvement in
all natural phenomena. It is clear
that our times are most urgently in
need of such guidance. It is Dr.
Tambe's passion and mission that
this way oflife should bring about
progress at material, psychological
and spiritual levels, everywhere.

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 Ayurvedic
Girona Sar SRE
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The Art and Science of Pregnancy

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe

 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

~ ©) Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe (2011)

Atmasantulan Village, Karla, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

- First Edition : 28 June, 2011

Languages published in Marathi (First Edition - 4 March 2007, 19 editions
published), Gujarati (First Edition - 6 March 2011)

& Publisher : Balaji Tambe Foundation

~ Editorial Team: Dr. Smt. Veena Tambe, Dr. Malvika Sunil Tambe,
Dre Sujata Sanjay Tambe, Dr. Bhagyashree Zhope

Translation Assistants : Dr. Sujata Sanjay Tambe, Ishwari Thornton,

Barry O’Reilly, Karan Makhija, Garima Goyal, Dr. Neha Goyal

Cover Page Design : Shrikant Chavhan

~ Cover Page Model : Madhurani Prabhulkar
Page Layout: Vijaya Kolhe, Suhas Kadre
Photography : Avdhoot Hembade, Sanjay Pethe, Sunil Tambe.
Calligraphy : Jayant Bhosle, Babu Udapi

Printing, Sales and Distibution: Sakal Papers Ltd.

595, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 2. Tel: 020-24405678 / 88888 49050

ne Printed at : Wikas Electrical & Ceramic Products Pvt. Ltd.

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Plot No. 32, Trimbak Road, M.I.D.C., Satpur, Nashik - 7
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ISBN: 978-93-80571-85-0

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é
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RELATION TO THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE LIABLE TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION AND CIVIL CLAIMS FOR DAMAGES.

The Lotus Aum logo and Santulan Veda are trademarks belonging to Dr. Balaji Tambe.

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 Dedicated to my parents

Respected Vedic Scholar Late Smt Lakshmibai Vasudev Tambe

Late Shri Vasudev Dhundhiraj Tambeshastri

Dedicated to my revered parents,

who instilled in me their values and good culture!
- Balaji Tambe
 Ayurvedic
Gerbha Sanskar

An Introduction to the Author

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe meditation. Since 1982, Dr. Tambe conducts an
was born to Shri annual seminar in the monsoon, where he focuses
Vasudev Tambe on the science and rationale.of spirituals subjects,
Shastri and Smt. and demonstrates their practical aspects as well.
Lakshmibai Vasudev
Tambe. Among Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe has, over the years,
those of the spiritual developed both SOM Yoga, for meditation, and a
path, Shri Vasudev special yoga technique called Santulan Kriya Yoga
Tambe Shastri had (SKY). Numerous people, through many centres,
attained a very high both in India and abroad, continue to benefit from
spiritual authority, and the child Balaji’s attraction these systems.
to, and intelligence in that sphere were apparent
and ingrained very early. The atmosphere at home Over the last forty years, Dr. Tambe has been
was very conducive to the study of the Vedas, untiringly lecturing on subjects from the ancient
Upanishads, Puranas and mantras and other scriptures and sciences, and the Shrimad Bhagawad
Spiritual techniques. At the age of five he began Geeta, the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Ayurveda.
formal schooling as well as a formal spiritual In the sphere of health, apart from practicing and
education and completed both with degrees in spreading Ayurveda, he regularly conducts concerts
engineering and Ayurveda. With the blessings of his on Healing Music, spreading its health effects,
parents and the Grace of Sadguru Shri Dattatreya in India and abroad. And in following Ayurvedic
he had studied both worlds - the physical, visible instructions in an uncompromising manner, and
and rational, as well as the spiritual, subtle and through his research and experiments, Dr. Tambe
omniscient. And further, he studied and researched has evolved a complete and holistic system of
the Indian traditions, Ayurveda and other Vedas, healing. The mastery of Yoga and Ayurveda is, it
puranas, mantra and tantra (verbal and physical seems, embedded in his being.
techniques), yoga, astrology and music, to
understand their essence and see how they can be To bring life in balance he has established the
applied to enrich various spheres of life. Atmasantulana way of life. Its purpose is not merely
to cure disease, but to increase health, and enhance
Since the year 1965, he has been writing under one’s entire outlook towards life. In 1982, on the
the pen name ‘Aum Swarupa’, and established a basis of the Vedic Gurukul lifestyle, he established,
centre for meditation under that aegis. He has given in the peaceful, pure and spiritual environs of Karla,
diksha (spiritual initiation) to many into the Aum the Atmasantulana Village. He has since constantly
chanting meditation practice called ‘Santulan Om been evolving practices that help keep life in
Meditation’ or SOM Yoga, and inspired their spiritual balance. Dr. Tambe’s ability to present ancient and
development. A large number of his disciples, both complex spiritual concepts in extremely easy terms
in India and abroad, now practice this meditation endears him even to new generations.
technique. This seven-fold technique’s most
important features include social service and group To ensure that medicines are produced strictly
 An Introduction to the Author "9

in accordance with Ayurvedic instructions and Ramayana), Chakra Sudarshan that explains the
tradition, a pharmacy has been established at seven chakras in the body (Marathi) and Ayurveda
Atmasantulana Village. Dr. Tambe says that music is Uvach (Marathi), among others. He has been, since
not merely for entertainment, and he has composed its inception, the editor of the ECHO magazine that
and produced several albums of healing music. And is published at the Atmasantulana Village. He is the
so along with physical health he has provided the chief consultant to the ‘Family Doctor’, a weekly
elixir of psychological and spiritual health to many. supplement to the leading Marathi newspaper,
Sakal. Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe has a daily (mon to
In both India and internationally, his writings sat) show on the Marathi TV channel, Saam, called
on Yoga, Ayurveda, Astrology, Healing Music and Shri Geeta Yog — Version 2011 in which he conducts
Spirituality, appear in leading newspapers and discourses on the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta. He
magazines, onaregular basis. He has written several has recently begun writing series of books on the
books over the years, including Sanyulan Kriya Bhagawad Geeta in English as well as Marathi—
Yoga (SKY), Ayurvedic Home Remedies (English one book for each of its 18 chapters. The series
and Marathi), Living Meditation Through Aum is called Peacock Feathers and Shri Geeta Yog
Swarupa (in 4 parts), Shri Ram Vishwapanchayatan Shodh Brahmavidyecha in Marathi. Three books
in Marathi also published as the Aatma Ramayan from the series in Marathi, and one from the series
in Gujrati (which reveals the real meaning of the in English have already been published.

DR. TAMBE HAS BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF SEVERAL NATIONAL AND

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS INCLUDING...
The “Recognition of Excellence in Health Care” Trophy from IMM.
“Priyadarshini Puraskar” for the preservation and development of Ayurved.

His project, “Pran-Vedic Community Health Initiative,” was selected for Expo 2000 held at Hanover in
Germany.
A public felicitation by the Mayor of Pune for his outstanding contribution to Ayurved.

“Satyashodhak Samajbhushan Puraskar 2006” from the Shri Gajanan Maharaj Shikshak Prasarak
Mandal.

“Ayurved Bhushan Puraskar” from the Ayurved Research Foundation.

Member of the Committee for the Standardisation of Ayurved Treatment Centres, Govt. of
Maharashtra (2007) BCUD Member - University of pune
The Scroll of Honour 2010 - presented by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation in recognition
of Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe’s work in various fields.
“Dnyan-vidnyan Puraskar” form Jyeshtha Nagarik Manch, Nagar, 2011
“Saint Shri Gulabrao Maharaj Puraskar’” from the Gulabrao Maharaj Sahitya Sammelan, 2011
——

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Na mantram no yantram tadapi ca na jane stutimaho

na cahvanam dhyanam tadapi ca na jane stutikathah
Na jane mudraste tadapi ca na jane vilapanam
param jane matastvadanusaranae klésaharanam

atrudevo Bhava be Mother, she is venerated. Even God

almighty, it is said, sought the help of
When speaking of our deities in Mother Earth, without whom he could
India we always talk of 'Radha-Krishna’ not create Nature. A_ fine sapling or
or ‘Sita-Ram', and certainly in the quality seed is useless in the absence
vernacular, always the mother before of fertile soil - or if there is no soil at
the father. A mother occupies the all!
highest pedestal in the world.
The woman carries the child for nine
In the above verse, the revered months, accepts the inconveniences
Shri Adi Shankaracharya says - A and discomforts that come with
mother will love her offspring even pregnancy. It would be gross injustice
if it is not particularly intelligent, has not to give her credit for this.
no knowledge of the scriptures, is
not attractive, or unable even to cry We certainly do not intend to discuss
properly. Even merely thinking of the the superiority of one gender over the
mother brings comfort and eases pain. other! It is to infer that if the prospective
mother lacks in, what one may call,
A crying baby, when put on ‘feminine balance’. i.e. if all aspects
its mother’s lap, experiences an relating to childbearing are not sound,
indescribable joy and contentment from then her child will be highly affected.
the love being powered by the mother.
| want to bring to attention that as a
There is a wonder and greatness to society we have paid very little attention
Motherhood. Since Woman agreed to to women's health. If a child is born
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Semskér

with defects, the responsibility for this certainly The perspective | offer people is that once a
lies with both parents, but it hinges more on the child is born with a physical or mental handicap
mother's health. She has a much greater effect or incapacitation, not ‘only that individual but his
on the child as compared to the father. entire family will go through hardship for their
entire lives. Instead, it will always be better for
Just imagine, if children are born blind, deaf, the would-be parents to invest in some care as
or with any other defects, then who will enjoy the advised here for just 12 to 18 months prior to
beauty of this world? If children are born with conception. This way they will reap the benefits
holes in their hearts, who will sit in the jet planes for their entire lives, as well as_ for the lives of
we've designed? their children.

| wished to draw attention to the health of the We believe that a child is simply born due to
woman and the unborn child. During the period the union of man and woman. This is as foolish
between 1970-1972, | began to design certain as assuming that when a seed is merely thrown
health related programmes for women. They onto soil, it will survive, grow, and bear fruit.
dealt with several subtle, interesting and often We are unaware that for this process to be fully
overlooked questions realised in human beings, 'Garbha Sanskar' is
absolutely essential.
What should a woman do to maintain her
health? When and what should she eat? Today’s youth owes its good health to healthy
How should one treat, or even better, prevent parents. This good health has not been achieved
menstrual and urinary disorders? What kind of automatically; itis the result ofAyurvediya Garbha
relationaship should man and wife share so that Sanskar, carried out over many generations (as
a husband contributes to his wife's well-being part of their lifestyle and traditional, and perhaps
and ensures that her hormonal health remains not explicitly, or known by this name). This
in balance. health is, by no means, to be taken for granted.
Fortunately, with the advent of modern science,
Since many years | started making medicines technology, and transportation, it has become
for this purpose and gave them free, as a easier to adopt ‘Ayurvediya Garbha Sanskar.’ If
service to humanity. | cannot stress more about we want to do something for life long happiness
the importance of care during pregnancy, care and contentment, then we must follow ‘Garbha
during child birth, and women's health in general. Sanskar’.
| decided to help people in these matters in what
little way | could. So over the years, | developed It is important to understand the tenet that
a project called Ayurvediya Garbha Sanskar. every human is expected to contribute something
While going through this book you will see how to the world. While not every family will have an
future generations could have much happier exceptional child, like Vivekananda who worked
lives with the help of 'Garbha Sanskar'. to bring about social change, Shivaji Maharaj
who protected his people, or Saint Dyaneshwar
 My Intent

who helped guide us on to a spiritual path, what is literature, stories and sciences. With the help of
true is that every child can be cultured to become this research | composed music which is now
a person who is peace-loving, health-conscious on the albums 'Feminine Balance’ and 'Garbha
and contributes positively to the world. We must Sanskar', compilations designed to be listened
take up the responsibility to ensure that this to before conception, and during pregnancy,
happens as far as possible. Else, people’s lives respectively. Through evaluations of the children
will be restricted to working, earning money and whose mother's had regularly used these
building homes - and doing nothing that would compositions and through their responses, we
make us proud! realised the compositions had exremely positive
results. Based on these results we decided to
Now, although having a child is an entirely distribute these albums on a large scale. Times
natural process, some couples experience Music, a leading worldwide publisher, made
difficulty in conception. Some precautions are them available to all, including international
recommended before conception, and a certain audiences. The basic aim of these efforts is to
amount of planning is necessary. And right from help people bear healthy children so we can be
conception until delivery, it is important that assured of strong future generations.
the foetus is well protected. These precautions
will ensure that conception occurs without Ayurvedic literature is rigorous and detailed
hinderance, and the child will, hopefully, be in its description of the physiological functioning
physically and mentally fit, make his or her mark and development of the human body. It covers
in the world, and work positively for mankind. a lot of related behavioural topics. Apart from
the process of Garbha Sanskar itself, topics
This entire process should not be left to like conception, child care and other necessary
nature’s cycle or chance. Appropriate care details like tests before, during and after
during pregnancy will ensure a happy and illness pregnancy, diet, clothing and so on, are covered
free life for the child and these effects even carry in this book.
over to successive generations!
Several people have worked tirelessly on
Once we have understood the importance this project. Dr. Bhagyashree Zhope, and my
of this idea, it should follow that utmost care daughters-in-law, Dr. Sujata and Dr. Malvika, who
is taken to maintain the health of women. And work with me, have made great contributions.
it is simple and effective to do so if one uses
ayurvedic remedies and medicines. They have maintained detailed records about
women who had come for treatment, seeking
Women are generally sensitive because their to have a child. They have recorded medicines
hormonal systems are quite delicate. | have prescribed to them, difficulties faced by these
carefully studied the female hormonal system, women during pregnancy as well as remedies,
and researched the effects that music has on details of childbirth, and so on. Dr. Malvika kept
it. | have also referred to our ancient Indian notes of everything she experienced during her
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sensher

own pregnancies. from many people who benefited from the

information they discovered in the articles | have
My wife, Mrs. Veena Tambe, provided published on.this subject>From this feedback, it
guidance based on her experience in bringing was obvious, that society has an urgent need of
up our two sons. She has also contributed such information. This was all the encouragement
immensely on lifestyle, diet, massage and yoga | needed to expand the information already
during and after pregnancy as well as care for published, collect it, and make it available to the
the infant. Mrs. Tambe has conducted many general public, in this form. Mr. Abhijit Pawar,
workshops on these topics, in India and abroad, Mr. Sanjeev Latkar and Mr. Abhijit Mulye, from
and this book has benefited greatly from her Sakal, carried the idea further. They suggested
hands-on experience. the book be translated into languages other
than Marathi. Mr. Sanjeev Latkar and Mr. Abhijit
Although a male doctor, | have been able Mulye also helped to edit the articles from the
to advise and treat women during pregnancy Family Doctor so that they could be published
effectively, but as a mother, Dr. Malvika in the book. The book’s appearance and layout
has been able to make a several additional is due to the efforts of Mr. Nandan Mithari, Mr.
significant inputs. And both, Dr. Malvika and Dr. Hemant Vandekar, and Mr. Anil Redekar, all from
Bhagyashree, have worked untiringly, to find Sakal.
references in Ayurved and correlate them with
my practical experience and insight, for articles This book has turned out to be like an
in the weekly supplement of Family Doctor, a experienced and wise older woman who passes
part of the Sakal family of newspapers. Mrs. on her expertise about conception, health and
Vijaya Kolhe’s efforts, in transcribing the text child care to younger women in her fold. | am
of Family Doctor and Ayurvediya Garbha confident that this book will serve to guide
Sanskar have been invaluable. My son, Sunil women well.
managed the difficult task of photographing
Yoga postures and treatments, such as dhoop, And _ finally, one will ask whether this
and Jana Rosenhagen demonstrated for information is only for women. Not at all! Topics
these photographs. My personal assistant, Dr. relevant to men's health related with producing
Nameeta Parekh, has done an excellent job children have also been included, to make the
of coordinating my national and international book useful for both husband and wife.
tours, appointments at the clinic, and day-to-
day activities, to leave me with sufficient time for Ayurvedic Garbha Sanskar is a publication
writing this book. intended to help contribute to future generations
who will work to uplift humanity!
| have received extremely positive feedback

Salyilents
The Garbha Sanskar Family

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe, Dr. Mrs. Veena, Tanishka, Tanushree

Behind - Shri Sanjay, Dr. Mrs. Sujata, Dr. Mrs. Malvika and Shri Sunil

Families commonly expect news of the arrival of a new family

member soon after a couple gets married. However, pregnancy
without adequate preparation is not advisable. So how does one
prepare for pregnancy? Where do we get reliable and experienced
guidance? How should we culture new life in the womb and when
should this process begin? And after the child is born, what should
be done to culture the child further?

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe provides expert guidance and answers to

all of these questions!
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Note from the Publisher

~ather than a translation, this book is who have shown confidence in these
an adaptation for the English speaking practices. One has only to look at
audience. We have tried to provide the volume: and .quality of feedback
adequate explanations for Ayurvedic we have received to understand the
terms in the book. We expect that you transformative nature of the Ayurvedic
will read through the entire book at least Garbha Sanskar. Even though the book
once, even if you intend to use only a is a fantastic guide, it is advisable to
certain part (for e.g. if you have already consult a physician before, during and
conceived). There is a glossary at the after your pregnancy. The behavioural
end for those who wish to expand their practices are obviously safe to follow,
knowledge further. as are the prescribed lifestyle and food
habits.
With respect to medical formulations
advised throughout the book, there are Share your experiences with others.
several which are prepared by Santulan See if you know others who may need
Ayurveda as proprietary medicines in your help or vice versa. Don't be
our own pharmacy. They are easy to discouraged if you don’t get results
identify as their names normally begin overnight — it is not expected. Spend
with or contain ‘Santulan’ or ‘San’. time with the book to grasp what is
Information on Santulan Ayurveda being said. Try and notice the effects
centres and its dealer network is of the measures you have taken. If you
available at www.santulan.in. These face problems, or what is more likely,
medicines have all been prepared with get great results, or merely to satisfy
the Garbha Sanskar project in mind and your doubts or growing interest in the
have proved extremely successful. The subject, feel free to write in to us.
other medicines mentioned here can
all be found in the Ayurvedic Formulary You can write in your questions or
of India and are manufactured by experiences to
several other companies. We have response@garbhasanskar.in.
put out names of medicines and their
constituents in the hope that other Ultimately, we want you to have
diligent practitioners of Ayurved may the best children possible. Surely
be able to use them to help benefit the you cannot imagine that will happen
world at large. without any effort on your part. But to
be actively participating in creating a
In today’s world it has become beautiful, radiant and happy child, and
mandatory to safeguard oneself with we hope, a whole generation like that,
a disclaimer. There are now hundreds is an opportunity you should not pass
of thousands of women and families up!
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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

INDEX
Preparing for pregnancy...
Values lasting through multiple lifetimes Po
For healthy reproductive cells ree)
Culturing the seed nee)
Creating the atmosphere 04
The body's reproductive infrastructure .. 40
Feminine balance 44
ee
ee
ee
eee
ee Difficulties during conception... .. 48

Care of the pregnant woman...

8. Early days of pregnancy OZ
ch Diet during pregnancy OG
10. Fruits & vegetables for the pregnant woman made)
11, What & when should an expectant mother eat? eet
12: Some essential activities OO
13; Remedies for minor problems 193

Nurturing the foetus...

14. Growth of the foetus and its nourishment ces)
15. Some possible foetal defects oe LOs
16. Yoga during pregnancy - 1 114
17 Yoga during pregnancy - 2 eealave!
18. Preparations prior to delivery Epc tkei)
19. Delivery Lol

Care of the woman after delivery...

20. Care of the ‘Sutika’ ... 146
DAs Diet after delivery Poe
(LER, Ideal practices for the new mother eal bse)

13
 es Ayurvedic
Garbha Samskér

—§ Baby care...
1. Care of the newborn ppd ee)

2. Breast-feeding ee 14

3. Fora healthy baby... . Be inG

4. Diet for the baby melon
5. 'Rasayan' for the baby ee hs.)
6. Child development milestones 21 O89
7. Raising a child ....194
8. Common childhood diseases 98
9. Premature birth and child care eee

—____—_——] Appendices
1. Concepts of Ayurveda ee PAP
2. Investigations during pregnancy meoO
3. Table for calculating delivery date ...240
4. Family planning peat
5. Balguti 1.242
6. Sixteen Sanskars 246
7. Immunisation Boye.)
8. Experience speaks... shee
aehs
9. Words of experience-from a doctor mother! ZOO
10. Special Recipes Pere sey f
Panchamrut, Semolina Kheer, Narayan Sheera,
Mung Dal Sheera, Carrot and Mung Dal Salad,
Spinach, Bottle Gourd (Dudhi) and Mung Dal Soup,
Kulith Soup, Mint (Pudina) Chutney, Mixed Vegetable
Thepla, Supari for Balanteen (Post Partum),
Suntha (Dry Ginger Powder) Goli , Dink Ladu,
Methi Ladu, Ahleev Ladu.
11. Scientific names of medicinal plants 200
12. Santulan products for Garbha Sanskar eZ O
13. Glossary eA
Ayurvedic Garbha Sanskar
 e&

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Preparing fov-
preqnancy...
‘Garbha Sanskar’ is essential
for creating intelligent and
healthy children. It is also
important to be aware of the
proper age for child bearing,
to be mentally ready for
parenthood, and to have a
healthy reproductive system
before conceiving a child.
 eye Ant |

al
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

Values lasting through

multiple lifetimes
he Universe originates from the void qa aqui afaeara14: tare faterganr|
(shunya). The terms ‘void’ and ‘zero’ Ea | ATA SSRI AAT
do not imply that nothing is present. . G4d FIRRETAT
‘Zero’ is a point from which the scope
for progress is infinite, and ‘zero’ is Dhruvam caturnam sannidhyat
complete in itself. garbhah syat vidhi-purvakam
rtuksetrambu-bijanam
If one wants to understand any samagryat ankuro yatha
substance or entity, one invariably ...Susruta Sarirasthana
needs to inquire into, and understand,
the causes and processes of its In the process of bringing about a
formation. In the case of human beings, healthy crop, it is of importance that
the process through which we are made the the season be appropriate, the
will obviously affect our future potential soil be cured, the provision of water
and indeed, our entire lives. How we be optimum and the seed be of high
come to be, is naturally of supreme quality. Similarly, for ideal conception,
significance, since the quality of human it is important that the season and
life depends on this process. occasion be suitable, the woman and
her womb be free of all illness, the
The common man may _ be availability of nutrition for development
unfamiliar with the following agricultural of the foetus be optimum, and the seed
considerations. Before selecting a piece (sperm and ovum) be healthy and
of land, the farmer examines the quality potent.
of its soil, local geographical conditions
such as rainfall, the accessibility of Ayurved, since ancient times has
water, and locally available manpower presented the idea that there is an ideal
and electricity. process to creating human beings, and
that it should be followed carefully and
Once he selects the land, to use it, he completely. For this, it has developed
has to plough it, and treat it with fertilizer a complete science called Garbha
and other necessary substances, and Sanskar.
when the time is right, sow appropriate
seeds of a good quality. He needs to It describes a range of preparations
be extremely careful when the seeds to be undertaken by the parents-to-be
sprout and begin to grow. Even a fully to ensure physical health, treatment for
grown crop needs a lot of attention. ideal conception, and care during the
280 days of pregnancy - all essential
Averse from the Sushrut Sharirsthan, for a perfectly healthy child.
one of the defining treatises of Ayurved,
states The unborn child carries some

18
 Values lasting through multiple lifetimes PBR Ria

destined programmes according to its past actions, wa Yd ee: Ara TOTO Wada |
but it receives its physical nourishment from the
mother and its mind is still attached to her. The
mother’s behaviour, diet, thoughts, speech, and Tatra purvam cetana-dhatuh sattva-karano
actions, have a profound impact on the foetus. guna-grahanaya pravartate ...Caraka S4rirasthana

The child is a combination of three phenomena From the moment fertilisation occurs i.e. the
- its own destiny, the qualities and defects of its embryo Is formed, it has an individual mind.
parents and the treatment and care it receives
during pregnancy. Ayurved and the other Vedas This mind carries imprints of good and bad
contain detailed descriptions of the process to help actions from past lives. This mind (which has
produce a healthy child, with excellent physical, always been present) carries with it all the Sattvik,
mental and intellectual qualities. Rajasik and Tamasik impressions from actions of
previous births.
When sperm meets the ovum, it is not necessary
that the result be an embryo. Conception only Life before childbirth, including the nine months
occurs when life force (chetana) also enters the of pregnancy are considered the past life of the
seed and fuses with them at the same time, giving person. The qualities of our forefathers, in the form of
rise to the live embryo. It is very important that we our chromosomes, which account for almost all our
understand and realise this. development, constitution and behaviour, already
exist in us. So we should try and understand that
This shloka from Charak Sharirsthan elaborates: we already exist, much before being born into this
life. That is the past life being referred to here. A
mig ae sARaaratday aerate: | bloodline continues as an unbroken chain and has
a specific set of qualities and characteristics. And
your qualities are the forerunners (of the qualities)
Garbhastu khalu antariksa-vayvagni-toya-bhumi of your own future generations!
vikarascetanadhisthana-bhutah
...Caraka Sarirasthana In the next shloka we see that according to
Ayurvedic philosophy the foetal mind is closely
The five gross elements (Pancha-mahabhoot) interrelated to that of its parents, especially the
are not enough to give life. The integration of life mother. According to Charakacharya:
force with these elements is imperative. That is . , ee
what happens when conception takes place. This
life force is free and independent, and enters the aqtqardarrtd=a: yarasnsient
tafe a Ha
embryo of its own will. Thus, the creation of a arafavrrvaraata RP IRCA
new life is considered to be no less than a natural
miracle! SattvavaisSesyakarani punastesam tesam praninam
matrpitrsattvanyantarvantyah srutayascabhiksnam
Right after this rush of life force, comes the svocitam ca karma sattvaviSesabhyasasceti
formation of the baby’s mind. This is explained in oe Caraka Sarirasthana

the following verse from the Charak Sharirsthan

19
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

It says here - a baby’s mind is not a blank slate, vibrations will act directly on the mind of both mother
but neither is it a finished product. At the stage and child. So, healing music created especially for
of the embryo, the mind is deeply attached to its pregnancy can have an all-round positive effect on
parents. It can listen, and is moulded by the types the health of the child and its personality.
of stories and music the mother listens to when she
is pregnant, and forms itself accordingly. Whatever Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe’s music album Garbha
she listens to with attention contributes to culturing Sanskar, healing music for pregnancy, created with
the mind of the child. exactly this purpose, is being thoroughly researched
in association with the University of Pune. The
So it follows, for example, that if a pregnant effects observed until now are surprisingly positive,
woman wants to remove attitudes that are 'rajasik' and have exceeded expectations.
and 'tamasik' and bear a child with a 'sattvik' nature
- full of intelligence, courage, dynamism and the Most of us are aware of the story of Abhimanyu
ability to discern between right and wrong - she in the Mahabharata. Abhimanyu learned the
should listen only to 'sattvik' stories, which leave art of breaking into a special battle formation,
good impressions on the mind. or chakravyuha, when he was still in his mother
Subhadra’s womb, as Shri Krishna explained the
The Sharangdhar Sanhita also describes the procedure to her.
same idea
If you look closely into the Indian epics you
mega ¢ Wa: fren a aq asd evi Wa |. rere will find clear references to procedures from
Garbha Sanskar. The Ramayana describes the
Garbhopapattau tu manah striya yam jantu vrajet Putrakameshti Yadnya before Shri Rama was born.
tadrsam prastte ...Sarangadhara The deity of fire (referring to our hormonal system),
emerged from the yadnya (even the intake of food
The child will have the kind of qualities that is a yadnya) and gave a gift of payasadaan to King
occupy the pregnant woman's mind. Dashratha. This payas is part of Garbha Sanskar
therapy (in the form of rejuvenating preparations)
When a pregnant woman desires a child who taken to help produce a healthy child.
is courageous, clever, beautiful and healthy, she
should listen to stories of people who possess such Kaushalya’s (Rama's mother) desires (cravings
ideal qualities. She should read their biographies, or dohaale which are explained in detail in further
and perhaps, contemplate upon their lives. chapters), to perform yogasana - such as Vajrasana
and Veerasan - indicate that she was to expect a
CULTURING THROUGH SOUND valourous and strong child.

The most effective medium to culture the Although all this culturing obviously reaches
foetus is sound. Scientifically coordinated sound the womb through the woman, her husband has
combinations, such as mantras, or even music an equally important role to play. During pregnancy
based on such principles, can be understood and husband and wife need to take care of each other.
imbibed directly by the mind. It is not necessary to With so many changes taking place in the woman's
actually comprehend the music and words. Such body, her husband should be extra attentive to her

20
 Values lasting through multiple lifetimes

needs. should follow through each stage of pregnancy.

Recommended foods and more importantly, foods
An ideal example of a relationship between that she should avoid, are described in great detail.
husband and wife is Shri Rama and Sita. Any Along with this, the month-by-month growth of the
particular cravings (dohaale) that Sita had during foetus, the nutrients and energy required for this
pregnancy were taken seriously by Shri Rama. growth, potential disorders, anatomical problems,
He knew that if these wishes were not fulfilled, or preventive measures, and remedies, are all listed.
correctly dealt with, in accordance with Garbha
Sanskar, then the child that is born may not be Ayurved also provides guidance on which
completely healthy. These desires come not from deities to worship and which mantras to recite.
the mother, but from the unborn child, and she Everyone wants a healthy, clever and cultured
is only the medium to express the desires of the child, but is ignorant of the fact that one can
foetus she carries. Across Indian culture these actually prepare for producing such progeny. Even
cravings and desires are treated with sensitivity, as people who understand this idea are still unaware
a practice that will benefit the developing child. of what exactly can be done. With the pace of our
lives increasing all the time, taking time out for
Husband and wife should spend enough time yourself has become more and more difficult. After
with each other. They should cultivate trust and the child is born everyone easily accepts that it is
have a deep bond. Shri Rama and Sita's mutual vital to give time to your baby. But couples should
trust allowed Sita to tell Shri Rama freely of her give time and attention even before conception,
cravings. These cravings can also give you clues, to prepare for, and welcome their child with
to a certain extent, about the nature, personality, appropriate measures. The child born as a result
ambitions and temperament of your unborn child of such careful preparation will benefit immensely.
- perhaps, you could say, an idea of the 'program' And these preparations, carefully put together and
of your child. Sita wanted to go for walks in the scrupulously researched over thousands of years,
forest; wander and sing, free as a bird. She craved have been set down in Ayurved since ancient
the mellifluous sounds of the flute and wished to times.
cradle a newborn calf, look into its innocent eyes
and bring fodder for it. She wanted to wear natural With the world's population increasing steadily,
valkal clothes, and carry water from a river in pots and the furious pace of development around us,
on her head and waist. It all seemed to express there is an increasing competitiveness in society.
one idea clearly. It was Sita’s desire to live a simple The next generation will have to be more spirited
natural life, in an ashram-like environment, in the and intelligent to face this ably. If we want to
forest. ensure that the material development we see
around us actually translates into real progress
It is important to take notice of which of these for the human being, then we need to nurture the
desires have a physical nature and which ones coming generation with the values to deal with this
have a psychological nature. development. Garbha Sanskar, perhaps, is the
only known programme researched and designed
As we will see further in this book, Ayurved with this purpose!
explains with great care the diet a woman

21
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanshar

A child is born with the cumulative effect of the mother’s lifestyle, its own Karma (destiny),
the constitution of its parents, and the measures taken before and during pregnancy.
The use of sound, and healing music, is vital to the process of Garbha Sanskar.
Parents-to-be should devote time to prepare for their child even before conception, to
ensure that they have a healthy, intelligent, and cultured child.
Although Garbha Sanskar reaches the foetus through the mother, the father too plays an
important role.
The science of Garbha Sanskar seems to be the only solution designed to ensure that
future generations are increasingly intelligent, progressive and multifaceted.

Ze
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sensbér

For healthy reproductive

cells

or healthy conception and a well - Therefore, Ayurved places special

implanted foetus, one has to understand emphasis on the health of the parents in
the importance of a healthy uterus and the lead-up to pregnancy, and in particular
good male and female seeds (sperm and on the health of the woman.
ova). For conception, the basic physical
requirement is the coming together of a Although the man is necessary for
sperm and an ovum. conception, it is the woman who holds
the child for nine months in her body and
The male and female seeds are the nurtures it. The phrase ‘blood relation’
essence of the man and woman. If both has a physical basis. The mother, via the
have worked hard to be healthy in body, placenta, nourishes the foetus through
mind and spirit at the time of conception, her blood. Also, in the early years of a
then, without doubt, their child too will child’s life, the mother is a major pillar of
enjoy these positive characteristics. support. Even as the child grows into an
adult, the mother is always the one who

23
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

plays a vital role in moulding, nurturing, imparting To give birth to a healthy child, a man should be
values and taking care of the child's food, health, at least twenty-five, while a girl is ready at sixteen.
education etc. She is the foundation for a person's \
Sow

development. Nowadays, women in India usually marry when

they are around twenty-two or twenty-three. The
Now, if the child faces any major illness, defect ideal time for pregnancy is one to one-and-a-half
or disability, the joy of parenthood is truncated. years after marriage.
Ayurved reflects deeply on this, and prescribes in
great detail, processes that will help all people have It is also important to note the upper age limit
wonderful and capable children full of desirable for having children. If the man has taken measures
qualities. to culture and protect his semen from an early age
then he should be capable of having children up
THE IDEAL AGE FOR to the age of 65 or even 70. After the age of 75,
it is recommended that he abstain from sexual
CONCEPTION
intercourse. Women have to take other things into
The average age at which girls first experience consideration. Apart from healthy ova, the flexibility
menstrual periods is around thirteen years. The and elasticity of the muscles needed for delivery, the
average age at which boys properly begin to strength of the uterus, and general physical health
produce semen is around sixteen years. At these are all important. Ayurved advises that it may not
early stages though, both boys and girls still need be good for women to bear children after the age of
their tissues to become more mature. Some more 35. If awoman wants to have a child after this age,
time is required for their seed (reproductive cell) she should undergo suitable Ayurvedic treatments
to become more complete and potent. Ayurved as early as possible, right from the time she has
advises on the ideal age for both men and women planned to have a child.
to have children.
Ayurved mentions more than once that
According to Indian culture, the first quarter the woman should be younger than the man.
of life is Brahmacharya, i.e. 'bachelorhood'. This ‘Visheshaat cha vayovarnavrudhaa‘. This phrase
period corresponds to the first twenty-five years of means that for marriage and conception, it is not
life and is called 'Brahmacharya-ashram’. It should suitable that the woman be older than the man.
be spent in learning and education. After this period,
a person is eligible to marry and start a family. This LINEAGE AND CONSTITUTION
phase of family life is called 'Ghruhasth-ashram'.
Ayurved also insists very strongly that the Man
Tea Werte upfagiaad: Gea: gael wad | and woman should not be from the same gotra
dal feat urate arate sracd Sea: omirerze (family and lineage as maintained in traditional
SIRE records).

Tasyam sodasa-varsayam pafica-vimSativarsh AICI TATS WH: TIT TEE | ae orice

purush putrartham prayateta
Tada hi tau prapta-viryau viryanvitam
apatyam janayatah _..... Astangasangraha Sarirasthana

24
 For healthy reproductive cells §=
5 t tives

Atulya-gotrasya rajah-ksayante rahovisrstam ideal conception.

....Caraka Sarirasthana

MENTAL PREPARATION
Acharya Charak states very early on in his
discourse that the man and woman who are to Ayurved advocates that both man and woman
come together should belong to different gotra. should be willing to have a child and carry out the
recommended preparations before conception.
The reason being, that chromosomes coming Unplanned or accidental pregnancies are strongly
from the same lineage will have similar patterns. opposed in Ayurved. Therefore, only when the man
These chromosomes may not be able to match and woman are physically and mentally prepared,
properly and will increase the possibility of disorders should they plan a baby.
in the child.
Yevitora sta dat gay afer ashen safe |
It is not enough to only ensure that the parents
are not from the same gotra. They should not even
be from the same pravar (greater subdivisions of the Sukra-Sonita jiva samyoge tu khalu kuksigate
lineage), as these conditions are highly unsuitable garbhasanjfia bhavati —_....Caraka sarirasthana
for having an ideal and healthy offspring.
In this verse, the word 'kukshi' refers to the
Modern science has now backed this ancient uterus. Shukra is the male reproductive cell or
wisdom. Studies have consistently shown that a sperm. Shonit is the female reproductive cell or
child will have increased congenital defects if the ova. The third element required for conception is
parents are related (intermarriage between cousins jiva (or 'the spark of life’). /t is only when all three
etc). come together that the embryo will be formed.

The next factor, to be considered is called The egg and sperm are capable of shaping a
anyayoni. This means that men and women who new life and they carry the qualities of the man and
have very dissimilar body constitutions, nature, the woman. The physical, mental, and spiritual state
habits and personalities, should not marry or of both the parents is represented in their eggs and
have sexual intercourse. So it follows that two sperm. These properties decide the foundational
such people conceiving a child together is totally development (which Ayurved calls prakriti) of the
prohibited in Ayurved. If they are still determined to embryo. In common language, we often refer
come together and conceive, then all the Ayurvedic to a person as having a ‘strong constitution’ or a
cleansing measures and_ purifying therapies ‘weak constitution’. This constitution is decided at
mentioned in this book should be performed before the moment of conception. The healthier and purer
they attempt to conceive. the sperm, ovum, and life force, the stronger the
constitution of the baby resulting from their coming
In short, it is important that the man and woman together.
preparing for conception be of appropriate age,
suitable lineage, a similar nature, have a loving On the other hand, if either the man or the
and caring attitude towards one another and woman is weak or suffering from any disorder or
excellent health - all necessary prerequisites for imbalance during conception, then that will affect

29
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

their reproductive cell, and affect its potency, also This kind of clean blood during menstruation
affecting the constitution of the child. indicates ideal health for conception. Even a minor
deviation from the descriptions above is considered
PURE AND HEALTHY unhealthy and needs to be treated.

REPRODUCTIVE CELLS
In many women, menstrual bleeding lasts
A woman's ovaries produce ova, which, if only one to two days, is blackish or pale red, is
unfertilized, are expelled through menstrual accompanied by mucus, or contains clots. Women
discharge. In men, sperm is contained in semen. mostly think that this is normal and carry on with
It is important to understand and see what state their regular lives.
menstrual discharge and semen should be in, for
ideal conception. Their indicators are given below. In addition, sticky menstrual blood, or a white
Their ideal qualities and possible defects are or red discharge (e.g. leucorrhoea, menorrhagia)
described in Ayurvedic texts in detail. Menstrual outside of the time of menstruation, causes the
blood, for example, should ideally be as described loss of nutrients that would otherwise strengthen
in Madhavnidan: the bones, bone marrow, and shukra dhatu. These
symptoms also need to be watched for carefully,
Tfateresarettd TRATTAT a | and treated accordingly.
qalftareorearcaatda Yee
Imbalances in vata, pitta, and kapha doshas,
VIO Wits Tet Ta HATTA could lead to imbalances in the menstrual
Tada Weraied Feary A faa MW ..wrafiers process.

Masannispicchadaharti pafica-ratranubandhi ca Signs of imbalance in menstrual blood

Naivatibahulatyalpamartavam suddhamadiset Imbalance due to vata - painful, scanty
menstruation, dark blood of a blackish colour.
Sasasrk pratimam yacca yadva laksarasopamam Imbalance due to pitta - excess bleeding, bad
Tadartavam praSamsanti yaccapsu na virajyate smelling discharge, burning sensation during
ae Madhavanidana discharge.
Imbalance due to kapha - sticky and mucoid
Ideally a woman’s period should: discharge.
Take place every 28 days. Imbalance due to all three doshas - scanty,
Last for 4-5 days. painful, bad smelling discharge, accompanied
Discharge blood which is not sticky in nature by clots.
and is free of clots.
Not be accompanied by a burning sensation, Menstruation like this is unsuitable for child bearing.
pain, or discomfort. If conception does occur, the foetus could be weak
Neither be excessive nor too scanty. and there are increased chances of a miscarriage.
Cleanse the uterus.
The blood dischagred should be bright red in Healthy semen in men has been described as
colour. The stains it leaves on cotton cloth should below:
be easily washable under running water.

26
 For healthy reproductive cells =a
Roe ee ck
PASS

acaies ferel Te Yas wea nel fafeac Na casya jayate garbhah patati prasravatyapi
ag Fee a Usa Tattered
safe | Dustam sukram hi naram
sapatyam sadaram badhaté naram .....Caraka sttrasthana

Tat-saumyam snigdham guru suklam madhu- Poor quality sperm or semen could lead to the
gandhi madhuram picchilam bahu child having a short life span, being weak, and
bahalam ghrta-taila-ksaudranyatamavarnam ca less good-looking than it might have been. In most
Sukram garbhadhana-yogyam bhavati cases, conception doesn’t even take place, and if
...Astangasangraha Sarirasthana it does then the chances of miscarriage are high.
Unhealthy semen causes problems to the man
Healthy semen is mild, well-lubricated, thick in himself, to his child and to the woman as well.
nature, sweet, white in colour, smells like honey,
is ample in quantity, and resembles ghee, oil, or So it is vital to understand that the health of your
honey. This kind of semen is considered perfect for baby depends on both of you being healthy. If you
conception. find deficiencies in yourselves, correct them before
you try and conceive.
Signs of imbalance in semen
Imbalance due to vata - semen is frothy, Now-a-days, through techniques like sperm
scanty, very liquid in nature, and ejaculation is counts etc., at least one factor in conception i.e.
delayed and painful. the quantity of sperm can be checked.
Imbalance due to pitta - ejaculation is
accompanied by a burning sensation; semen is FURTHER PRECAUTIONS FOR CONCEPTION
non-viscous in nature, yellowish in colour.
Imbalance due to kapha - semen is discharged All too often, once a couple has decided to have
in excessive quantity, and is very thick and a child, they want one immediately. Being in a hurry
heavy in nature. will not prove good for the resulting child. Rushing
Imbalance due to all three doshas - semen is into it can have an adverse effect on both mother
scanty and foul smelling, accompanied by pus and child.
and clots.
The woman is most important in the process
According to Ayurved, conception from this kind of of producing a child. Firstly, the future mother’s
semen is rare, and if it does occur, there could be menstrual cycles need to get regular. They need to
the following complications: come every 28-29 days, and the bleeding needs to
last for four to five days each time. The symptoms
YEA SIT STASI | mentioned earlier, such as clots and pain during
Th a eerercary: ferad aTsacs WSC | menstruation, need to be dealt with, a should
a ares area Ts: afar recurrent urinary tract and bladder infections. Signs
ae Oph fe at aaa Gan aed ATM. ae HTT of hormonal disturbances, for example thyroid
disease, anovulatory cycles (a menstrual cycle in
Sukrasya dosat klaibyamaharsanam which no ovum has been released by the ovaries),
Rogi va klibamalpayuh sudden weight gain, sudden growth of facial hair,
virupam va apatyam prajayate heaviness or pain in the breasts, should be treated

Zt
 Pe. — yr
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

immediately. passed on to the child. These measures should

be started and followed through, in the form of
Many people consider themselves healthy, while appropriate medication before conception, and
in fact their disease has only been suppressed or throughout pregnancy, until the baby is born.
masked by medication instead of being eradicated
at the root. Even if your condition isn’t causing These therapies are all set down in the Ayurvedic
discomfort any more, and even if you do not feel texts, and they have been shown to have excellent
or understand this, the body may still be diseased. results. For example, if you already have a child
Even being mildly diseased is not good for anyone, with asthma, the mother can take medicines that
and it is particularly dangerous for a couple trying act on the respiratory system (e.g. Sitopaladi
to conceive since the child will be the one to suffer powder), during each of her following pregnancies.
the consequences for its entire life. Whether man This will drastically reduce the likelihood of the
or woman, ideally, you need to treat and cure all other children suffering from asthma or any other
imbalances first, and only then conceive. respiratory disorders. This list can go on, and it
depends on how much effort the parents want to
And if one really follows this line of thought, it put in for the sake of their child.
is also possible to prevent hereditary diseases.
Couples with a family history of diseases such It goes without saying that such precautions and
as bronchial asthma, skin ailments, mental effort are nothing compared to the benefits your
disorders, epilepsy, or other brain conditions can child will experience throughout his or her life.
take measures to see that these problems are not

For marriage and conception it is unsuitable that a woman be older than her partner.
Men and women should ensure that they achieve optimum health and maximum vitality
before they conceive.
Unplanned, unwanted, or accidental pregnancy is not in accordance with Ayurvedic
science.
For an ideal pregnancy, it is necessary that a woman has regular menstrual cycles and
produces healthy ova.
Children born from unhealthy semen are likely to be weak, less good-looking, and possibly
have a shorter lifespan.

28
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbér

Culturing the seed

Sarvesu ca Sukrartaadosesu
stripumsau snehadikarmabhirvisesena
cottarabastibhih punah punarupacaret
...astangasangraha Sarirasthana

This shloka recommends therapies

prior to conception in the following
manner:

To remove all kinds of imbalances

in the sperm and ova, therapies such
as oleation (snehan), steam (svedan),
vaman, virechan, bastis and_ other
specially prepared uttar-bastis are highly
recommended.

PANCHA KARMA
Everybody does not require all these
therapies during Pancha Karma. The aim
is to make sure that the three doshas
he first step towards a_ successful (vata, pitta and kapha) are more or less
conception is purification of the body. in balance.
In Ayurved, the cleansing of the body
is based on the purification of the five People who are planning for a child
elements that make up the body - space, and suffer from any chronic or congenital
air, fire, water, and earth. disease, or those who have recently
suffered a major illness, should definitely
Cleaning and purification of the space do Pancha Karma. For others, who
(Akash) and air (Vayu) elements which are generally in good or even excellent
together form Vata dosha, is achieved health, Pancha Karma will enhance your
by administering basti. The fire (Agni), air strength and sense of well-being even
(Vayu) and water (Jala) elements form further, and provide a chance to wipe
Pitta dosha, which is removed through out or mitigate any future possibilities of
virechan. Kapha dosha, made up of the disease in you and help produce a child
water (Ja/a) and earth (Prithvi) elements with excellent health. Pancha Karma, if
is balanced by vaman. done properly, cannot harm you under

20
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansker

any circumstances, on the contrary it will provide a by the appropriate combination of virechan and
huge boost to your life. bastis and then finally other therapies that provide
strength after the cleaning.process.
An expert physician will be able to plan and
administer these therapies according to your Some of these therapies are as follows. The
constitution and imbalances. Virechan and basti kundalini massage is a good therapy for the back,
are generally the most suitable therapies that help which ‘improves the flexibility of the spine and
balance all three doshas with excellent results. strengthens it. It also enhances the flow of energy
in the spinal cord. Uttar dhoop and uttar basti
Pancha Karma is not simply a bunch of are therapies for strengthening the uterus, and
therapies. Virechan, for example, is not merely generally very beneficial for women. They should
a flushing of the intestines, and basti is not just be administered under medical spervision for best
an enema. The entire concept of Pancha Karma results.
is to be understood and applied as a whole. It is
extremely scientific and each of its steps and The process of Pancha Karma should be
procedures have important roles to play in the followed without compromise. This should take a
process of purifying the body. minimum of two to three weeks, if you really want it
to be done scientifically and completely.
It begins with svedan (steam bath) and snehan.
Snehan is a combination of abhyang (massages) The idea behind Panch Karma _ before
and drinking specifically prepared ghee cultured conception is to purify the seeds of both man and
with herbs. This ghee is prepared strictly according woman. When the body is cleaned like this, the
to Ayurvedic recipes. The dosage of this ghee is ability to absorb nutrients is multiplied several-
dependant on many factors such as age, strength fold. Ayurved has a number of rejuvenating tonics
and the constitution of the person. This ghee, should and herbal preparations to help increase strength,
be consumed for at least 3 days during snehan. memory and life-energy (ojas). Consequently, the
The ghee has now loosened all toxins stuck in the quality and strength of the sperm and ova are
various areas of the body. Then massages and greatly improved. After a well done Pancha Karma
steam baths are administered again, to bring the you will find that your complexion has improved
toxins loosened by the ghee into the digestive tract and the senses function more efficiently. The mind
to be expelled. is refreshed and one becomes more optimistic.
Besides, couples will also find an increase in
It is often found that only a small number of attraction towards one another.
perfunctory therapies are performed under the
pretext of Pancha Karma in many therapy centres The results of the Pancha Karma therapies
- just a few massages and a shirodhara do not will go a long way. They facilitate conception and
qualify as a full Pancha Karma. Such superficial implantation of the embryo, and have continued
procedures are insufficient. For any real benefit - benefits to ensure a smooth pregnancy and good
and to properly clean the whole body - the treatment health for the child to be born.
needs to be scientific, extensive, and incorporating
internal and external lubrication as described
above. Snehan and svedan should be followed

30 ae oe

aoe
He
ee
ee
ie “ ee
 Culturing the seed

DIET AFTER PANCHA KARMA considered best. The writers of the ancient Ayurved
texts describe milk as that which nourishes the
After Pancha Karma, Ayurved advises specific dhatus, increases strength and potency, retains
medicines that help increase the potency of the youth and provides general vigour to the body.
sperm and ovum and raise ojas (life energy). It also Furthermore, it is mentioned that shukra dhatu is
provides detailed guidance on diet. increased immediately on intake of milk.

In the Ayurvedic system of understanding the To benefit in all these ways, both the man and
body, shukra dhatu is the final and deepest layer of woman preparing for conception should consume
body tissue (body constituent). It is considered one milk every day. Itis even bettertoadd dhatu-building
of the main repositories of strength, energy and and strengthening mixtures (they are like any other
prana in the body. It is, of course, present in both powdered/granulated milk additives and are called
men and women. Semen in men and ova in women kalpas) to milk. Santulan Shatavari Kalpa is great
are produced from shukra dhatu. And when shukra for women, while Santulan Chaitanya Kalpa is
dhatu is healthy the sperm and ova are healthy as beneficial for men, both easily available Santulan
well. Ayurved products.

Shukra dhatu has a close affinity with kapha Another easy food to obtain and use is almond.
dosha. Any imbalance of kapha, whether related to Soak 3-4 almonds in water overnight, and peel
food or life style, has a profound effect on shukra them in the morning before eating. These need to
dhatu. Additionally, the food, lifestyle or behaviour be chewed really well to obtain their full benefit.
that nourishes kapha, also nourishes shukra. The
following foods nourish kapha Panchamrut is a great food that should also
be taken in the morning before breakfast. It is
Milk Figs an extremely important food. Please refer to
the chapter called Special Recipes towards the
Butter Almonds end of the book to see how to prepare and use
panchamrut. Freshly prepared as suggested and
Ghee Khuskhus (poppy seeds) taken every day, panchamrut works as a nectar.
It boosts physical strength, intelligence, memory,
Candy sugar Black raisins grasping power, creativite abilities, improves
complexion, and as such is ideal to help increase
Godambi Dry dates the quality of shukra in the body.

These items, among foods, are potent enough Ghee - Indian food culture advises that some
that their nutrition reaches all the way to shukra ghee should always be taken with meals to purify
dhatu. Therefore they are categorized as foods food even further. So people generally put only a
that rejuvenate the body. These foods are sattvik couple of drops. However, if one wants to increase
in nature. shukra dhatu before conception, at least two
teaspoons of ghee need to be eaten along with
Milk, among the above mentioned, is easily every meal.
obtained, and most nutritious, and is therefore

31
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

lron-providing food - Since women lose blood churna with ghee and honey, followed by a cup
every month during menstruation, they should pay of hot milk is also effective. All of these rasayans
more attention to nutrition for creating rakta dhatu enhance the quality of the semen.
(blood). Dates, black raisins, pomegranate, soaked
figs, and green leafy vegetables such as spinach In a chapter called Jatee Sutreeya in the Charak
should all be included in the woman's diet Sharirsthan, Acharya Charak describes in detail,
measures to be taken to ensure a healthy progeny.
Rejuvenating Tonics - Rejuvenating tonics are as These include scientific body purification, nutrition,
important as food in the preparation for conception. and various medications.
Ayurved stresses the importance of a number of
herbs that improve the quality of shukra dhatu. SOT BERT PATA FATA
Please refer to a list of herbs at the end of this qo fad q PATA |... FeeIEA
book. Some of these are listed below.
Upacarecca madhurausadha-sanskrtabhyam
shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) ghrta-ksirabhyam purusam striyam tu
amla (Emblica officinalis) tailamasabhyam _....Caraka sarirasthana
gokshur (Tribulus terrestris)
ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) After having completed the process of purifiying the
kavachbeej (Mucuna pruriens) body, the man should consume ghee enriched with
vidari (Ipomoea digitata) sweet-tasting herbs and milk. The woman should
Jyeshthamadha (Glycyrrhiza glabra) consume ghee or sesame oil similarly enriched, as
bala (Sida cordifolia) well as black gram (udid).
pimpli (Piper longum)
vanshlochan (Bambusa arundinaceae) Examples of ghee and milk preparations
shingada (Trapa bispinosa) enriched with sweet herbs, from the Charak
durva (Cynodon dactylon). Samhita

For Women - The highly recommended rasayans For Men

we have for women are Santulan Dhatri Rasayan,
San Rose and Santulan Shatavari Kalpa. Shatavari Ghrut - contains jyeshthamadha
(licorice), kakoli (Curculigo orchioides), kshirkakoli
Santulan Dhatri Rasayan is made from amia, (Gymnema lactiferum), vidari etc
grapes among other ingredients that promote
rakta dhatu and shukra dhatu. San Rose contains Sarasvat Ghrut - contains brahmi (Bacopa
several potent ingredients like mandur bhasma, monniera), koshtakolinjan (Saussurea_ lappa),
suvarnamakshik bhasma and rose petals, and vavding (Embelia ribes), and vekhand (Acorus
also nourishes rakta dhatu, provides calcium and calamus) etc.
balances proteins in the body.
Vrushyakshir - a highly recommended excellent
For Men - Men are advised to consume rasayans milk preparation made with dates, black gram
such as Santulan Marrosan, Santulan Chaitanya (udid), shingada (Trapa bispinosa) and kavachbeej
and Santulan Prashant Churna. Jyeshtamadha (Mucuna pruriens), among other herbs.

32
 Culturing the seed

Some other preparations like gokshurpak and promote hormonal balance and to produce healthy
gudkushmandavleh, may also be consumed in ova. Vedic chants, specific ragas, instrumental
accordance with individual constitution. music - especially music played on the veena - and
verses from the Saam Veda, are really effective.
For Women The album Stree Santulan composed by Dr. Shri
Balaji Tambe is based on these principles. Many
Women should start a course of medicated ghee women have experienced its benefits. It helps
preparations such as, Santulan Ashokadi Ghrut, normalise menstrual cycles and ovulation, and
or Kalyanak Ghruta, along with the intake of also keeps the uterus healthy.
Shatavari Kalpa. Ladus (dollops) made from green
gram and black gram are great if they are suitable Most Importantly...
to her constitution as well. Black gram can also be
taken in the form of kheer (a soup-like milk and Many functions of the body depend upon healthy
sugar preparation), with saffron and cardamom shukra. While medication is good, we must work
added to enhance its nutritive values. to reduce other factors that adversely affect
shukra. We need to avoid anxiety, excessive grief,
While all of these suggestions are very irritability, and if possible, even disappointment.
effective, for accurate results, consultation with Healing music, along with the chanting of Aum, and
an expert vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor) is strongly meditation, increase happiness and enthusiasm.
recommended.
In brief, with a systematic cleansing of the body
Healing Music - Listening to musi¢al compositions and the use of dietary and herbal preparations,
made especially for women will go a long way the sperm and ova will be healthy. When this is
in helping women maintain feminine attributes, accomplished, the couple should consciously try to
both physically and psychologically. It will help to conceive.

Both the man and the woman, should undergo Pancha Karma, for balancing all three
doshas, prior to conception.
Women should eat dates, raisins, pomegranate, soaked figs, leafy vegetables such as
spinach, and similar nutrients to improve haemoglobin and nourish rakta dhatu (blood).
Women should listen to specific healing music to attain mental and physical balance.
Grief, irritability, depression, disappointment and stress may reduce the quality and quantity
of shukra dhatu, and should be avoided.
A minimum period of two to three weeks is required to perform Pancha Karma scientifically
and properly.

33
 y.

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar,

Creating the atmosphere

uterus, a fertile period ofthe woman's cycle
Implantation of the foetus and a cultured soul full of good deeds,
on the uterine wall
should all come «together. The woman
should nourish herself appropriately so

“O-3
Seat ovum
that conception is successful. Then, with
further excellent nourishment, the foetus
remains in the womb for the optimum
period and develops properly, following
which it will be born without deficiencies
and in a comfortable manner.

Rutukaal (fertile period)

BTA ATA AAT FST:MISINTAA: |

TMTOAPAEY F Wa AAA: SA: ... aT

artava-srava-divasat
ratuh-sodasaratrayah
R UTUKAAL Garbha-grahanayogyastu

at (FERTILE PERIOD) sa eva samayah smrtah _ ....Bhavaprakasa

AND CONCEPTION Rutukaal refers to the fertile period

For conception to occur, sperm and in the woman's monthly cycle. Rutukaal
ovum have to meet. Acharya Charak remains from the first day of menstruation
outlines other factors, besides this union, onwards to the sixteenth night after
which are essential for conception, for menstruation begins. During this period,
proper growth of the foetus, and for a if sexual intercourse takes place, the
timely delivery. chances of conception are highest.

VRPT ATTA Sexual intercourse after the sixteenth

START PeceAaI SA: | night following the onset of menstruation
mist HIS GU El Fa a is not favourable for conception. Just as
Garaa GaARGoS: WW ... wea eee the lotus wilts in the evening, the opening
of the uterus (cervix) constricts and
sukrasrgatmasayakala begins to close itself after the sixteenth
sampadyasyopacarasca hitaistatha~nnaih day. For conception, sexual intercourse
Garbhasca kale ca sukhi sukham ca should occur during the above-mentioned
sahjayate sampariptrnadehah Rutukaal (fertile period).
eae Caraka Sarirasthana
It is rare for conception to take place
Well-formed and good quality sperm, after Rutukaal (i.e. after the sixteenth day).
a healthy ovum, a healthy and strong Even if it occurs, there is a possibility that

34
 Creating the atmosphere

the resulting child will be weak, sick, have sense ag SRR ataraeauisaarr
organs with low capacities, a diminished immune SORA Mala |... swims omens
system, and diminished Ojas (life energy).
Tasu uttarottaramayurarogyaisvarya saubhagya-
It is often the case that women who ovulate bala-varnendriya-sampad apatyasya bhavati
after the twentieth day of the menstrual cycle, or .. Astangasangraha Sarirasthana
later, have difficulty in conceiving.
The later the ovum is fertilized, the better the
THE GIFT OF GARBHADHAAN chances are that the child will be healthy and
prosperous, have good fortune, strength, a good
Ayurved and other ancient Indian sciences complexion, and strong sense organs. Conversely,
talk about the concept of the 'Sixteen Sanskars' the later the ovum is fertilized after the 16th night
to be performed during one's life. These rituals of the cycle, the lower are the chances of such
are designed to help the person achieve success, qualities flowering in the child.
longevity and prosperity. Garbhadhaan is the first
of these, performed for a person by one's parents. Just before conception, i.e. sexual intercourse,
While Garbhadhaan includes conceiving the child, the couple should not be thirsty, hungry, nor should
itis actually much more than just conception. When they have eaten too much of food, or food that is
aman and woman come together with the intention heavy to digest. It is recommended that they have
of producing a well-balanced, virtuous and healthy a meal of sattvik food, which is satisfying and good
child, and imbibe the values and practices that go for their constitutions. The partners should have
along with the process, it is called Garbhadhaan. mutual respect and love for each other, as well
The suggestions made in this book about preparing as a genuine desire to produce a child together.
for conception are all part of Garbhadhaan. The They should be free of feelings such as anxiety,
intentions of the parents and virtues imparted to mourning, sadness, anger, and exasperation.
the child are taken care of in the manner described
below. In addition to all the above, thoughts and
acts that increase vata (late nights, thoughts that
Before the actual Garbhadhaan, the couple cause stress etc.), should be avoided. If they
should observe celibacy for one month. This are not avoided, there could be problems during
conserves their shukra dhatu and fosters the fertilization, and if conception does occur, it could
production of healthy sperm and ovum. As result in miscarriage, moodhgarbha (the foetus
mentioned earlier, fertilization occurs if the sperm taking an inappropriate position in the womb), or
and ovum meet in rutukaal. To conceive a strong other damage to the foetus.
and healthy child with the best qualities, the ideal
time for sexual intercourse is a few days after
menstruation, or to be more exact, from the eighth
day after the onset of menstruation (counting the
first appearance of bleeding as day one), up to the
15th night. During this time-span, itis best to choose
days as late before the 16th night as possible. The
reasons for this are as follows:

35
 c*
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

THE IDEAL TIME FOR needs to make this calculation, she should surely
CONCEPTION attempt to be as accurate as possible, taking even
minutes into account. eo
According to Ayurvedic literature, sexual
intercourse should take place only at night, and If one has further doubts about Garbhadhaan
preferably during the first half, i.e. before 1:30 a.m. or conceiving a child, then one should immediately
with the time before midnight being considered consult an Ayurvedic physician who is well versed
best. it is recommended that one should abstain in the elementary principles of the science. With
from sexual intercourse during the day. Conception regard to the above subject, Ayurvedic research
occurring during the day is not advisable. offers many more very fine details which can be
helpful.
The constitution of the child is also dependent on
the weather and season during which conception
takes place. Since, in winter (hemant & shishir THE BEDROOM
seasons of the Indian year), physical strength is
at its peak, conception should ideally occur during The bedroom, where conception should occur,
this time. If possible, conception should not occur should be peaceful, clean, and purified with
on the eleventh or thirteenth day of the lunar cycle dhoop (incense and herbal smokes). The bed
(Ekadashi and Trayodashi respectively), or on day should be large enough, and covered with clean
of the black moon (amavasya). If one believes in white, cream, or light coloured bed-sheets. Dark,
astrology, an ideal and auspicious day should be or overly bright colours, are to be avoided, since
chosen accordingly. their reflected colours can dissipate the feeling of
peace in the mind. Any natural fragrances used like
Calculation of the exact date of menstruation incense, flowers, attar, should be appealing to both
partners. The rooms cleanliness cannot be over-
To determine the first day of menstruation (if emphasized and there should be no thorny plants
bleeding starts at night), divide the night into three in the room. There should be no casually placed
parts from sunset to sunrise. If bleeding occurs items, and certainly no sign of disorganisation in
during the first two thirds, then the previous day the room at all. Ideally the couple should dress
may be taken as the first day of menstruation. in white. To some people these guidelines may
If bleeding begins during the final third, then appear exaggerated, but they all have subtle
the next day is considered to be the first day of positive effects on the mind. This, in turn, helps
menstruation. promote peace, happiness, and enthusiasm.

For example: If the time between sunset on Further, Ayurved directs that the woman should
Monday at 7 p.m. and sunrise on Tuesday at 7a.m. get into bed with her left foot first, and the man with
is twelve hours then the first two thirds comprise his right foot. Before sexual intercourse, he should
eight hours. So if bleeding starts on or before 3 am recite the following mantras:
during the night, then Monday is considered to be
the first day of menstruation. If bleeding begins after oferta arg ada: wrest are cat cag faerat can
3 a.m. then Tuesday is considered to be day one. Bald AAATAA Wa MW. . ae eee
If a woman finds herself in a situation where she

36
 Creating the atmosphere
ea Renews RE ae
Pe soe te
be i
:

Ahirasi ayurasi sarvatah pratisthalsi dhata tva During this entire ritual, attitude and mental
dadatu vidhata tva dadhatu brahma-varcasa bhava preparedness play a very important role.
....Caraka Sarirasthana

This verse acknowledges the foetus, saying: Mental Preparation

“Oh foetus, you are like the sun to me, you are Acharya Vagbhat describes the relationship
my life, you are my fame, and reputation. May between the mindset of the parents-to-be and that
God protect you, and may you obtain true spiritual of the foetus, in the following verse:
knowledge.”
seo AEM UA Tara AT TT
wen qecatafeey:
am: yeetesfat | farriai saaeietaranaesal swine omicora
wise fraraeunt
ah aq AGA... ae eens
Icchetam yadrsam putram tadrupacaritamsca tau
Brahma Brhaspatih Visnuh Cintayetam janapadamstadacaraparicchadau
Somah Siryastatha Asvinau .. .Astangahrdaya Sarirasthana
Bhago~tha Mitravarunau
viram dadatu me sutam _ ....Caraka Sarirasthana The mind of the foetus is influenced by the
thoughts of its parents prior to and during the act
This mantra addresses the Gods thus: of conception.
“O Brahma, Brihaspati, Vishnu, Som, Surya,
Ashwinikumar, Bhag, Mitra, Varuna, and others, | The couple should have positive thoughts,
request all of you to bless me with a brave, healthy an enthusiastic outlook, and a strong desire for
and good progeny.” a healthy child. Throughout the pregnancy, the
environment at home should be happy, pleasant
After chanting both mantras like this, the couple and should radiate contentment. It is important that
should then engage in sexual intercourse, the the expectant mother remain as contented and
woman lying on her back, to accept her partner’s happy as possible.
semen. After intercourse, a cloth soaked in cold
water should be placed on the lower part of her Before attempting to conceive, please consider
abdomen, to help reduce the heat generated in the the following points carefully.
uterus.
The first and most important criterion is that the
Although it is not necessary that each of the couple have a socially accepted relationship, and
above instructions be followed word to word, it is be prepared to accept responsibility for their child’s
important that the underlying principles and basic physical, mental and emotional development and
aims are understood and practised, especially in stand by the child as and when required.
today’s world. Even if the mantra is not chanted
in Sanskrit as it is described, its meaning should Every conscientious couple must assess
be kept in mind, and the necessary energies and themselves with respect to their ability to instil their
attitudes to create a healthy offspring should be offspring with proper values and culture (sanskar),
evoked. to nurture, love, and provide for the education of

37
 at see
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

their child. Only if these criteria are met, should dissatisfaction during the period when intercourse
they proceed and plan a pregnancy. is planned with the intention to conceive. When
attempting to conceive, one should not be under
Parents bear the responsibility of raising and any untoward emotional stress related to illness
taking care of the child, until he/she becomes or sudden death in the family, and hectic activity
independent, and begins a life of his/her own. for any reason. All of these can adversely affect
The father and mother ideally should not give mental and physical balance, sometimes without
themselves the freedom to live apart or in you even realizing it. The couple should find
separation until the child is an independent adult. themselves in as balanced a state as possible,
They should certainly stay together during the physically and mentally, before conception. Even
entire period of their child's development and a joyful event such as a wedding can, through the
education. Pregnancy and parenthood are an stress of organisation, late nights, and irregular
immense responsibility, and all those desiring meals, disturb the body’s equilibrium. This is not
children should be fully aware of this. conducive for Garbhadhaan. \t is better that all
such events, emotionally or physically stressful,
WHERE SHOULD are over with before the attempt to conceive.

CONCEPTION OCCUR?
You should extend this care even to the level
In new times we have begun to adopt new of thought. It is as important to be pure in thought
norms and create new traditions. It is important to and spiritually oriented at this time, as it is to be in
mention here that conception should definitely not good physical condition. Participating in prayers
occur in a new, foreign or distant place e.g. during and satsang, reading the scriptures and spiritual
a honeymoon, or while getting away from hectic books and practicing meditation are all strongly
schedules for a 'change of scene’. advisable. This should continue even after you
have conceived. Even throughout pregnancy, all
There is a reason’ behind — these members of the family should make all effort to
recommendations. Unfamiliar places are unlikely ensure that the environment in the house remains
to have been built in accordance with vastu happy, and radiates satisfaction and serenity.
shastra principles. They may not have the highest
hygiene standards even if they appear very clean If you have not been careful before marriage
superficially. If one cannot be assured of the or during the attempt to conceive, then you could
positive energy or purity of the space then it is best be suffering from several mental and physical
not to conceive in such places. This, conversely, inadequacies or imbalances, and you should visit
also means that it is good to choose a place which a vaidya.
is untainted, filled with familiar energies, and
built according to vastu guidelines (the obvious Sexual overexcitement in women (leading
expectation embedded here is that your home has to white discharge), or masturbation, and other
been built in accordance with vastu shastra). sexual problems in men, need to be done away
with before planning to have a child. These
In addition to all these procedures, the practices lead to deficiencies in the body, which
couple should consciously avoid mental stress, should be treated by a vaidya. Only when the
familial disagreements and any possibilities of vaidya confirms that vitality has been fully

38
 Creating the atmosphere er eeshatz ar
ae
ce.
fie b webs eseebueees

recovered, should one continue the preparations for This Garbhadhaan Sanskar will prove to be an
conception as suggested in this chapter. invaluable and unsurpassable gift for your beloved
child. It will not only prove beneficial for that child's
It is not very difficult to follow the above- future but also for society. We are sure that today’s
mentioned guidelines. Any action undertaken with educated, conscientious, and intelligent youth will
total dedication always gives the best results and this consider following these guidelines seriously.
applies here as well. All couples who wish to have a
healthy child, should follow these guidelines.

The mind of the foetus is deeply influenced by the thoughts of the parents-to-be, prior to
and during the act of conception (Garbhadhan).
The favourable period for conception is from the eighth to the fifteenth day, after the onset
of menstruation.
The couple intending to have a child should have a socially acceptable relationship.
Purity of thought and environment, and a positive mental attitude, play an important role
in the process of conception.
Conception should not occur in places which are new or unfamiliar.

39
 Garbha Sanskar,

The body's reproductive

infrastructure

onception cannot be willed. One cannot sramvarpfaattesaraat

a venta |
just make up one's mind,and then expect Tae qda cated nsgea wa A |
that conception should be successful.
It is dependent on several factors. Let
us begin with the understanding of the sankhanabhyakrtir-yosni
male and female reproductive systems. stryavarta sa prakirtita
Tasyastrtiye tvavarte
garbhaSayya pratisthita ...Susruta
THE FEMALE sarirasthana

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
The first of these three parts is
In Ayurved, the anatomical organs from the vagina. The cervix, which is the
the vagina to the uterus are known as entrance to the uterus, is the second.
‘Tryavarta Yoni". The third part, where the foetus will be
implanted and nourished, is the uterus,

40
BS
aS
 The body's reproductive infrastructure

known in Sanskrit as the 'Garbhashaya'. 'Ashaya' There are two ovaries. Each is approximately 3
= empty space, ‘garbha' = embryo, i.e. the hollow x 2x 1cmin size. The right and left ovaries release
space where the embryo will reside. one egg each (these eggs are also called oocytes)
every alternate month i.e. only one ovary is active
The uterus is, quite simply, the most important at a time. As soon as the egg emerges from the
organinawoman's body. Itis normally approximately ovary, it is drawn into the fallopian tube. When a
8x5 cm in size. It weighs between 50-80g, has an girl child is born the total number of ova present in
internal volume of approximately 3 ml, and its walls her ovaries is already determined and cannot be
are about 1.25 cm thick. The muscles of the uterus increased or changed during her life.
are extremely flexible and stretchable. The uterus
can expand to 4-5 times its normal size, and weigh In a normal twenty-eight day cycle the ovum is
up to one kilogram during pregnancy. After delivery released from the ovary between the twelfth and the
the uterus gradually returns to its normal size and fourteenth day, as calculated from the first day of
weight within forty-five days. menstruation. This procedure is called ovulation.
In every monthly cycle, for 12 to 14 days, the
During pregnancy, the opening to the uterus uterus prepares itself for pregnancy. If conception
(the cervix) remains closed, and its re-opening does not occur in that cycle, the preparatory
signals the start of the process of childbirth. If, proliferated tissue in the uterine walls is sloughed
for some reason, the cervix opens up during the off and expelled gradually during menstruation. It
course of the pregnancy, this poses an increased is to be noted, however, that even if menstruation
risk of miscarriage. In fact, if there is a possibility is regular, this does not necessarily mean that
that the cervix may open during pregnancy, or if it ovulation has occurred. In cases of anovulatory or
is observed to be dilating, it can be sewn closed to non-ovulatory cycles, no ovum is released, though
prevent the chances of a spontaneous abortion. menstrual discharge will be present. In such cases
conception of course is not possible.
During pregnancy, i.e. before delivery, the
cervix is circular in shape, whereas after childbirth During a normal menstrual cycle, bleeding lasts
it takes the shape of a slit. Cervical tissues are not for four to five days. The flow of blood is heavier
sensitive to touch, temperature or pain. during the first two days, and gradually tapers down
in the following three days. The average blood lost
Emerging from the uterus to the right and left during menstruation is around 50-100 ml.
are the fallopian tubes, which terminate at the
ovaries. At the ovarian end these tubes broaden
like a half - open hibiscus flower. They are designed THE MALE
like this so that the egg (ovum) released from the REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
ovary is caught by the broad, hibiscus-like end and
transported to the uterus. Infections in the fallopian The male reproductive cell is known as shukranu
tubes can cause obstacles to this transportation (sperm). According to Ayurved, shukra dhatu
process. In such cases, the egg cannot pass resides all over the body and semen, which is its
through the fallopian tubes normally, and so essence, is discharged during sexual intercourse.
conception cannot occur. A healthy male ejaculates around 3.5 ml semen at
a time. One ml semen contains approximately 60

41
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

to 120 million sperm, and each sperm is around TWINS AND MULTIPLE
1/500 of an inch in size. Sperm are produced in the PREGNANCIES
testicles, transmitted through the testicular canals \
a}

(vas deferens), and released with the semen. In Single birth (i.e. the birth of one child in every
spite of a large number of sperm being present in pregnancy) is generally the norm. However, if the
the seminal fluid, only around 300 to 500 healthy sperm and ovum are not healthy, or are imbalanced
sperm reach the ovum. The time required for the or diseased, the uterus may become implanted
sperm to travel from the cervix to the fallopian tubes with two or more zygotes (fertilized eggs). This is
is around one hour. Only one sperm can enter the called yamal garbha in Sanskrit.
ovum, after which penetration by another sperm is
not possible. Ayurved says the following in relation to multiple
pregnancies:
According to Ayurved, the characteristic
quality of sperm is ‘mild and cooling’ (Soumya), aiisstatganfist a sitet pleat
and one must take care to protect it against high aafacattetaa ategeat uw. . gga eco
temperatures. Sperm can only be produced at
temperatures lower than regular body temperature. Biye~ntarvayuna bhinne dvau jivau kuksimagatau
Accordingly, nature has devised a special way to Yamavityabhidhiyete dharmetarapurahsarau
keep the temperature in the testes lower than in the ... SuSruta sarirasthana
rest of the body, by placing them in a sac outside
the main body. When, due to vata dosha, the fertilised ovum
gets divided into two parts, and both parts get
Even though the quantities of semen and implanted in the uterine wall, leading to the
menstrual blood mentioned here are considered formation of two zygotes, these zygotes are
normal for the general population, there are known as ‘twins’.
variations according to individual constitution and
other external factors. If the resulting division is into more than two,
and each part becomes implanted separately, then
it results in a multiple pregnancy.
CONCEPTION
Two types of twins
For conception to occur, sperm and ovum must
meet. The mature ovum is released from the ovary, When the fertilised egg divides into two parts,
and enters the fallopian tube, where it remains for then the two zygotes formed are identical in each
some time. The ovum stays alive for approximately and every respect (monozygotic or identical twins).
24 hours. If the fusion of ovum and sperm occurs They have the same sex. After birth these twins
during this time, conception has taken place. The look exactly alike, and exhibit similar behaviour.
fertilised ovum then slowly makes its way to the
uterus and implants itself in the uterine wall, from When two eggs are accidentally fertilised by
where it receives its nourishment until it develops two different sperm, then two separate zygotes
its own nutritional system (through the placenta). are formed. These two zygotes are completely
different from each other (fraternal, dizygotic or

42
 The body's reproductive infrastructure

non-identical twins). Here their gender may or may families. However, it has been observed that
not turn out to be the same; they may both be male, women who have undergone hormone treatments
both female or one female and one male. prior to conception are also likely to give birth to
twins or triplets, even if there is no family history
The ratio worldwide of single childbirths: twins: of multiple pregnancies. According to Ayurved,
triplets is 10000:1000:1. unsuitable eating habits, unnatural behaviour, and
an inappropriate lifestyle cause the yamal garbha.
The uterus is actually designed to support only
one embryo at a time. A single embryo ensures Now that you understand the basics of the
adequate space for the baby, and adequate apparatus of the body's reproductive system, the
nourishment for both, the mother and the child. next couple of chapters will inform you on the
various kinds of obstacles both a man or woman
If the sperm or ovum have an_ inherent might face while trying to conceive. The solutions
imbalance, this may cause vata to divide the cell to these problems as well as preventive measures
(zygote) into two or more parts, resulting in twin are also provided. The most important aspect for
or multiple pregnancies. It has been observed women, though, is how they can take good care
that the occurrence of twins is often genetic, that of themselves so they can completely avoid any
is, the birth of twins is more common in certain chance of even encountering such problems.

The ovum stays alive for 24 hours after release, and conception occurs if it is fertilised by a sperm
during this time frame.
The number of ova a woman is going to produce in life is pre-programmed from birth and this
number cannot be increased or changed during one’s lifetime.
Sperm is cooling and mild in nature, and exposure to excessive heat is therefore not advisable.
Tight-fitting clothes are also to be avoided.

43
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Feminine balance

tois
oe,
a
Sa

-:
Bt

sak
bP
CF
sPOFE
bcdehEME

omen have some specific aspects in Regular use of oils cultured with
their physical structure and hormonal herbs, such as Santulan Femisan
cycle that constantly undergo changes. Oil. ‘Pichu' - keeping a swab
If this hormonal cycle works efficiently, soaked in Santulan Femisan Oil
they are less likely to fall ill. in the vagina overnight - is simple
Ayurved describes a few simple and very effective.
but effective guidelines to ensure that
a woman's health remains balanced. Dhoop or smoke therapy - an
effective way to prevent or cure
7-8 hours of peaceful sleep. infections in the reproductive tract

Strict rest, physically and mentally, Taking care of the breasts. Apply
during menstruation. specific oils and pastes on the

44
ee
Rec
te ee
Rasides
cece iRAPRSS
eee
RD Rea
hse Sahicmerentocsees
ee GS
SSSA fen
RE ee
S
 Feminine balance
PRS
eo ae
ace
ce nC

breasts to help maintain hormonal balance. be regularly applied on the breasts. Oils infused
with herbs, like Dadimadhya oil, or Santulan
Listen daily to scientifically composed music Suhrud Oil, should be lightly massaged on to the
for women's health e.g. the Stree Santulan breasts, at least twice or thrice a week. This will
album (its contents are explained later in this keep the breasts healthy and firm. It also helps
chapter). prevent lumps, cyst formations and tumours in the
breasts.
As far as possible eat only sattvik and easily
digestible food according to your constitution. After childbirth the breasts undergo changes for
lactation. It is important to take care of the breasts
Practice suitable yoga asanas daily. at this point so that there is no possibility of any
hormonal imbalance.
Apart from all the above, if women understand
the idea that taking extreme care of themselves HERBS, MEDICINES
during menstruation is the cornerstone of their
AND TREATMENTS
health, then they will benefit immensely.
Santulan Femisan Oil
DHOOP, PASTES, OILS ETC. 1. Helps maintain hormonal balance.
2. Detoxifies and strengthens the vagina, cervix,
Dhoop is a very highly recommended form and uterus.
of therapy in Ayurved. Many Indian households 3. Enhances the capacity of the uterus to allow
will be familiar with using dhoop for spiritual or implantation of the fertilised ovum.
religious rituals, or to keep insects away. It is 4. Helps ovaries and fallopian tubes remain
essentially a therapeutic methodology which can healthy.
be applied to different uses. Dhoop is extremely 5. Prevents dryness in the vagina; provides
helpful for women for e.g. Santulan Shakti required lubrication.
Dhoop, helps medicinal herbs enter the vagina in 6. Prevents looseness of the vaginal muscles,
the form of smoke particles. This helps regulate the both after childbirth, and due to advanced age.
menstrual cycle and maintain hormonal balance. It 7. Prevents infections and inflammations of the
also prevents infections and vaginal discharge. In vagina and bladder.
Ayurvedic practice, after childbirth, smoke therapy 8. Prevents vaginal discharge.
is normally administered on the new mother's entire
body. Smoke therapy is highly recommended once Santulan Femisan Oil also helps to dissipate
or twice a week even for general good health. How excessive heat in the body and fosters sound,
you can administer dhoop to yourself is explained peaceful, and deep sleep. Since it provides so many
in later chapters. benefits, it can indirectly, and to a large extent,
alleviate feelings of frustration and mental distress.
From a very early age in women, their breasts Many women have reported the experience of
and uterus require attention. The application these benefits after using Santulan Femisan Oil.
of therapeutic pastes and oils is a simple and
effective method of keeping them healthy. Ayurved In addition to everything mentioned above many
has several preparations of pastes or /ep that can women may require special medication. Please

45
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

consult a vaidya on these matters and therapies. follow a vaginal douche for additional benefits.
For general information, some effective treatments
are mentioned below: Uttar Basti : Uttar Basti is a very effective
therapy following vaginal douche. A specially
Herbal preparations: Shatavari, aloe vera, prepared oil or herbal ghee is inserted into the
ashoka (Saraca indica) and manjishtha (Rubia uterus through the vagina and cervix. Uttar
cordifolia), are excellent for women. Shatavari Basti, promotes proper ovulation and stabilises
Kalpa should be mixed with milk and had everyday. the fallopian tubes to allow them to propel the
It strengthens the reproductory organs, promotes ovum in the right direction at the right time. It
a proportionate feminine figure, and a glowing strengthens the uterus in preparation for a
complexion. A teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel normal and healthy conception.
is great for women in general (except during
pregnancy, when it is to be avoided completely). MUSIC
KumariAsav, Ashokarishtha or Santulan Feminine
Balance Asav, made from herbs such as aloe vera, Hormonal levels or secretions are easily
ashoka, and anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus) are affected by physical and mental health. Awoman's
even more effective. Regular intakle helps regulate psychological condition is an important contributing
the menstrual cycle, ensures adequate and normal factor for the maintenance of hormonal stability. It
flow of blood during menstruation, helps keep should come as no surprise that music, as a therapy,
the reproductive organs healthy, and assists in achieves miraculous results for hormonal health.
maintaining hormonal balance. ManjishthaSan Stree Santulan is a musical compilation created
and San Rose help to purify rakta dhatu (blood) with exactly this intention. It contains specific
and improve haemoglobin content. Vedic mantras, primarily from the Saam Veda and
Rig Veda ruchas, composed in specially selected
Ayurved has several more medicines for raga (melody systems). It also has some mantras
women. Depending on individual constitution, and from the Atharva Veda that are recommended
the severity of the problem, as well as causes and specifically for the protection of women. Among
symptoms, medicines such as Chandraprabha, the several tracks on the CD, Achyutashatakam,
Gokshuradi Churna, Santulan Ashokadi Ghruta, a composition thousands of years old, by Shri
and Phalaghruta may be prescribed for hormonal Adi Shankaracharya, is played and sung in Raga
imbalances. Sarang. Raga Bibhas too aids feminine balance.
Instrumental music played on the veena is also
Other therapies possible under medical very beneficial. The traditional Suryakavach is
supervision are: important as it aids the individual organs ofthe body
to work to full capacity, and helps keep the body
Vaginal Douche : A specific herbal decoction full of energy. A composition of the Yamunashtak
is used to cleanse the vagina. The herbs helps eliminate depression, fear, and anxiety, and
used for this process, such as dhayati, trifala promotes peace of mind and cheerfulness. It also
and ashoka, help to heal abrasions and small promotes beauty, health and renews vitality in the
lesions in the mucus membrane of the vagina, body.
prevent vaginal infections and inflammations,
and reduce vaginal discharge. Dhoop should A lot of research study, practical application,

46
 Feminine balance aes

and feedback from users, have all shown that regularly, have really great results! Certain
these compositions have a very positive effect asanas such as yogmudra, pavan muktasana,
on hormonal balance and women's physiological katichakrasana, Santulan Kriya Samarpan, and
processes. Santulan Kriya Butterfly, are useful in general.
Regular walks, pranayam and deep breathing
DIET AND YOGA techniques help as well. Pranayam bhasrika should
be practiced under professional supervision.
A balanced diet and yoga are absolutely
essential. The following suggestions are very Hormonal balance is important not only for
important: conception but also for overall physical health,
1. Eat sattvik and nourishing food. mental satisfaction, vitality and the maintenance
2. Eat meals at regular times of youth.
3. As far as possible, abstain from foods, such
as cabbage, cauliflower, kidney beans (rajma), So, healing music, herbal supplements, special
dried peas, chick peas (chole), capsicum, gawar applications and therapies, regular yoga and the
beans, aubergine (eggplant), raw tomatoes, recommended diet, all help a woman to maintain
and eggs. her femininity and attain equilibrium at all levels,
4. Avoid having milk and fruit together (i.e. in a at all times.
fruit salad or a milk shake).
5. Reduce the intake of extremely sour, spicy, Sometimes, the positive results of following
salty and fermented foods, as well as deep all these guidelines and undergoing therapy may
fried foods. : not be apparent for a while. There is an unseen
6. Cut down on the intake of fast food and aerated force governing every deed (fate or karma), which
drinks, especially late at night. is beyond our control. So, while one must follow
everything as far as possible, it is essential also to
Yoga asanas chosen in accordance with one’s keep faith in the Supreme Energy.
constitution and more importantly, performed

In addition to looking after the uterus, taking care of the breasts from an early age helps
maintain feminine balance.
Miraculous results are possible when medication is supplemented by music therapy.
Women can benefit greatly by eating a teaspoon of fresh Aloe vera gel every morning.
Feminine balance is essential for glowing health, happiness, vitality, mental satisfaction,
youthfulness, and beauty.
Proper diet and yogasanas are a must for maintaining feminine health.

47
 6
ers

_———
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Difficulties during
conception...

TIMES.
music

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe

Introduction by Shri Amitabh Bachchan

ccording to Ayurved, there are many Yonipradosan-manaso~bhitapat

reasons for the inability to conceive. Sukrasrgaharaviharadosat
These have been described as follows: Akala-yogat balasanksayyacca
garbham cirad-vindati sapraja~pi
Sra STATO, ae Caraka Sarirasthana

Anatomical or physiological disorders

Tif Ferafeafa AUST MW ae eekeenz in the yoni (female genital tract), mental
imbalance, diseased or unhealthy eggs

48
 Difficulties during conception... ©

or Sperm, inappropriate food or daily activities (i.e. recommended. The intake of appropriate rasayans,
those which are contradictory to the constitution), such as Santulan Chyavanprash, Santulan
sexual intercourse at times other than fertile days, Dhatri Rasayan, and Santulan Suryaprash, as
lack of vitality or strength caused by disease - all of Suitable to individual constitution, is very helpful.
these can lead to failed or delayed conception.
Behavioural Issues
Our society is generally conditioned to think that
if a couple is unable to have a child, the woman is As mentioned earlier, Ayurved describes the
at fault. Men do not usually undergo examination properties of sperm as mild and cooling, and
until the results of tests conducted on their partners advises that excessive heat to the genital area
prove normal. Whether the problem lies with the should be avoided. Men should not use very hot
man or the woman, both should be treated. The water while bathing and avoid working in heated
reasons for abnormalities occurring in the male environments or indulge in excessive steam or
may be fewer, but the result is the same - infertility. sauna therapies. Tight clothes, for example tight
jeans, although fashionable, may cause heat and
REASONS FOR MALE pressure in the genital area, and have a detrimental
INFERTILITY effect on the production and the quality of sperm.
Placing a laptop directly on the lap is quite harmful
The main causes of male infertility are - low as well, since it generates heat. Smoking and too
sperm count, deformed sperm, or the total absence much alcohol is definitely harmful to the production
of sperm in the semen (azoospermia). Malfunction of sperm.
of the male reproductive organs, and congenital or
hereditary defects in the production of sperm, may Taking Care Of Shukra
also cause infertility in men.
Inappropriate influences during puberty in
Lifestyle Issues the form of pornographic magazines and visuals
create improper impressions on the young mind,
As mentioned earlier, the lack of nutrition and usually lead to an increased tendency for
for shukra dhatu and lack of foods required for masturbation. Ayurvedic philosophy — strongly
the nourishment of sperm could lead to sperm advocates the maximum retention and protection of
disorders, which could result in infertility. Habitually shukra dhatu. However, because we are ignorant
staying up late at night and severe mental stress about this, it is not uncommon for young men to
will take their toll as well. Regular or constant intake be addicted to masturbation This causes loss of
of junk food or excessively spicy and oily food may shukra dhatu from a very young age. The widely
also damage shukra dhatu. prevalent belief that this is 'normal' and 'natural' may
support the conviction that there is nothing wrong in
Encourage a diet that nourishes shukra dhatu what they are doing. Far from being natural, it only
right from childhood. During adolescence and youth, causes the destruction of semen and shukra.
soaked chickpeas are excellent for this purpose.
Eating dink ladu (balls made from edible gum) during Excess shukra dhatu in the body may
winter, having milk everyday, and home-made spontaneously and involuntarily ejaculate at certain
ghee and butter on a regular basis, are all highly times, due to wet dreams etc. This can be considered

49
 *
‘ gt

>
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

normal and can be compared to overflow in a water any chronic illness. Sexually transmitted diseases,
tank. Even so, it should occur only at the right time such as syphilis and gonorhea also affect sperm
and only if all the other proper functions of shukra and cause difficulty during sexual intercourse. The
in the body have been fulfilled, and there is excess disease is also likely to be transmitted to the partner,
shukra dhatu left over. If the release of shukra causing her serious problems as well.
dhatu like this results in its depletion in the body,
it will create obstacles to body function and can be Psychological Issues
quite harmful. So, for all these reasons shukra must
be saved and protected until the right age has been Many men have erectile problems during sexual
reached (its quantities must be kept up). There is a intercourse, or are unable to have sex. They could
lot we can understand about it, and do, to increase also be fearful due to ignorance. These could also
its quality as well. be psychological in nature. The cause of these can
be treated. A change of food habits and lifestyle
The loss of shukra goes hand in hand with would normally help. Foods and rasayans that
obesity, and the increase of fat (meda dhatu) in the nourish shukra dhatu, as mentioned earlier, are
body. In obesity, on one hand, the body becomes essential.
weaker due to the loss of shukra, and on the other
hand food is only converted into fat tissue. So the Often, in these cases, due to embarrassment
nutrient from food does not reach shukra (which is or the fear of humiliation, men do not seek help
the deepest or last level of tissue in the body) at in time. This could lead to the problem becoming
all, causing even further shukra depletion. This is a chronic and severe, and even cause an inferiority
vicious cycle. Obesity also leads to weakness and complex. Ayurved has specified special medicines
diminished energy during sexual intercourse. for such problems. Santulan Purusham Oil,
cultured with specific Ayurvedic herbs, which is
Infections and Chronic Illness very effective in these cases.

Infertility could have other causes as well, One large change in human beings in our times
like imbalances or infections either in the urinary is the tremendous increase in our expectations in
or reproductive tracts, or blockage in the vas all aspects of life. Most people are well - educated,
deferens. Sometimes during examination of have stressful jobs, work overtime, and try to earn
semen, doctors may only consider sperm count as much money as possible. This leads to fatigue,
and motility. The presence of pus (inflammatory mental disturbance, agitation, loss of peace of
cells) or blood, should not be ignored because it is mind, stress and anxiety, all of which are usually
an important factor. Ayurved describes such semen ignored and taken as part of life. Often, this results
that has pus or blood as incompetent and of no in physical weakness and the depletion of shukra
use for conception. These cases should be treated dhatu. Many patients who are young businessmen,
immediately. If the egg is fertilised by such sperm it complain of areduced desire for sex and diminished
increases the chances of producing a handicapped sexual energy in their thirties.
or otherwise diseased child.
Vitality
In addition to all these causes, the quality and
quantity of sperm is also adversely affected by Whatever be the reason for infertility, the

50
 Difficulties during conception...

physician will need to work on helping the patient Psychological Issues

strengthen and vitalize shukra dhatu. Medicines
which may be beneficial here are - Shatavaryadi In rare cases, where the woman is fearful of,
churna, Gokshuradi churna (to be taken with Or apprehensive about sexual intercourse, or
ghee and_= sugar), Suvarnamalini —vasant, cannot endure sex, of course, conception becomes
Vasantkusumakar, and Makardhwaj rasa. All these difficult.
should be taken after medical consultation. These
mixtures help to purify semen, and increase shukra These problems should be treated promptly and
dhatu. correctly. Superficial or temporary therapies will not
lead to complete treatment.
It is very important to deal with stress
effectively. Music therapy is extremely effective Family Relations
in dealing with mental tensions. A good diet (as
already described), sleeping and rising early, and Another extremely important aspect to keep in
yoga asanas according to one’s constitution are mind is the relationship between the woman and
imperative for a life full of vitality. her husband's family. The woman especially, should
have good relations with her husband's side of the
REASONS FOR FEMALE family. Since the child-to-be also receives certain
INFERTILITY ‘programmes' from the father, it is imperative that
the woman has the support of his family. If they
Anatomical Reasons do not support her, it could block the chances of
conception for the couple.
As mentioned before, yoni refers to the female
genital tract, which is comprised of 3 parts viz the Hormonal Imbalance
vagina, cervix, and uterus. Anatomical anomalies
of any of these parts, e.g. a small and contracted This is the most important part of the subject
vagina, lack of aperture in the hymen, a narrow of women's health. You will find that disorders
cervical opening, anatomical irregularities in the due to hormonal imbalance overlap with, and are
uterus, or a weak uterus, blocked fallopian tubes, related to, several other problems that women may
polycystic ovaries, and other ovarian disorders, encounter. When talking about hormonal imbalance
could all result in the failure to conceive. In addition, for women, the most important aspect, and the most
physiological disorders, such as anovulatory cycles, neglected one, are the activities and behaviour of
could also prevent conception. women during menstruation.

Excess Heat Ayurvedic science has clearly given menstruation

a lot of thought. There are detailed descriptions
A functional imbalance during menstruation, about this issue in the texts. Behaviour and lifestyle
and an excess of pitta dosha, lead to excess heat that needs to be adhered to during these days is
in the vagina. In this increased temperature the outlined explicitly.
sperm entering the vagina may be destroyed, and
conception does not take place.

51
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senshér

Behavior During Menstruation menstruation is considered problem-free.

Menstruation constitutes the first three days of All of these guidelines have been set out to
the monthly cycle, and aspecial regime is prescribed protect the health of the woman and her future
for these special days. During this time the woman child. Couples who want to have a healthy offspring
loses a certain amount of blood and is therefore should pay heed to these rules and follow them
more sensitive and emotional. Women should take very strictly. All women should adhere to these
extra care to avoid all kinds of mental and physical guidelines throughout their years of menstruation
stress during menstruation. It is recommended that to maintain good health, hormonal balance, and
she should not exercise too much, lift any weights, femininity in general.
or even work too much. During menses a woman
should avoid crowded places, late nights, sleeping In modern times the life of women has changed
in the day, trimming nails and hair or taking a full dramatically. They are equal to men in terms of
bath. Not taking a bath does not mean that physical work and household chores. Women have assumed
cleanliness and washing should be neglected; it responsibility for their careers, along with caring for
merely means that she should not wash her hair, and nurturing their families. Modern women have
stand under the shower or bathe in a tub, as would advanced into every possible field, made their mark
be normally done. in almost all walks of life, and have reached new
heights.
Menstruating women should not watch scenes or
movies which excite her or elicit fear (such as horror And consequently, the woman has also been
movies) or read such books. They should certainly driven further away from her nature. Her innate
avoid disputes with family members or at work. tendencies, such as delicateness, sensitivity,
Food should be light, nutritious, and sattvik. She tenderness, and her emotional life, have been
should make sure that she has proper and regular compromised. She may have to pursue a job or
bowel movements. It is highly recommended that career that may clash with her basic nature, health,
she contemplates on good and positive thoughts or constitution.
during this period.
Since every job requires a specific physical and
During these three days the flow is directed mental constitution, it follows that all jobs are not
downward in the body, and physical energy is low. suitable for all people. In addition to taking care of
So contact with places and things of high energy, the home, a career-woman may have work-related
should be avoided e.g. temples and kitchens (food stress, tension with her superiors etc which could
and water, except that which is meant for her own cause her general health to deteriorate.
consumption). More importantly, she should abstain
from sexual intercourse during these three to four Not so long ago, women would want to sit for
days. meals with their husbands and families, but today,
after working at home as well as the workplace,
After observing all the necessary guidelines women regularly say, "Let's go out for dinner." This
during the three days of menstruation, she should habit harms everybody's health.
wash her hair on the fourth day and dress in clean
clothes. Sexual intercourse after the seventh day of We have learned, rather too easily, to say that we

52
 Difficulties during conception...

do not have the time to follow things that are good Ayurved sets out, very clearly, the possible
for us. And so the simple rules of behaviour during consequences to the child if menstruation guidelines
menstruation are ignored, along with much needed are not followed by its mother, before conception.
rest during these days. All this will result in hormonal Therefore Ayurved says that a woman should
imbalances and several related disorders. habituate herself to be careful during menstruation
from an early age. Obviously, she should be doubly
It is difficult to prove 'scientifically' the negative careful in the months before she conceives. If she
effects of not following these guidelines during behaves in a manner that will disturb her hormonal
menstruation, but it is easily seen that general balance during this preparatory period, the chances
health is adversely affected. None of the processes of adverse effects on her child increase dramatically.
of child birth, from conception, to implantation of Ayurved gives examples such as, if a woman cries
the embryo, pregnancy, and delivery, will ensue in during the first three days of her menstruation it is
a planned and desirable manner if these practices possible that her child will be born with disorders of
are ignored. They will be fraught with difficulty. the eye. If she sleeps in the day, the child could be
Hormonal imbalances in young women mean that over-active or fidgety; if she works in excess, the
their health is poor at an early age, causing several child could be mentally retarded or psychotic; if she
unexplainable illnesses. Cases of children being has a full body ‘Abhyang' massage, the child could
born with diseases which seem to have no cause be born with skin disorders; if she applies kajal
are also on the rise. The causes for such seemingly (kohl) to her eyes, the child could be born blind.
unexplained diseases in both, young women, as
well as newly born children, will be rooted in the Several of these cause and effect relationships
woman's behaviour during menstruation, and her will provide answers to the question “Why did this
overall lifestyle that has disturbed her hormonal happen?” when there appears to be no obvious
balance. In order to prevent these potentially tragic cause for a particular disease in a child.
problems please consider the above mentioned
guidelines very carefully and act on them! Even if a woman is not planning for a baby,
such actions during menstruation may adversely
There are more serious instructions as well. Like affect her own health. A regular menstrual cycle is
as follows. an indicator of hormonal balance. Changes in the
hormonal system could cause not only irregular
BAAS VAIS IASI SaAATAT menstruation, but also may bring on symptoms
a achat Pftrar vet starerareqard .. aare7e7 such as depression, sudden increase in weight,
pimples and rashes on the face, and premenstrual
Ajnanad-va pramadad-va bloating (especially heaviness of the breasts and
lobhad-va daivataSca-va oedema).
Sa cet-kuryat nisiddhani
garbho dosanstaapnuyat ....Bhavaprakasa It is obviously extremely desirable to have
healthy conception, proper growth of the foetus,
The child will pay the price of the woman's nourishment in the uterus for the foetus, smooth
ignorance, weaknesses, greed (for unhealthy delivery in the normal period of nine months, and
things) and in general, the mistakes she makes. adequate lactation. They are all dependent on
optimal hormonal balance.

53
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

Inappropriate food and lifestyle habits are such as Kumari Asav, Ashokarishta, or Santulan
already responsible for disturbing the hormonal Feminine Balance Asav, which are prepared
system. Nowadays women ignore that they need to from aloe vera and other herbs, are useful in the
rest and care for themselves during menstruation, treatment of rajakshaya.
causing further unnecessary strain. Then, fixes like
contraceptive pills, especially immediately after Milk, according to Ayurved, should be
marriage, to prevent pregnancy, and the rampant consumed everyday. In cases of hormonal
use of other hormonal pills to try and control imbalance, Santulan Shatavari Kalpa, and
menstrual cycles according to one's convenience, Santulan Shatanant Kalpa are very useful to
really puts pressure on the body causing cases of help nourish rasa dhatu and are to be taken with
severe hormonal imbalance. milk. To nourish rakta dhatu (blood) and increase
haemoglobin, San Rose is recommended _ for
Scanty Menstrual Discharge everyday consumption.

A delayed menstruation, reduced bleeding, ora Excess Menstrual Discharge

short menstruation is called rajakshaya. This could
be accompanied by pain during menstruation, The opposite of rajakshaya is excessive
and could also include blood flowing in the form menstrual bleeding (menorrhoea). Many women
of clots. are under the false impression that the heavier
the menstrual flow, and the longer the bleeding
The two main causes for this are a diet lacking lasts, the deeper and more intense the cleaning
in proper nutrition, and low haemoglobin (anaemia). and purification process will be. Actually heavy
Anaemia could also result from long, chronic and prolonged bleeding does nothing more than
illnesses such as typhoid or jaundice. Factors that deplete strength. The loss of blood also leads to
lead to imbalance in vata dosha can also cause dullness and loss of lustre on the skin, dizziness,
rajakshaya. According to Ayurved, menstrual blood and hair loss. There could also be recurring bouts
originates from rasa dhatu. Any factor which causes of irritation, psychological turmoil, and a general
this dhatu to diminish e.g. excessive thinking or loss of peace of mind. The most serious resulting
stress, can also lead to rajakshaya. problem, however, is the weakening of the uterus,
and if this is not rectified, it could lead to the inability
If this condition prevails for an extended period to conceive.
of time, it could lead to an increase in weight -
primarily in the back and waist region - excessive Depending on the cause of the excess blood loss
hair loss, darkening of the skin, increased body the treatment is aimed towards the following 4
heat or general weakness. points:

In general, women will take only problems like 1. Stopping blood loss
weight gain and hair loss seriously! However, if the 2. Recovery of blood lost
root cause of rajakshaya is treated, then all other 3. Cleansing and strengthening of the uterus
related problems will disappear along with it. Aloe 4. Restoration of hormonal balance.
vera is beneficial in such cases, and medications

54
 Difficulties during conception...

The remedies recommended for this include: symptom may be ignored for years.
Pushyanug churna, Lodhrasav, roasted and puffed
alum, San Rose, vaginal douches with special At the Atmasantulana Village, in Karla, many
herbal decoctions (kadha), inserting medicated couples have been treated for infertility. Even though
oils into the vagina (i.e. a cotton swab soaked in oil most of their tests showed normal results, they
such as Santulan Femisan Oil), and herbal ghee were still unable to conceive. After many questions
preparations such as Santulan Ashokadi Ghruta and a deeper probe into their medical histories, it
and Phalaghruta, to strengthen the uterus. often is discovered that one or both partners have
neglected urinary or genital tract infections in the
The main cause ofthis condition, is an imbalance past.
in vata and pitta doshas. The following foods are to
be avoided in this condition. Women often take hurried, haphazard treatment
for these disorders and since such infections are
Very oily or spicy, fermented products. difficult to treat they are often not cured completely.
Certain medications often treat the problem
Tamarind, sour yoghurt, dried peas, chickpeas, superficially, and relieve only the troublesome
dried beans and legumes, and kidney beans, symptoms, leaving a dormant internal infection
should be excluded from diet. which continues to surface in any number of
situations. After such prolonged and recurrent
Vaginal Discharge and Infections infections, the chances of conception are obviously
reduced.
The appearance of a white and sticky or watery
discharge, is considered normal only if it occurs A large part of the therapy for such problems is
one or two days prior to the onset of menstruation, the use of Santulan Femisan Oil. In a later chapter
or at the time of ovulation. A discharge occurring at the complete recommendations for the care of the
any other time is not considered normal. It could gynaecological system have been described. They
lead to back ache, pain in the legs, weakness, and include placing cotton swabs doused in Santulan
fatigue. This requires attention, even if the quantity Femisan Oil in the vagina, cleaning the vagina with
of discharge is very negligible. Ayurvedic physicians herbal douches and smoke therapy. This should be
call this condition Som Rog (Som means elixir, accompanied with the intake of Santulan Uricool
Rog means disease). In such cases, the woman Satulan Prashant Churna.
loses shukra and other vital dhatus important for
‘life’ (i.e. which are equivalent to an elixir), in the Try to avoid very spicy, sour or dry foods and
form of vaginal discharge. This causes the uterus restrict the intake of sour curd, cauliflower, cabbage,
to become weak thereby making it difficult for the capsicum, green beans, eggs, dried legumes, dried
woman to conceive. peas, meat, pork and other non-vegetarian foods.
By following this, it will help you recover hormonal
In many cases, women ignore abnormal or balance and then sustain it for good health.
heavy vaginal discharge, and are completely
unaware that the appearance of even small According to Acharya Charak, one of the main
amounts of discharge, whether regular or sporadic, reason for infertility is yoni-vyapad. This refers
is an alarming development. As a result, this serious to disturbances that are generated in the female

55
 (*,
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

reproductive system due to inappropriate food Vyavaya-kale rundhantya

habits, lifestyle and behaviour. vegan prakupito~nilah
Kuryat vinmutrasangarti « .
The 4 main disorders of the yoni, as described sosam yonimukhasya ca ...Caraka cikitsasthana
are: up-pluta, pari-pluta, shuska, and vamini.
Some women tend to ignore their bladder or
UP-PLUTA YONI-VYAPAD bowel movement urges while engaging in sexual
intercourse. This causes a gross imbalance in
Wag Baleares
Ba Safa at HAT | vata dosha resulting in dryness in the vagina. The
HATA SATA AT EAT ASAT woman experiences pain during intercourse and
this could lead to problems in conception.

Pandum satodamasravam VAMINI YONI

Svetam sravati va kapham
Kaphavatamaya vyapta Boh MATa TAT
sa syat yonirupapluta — ...Caraka cikitsasthana Fest atest ars a Bae AG aT are eee

In this condition women have a discharge that Sukram garbhasayam gatam

is faint, light-coloured, or mucus-like (kapha), Sarujam nirujam va~pi ya sravet sa tu vamini
accompanied by sharp pain like needles (pricking ....Caraka cikitsasthana
sensation) in the vagina. This disorder is caused by
an imbalance of kapha and vata dosha. In many cases, due to a vata - pitta disorders,
the semen is not accepted, and merely flows out
PARI-PLUTA YONI-VYAPAD of the vagina after sexual intercourse. This could
result in infertility. Sometimes in these cases, the
Vet eaten adatoms
Bae | woman may experience pain when the semen flows
mit aerorgerdrarratar
Gera .. aa Rarer out of the vagina.

suna sparsa-ksama sartirnilapitamasrk sravet The treatment for these disorders includes a
sroni vanksana-prsthartijvarartaya paripluta mix of specific herbal preparations in addition to
...Caraka cikitsasthana uttar dhoop, uttar basti, and vaginal oil-swabs to
cleanse the gynaecological system. These should
In this disorder, the mucus membrane of the be combined with the requisite diet and lifestyle
vagina becomes inflamed and very sensitive. There changes.
is a yellowish vaginal discharge, accompanied by
backache. This disorder is caused by an imbalance Anovulatory Cycles
of pitta and vata dosha.
Anovulation (a menstrual cycle without the
SHUSKA YONI release of an egg from an ovary) is yet another
cause of infertility. Again, because of hormonal
CAAT SIM GT Wea shes: | imbalances, many women have anovulatory cycles,
vite SEA a Maas
pata feared rere even though the menstrual cycles themselves may

56
 Difficulties during conception...

be regular. The absence of an ovum obviously

leads to infertility. Thyroid Dysfunction

Blocked Fallopian Tubes In addition to all of the above menstruation-

related problems, another increasingly common
More and more causes of infertility today lie in disorder is thyroid dysfunction. This can be caused
inappropriate food and lifestyle habits because they by careless behaviour during menstruation, or a
tend to increase vata dosha. Vata imbalance in turn disturbed menstrual cycle. The symptoms could
leads to obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Here, range from swelling of the body, weight gain, to an
in spite of normal ovulation, there is no possibility increase in blood pressure.
of conception, since the sperm cannot reach the
ovum to fertilize it. Several issues like tuberculosis, Uterine Fibroids
chronic blood loss, deficiency in rakta dhatu, and
even frequent miscarriages are some of the other Further causes of infertility are localized growths
reasons for vata imbalance. In some cases, subtle in the uterus, known as arbud in Ayurved. This
or dormant vaginal infections may travel upwards term refers to a superfluous growth anywhere in
and affect the fallopian tubes and ovaries. the body due to the imbalance of a dosha. Such
growths in the uterus are called fibroids. Until a
Ovarian Cysts few years ago, this disorder was mainly detected
in women of around fifty years of age. However,
Then there is the possibility of either internal or fibroids are now common even in young women.
external ovarian cysts causing infertility. According They are mainly caused by a vata imbalance, which
to Ayurved this disorder occurs due to an imbalance could then influence either pitta or kapha doshas.
in vata-pitta. If the fibroid is large, it will obstruct conception
and implantation; if small, it could be the cause of
There are many types of cysts. If the cysts frequent miscarriages. It can lead to pre-term or
are small and asymptomatic they may remain premature delivery, and if the pregnancy goes to
undetected for quite some time. Some cysts full term, it is possible that the child will be born
produce symptoms which vary in their intensity handicapped or diseased.
and only occur at specific times. In many cases,
the only symptom may be abdominal pain during Fibroids should not be neglected, irrespective
menstruation or ovulation. Such cysts disappear of whether one wants to have a child or not. They
completely after some time, either on their own or should be treated because of the many problems
after being treated. they may cause. Women with fibroids tend to
have shorter menstrual cycles, excess bleeding,
Other tvpes of cysts may interfere with ovulation, heaviness in the lower abdomen, severe pain
and this could cause infertility. These cyst will have during menstruation, backache, sciatica, a ‘pulling’
the above symptoms in addtion to more severe type of pain in the legs, accumulation of fat around
symptoms like excess facial and body hair growth the waist and abdomen, and frequent urination.
and weight gain. These cases are generally quite
difficult to treat. With proper treatment, the fibroid can be reduced
in size, or may disappear completely. Ifmade smaller

5/7
 y

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

it can remain in the uterine cavity without causing weight gain, fat accumulation at the waist and hips,
any complications whatsoever. While treating the hormonal imbalance, severe arthritis, and other
fibroid it is imperative to also stop the excessive flow types of vata-related ‘ailments. Illnesses such as
of blood that it is causing. If the fibroid is found to be hypertension, diabetes and heart disease mostly
of an unusually large size, surgery may be the only found in men so far, have also arisen in women who
alternative. But surgery should be the last resort. It have undergone a hysterectomy.
should be considered only if all other conservative The fear of infertility should not be the only cause
efforts have failed. As far as possible, only the fibroid to be attentive to diseases of the reproductive tract.
should be surgically removed, while preserving the The overall health of a woman is also dependent on
uterus. this. Of course, the best way forward is prevention
rather than cure. But should these problems still
In spite of an increasing incidence of fibroids occur, the best way to treat them is in accordance with
among women, the presence of cancer in such Ayurvedic guidelines. Other methods of treatment,
growths is negligible. On detection of fibroids such as surgery, should be considered only in certain
women should not assume that it is cancerous cases, depending on the gravity and seriousness of
and start to panic. It warrants emphasizing again the disease.
that a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) should The incidence of female infertility is on the rise.
not be performed without careful consideration, or In the past such cases were not so often seen. Rare
under any pressure. A hysterectomy causes severe or uncommon causes of infertility are becoming
hormonal imbalance, which when added to the increasingly frequent and newspapers’ and
original imbalance (that prompted the hysterectomy magazines often report on the ‘increasing infertility in
in the first place) will prove extremely difficult to treat. the world’ as one of today’s most important issues.
The after-effects arising from such a major step will With modern medicine and testing methods,
have to be borne throughout life. many ailments can be detected and diagnosed at an
early stage and treatment can begin promptly. The
After a hysterectomy, the increased levels of root cause of all of the above-mentioned problems
male hormones in the woman's body pose a serious is basically hormonal imbalance. And this imbalance
threat to her femininity. A similar increase is seen should be treated immediately and_ certainly
after menopause. It has also been seen that within prevented from recurring.
six months to two years after a hysterectomy, many The remedy you opt for should remove the
women suffer from a variety of problems due to the cause and origin of the imbalance without causing
imbalance in the reproductive tract. Only rarely are other side-effects.
there no side-effects. lf one delays treatment for any reason or if the
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) too appropriate therapies are administered improperly,
is gaining acceptance and popularity. However, it could lead to many more problems. Pitta in the
many ongoing studies have shown that HRT can woman's body may increase, causing heat, or she
produce severe side-effects. It is, therefore, only may gain a lot of weight, both of which will lead
recommended as a last resort, under unavoidable to complications in future. So it is essential that
circumstances. appropriate therapy is taken under expert medical
Over the years, we have observed many cases supervision.
where women suffer from disorders, such as sudden
= om

58
 Difficulties during conception... aaa
Coa CRAG

According to Ayurved, stress and mental agitation is a major cause of infertility.

Late nights, mental stress, too much spicy and oily food, smoking, drinking alcohol, and
eating junk food, is harmful for shukra dhatu.
It is essential that shukra be protected and conserved, not only until the appropriate age for
conception is attained, but it should be carefully used, and increased throughout life.
A regular menstrual cycle is indicative of hormonal balance.
As a result of menstrual problems, or an unnatural lifestyle, some women may suffer from
thyroid problems, swelling of the body, weight gain, and hypertension.
A hysterectomy shouid not be carried out without very careful consideration and unless
there is no other way out.
Women should take appropriate measures to bring a disturbed hormonal system into
equilibrium.

59
 “A

it
 ~

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Cave ofthe
Pregnant womans.
Pregnancy and delivery is
almost like a second birth
for a woman. She and her
family have the responsibility
of maintaining her health as
well as that of the life growing
insideher.It is essential to have
comprehensive knowledge
about diet, yogasanas, and
several other ‘Do's and Don'ts’.
pope pes paw Te
Fisk GOR eaeOR ees anbis
Ea ea leprae ieee eae re RRC
PRAGUE OURO Se AN roe eySeed
DE RR A aria peea
agra
dese ee ae
 y

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Early days of pregnancy

I he onset of pregnancy is one of the faNifdent naagare:

ba most unforgettable moments in a aearTE) Cad VT |
qa Storagui a au
if

woman's life. Your heart is sure to miss

a beat when you realize that you are meter MANSPTAET AL NS VANE

pregnant!
Nisthivika gauravamangasadah
That which was a_ secret, deep tandrapraharsau hrdave vvatha ea
inside her, is confirmed and _ finally Frptusea bija grahanam ca yoryvam
revealed. Her happiness, and the joy garbhasya sadyvornugatasva lagam
of communicating the news to her Caraka sarirasthana

family, Know no bounds, But women

also generally feel a little shy during Nausea, cravings, vomiting, bouts of
this whole process, and anxious at the GizzZINeSS OF gidainess

same time, as a hundred questions start Poor concentration, combined with a

going through their minds: Is everything feeling of deep inner satisfaction
ok? Will the pregnancy proceed without Fatigue and weakness
problems or unforeseen events? Is The appearance of goose pimples
the baby alright? Is it a boy or a girl or all over the body for no apparent
perhaps even twins? reason

Palpitations
An especially — intuitive woman Heartburn
may immediately sense that she has Aversion to strong smells
conceived, But most women only begin
to suspect that they may be pregnant It is not necessary that all these
when they miss a period, By then, 14 symptoms will appear in all women, The
-15 days have already passed since symptoms are highly pronounced in the
conception. It is now possible to conduct first pregnancy. In following pregnancies
a pregnancy test at home (the H.C.G, they become less pronounced, And
hormone test), and once confirmed, the there are always a few fortunate women
pregnant woman should immediately who do not experience any of these
start following the guidelines in this symptoms at all,
book. After the second period is missed
itis necessary to be checked once by a The first two to three months of
gynaecologist. However, avoid internal pregnancy bring nausea and loss of
examination as far as possible. To appetite. This can be alleviated with
help with this process the symptoms of herbal preparations such as sutshedhar
pregnancy at this stage are provided or drakshadi vat,
below,

62
 Early days of pregnancy ~

Quick Remedy for morning sickness: Soak half A pregnant woman is like a pot full to the brim
a tea spoon (tsp) of coriander seeds in water for with oil which requires an absolutely steady hand
30 mins, then grind to a paste. Mix with an equal to take it from one place to another. The pregnant
amount of sugar. Take 2-3 teaspoons of raw rice woman must pay attention to this new life that is as
(without boric powder or any other insecticides) dear to her as her own life, as well as herself, with
in half a cup of water. Let it soak for ten minutes. great care.
Squeeze the rice in the water. Sieve the water to
remove the rice. Eat the above mentioned paste Family and relatives need to contribute by
with this water. extending all manner of support. During this
period, it is absolutely necessary that the woman
Please understand that each pregnancy is be protected on the physical, as well as the
unique. Two successive pregnancies may give rise psychological levels. This all-round alertness is
to different symptoms in the same woman. These very important for her well - being.
experiences are dependent on the constitutions of
both mother and baby. DO'S AND DON'TS DURING
PREGNANCY
It is not uncommon for older women, when
observing a young woman who is pregnant, to The pregnant woman always needs to act with
ask, “Why is she suffering so much? We never caution. Let us see what Ayurved recommends for
had so much trouble.” Situations and times have her at this time. Please make a concerted effort to
changed, and the prevailing health and strength follow these recommendations as far as possible
of each individual elicits different reactions. Avoid during pregnancy.
comparing one pregnancy with another.
seperate STATS UIT
To calculate the expected date of delivery (EDD) aan safer: aenreonteraratan:
please refer to the table given towards the end of
the book.

Pregnancy is an important and sensitive period

for the mother and child. Anew living being is taking
shape in a woman's body, and it is crucial that she Utkata-visamakathinasana-sevinya vata-mutra-
takes extreme care of her diet, lifestyle, and even purisa-veganuparundhatya daruna anucita-
thinking patterns. vyayama-sevinyah tiksnosnatimatra-sevinyah
pramitaSana-sevinya garbho mriyate~ntah
Acharya Charak has described this condition as tatha abhighataprapidanaih Svabhra-
follows. kupa-prapatadesavalokanairva~bhiksnam
matuh prapatatyakale garbhah
tatha~timatra-sanksobhibhiryanairyanena
apriyatimatraSravanairva _ ....Caraka Sarirasthana

Pirnamiva taila-patram asanksobhayata~ntarvatni

bhavatyupacarya ...Caraka Sarirasthana

63
 oy
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

vata-mutra-purisa eganuparundha - so are best avoided. And it is generally advisable to

avoid wearing bright colours during pregnancy.
Naturalurges suchas urination, bowelmovement
or flatulence should never be suppressed, since it na garbhinim kipamavalokayat -
could result in an imbalance in vata dosha, which
could, over a period of time, cause a variety of She should not look into the depths of a well, or
problems. If the urge to urinate is suppressed, down from the top of a steep cliff, or into a valley.
there is an increased risk of urinary tract infection. These could cause fear, or a physical jolt, which
It also unnecessarily increases pressure on the could harm the baby.
uterus. The holding back of intestinal gases, could
lead to symptoms such as nausea, heartburn and apriyatimatrasravanairva -
belching. Suppression of natural bowel movement
can lead to loss of appetite and anorexia. It is A pregnant woman should certainly not be
imperative that bowel movements be regular, to subjected to loud or disturbing noises. Unwanted
forestall the formation of intestinal gases. This also and obnoxious sounds should be reduced to
prevents the need to exert pressure during bowel a minimum in her environment. Avoid music at
evacuation, which could have an adverse effect on high volumes, discordant sounds, noise made by
the uterus. fireworks or any sounds that can unsettle you.

utkata-visama-kathinasana-sevinya - daruna anucitavyayama -

The mother-to-be should not sit on surfaces Unnecessary physical work or inappropriate
that are too hard, irregular, or uncomfortable, or on exercises that involve too much twisting and turning
chairs that are not flat. Such sitting positions could will impede the growth of the foetus. Gym exercises,
cause her to sit in a slanted or oblique posture, or vigourous aerobics or strenuous swimming, or
with her legs apart. She should develop the habit lifting heavy weights can harm the foetus.
to sit with her spine straight at all times. This will
help the foetus take an appropriate position in tiksnausnatimatrasevinyah -
the womb. She should consciously try to prevent
hunching over. Food in general should not be too spicy. It
should not be too hot or pungent either. If the
pratatottanasayinyah punargarbhasya pregnant woman eats much less than required,
nabhyasraya nadikanthamanuvestayati - eats unhealthy food, or the constituents of her food
do not provide enough vitality, the foetus will not
She should sleep on her side as far as possible. receive adequate nourishment. Diet is explained in
Ayurved informs us that if she sleeps on her back, detail later on in the book.
there are chances that the umbilical cord could
twine itself around the neck of the foetus. ati matra-sanksobhibhir-yanaih -
anucara-pariraksanartham na raktani
vasamsi - During pregnancy, travelling on potholed roads,
or vehicles that vibrate a lot, should be avoided.
Bright red clothes may attract negative energies, Jerks and bumps of all kinds should be avoided.

64
 Early days of pregnancy

it is important to make sure that pregnant woman day increases kapha in the body. Resting in the
siffers minimum bumps and jerks while traveling, afternoon is acceptable, but it is certainly not
advisable to sleep deeply at that time.
Women should not travel long distances during
the first trimester of pregnancy. This is also true of It is not good for the pregnant woman to roam
the critical last two months of pregnancy, during about without reason. The most ancient Ayurvedic
which the foetus has grown very much in size. In texts note that this may have undesirable
the remaining four months in between; a pregnant psychological effects on the child, and specifically
woman should only travel when it is necessary increase the possibility of epilepsy in the child.
and only in conditions that will be very comfortable
for her. The expecting mother should not pay attention to
things that are unpleasant, irksome, and disturbing
abhighata - to her. Discord and resentment in the family, and
discussing disagreeable topics should be avoided
Direct injury or impact of any kind to the in her presence. She should refrain from involving
abaomen can injure the foetus. herself in such discussions.

prapidanaih - It is important that she does not read books

meant to excite or thrill, or watch horror films,
She should wear loose and comfortable which could generate fear. The unborn child is
garments, not tight fitting dothes that will impede very sensitive and could easily be affected by
crosation. Jeans, skirts and petticoats that tend to these. She should also avoid watching television
tighten around the abdomen should be avoided. programmes that show deceit, stressful situations,
unhappiness and immorality Books and films
Aithougn very much in vogue, high-heeled have a deep impact on the mind, and are able to
shoes of sandals may cause backaches, and affect people both negatively as well as positively.
hence should be avoided. As the foetus grows in Such influences on the unborn baby could result
size, t becomes more difficult for the mother-to-be in the child being weak or fainthearted. In extreme
to maintain a straight posture; high-heeled shoes cases, the excitement caused may even lead to
aggravate the situation, and she could lose balance miscarriage.

The pregnant woman should not stay in or even

Smoking should be given up entirely It is a visit, unprotected places or deserted areas for the
sceiiicaly proven fact that smoking during entire duration of the pregnancy.
pregnancy canhaveadevasiating effect, hampering
the mental, physical, and intellectual development It is best to avoid sexual intercourse throughout
oS the baby. pregnancy. It is strictly prohibited by Ayurved
during the first three months, when the embryo is
Staying up tale at night and sleeping during not yet stable and miscarriage could be brought
the day, especially in the afiemoon, should be on guite easily. And in the final trimester, when
compitcy avoided Guring pregnancy. Late nights the foetus has grown in size, sexual intercourse
increase vala and pitta, and sleeping during the should also definitely to be avoided. During the

a
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

entire pregnancy the vagina and uterus are extra- hours), causes laziness, listlessness and even
sensitive and susceptible to injury. These organs mental retardation in the child. It also slows the
need to remain intact and protected from injury or child's metabolism.
imbalance. The sexual act is unnecessary exertion
and could impair the growth of the child. The environment around the pregnant woman
should be perfectly clean and tidy, and she
it is important that the mother-to-be should should avoid places where there are obnoxious
remain happy and joyful. Feelings of grief or anxiety or unsavoury smells. She should not come in
could cause her child to be fearful or apprehensive contact with menstruating women as far as
by nature, have a narrow outlook on life, or even a possible.
short life span. Anxiety and grief are undesirable
in any case, but more so during pregnancy. Some Some trees, such as the Banyan and Tamarind,
women are more anxious or apprehensive and are to be avoided, especially at twilight. She
hence more easily disturbed than others. Thinking should not visit areas unknown to her.
too much or worrying does not improve things. For
the habitually anxious, it is important to break out And of course, apart from all these external
of this vicious cycle. Music, meditation and reading factors, she should not harm herself by shouting
spiritual and inspirational literature is sure to help. or raising her voice, getting angry or irritated.

Listening to healing and vocal music helps In Indian culture, it is custom that a pregnant
noticeably. Albums by Santulan Music such as woman should not look at snakes. Whether it is
Spirit of Harmony, Yoga Nidra - for Peace and harmful, or if the snake 'casts a shadow' on the
Meditation, Santulan Meditation, Aumkar Gunjan, woman, is not known, but the sight certainly instils
and Garbha Sanskar, have been composed for fear and makes one temporarily mentally weak,
these purposes and each has a specific effect. and this is definitely harmful to the foetus growing
Such music soothes and restores peace to the inside.
mind on the whole, and the mental capacities of
the unborn child are improved. After going through this chapter you might feel
that there are too many things to do and remember
If the mother becomes jealous, angry or if one wants to follow the entire process. But once
entertains negative thoughts it could cause the you start actually doing these things, you will find
child to develop corrupt or unethical tendencies that not only are they not so difficult, but also that
or an envious and scheming nature. So it is they come naturally and easily to you. In fact, if you
best to avoid the possibility of the mother even try and remain aware of the results in your body
getting into such a situation. and mind when doing all these things, you will
realize how much they are beginning to help you
Sleeping too much (i.e. more than eight or nine and the child growing inside you!

66
 Early days of pregnancy Se

All measures for care during pregnancy should be initiated once conception is confirmed.
Each pregnancy is different, and no comparisons should be made with respect to
symptoms.
Pregnant women should not suppress natural urges, such as urination, or have sexual
intercourse.
Tight clothes, loud noises, and strenuous physical activities, are to be avoided.
The mother-to-be should stay away from smoking, alcohol consumption, late nights, and
unnecessary travelling.

67
 Ayurvedic

Diet during pregnancy

eet
ar
‘ tere
©

uring pregnancy the foetus obviously

needs nourishment in every way
possible. If the pregnant woman is
extremely careful about her diet at this
time, both she and her baby will reap Striya hyapannagarbhayastridha
the benefits throughout their lives. It rasah pratipadyate svaSarirapustaye,
is the 'sap' or essence - ahar-ras - of stanyaya, garbhavrddhaye ca
whatever the pregnant woman eats, ...Caraka Sarirasthana
and is able to digest, that nourishes the
foetus inside her. The ahar-ras of the expecting mother
must fulfill 3 important functions:
Let's see how we can provide an It should nourish the mother's body
optimum of this ahar-ras. The following properly.
lines by Acharya Charak provide good It should help improve both quality
advice and quantity of breast-milk.

68
 Diet during pregnancy
— See ee ae
Bim boot ate: ; eae
ee eon
Pid Dae eee hu

It should help nourish and develop the embryo. boil. The piece of gold used should be reserved
solely for this purpose. Jewelry that is otherwise
All these three functions are to be separately worn should not be used. The gold can be removed
understood and taken care of when planning the after the water has been boiled completely. This
pregnant woman's diet. Alack of any of the essential water can then be used like normal drinking water.
nutrients will result in deficiencies in the foetus. The effects of processes such as these are hard
This could retard its development, and even have to see immediately or even over short or moderate
extreme consequences like a sudden miscarriage, periods. Over time, and sometimes several years
premature delivery, low weight at birth, or a weak later, their astonishingly positive effects become
constitution. A correctly planned diet will contribute apparent and the benefits are much appreciated.
towards preventing these problems.
Milk
ESSENTIAL FOODS
Milk is the best source of naturally available
Water protein and calcium. It helps develop the dhatus
of the foetus and provides a strong foundation
Water consumed during pregnancy should for its bones. Many women complain of back
be boiled for at least fifteen to twenty minutes to aches and joint pains after delivery. One of the
render it as germ-free as possible. Microorganisms commonest causes of this is low intake of calcium
ingested along with water that has not been boiled during and after pregnancy. Again, the only
may deprive the body of important nutrients. They preventive measure is a cup of milk every morning
prevent the absorption of nutrients, especially iron. and evening throughout pregnancy. According to
The consequences could be indigestion, loss of Ayurved, milk is best to help increase life energy
weight, or malnutrition. A case of worms or any and Ojas; it naturally facilitates the proper physical,
intestinal infection (mainly caused due to impure mental, and intellectual development of the baby.
drinking water) is difficult to treat in a pregnant It is also an important source of vitamin B-complex
woman because she cannot be administered any and vitamin A.
anti-parasitical medicines. So prevention is really
the only solution and the best preventive measure It is important that the milk be pure and fresh;
is to thoroughly boil drinking water. Ayurved says In commercially packed milk, pasteurization is
that a specific mixture of herbs called jala santulana the only processing that can be considered safe.
churna is really good to add to water while boiling. It Homogenised, skimmed, vitamin-enriched, or ultra-
purifies the water further and increases the general heated milk are not recommended at all.
benefits of water.
Milk should be boiled properly before use.
Another important drinking-water culture It should be consumed either hot or at room
recommended by Ayurved is Suvarnabhari t temperature. Cold milk should be avoided. Try and
Jala - or water infused with gold. It promotes the consume milk that has its natural amount of cream.
development of the brain and nervous system It should certainly not be too thin. Full-cream milk is
in the foetus. To prepare Suvarnabharit Jala, best, but if this is too rich to consume, a little water
immerse a small piece of 24-carat gold, attached may be added to it while boiling. Some people
to a silver chain, into water that has been kept to develop symptoms such as flatulence, heaviness

69
in the abdomen, or diarrhoea after drinking milk.
The following remedy will help you consume milk
without such effects. Navanitam navam vrsyam sitam varna-balagni-krt
.... Wagbhata sutrasthana
Quick Remedy to help digest milk: Add a
piece [1 cm long] of crushed dry ginger (Zingiber Fresh butter has a cooling effect, increases
officinale), ten to twelve pieces of vavding (Embelia vitality, energy and enthusiasm, improves skin
ribes), and half a cup of water, to three quarters of complexion and digestive fire.
a cup of milk. Heat this mixture over a low flame,
until it is reduced by approximately 20% (half the The occurrence of haemorrhoids is _ not
added water should have evaporated) then strain uncommon during pregnancy, especially in the last
it. You should end up with one full cup of milk. This three or four months. Ayurved says homemade
type of infused milk is very easy to digest. butter is an excellent medicine in such cases. One
to two teaspoons of homemade butter, mixed with
Many women avoid drinking milk because they a little sugar eaten on a daily basis from the onset
are afraid of gaining weight (while it is a myth that of pregnancy will help forestall the development of
milk makes you fat) or because they dislike it. The haemorrhoids.
deficiencies arising from this for both the pregnant
woman and her child, will be severe, since there is A cup of fresh buttermilk, taken after lunch,
no substitute at all for the nutrition of milk. aids digestion, and is beneficial for overall health.
Ayurved describes buttermilk as a vata-kapha
Milk with Shatavari Kalpa: Adding 1% to pacifier, easy to digest, and favoured as a dietary
2 teaspoons of Shatavari Kalpa to a cup of milk item for any form of gastro-intestinal disorder.
is extremely beneficial. Make sure that the kalpa Buttermilk proves helpful for several conditions like
has been produced strictly in accordance with loss of taste and appetite, anaemia, and flatulence.
Ayurvedic processes, and that the shatavari used is It can be taken regularly for such symptoms
of good quality. Shatavari Kalpa is very nourishing occurring during pregnancy.
for the expectant mother; it helps the foetus grow
in a healthy manner and helps develop breast Many women develop oedema (water retention)
milk. It also helps to maintain the mother's figure during the last trimester of pregnancy. Buttermilk
by preventing untoward weight gain. It should be helps reduce swelling. The thick, sweetened or
continued even during lactation. salted /assi available in the market is not a substitute
for buttermilk.
Butter, Buttermilk, Ghee
Making Buttermilk: Add some water to curd and
Home-made butter (made from the cream obtained churn this mixture thoroughly. Churn until the butter
from boiled milk), fresh buttermilk (not sour), and in curd rises out. Separate this butter. What is left, is
pure ghee, are essential components of a balanced called buttermilk. The amount of water to be added
diet, not only for the expectant mother, but for to curd in the beginning depends on the thickness
everyone at all times. All of these should be part of and consistency of the curd. Ideally, the buttermilk
daily intake from the onset of pregnancy. Some of resulting from churning and separation of butter
their benefits are explained here. should end up thinner than milk. The addition of

70
 Diet during pregnancy

a little (1/4 tsp.) jeera (cumin) powder and two Ghee made at home, from cow's milk, is
pinches of black salt (a particular Indian volcanic best. If adequate cow's milk is not available for
rock salt) to a glass or cup of buttermilk enhances this then home-made ghee from buffalo's milk is
its taste as well as medicinal properties. acceptable.

As for ghee, Ayurvedic medicine describes Calcium and Iron

ghee as having immensely beneficial properties,
and compares it to a nectar. During pregnancy the mother's body demands
more calcium and iron. Rakta dhatu (blood)
red eregferenaaenyWR ayaT | is dependent on iron for its functioning. The
EM SAH Vitd aaa: TAT UA deficiency of iron can cause weakness, fatigue,
Fea fafeited erased | ...ame gree palpitations, loss of lustre and leave you without
enthusiasm. More serious complications include
Sastam dhi-smrti-medhagni-balayuh-sukra-caksusam the incomplete development of the embryo leading
Snehanam uttamam sitam vayasah sthapanam to complications during childbirth, or weakness,
param Sahasra-viryam vidhibhir-ghrtam karma- or low weight of the child at birth, among other
sahasrakrt _ ....Vagbhata sitrasthana problems.

Ghee is the best of all the oily and lubricating To increase the intake of iron, leafy vegetables
nutrients. It balances all three doshas, increases such as spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi), math
life energy and immunity, as well as strengthens the (Amaranthus gangaticus), chakwat (Chenopodium
entire organism in general. Ghee‘also strengthens album) and chawili (Vinga catiang), should be
the sense organs such as the eyes and ears. It part of regular diet. The occasional intake of
increases memory, intellect, and grasping power. ambat chuka (Rumex vesicarius), mula leaves
(Raphanus sativus), a/u leaves (a kind of leafy
The regular intake of ghee benefits the vegetable - Alocasia indica), and sarson (mustard
expectant mother and these benefits are passed leaves - Brassica sp.) is also fine.
on to the developing baby as well. Regular intake
during pregnancy is known to help increase the A few drops of lemon juice, sprinkled on leafy
baby's intelligence. vegetables provide a good dose ofVitamin C, which
is essential for the optimal absorption of iron. Black
A common question about ghee is about raisins, dates, beetroot, pomegranate, apples,
the manner and quantity in which it should be amla and saffron also help to boost iron content.
consumed. In general, everyone should eat about Jaggery is a good source of natural iron and may
four or five teaspoons of ghee everyday. During be used in small quantities during cooking.
pregnancy, it is recommended that three to four
tsp of ghee be taken with lunch, and another three Other useful sources of calcium and _ iron
to four tsp with the evening meal. While it is fine are wheat, nachani (Eleusine coracana), easily
to use it for fodni, instead of oil, during cooking, it digestible pulses (such as mung dal and toor dal
is essential to add ghee to food - rice and dal, or - sometimes along with their husks), coconut, dry
chappatis - while eating. dates, poppy seeds, and dollops (/adus) made
from edible gum (Acacia arabica).

71
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

Cookware Mandur bhasma, and Suvarnamakshik bhasma,

are extremely useful. Santulan Ayurved products
The use of iron pots is preferable to stainless steel for the same purpose like Rudhira and Lohit Plus,
or non-stick cookware. Serving utensils should not only nourish rakta dhatu, but have an additional
also ideally be made of iron. All this helps supply positive effect on the overall health as well, resulting
iron to the body and should be favoured entirely in radiant and unblemished skin. One need not
during pregnancy. take all such preparations and medicines. Please
consult our expert Ayurvedic physicians to find out
Natural vs Processed or Synthesized Foods which are most suitable for you.

The following point about food is extremely It is really important that you take natural iron
important. Both food and medicine are best in their and calcium preparations like these regularly to
natural and pure states. The body accepts and avoid hair loss, back ache, and weakness in joints
absorbs such natural foods and medicines easily, and bones, which are common after childbirth.
and their benefits are greater. For example, the
benefit and satisfaction derived from drinking fresh Cereals, Pulses and Legumes
sweet lime juice cannot be replaced by a sweet
lime flavoured drink. Lunch and dinner should include at least one
cup of plain cooked pulses and one cup of spiced
This principle also applies to iron and calcium pulses. Tur and mung dal (yellow gram and green
supplements. Commercial iron and _ calcium gram), are excellent for daily consumption, as they
preparations made by mixing various chemicals, are nourishing, easy to digest and suitable for most
may not be easily accepted and absorbed by the constitutions.
body. They may also have side-effects such as
constipation and even bleeding piles. In addition, Proteins are basic nutrients and should be
such artificial preparations increase heat in the consumed in adequate quantities. The entire
body which could have a harmful effect on the development ofthe foetus is dependent on proteins,
mother and her unborn child. Iron and calcium which are the very essence of its existence.
obtained through food are best so that they can be Mung dal is excellent for the pregnant woman,
digested and assimilated optimally by all the body's and preparations of matki beans (Phaseolus
systems. aconitifolius), horse gram _ (kulith - Dolichos
biflorus), and masur (red gram - Lens esculenta),
Ayurved suggests many natural preparations that could also be consumed occasionally. Fresh peas
help to increase iron and calcium in the body without can be eaten once in a way, when in season.
causing side-effects. Praval bhasma, mouktik
bhasma, among others, are cooling in nature, and Some legumes and pulses that are very heavy
also increase calcium in the body naturally. Hence to digest and may be eaten only occasionally, if at
Santulan Pittashanti, Santulan Calcisan and all. This list includes udid (Phaseolus roxburghii),
praval panchamrut and can be taken throughout chick peas (harbara - Cicer arietinum), chhole
the period of pregnancy without hesitation or (another type of chick pea), kidney beans, chawii,
apprehension for this purpose. To increase rakta pavata (Dolichos lablab), vatana (dried green
dhatu (blood), products such as Navayas Loh, peas). Soya bean (Soja hispida) is best completely

72
 Diet during pregnancy ~~ SESS Neat

avoided. Aged rice (rice which is more than a year old)

is easy to digest, nutritious, and imparts a feeling
Sprouts of the lighter pulses like mung, matki of satisfaction. Moreover, it helps to neutralize vata
etc should be included in the diet at least once a and pitta, and nourish kapha and therefore should
day, preferably with the midday meal. These should surely be eaten everyday.
be steamed or cooked before eating. A popular but
mistaken trend nowadays, is to eat salads made Hot, steaming rice, topped with varan (unspiced
from raw sprouts. These, when tested in a lab may mung or tur dal), a few drops of lemon juice,
show very high vitamin or mineral content, and and pure ghee, is not only easy on the digestive
are assumed to be nutritious. But they are very system, but also tasty and very nutritious. Khichadi
heavy to digest and will have an adverse effect on prepared with rice and mung or tur dal and eaten
the digestive system. It is therefore better to cook with pure ghee also has the same benefits.
sprouts before eating
Dal when consumed with rice or with any other
Another common misconception is that a cooked grain, becomes easier to digest.
vegetarian diet lacks in protein. However, in a
balanced vegetarian diet, which includes milk, Wheat is very nutritious, pacifies pitta and
pulses, legumes, and dry fruits in adequate strengthens the bones. While making chapatis
quantities, there is no question of a lack of out of wheat, or bhakri (rolled and flattened bread
proteins. Another point to note is that eating either made of coarsely ground jowar or bajri cooked ona
soyabeans, a non-vegetarian diet, or raw sprouts, pan and puffed on an open flame) it would be even
to obtain proteins, may not be helpful, since these better if the dough was soaked in milk and then
are difficult to digest, and therefore not absorbed prepared. This makes the dough more healthy and
easily into the body anyway. It is better to get your automatically increases intake of milk. Fulka and
proteins from easily digestible foods which suit chapati (thinly rolled wheat breads) should be eaten
your constitution. everyday. Parathas should only be an occasional
treat. Adding rice flour and bhajani (a flour made
Grains out of a mixture of grains and pulses after they
have been roasted) to the dough for parathas can
Grains are the main bulk of our diet. With the be a healthy as well as tasty option.
unfounded fear that eating rice and wheat causes
one to gain weight, many people make salads and Since jowar, has cooling properties, and bajri
vegetables the major portion of their meals. Far (Pennisetum typhoideum), another millet variety, is
from being beneficial, this imbalanced kind of diet hot in nature, a mixture of these flours turns out
will cause other problems. Pregnant women should very healthy. In other grains Jav (Hordeum vulgare)
certainly stay away from such fads. improves the digestive capacity and pacifies pitta-
kapha dosha, and nachani (Eleusine coracana)
Among the grains, rice, wheat and jowar is very easy to digest. Mixing nachani, rice or jav
(Sorghum vulgare - a type of millet) should be flours, with the above mentioned jowari-bajri flour
part of daily intake. Ayurved considers rice and for bhakri will create variety.
wheat to be easily digestible and suitable to all
constitutions. Instead of using commercial flours, it is better to

13
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

buy grains of a good quality, and have them ground benefits even further. Saffron is hot and lubricating
in a mill, or even better, have them ground at home. in nature; it strengthens and purifies rakta dhatu
After being ground like this, the grain should not be (blood). The regular ingestion of saffron during
sieved. pregnancy helps to strengthen the baby’s heart,
enhances the baby’s looks, and helps ensure proper
Ayurvedic literature recommends that the grains uterine contractions during labour. Adding Santulan
to be used should be about a year old, and should Amrutshatkara (that contains large quantities of
be roasted before grinding, as this makes them easy saffron) to panchamrut, instead of sugar, multiplies
to digest. its benefits severalfold.

OTHER ESSENTIAL FOODS Dink Ladus

Honey The tradition of eating dink ladus (see Special

Recipes) after delivery, should ideally be incorporated
The expectant mother should ideally consume in the diet throughout the nine months of pregnancy.
one to two teaspoons of honey every day. Honey Lahi made by frying dink (Gum acacia) in pure
is sweet in taste and slightly astringent. Ayurved ghee, if eaten regularly during pregnancy, prevents
says that it improves intelligence, balances pitta and back ache and joint pain, and helps to strengthen
kapha dosha, lends a glow to the skin, and enhances the baby’s bones. For convenience, Santulan
complexion. Honey is nourishing and beneficial for Marrosan is a great replacement for dink ladus. It
the eyes and helps to purify the blood. A spoonful of contains all the same ingredients, except for coconut
honey may be taken in the morning before breakfast, and sugar.
in panchamrut (see chapter on Special Recipes) or
in milk. One should make sure that the honey is pure Stone Sugar
and of good quality. Honey is nowadays commonly
adulterated with sugar syrup or jaggery, and such Khadi sakhar, (a form of candy sugar), is cooling
honey does not provide the above benefits. Honey in nature, pacifies pitta, and is highly nutritious. It
should never be heated, so if it is added to milk, the also improves the voice. Allowing a piece of it to
milk should be at room temperature or lukewarm. slowly dissolve in the mouth can help relieve morning
sickness and nausea occurring during the first
Panchamrut trimester. Candy sugaris also a great accompaniment
to homemade butter. Homemade butter with
Panchamrut, if taken every morning, works in a little candy sugar should be taken everyday
the body as a nectar. This tonic improves physical during pregnancy. It is generally recommended to
strength, enthusiasm, energy and memory, nourishes substitute normal sugar with this type of sugar for
the important organs such as the heart and brain, regular consumption. Please ensure that the sugar
enhances the complexion, and balances all three you use for all general purposes is only sugarcane
doshas. It also helps to reduce morning sickness and based, and not made from any other product.
dry retching, and many of these positive effects are
passed on to the baby as well. Please see the recipe Lahya
for panchamrut in the chapter on Special Recipes. A
pinch of saffron added to panchamrut enhances its Shashti Shali Lahya (a special form of puffed rice)

74
 Diet during pregnancy

is easy to digest, increases strength and improves these foods is not considered ‘breaking’ your fast).
digestion. Chewing dry /ahya is helpful for nausea, Among those, bhagar (a type of millet - Panicum
vomiting and diarrhoea. milliaceum) and rajgeera (another type of millet -
Amarantus paniculatus) are easy to digest. Potatoes
Quick Remedy for a burning sensation in the and sago kheer (made from sabudana - Sagus
eyes, hands and feet: Soak a handful of lahya for laevus), are also considered good during fasts.
three to four hours in drinking water. Strain through
a seive. Drink the water. = It goes without saying that it is not enough to eat
just what is on the regular menu at home, even if it is
Fasting should be avoided as much as possible varied. Please ensure that you consciously provide
during pregnancy. If you must fast, then there are each and every one of these nutrients to your body
certain foods permissible during fasts (i.e. eating and the foetus growing inside.

The expectant mother’s diet must fulfil three important functions: it should nourish her body,
help form breast milk in quantity and quality, and help nourish and develop the embryo.
When considering diet, one should also focus on clean and pure drinking water.
Being a natural source of protein and calcium, milk is very important during this period. It
also increases strength and ‘ojas'.
Using iron utensils for cooking improves iron content in the body.
Vegetarian diet (pulses and legumes) can fully satisfy protein requirements. The use of
pulses which are difficult to digest, such as soyabeans, chhole (chickpeas), rajma (kidney
beans), etc, should be avoided.
Panchamrut in the morning is beneficial for both, the mother and the unborn child.

15
 e@

Avurvedic
Crarbha Sanskat

Fruits and vegetables for

the pregnant woman

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grains, pulses and deans should all de < NIQGSE GOUPY (QOQKS = LUA
. ~ ~ ~ u ; ~ ~ ) ld > > , » oe

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part of diet in appropriate quantities and acukangwla

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 Fruits and vegetables for the pregnant woman

foenum-graeceum) Spinach is an excellent source of iron. It can

12 Amaranth (math - Amaranthus gangaticus) be taken in a soup form or as a vegetable. Due to
13.Chavalai (Amarantus polygamus) its astringent taste, gherkin (tond//) has a positive
14. Tandulja (Amarantus oleraceus) effect on bowel movement. It helps to produce well-
15. Chakavat (Chenopodium album) formed stools. It is best cooked in ghee with cumin
seeds, and garnished with coriander leaves.
Cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, and beetroot, may
be eaten daily in small quantities as a salad. Bottle gourd, gherkins, and ashgourd help
reduce acidity, and are thus very helpful in the first
The specific benefits of some of these trimester of pregnancy, when morning sickness is
vegetables are provided below. a common complaint.

Bottle gourd is nutritious, strengthening, and Spinach, bottle gourd, ridge gourd and ghosali
easy to digest. Ayurved explains it as follows: are helpful for those who tend to suffer from
constipation and hard stools.

Ba tae Treaqisiastan eae Organic Veggies

Mista-tumbi-phalam hrdyam One should try and eat vegetables which

pitta slesmapaham guru nave been grown with clean and plentiful water.
Visyam rucikaram proktam Organically grown vegetables (non-Genetically
dhatu-pusti-vivardhanam _ Bhavaprakaia Modified, without insecticides, pesticides and
chemical fertilizers) are best and most beneficial.
Bottle gourd nourishes the heart, balances pitta Fresh vegetables should be thoroughly cleaned
— kapha dosha, increases virya (iife energy), is and washed with warm water and should always be
appetizing, and nourishes all seven dhatus. cooked before eating. Carrot and beetroot should
be steamed even if they are to be used in salads.
it also contains viiamin B. caldum and iron,
and can be prepared in various forms such as During the monsoon, water tends to contain a lot
soup. salad. vegetable. or as a sweet (halwa). of irnpurities, and this increases the risk of bacterial
Using bottle gourd in such different forms not only and microbial contamination in vegetables. So
provides variety in taste. but also ensures that all of during the monsoon, leafy vegetables should be
nutritional advantages are obiained. used with caution.

Carrots and pumpkin contain large amounts of Try and Avoid...

Vitamin A (carotene). Okra and ridge gourd contain
calcium, ison, and the Vitamins A, B, and C. Bitter Vegetables such as sweet potatoes (Ipomoea
gourd (karela) is rich in Vitamin C. as are Fenugreek batatas), mushrooms, corn, elephant yam (suran
leaves and chavalai. All of these vegetables are - Amorphophallus campanulatus), are difficult to
rich sources of essential vitamins and minerals and digest, and should be avoided as far as possible.
should be eaten regularly. Capsicum, eggplant, spring onions, cluster beans
(gawar - Cyamopsis psoralioides), should also

77
— :
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

be used rarely, as they increase pitta in the body. FRUITS AND FRUIT DRINKS
Carrot or tomato juice (another popular trend) also
increase pitta and are not advisable. Tomato soup It is recommended that at least one seasonal
may be consumed occasionally. fruit be eaten every day during pregnancy. The
list can include apples, grapes, pomegranates,
On Preparation sweet oranges, sweet tangerines, figs and amila,
Figs, pomegranates and apples nourish the blood
Vegetables should not be strongly spiced or directly. Sour fruits such as oranges, sweet limes,
made in rich gravies. To enhance the flavour of tangerines, and amla, are rich in Vitamin C, and
vegetables while cooking, ingredients such as indirectly also help the development of blood.
freshly grated coconut, grated ginger, sesame
seeds, poppy seeds (khus khus), coriander The mother-to-be should regularly drink half a
powder, and cumin powder, are fine. Fresh glass of undiluted orange, sweet lime or tangerine
coriander leaves in the diet or as a garnish, are juice. The juice should have no additives. It will
very beneficial. Coriander leaves may be served help nourish rasa dhatu, encourage the proper
as an independent preparation as a paste or tiny development of the foetus, and promote the
cutlets when mixed with mung dal flour. They could production of breast milk after delivery,
also be added to parathas.
According to Ayurvedic literature, grapes are the
Chutnies (a chutney is a paste made from best of all fruits. When in season, they are highly
herbs, normally used as a condiment) made from recommended. They should be washed thoroughly
several spices and herb can be good additions to and soaked in salted water for a few hours before
one's diet. eating. In other seasons raisins can be consumed
instead. Ten to twelve raisins at a time is ideal.
A Simple Chutney - Mix freshly grated coconut, They should be soaked in water for a few hours as
ginger, coriander leaves, lemon, mint, green chilly well. They nourish blood, and ensure proper bowel
and cumin. Grind to a paste. This mixture aids movements.
digestion, and helps to stimulate the appetite,
which is often diminished during pregnancy. Fresh coconut water is another healthy drink
during pregnancy. Besides benefits similar to the
Try and avoid using too much chili in vegetable other juices mentioned, italso ensures thatthe womb
or soup preparations. Ginger could be used as a has adequate amniotic fluid. It is quite common to
substitute. see that amniotic fluid suddenly decreases in the
seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. Coconut
Preparing food in pure ghee (as a fodni base) is water is both prevention and cure in such cases.
especially recommended for the pregnant woman The coconut's tender pulp (ma/ai) is easy to digest,
(and even in general). Cooking vegetables with oil nutritious and pacifies pitta. In general, ripe and
(as a fodni base), should be kept to a minimum. tender coconut nourishes mansa dhatu (flesh
The use of too much oil can cause weight-gain and and muscle), and so helps keep skin, which also
indigestion. Out of the wide variety of oils available develops from mansa dhatu, healthy and glowing.
commercially, peanut oil is best for daily use. As mentioned earlier, grated coconut, fresh or
dried, can be used in the preparation of vegetables,

78
 Fruits and vegetables for the pregnant woman (9

lentils or chutney. watermelon, may all be eaten occasionally during

pregnancy.
Kokam (Garcinia purpurea) sherbat(concentrate
with water) is good for the pregnant woman if it Papaya, which is known to cause uterine
Suits her constitution. To this the addition of cumin contractions, and which could induce miscarriage,
powder, a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, should never be eaten by pregnant women.
sugar and black salt, will help to pacify pitta, and
improve digestive capacity. Kokam sherbat taken Fresh fruit which has been cut, and freshly-
in slowly. in small sips at a time, is very helpful squeezed fruit juice, should both be consumed
especially during the first trimester, when there immediately, as the nutritive quality of cut fruit
may be nausea, dry retching, and a general loss of diminishes very quickly. Fruit should be eaten
appetite and taste. during the day and not after sunset. Commercially
available canned juices are best avoided, as they
Mango is one of the most well-liked and are stale, and may contain chemical preservatives.
nutritious frufis but eaten in excess it can lead to Often, these canned juices contain only artificial
digestive imbalance and loose motions. It is best flavouring, instead of real fruit juice.
eaten as pulp. with 2-3 teaspoons of pure, home-
made ghee. and a pinch of dry ginger powder Milk shakes are yet another popular beverage,
(soonth). per cup of pulp. Ideally, mangoes should but Ayurvedic philosophy does not advocate
be soaked in water for two to three hours before consuming milk and fruit together and certainly
COnog Maago milk shakes should be strictly not during pregnancy. The excessive intake of fruit
salads and milk shakes during pregnancy, could be
one of the reasons for the increased occurrences
Raw green mangoes, if taken regularly, increase of allergies, weak lungs, or skin ailments, now
pitta in the body, and should be avoided. Instead, common among newborn babies.
they may be added, occasionally, to spicy dal
(amti) or used in chutney. Tamarind should also be Out of all dry fruits, almonds are a must for the
used sparingly during pregnancy. Kokam or lemon expecting woman. Three or four almonds soaked
can be used instead, for a tangy flavour in food. overnight, peeled, and eaten in the morning help to
Even if the pregnant woman craves tamarind or improve and maintain health and also nourish the
raw mangoes, their consumption should be kept fo brain of the developing foetus.
a minimum (just enough to satisfy the taste buds).
One dried date (kharik - Phoenix dactylifera)
Sour fruits such as pineapple, strawberry, wood should be chewed and eaten properly everyday.
apple (kavath - Feronia elephantum), bor (Zizyphus Alternatively a teaspoonful of dried date powder,
jujuba), should only be consumed occasionally, added to a glass of milk, should be taken every
set non-seasonal fruits should be avoided (one day. Fresh dates are also permissible during
finds nowadays that markets are filled with fruit pregnancy. One or two fresh dates eaten daily,
ine m 1 allover the world, most of which are out of with two teaspoons of pure, home-made Ayurvedic
season). Custard apple. guava (Psidium guyava), ghee, help the foetus gain weight properly. Dry
pear (Pyrus communis), chikoo (Achras sapota), figs, consumed directly, or after being soaked
rose apple (jambhul - Eugenia jambolana ) and in water, are good for the body. Apricots provide

79
 e
y

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

nourishment to the growing baby’s brain, and may occasionally. Cashew nuts, pistachios, and charoli
be eaten from time to time. Walnuts are heavy (Buchanania latifolia) tend to increase pitta and
to digest, but are nourishing, and may be eaten should, therefore, be a rare treat.

Easily digestible and nourishing vegetables, such as bottle gourd, spinach, carrot, potato,
kohala, should be included in the diet.
Use ghee as a medium for cooking vegetables and spicy lentils (Amti) during pregnancy.
Eating fresh fruit or drinking fresh juice of sweet, seasonal fruits is advised.
Avoid eating fruit after sunset.

80
 eo

Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

What and when should an

expectant mother eat?

COMPLETE DIET FOR required by the foetus. These guidelines

EACH MONTH will help maintain the pregnant woman's
health as well.
At each stage of the foetus' growth,
its needs change. We must make sure
that it receives everything required at FIRST MONTH
the appropriate time. Acharya Charak
recommends that milk and milk products Wet ara yifemat aa, TTT ated
be consumed, on their own, or cultured = AAT Bitet TSS HTC Aste |
with medicinal herbs, on a daily basis = AIPA A YAMS GRAS Yai |
throughout pregnancy. The various
organs and dhatus of the child in the Prathame mase Sankita cet,
womb develop at different times, so garbhamapanna ksiramanuskrtam
a specific diet has been planned as matravat Sitam kale kale pibet

81
Satmyameva ca punarbhojanam sayam-pratasca 1 tablespoon (10 grams) of homemade butter
bhunjita should be consumed every morning with candy
sugar. . ee
During this time, when pregnancy is first
suspected, small quantities of milk at room FIFTH MONTH
temperature (but boiled earlier) should be sipped
throughout the day. Eat that which is suitable and uaa ara airatd: |
can be digested easily.
Paficame mase ksira-sarpih
(As most women do not suspect that they are
pregnant until a period is missed, it is a good idea From the fifth month onwards, it is imperative
to follow this regimen from the time the woman that the normal meal be supplemented with seven
starts trying to conceive.) to eight teaspoons of ghee daily.

SECOND MONTH SIXTH AND SEVENTH MONTH

fadia ora afta a neta | aeara sivafi: qefreafes,
aaa aaa ara |
Dvitiye mase ksirameva ca madhurausadha- sasthe mase ksirasarpih
siddham madhurausadhasiddham, tadeva saptame mase

The woman should consume milk boiled with During these months, the consumption of ghee
water and sweet-tasting herbs, such as shatavari, infused with sweet herbs is recommended, ideally
gokshur, bala, and vidari. The addition of Santulan on an empty stomach. For example, Shatavari
Shatavari Kalpa to milk is an easy alternative. ghrut, or Yashtimadhu ghrut.

THIRD MONTH EIGHTH MONTH

qa are ait agqahisatqoages STEN g ATe athearany aftorat aares care fread
RA URREIA
Trtiye mase ksiram madhu-
sarpirbhyamupasamsrjya Astame tu mase ksira-yavagum sarpismatim kale
kale pibet ....Caraka sarirasthana
Milk with ghee and honey should be taken
every morning (one teaspoon of honey and two From the eighth month onwards, kheer, a
teaspoons of ghee in a cup of warm milk). special soup-like preparation made with milk and
sugar and various types of grains, i.e. semolina,
FOURTH MONTH rice or wheat, should be eaten daily.

ageara etree |
Caturthe mase ksira-navanitamaksamatramasniyat

82
 What and when should an expectant mother eat? =
Penne

NINTH MONTH and without complications. These guidelines also

ensure that the baby is born healthy and robust,
From the beginning of the ninth month, a cotton with an excellent complexion, a strong voice, and
swab dipped in Santulan Femisan Oil, should be an optimal physical structure. If the expectant
placed in the vagina overnight, and be removed in mother takes care of her diet, then the pregnancy
the morning. This should be a regular practice until will progress smoothly, and the delivery is easy.
the baby is born.
WHAT IS BEST AVOIDED
During this time the pregnant woman can
DURING PREGNANCY?
also be administered an Ayurvedic enema of
medicinal oil cultured with sweet-tasting herbs. All Once the pregnancy is confirmed, Aloe vera
these measures help to balance the apanavata, should not be eaten in any form, and medicines
ensuring a smooth and easy delivery. containing Aloe vera (such as Kumari Asav) should
be discontinued.
aed oad wed Are BAOTeTaaeeAaA
AAT
Tiston asa Tenhoipiaacinsigs
yg vata, Foods that are difficult to digest should be
AMATO:
Aaa Fayia a wepfiyd Tea omitted from the diet. Cheese, which is very popular
aniaqaed, aia a argu, acauil aueitad, and considered to be a rich source of calcium, is
Ya US Woedd Bhad Gat are vst sia | commonly recommended during pregnancy. It is,
however, difficult to digest, and often does more
harm than good. Although cheese should be avoided
yadidam karma prathamam masam as much as possible, a permissible alternative is
samupadayopadistamanavaman masattena fresh, soft cheese which has not been processed.
garbhinya garbhasamaye garbhadharini-kuksi-kati- It can be occasionally eaten in small quantities at
parsva-prstham mrdu bhavati, vatascanulomah lunchtime. Paneer (a type of cottage cheese), even
sampadyate mUtrapurise ca prakrtibhute though not as heavy as regular cheese, should not
sukhena margamanupadyete, carma-nakhani ca be eaten very often.
mardamupayanti, balavarnau copaksiyete, putram
cestam sapadupetam sukhinam sukhenaisa kale Avoid noodles, biscuits, cake and other foods
prajayata iti ....Caraka Sarirasthana made from refined flour (maida) as much as
possible. If present in the diet at all, varieties made
Following these monthly guidelines throughout from whole-wheat flour are better. Make sure that
pregnancy ensures that the woman’s waist, back, the products come from a reputable and hygienic
pelvic region, hips and thighs, remain lubricated, source, and are of good quality. Chemicals used in
soft and flexible. In this way, vata, especially icing and decoration, and in baking powder (used
apanavata (required for delivery), is balanced, so to make cake soft and spongy), could be harmful.
that labour starts at the appropriate time, and the
birth of the child is easy, safe and uneventful. Snacks such as bhelpuri, dahi puri, or pani
puri, are made from refined flour, and contain large
If followed throughout pregnancy, the diet and amounts of uncooked salt (i.e. salt which is added
herbal remedies advised above, benefit both mother after cooking). They have almost no nutritive value
and child. This helps labour occur on schedule and should be a rare treat.

83
 Soda and other carbonated drinks contain a lot they increase the accumulation of aam (material
of pressured gas. The gas in the drink weakens the that the body can neither absorb nor throw out). If
digestive fire in the human body and also causes consumed during pregnancy, the baby may be born
vata disturbance. These drinks can also cause your with allergies or skin rashes. It is recommended
throat to become sore. Such beverages are best that eggs be strictly avoided.
avoided, and may be replaced by sherbats made
from freshly squeezed lime or kokam. In fact, it is best to stay away from all non-
vegetarian food, including the lighter meats such as
Fermented foods are heavy on the digestive chicken and fish. Ayurved includes them in the list of
system and can lead to an imbalance in pitta. foods to be avoided during pregnancy. The reasons
Snacks such as /d/i, dosa and dhokla may be eaten being that not only are they tamasik in nature, but
in limited quantities, if home-made, but the batter often cause disturbances in the digestive system.
they are made from should not be fermented for Pitta problems are common during pregnancy,
too long, or refrigerated and used repeatedly. and as the uterus increases in size, the resulting
pressure placed on the intestines slows down the
Similarly, bakery products prepared with digestive process. In these circumstances, it is
yeast, baking soda and baking powder, should be difficult to digest any food that increases pitta and
consumed only occasionally. Bread can be eaten hence, such food is best avoided.
once in a way if it is made from coarse wheat-
flour, very fresh and toasted before consumption. There is a common misunderstanding that eggs
Home-made butter and jams are preferable to their and non-vegetarian foods are necessary to meet
commercial counterparts. increased protein requirements during pregnancy.
However, a vegetarian diet can cater to all of the
There is an increasing use of various artificial body’s nutritional needs, especially proteins, in an
colours in ready-made foods, to make them more easily digestible form and in adequate quantities.
attractive to the eye. This applies to cakes, tinned
juices, soft drinks, as well as to some vegetable Ayurved cautions that there should be
dishes served in restaurants. These added colours no extremes when planning the diet for the
produce gases in the body and can cause a variety expectant mother. It is important that all of the
of problems to the digestive system. In addition, six tastes, namely sweet, sour, spicy, salty, bitter
the artificial chemicals tend to accumulate in and astringent, be included in meals in balanced
the body, and can have a negative effect on the proportions. According to Acharya Charak, the
kidneys, spleen, ovaries and liver. It goes without excess of any of these can lead to the following
saying, that they can also have a negative effect on side-effects in the child.
the development of the foetus. Foods with added
food colouring should be rigorously avoided during ReRien wafent YoRAETS aT |
pregnancy.
Madhura-nitya pramehinam mikamati-sthilam va
Pregnant women are usually advised to include
eggs in their diet. This is not in keeping with If during pregnancy the mother continuously eats
Ayurvedic guidelines. Eggs are difficulttodigest and sweets then the child may be susceptible to a
are not easily assimilated in the body. Moreover, number of problems. The child may grow up to

84
 What and when should an expectant mother eat? |
ae PR a'sae
ASSAY
va eRe as,
Eaaae PERS Site kes
SOU nee

be diabetic, or may be born mute or have the Astringent foods can cause darkening of the
tendency to become extremely obese. skin, produce gases, flatulence or induce vomiting
in the baby.
SOM Taaaha cantata |
In short, make sure all tastes are included in
Amlanitya rakta-pittinam tvagaksi-roginam va meals, and do not give in too much to individual
likes. Take the pregnant woman's constitution into
The excess intake of sour items, such as tamarind, consideration and plan the whole range of tastes
tomatoes, sour yoghurt or fermented foods, may into her diet.
cause the child to suffer from skin diseases, eye
ailments, or nose bleeds. THE DAILY MEAL PLAN
DATA Mractafesd eae ataT | The daily meal plan guidelines should befollowed
taking the constitution and digestive capacity of the
Lavana-nitya Sighra-vali-palitam expectant mother. Women are pampered during
khalitya-roginam va pregnancy, and they usually exhibit a desire for
certain favourite foods. Do remember that repeating
Excess salty foods or the addition of extra salt to the same foods over and over can deprive the
food, can result in premature graying or hair loss, mother and baby of other essential nutrients. The
and may even cause early wrinkling of the child's mother-to-be should realize that she is also eating
Skin. for the baby, and she may, at times have to eat
things that she may not necessarily like because it
HEAT FIOM
AAAT aT | is good for the child.

Katuka-nitya durbalam-alpasukram-anapatyam va We have found that traditional Indian diet

planning for pregnant women is extremely effective
Eating lots of spicy food can weaken the baby’s and adheres to Ayurvedic guidelines. It will also help
constitution and strength, reduce shukra dhatu, to rule out common problems arising for mothers
and may even cause reproductory disorders later after childbirth, such as loss of hair, darkening and
in life. pigmentation of skin, back aches, weight gain and
fat collection at the waist.
faeahien siftormacaqated at |
Breakfast
Tikta-nitya sosinam-abalam-anupacitam va
At approximately 8-8.30 AM - Eat just enough, so
An excess of bitter foods, can result in stunted that a healthy appetite for lunch is retained. Make
growth, dryness, low weight or weakness. sure that breakfast is fresh, hot, and nutritious, and
preferably grain based. Good breakfast grains are
HATA VATA BASaqaradsyA... aH RET rice (in the form of flakes or puffed), semolina upma
or sheera.
Kasaya-nitya Syavam anahinam-udavartinam va
...Caraka Sarirasthana

85
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Along with breakfast - Panchamrut; 3-4 almonds manner.

which have been soaked in water overnight and
then peeled; one fig, soaked in water overnight; ‘Udar bharan nohe janeeje yadnya karma.’
5-7 raisins; 1 glass of hot milk with 2 teaspoons of This means that food is not intended solely to fill
Santulan ShatavariKalpa; andherbal preparations the stomach, but should be eaten with purity and
such as San Rose, Santulan Brahmaleen Ghrut, respect, as an offering to the digestive fire, jaathar
Santulan Chyavanprash. agni, in the body.

At about 10-10.30 : a freshly cut fruit or glass of We can only offer the best possible food to the
fresh fruit juice. fire within us, and then pray that it is accepted and
serves to help us. This is the reason for prayer
Lunch before food.

12.30-1 PM : the food should be freshly made, An important point to note is that a woman can
easy to digest and sattvik in nature. It should meet be given the food she craves (dohaale), at any
all physical requirements of the mother-to-be, time. This food should be in addition to the normal
and be just enough, so that there is no feeling of diet, which she should eat anyway.
heaviness after eating. Lunch should include da/
(lentils in a soup form) and rice, one leafy vegetable The pregnant woman should never slouch while
or legume, one non-leafy vegetable, rolled bread eating. There may be a tendency to do so due to
in the form of chapatti, bhakri or fulka, spiced dal, the increasing size of the foetus, and consequent
salad and fresh buttermilk. stress on the spine. Incorrect posture is not
conducive for good digestion.
Afternoon Snack
Be disciplined with timings of meals. Like
5-5.30 PM: A glass of milk with two teaspoons of other body functions, the digestive system is
Santulan Shatavari Kalpa and one teaspoon of very sensitive during pregnancy. The body grows
San Rose. A slice of buttered toast / rice flakes accustomed to certain rhythms, and so digestive
/ a handful of Shashti Shali lahya / rice flour juices are released at certain times. Food eaten at
preparations such as ukad (a spiced rice flour these times, is easily digested and absorbed, and
preparation) / or a chapatti with ghee and sugar digestive fire remains in balance. It will affect the
can be added, if the expectant mother is hungry. mother and child adversely to have irregular meal
times or to make sudden and drastic changes in
Dinner them. It is acceptable to occasionally change the
timing of a meal, if the expectant mother is not
It should be hot, freshly cooked and _ in hungry. Food at inappropriate times or when one
accordance with the individual constitution. Dinner is not hungry can also be harmful. One should not
should include soups, khichadi, rice, dal, vegetables be compelled to eat if there is no appetite. Many
and preferably bhakri rather than chappatis. women experience a diminished appetite during
pregnancy. Do not eat less food at this time as it
In addition to correct diet planning, it is important will affect the baby. You can eat light food instead
that the food be consumed in an appropriate when you feel less hungry.

86
 What and when should an expectant mother eat? § oA
BRS

Dinner is best eaten early in the evening. At pressure on the uterus and chest, and consequent
night, digestion is weak and physical activity is low. discomfort. All other Ayurvedic guidelines given in
Therefore, the evening meal should be lighter and this book pertaining to food should be followed as
smaller. Especially during pregnancy, heavy evening strictly as possible.
meals will be difficult to digest, and this will cause

The monthly diet regime as suggested here should be strictly followed for the proper
development of the foetus.
Eating outside the house and eating processed foods should be avoided.
A balanced diet for the mother-to-be should include all of the 6 tastes, and be freshly
prepared, sattvik and nutritious.
During pregnancy, it is important to have all meals on time.
Food is not only intended to fill the stomach, but should be eaten with purity and respect,
as an offering to the digestive fire of the body.

87
 Ayurvedic

s the foetus grows it begins to effect the urge to urinate frequently. Do not
certain changes in the mother-to-be as suppress this urge. Relieve yourself
well. Ayurved has studied these changes as soon as possible, else it may lead
and developments and _ suggests to disturbance in vata dosha. The
several activities for the mother, to help pregnant woman should avoid any
her respond to them effectively. These kind of strenuous activity in the first
activities can all be made part of the trimester. Since the foetus is still not
pregnant woman's daily routine. fully stable, any exertion poses the risk
of miscarriage.
Although the pregnant woman will
not have too many visible changes in CARE OF THE BREASTS
the first trimester (first three months),
her body is obviously undergoing a lot. During the first trimester, the breasts
The expanding uterus, for one, puts and nipples undergo a lot of changes,
extra pressure on the bladder causing and require special care and attention.

88
 Some essential activities

These changes take place so that the mother stanodaram vimrdgiyat _ ...Caraka Sarirasthana
produces adequate breast milk, and so that breast-
feeding is easy for the baby. Gently massage the breasts and abdomen with
a paste made of sandalwood (Santalum album)
During the first trimester the pregnant woman and lotus stem (Nelumbium speciosum).
should massage her breasts lightly with Santulan
Suhrud Oil for 5-6 minutes everyday. After the first fertuerhratonyeital |. . ax mk
trimester this can be done twice or thrice a week Sirisa-dhataki-sarsapa-madhuka-curnairva...Caraka
during the whole pregnancy. This helps reduce
sagging of the breasts after the baby has been A paste prepared by mixing equal parts of the
weaned. bark of the shirish tree (Acacia speciosa), the
flower of the dhayati plant, mustard seeds, and
STRETCH MARKS Jyeshthamadha (licorice), should be massaged
gently onto the breasts and abdomen.
As the foetus grows in size, the skin around the
abdomen becomes taut, and stretch-marks begin to Ufte: Gaaledmeynsarete: |. ae meer
appear. The skin in that area also tends to become
dry and itchy, and stretch-marks may increase if Parisekah punarmalati-madhuka-siddhenambhasah
you give into the urge to scratch. Take care that you
don't let your nails damage your skin. If the itching ...Caraka Sarirasthana
is unbearable, you could use a soft muslin cloth to
lightly massage the area, to bring:relief. A decoction prepared from leaves of the jai
(a kind of jasmine - Jasminum grandiflorum) and
From around the beginning of the third month Jyeshthamadha, should be dripped steadily onto the
of pregnancy it is advisable to start using oils abdomen. The liquid should be warm or lukewarm
infused with herbs that help the skin and check the to the touch.
development of stretch marks. E.g. Use Santulan
Rose Beauty Oil, or a kumkumadhya oil to gently ABHYANG (MASSAGE)
massage the abdomen, thighs and buttock. If
you add San Massage Powder to the oil, it will From the fourth month onwards the pregnant
further enhance the benefits, reduce itchiness and woman should begin the practice of massaging her
prevent looseness of the skin. This should be done entire body gently with oil. One should use an oil
everyday in the second trimester. From the sixth like Santulan Abhyang Sesame Oil. Applying this
month onwards (third trimester) you should do this oil every now and then all over the body will help
twice or thrice a day for best results. prevent unnecessary weight gain and maintain your
figure. During the last three months, this massage
Ayurvedic literature has several suggestions to becomes imperative and should be supplemented
help minimize stretch marks. with another oil specifically prepared for the back
and spine, like Santulan Kundalini Oil. This oil
SAAC
AA: Eee FEAT |... em eR should be massaged into the waist and back, and
upto the shoulder everyday without fail in the last
Candana-mrnalakalkaiscasyah trimester. This keeps the joints in the back supple

89
 a.

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sensber

and lubricated, which, in turn, facilitates the process A pregnant woman should rise early, bathe with
of labour. warm water and carry out her morning rituals. She
should wear plain light coloured or white clothes.
From the ninth month onwards, a cotton swab She should ask for the blessings of the elders of
soaked in Santulan Femisan Oil, should be placed the house and the Gods everyday. She should
in the vagina, as explained earlier. pray to the Sun using vermilion, dhoop, offerings of
food and chants. In addition, it would be good if she
All of these measures balance vata, help to performs pujas or chants as per her own beliefs
maintain good health and a trim figure. They also and faith as well. All this will contribute towards
aid in conserving strength, and preparing the body keeping the environment in the house pleasant. It
for timely and easy labour. will also build a sense of peace and contentment
in the woman. If possible, the woman should
THE ATMOSPHERE AT HOME look at the rising sun. From all this we can infer
the following. The house should have adequate
The foetus is affected not only by the physical sunlight to receive the sun's energy and should be
and mental state of being of its parents, but also well ventilated for fresh air.
by the atmosphere at home, and the surrounding
environment. The entire family and especially the The entire family should ensure there are no
father should be alert at all times and behave bitter words or arguments at home. The atmosphere
accordingly. should be happy, loving and enthusiastic.

Ayurved has advised the following traditional Avoid watching movies and TV serials that are
regime to take care of the environment around the frightening orthrilling. For leisure, itis recommended
pregnant woman. that the expectant mother read books which speak
of ethics and morals and those which improve the
qfadiharays wachreratsiay | mind. E.g. Shivcharitra, Ramanyan, Krishnaleela,
patriotic stories and the biographies of great
wera: varferatiedy
ayy yA personalities. Otherwise, reading material and
movies should be light and humourous.
Dhupitarcitasammrstam
masakadyapavarjitam Books such as Shri Ram Vishwa-panchayatan,
Brahmaghosaih savaditrairvaditam which bring Indian history, mythology and
vesma Sasyate _..... Kasyapasamhita philosophy, into an accessible form for modern life,
are also recommended.
The pregnant woman's house should be purified
with dhoop (herbal smoke) every morning and At twilight, the pregnant woman should prepare
evening. Regularly perform pujas, and offer prayers dhoop, light a lamp and chant Ramraksha. The
in the house. The home should be absolutely free sound ‘Ra’ strengthens digestive fire and imparts a
of pests like lizards, mosquitoes, spiders and other feeling of courage. It protects the mother and foetus
insects and rodents. The house should resound from negative energies. If she is familiar with the
with the chanting of mantras, healing music or any Sankatnashanastotra, this should also be recited.
other positive music. The home and bedroom should be adorned with

90
 Some essential activities

inspiring pictures, paintings and photographs. The album begins with Bramhaghosh, a special
Vedic mantra from the Kashyapsamhita, and verses
HEALING MUSIC AND from the Atharva Veda, which focus on the all-round

MEDITATION development of the foetus to lay the foundation for

a successful and peaceful life. Verses and mantras
Music is an integral part of Ayurvedic from the Yajur Veda and Rig Veda help the baby
Garbhsanskar. Ayurved emphasizes _ that to attain excellent eyesight and hearing, a well-
harmonious music should be played at home at all endowed and cultured voice and a long and happy
times. Like its mother’s voice, the foetus can hear life. The album also includes Garbha Rakshak
other music as well. It is possible to instil certain Stotra which, by calling on all powers and deities,
values (sanskar) into the growing foetus through protects the foetus from the moment of conception
certain types of music, and especially through until a safe birth. This special mantra also shields
specific mantras taken from the traditional musical the mother-to-be from negative energies.
system of India.
It is very important that mantras be pronounced
The story of Abhimanyu, who learned how to specifically and be sung in the correct raga
break through a complicated battle formation etc. if we want to avail of their benefits. In this
(chakravyuha), while still in his mother’s womb, is album, special attention has been paid to precise
well known in Indian mythology. pronunciation, musical notation, pressure and
accent and modulation to ensure maximum benefit
Listening to specific types of healing music, to the listener. Musical ragas and notes have been
mantras, and instrumental music, especially specifically chosen to benefit the mother, and, in
featuring the instrument veena, is recommended in particular, to instill positive values in the unborn
the scriptures, to ensure good maternal and foetal child. For example, verses of the Veer-rasa from
health. the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta, have been chosen
and performed in Raga Shankara. This composition
The Garbha Sanskar Music Album helps to make the child bold-hearted, courageous
and a good leader.
The Garbha Sanskar music album, based on
these traditional Vedic principles, has proved to give We will see later the importance of the
excellent results. Babies who have been exposed Panchamahabhoot (five elements) in the
to this music prenatally are found to be markedly development of the foetus. To ensure that the Five
different from other children, and have excellent Elements, the Panchamahabhoot, are balanced
physical, intellectual and mental responses. This and functioning properly in the foetus to create a
music should be heard every day, from conception complete and healthy child, the album includes
until the child is born. Aumkar and Panchatatva beejmantra. A veena
recital in Raga Asavari has also been included to
Since the music is familiar to them, children increase ojas and virya (life energy) in the baby.
continue to enjoy it after they are born, and many
parents have reported that their crying child calms The newborn child is not just a physical body;
down immediately on listening to this music. it has a soul that requires values, such as truth,
purity and love. The stotra Atmasanskarshatkam-

91
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

shivoham-shivoham has been included on the the holy Gurbani, to ensure that the child receives
album specifically to promote these values. blessings from its parents, God and guide (Guru),
thus helping it to lead a‘successful, joyful, contented
The album also includes compositions from and healthy life.

Regular massage with ‘Santulan Suhrud Oil’ helps the breasts remain healthy.
Santulan Rose Beauty, massaged on the abdomen and thighs reduces stretch marks.
‘Santulan Abhyang Oil’ and ‘Santulan Kundalini Oil’ should be massaged on the waist and
back respectively, to maintain flexibility of the joints, which helps ensure an easy delivery.
The atmosphere in a pregnant woman’s home should be happy and contented. All family
members should actively contribute to this.
Healing music, such as ‘Garbha Sanskar’, should be listened to daily.

02
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Remedies for
minor problems

pregnant woman could. be _ highly In case of minor illnesses, the

susceptible to several minor illnesses. medicines prescribed should be mild,
Apart from care in diet and lifestyle, she natural, easy to administer, devoid of
may require medication occasionally, side-effects and should not cause heat in
and this too should be done with utmost the body.
caution.
Even simple, everyday medicines
Ayurved has outlined its philosophy in should only be given to the pregnant
this regard as follows. woman after consultation with an expert.
This applies even in the case of medicines
ares 9¢-ae-foren-qeaqparoa: such as painkillers, many of which are
STAR: STEN! ae aE contra-indicated during pregnancy.
Antibiotics should be avoided as far as
Vyadhimscasya mrdu-madhura- possible, as the mother-to-be and the
sisira-sukha-sukumara-prayaih unborn child are very susceptible to their
ausadhopacaraih upacaret side-effects. Health related complaints or
...Caraka Sarirasthana symptoms should be referred to an expert
immediately and suitable remedies

93
 c,
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

provided without delay. It will be useful to know ghee, taken at bedtime, is also recommended.
about some simple Ayurvedic remedies for minor
complaints during pregnancy. They can be followed COLD, COUGH, SORE THROAT
without problems in addition to any remedies
suggested by your vaidya. Add salt and a pinch of turmeric powder to hot
water, and use it for gargling. Santulan Sitopaladi
DIARRHEA / DYSENTERY Churna, taken with hot water or honey is extremely
effective.
As soon as diarrhea or dysentery is discovered,
take a mixture of lemon juice, ginger juice and honey. Decoction - Add one piece of behada, one inch of
Ayurvedic preparations such as Kutajaghana vati or jyeshthamadha (licorice), one ripe leaf of adulsa,
Sanjeevani Vati are simple and effective remedies, to four cups of water, and boil until the liquid has
and can be taken after medical consultation. reduced to one cup. Strain and sweeten with a little
sugar before drinking.
As long as diarrhea or dysentery lasts, food
should be easy on the digestion. Foods like puffed GASES, FLATULENCE,
rice (Shashti Shali lahya), mung-dal khichadi, and ABDOMINAL PAIN, HEAVINESS
softened rice with buttermilk are best.
IN THE ABDOMEN AFTER
If stool is watery, frequent, or contains blood or MEALS
mucus, a doctor must be consulted immediately. A small piece of ginger, eaten with saindhav
(rock salt) before meals is helpful. Herbal powders,
HAEMORRHOIDS AND such as Santulan Annayog, or Lavana Bhaskar
Churna, taken after meals, are very helpful against
FISSURES
many abdominal complaints.
Eating home-made butter with candy sugar
is recommended for such conditions. Medical FEVER
preparationslike Sancooland SantulanAvipattikar
Churna ensure regular bowel movements and the At the first sign of fever, uneasiness and body
proper cleansing of the intestines. Homemade ache, drink warm water which has been boiled
butter mixed with nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea) is also with coriander seeds, sandalwood and vala (khus).
helpful. Shatadhaut ghrut (Ayurvedic ghée washed Sanshmani vati or mustadi churna are medical
a hundred times under running water) or aloe vera preparations that will help. Eat light food like mung
pulp can be applied to the anal area. Every drop of dal soup or mung dal khichadi, depending on the
blood is precious during pregnancy, and you should appetite. Gently massaging the soles of the feet
take care that none of it is needlessly lost. with pad Abhyang ghrut, using a special metal
bowl (this remedy has been explained later), helps
CONSTIPATION to reduce the fever. However, if the temperature is
very high, no time should be wasted before medical
Santulan Avipattikar Churna or Sancool, help is sought.
after meals, is very helpful in case of constipation.
A glass of hot water, with 17% to 2 teaspoons of

94
 Remedies for minor problems Rioac
eee
PRESS
eae nS ooanss
Sea 3Rk
ote,
Bets

URINARY INFECTIONS improper care during pregnancy, are some of the

pre-disposing factors of pre-eclampsia. Although
For the treatment ofall kinds of urinary infections, the incidence of pre-eclampsia has been on the
smoke therapy with Santulan Shakti Dhoop increase recently, a balanced diet as recommended
is excellent. If possible, a vaginal douche with here from the beginning of pregnancy, combined
herbal decoctions (of dhayati and triphala) should with appropriate Ayurvedic treatment, can help to
be administered by trained Ayurvedic therapists. prevent this condition. If the mother has a history
Santulan Prashant Churna and Santulan of pre-eclampsia, you need to take extra care in
Uricool are extremely helpful in these conditions. subsequent pregnancies.
Common Ayurvedic medicines in these cases are
Chandraprabha, Gokshuradi churna, Punarnava OTHER ISSUES
ghanavati. Please consult a doctor before taking
any of these medicines. Besides these complaints, the expectant
mother should be on the alert for the appearance
SWELLING (OEDEMA) of a white or watery discharge. Another common
complaint is ‘spotting’ during the first few months.
A slight swelling of the feet is a common Both these have an adverse effect on the growth,
occurrence during the eighth or ninth month. development and nourishment of the foetus, as
Oedema occurring before this time, or that which well as on the health of the mother, and should be
occurs all over the body, is not agood sign. Puffiness treated promptly.
of the face couid be an indication of increased
blood pressure. After consultation with a doctor, To alleviate the above problems:
one may need to start taking medicines, such as 1. Drink water that has been used to soak and
Chandraprabha, Gokshuradi Vati, Punarnava wash rice.
Mandur or Punarnavasav. N Eat nagkeshar powder with buttermilk
3. Medcial preparations that will help are,
PRE-ECLAMPSIA Pushyanug Churna and Shatavaryadi Churna
4. Dhoop for the genital area.
From the fifth month onwards, many women
suffer from swelling of the feet, high blood pressure Consult your vaidya if the symptoms persist.
(about 150/90), a loss of protein in the urine, and
a rapid increase in weight. These symptoms are No health complaints or problems, however
indicative of pre-eclampsia, and, if ignored, can minor, should be ignored during pregnancy, since
have a disastrous effect on the mother and the any imbalance can affect the mother, the child and
unborn baby, apart from causing difficulties during the process of childbirth. The expectant mother is in
delivery. When such symptoms are observed, a delicate and sensitive state, and the intake of any
immediate precautions must be taken to ensure strong medication is contra indicated. The timely
that the diastolic (lower) blood pressure does not treatment of any health problems, with natural and
rise above 90-95 mm of Hg. simple remedies, before they escalate, is therefore
of the utmost importance.
Pregnancy at
an advanced age, obesity
from the outset, a family history of diabetes, or on ae ee

95
 During pregnancy, precautions should be taken to avoid illness. -
If illness does occur, strong medication should be avoided.
Preventative measures should be taken, if there is a family history of a specific medical
problem.
An important adjuvant therapy for all minor complaints, is the intake of light and easily
digestible food.
Swelling anywhere on the body, or urinary infections, should be treated promptly.

96
 @

Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

Nurturt
theFoebig..
Advances in modern medicine,
coupled with technological
progress, give us a detailed
picture of the growing foetus.
This knowledge, combined with
ancient wisdom, helps us to
know exactly what needs to be
done during pregnancy, what is
best avoided, and why...
 Ayurvedic

Growth of the foetus

and its nourishment

he progressive growth of the foetus has

FIRST MONTH
been explained in detail in Ayurved. a Wa Tora Usicaaoa: Wer ata
This growth can now be seen through anfeda: udergaotopa: Gey
modern techniques. It is amazing how vaeradiane: AEA sTaTA: |
this ancient Indian medical science
was able to describe the growth of the
foetus so accurately even thousands of Sa sarva gunavan garbhatvamapannah
years ago. prathame masi sammiurcchitah

98
 Growth of the foetus and its nourishment

sarva-dhatu-kalalikrtah khetabhtto FOURTH MONTH

bhavatyavyaktavigrahah sadasad-bhutangavayavah
...Caraka Sarirasthana aqvatrenfaum: ered vata,
eM ISTN Vata | EAT
During the first month, the embryo resembles a miferqet arta
ball of kapha, and is shapeless. aftnratianety anita een a ant atefedt stra
GAT PRE MAT
SECOND MONTH
aga afe fered soe mef:, cearaan nistoht tea
facta afe oa: aoerd flue: dyad at). ae econ aif aera fastaor |... ae orice

Ditiye masi ghanah sampadyate pindh Caturthe sarvanga-pratyanga-vibhagah pravyakto

peSyarbudam va _ ...Caraka Sarirasthana bhavati, garbha-hrdaya-pravyaktibhavat cetana-
dhaturabhivyakto bhavati Tasmat garbhascaturthe
In the second month, the embryo increases in masi abhiprayamindriyarthesu karoti
density, and slowly becomes round, oval, or shaped Dvi-hrdaya ca nari dauhrdinim acaksate
like a tear drop. .... Susruta Sarirasthana

THIRD MONTH Caturthe masi sthiratvam apadyate garbhah,

tasmat-tada garbhini gurugatratvam adhikam
qd gererai waftvea Adda apadyate visesena _ ...Caraka arirasthana
sre favrisy gam sata |... ggaeekeers
Trtiye hasta-pada-Sirasam pafica-pindaka The foetus becomes stable, and as it grows in
nirvartante anga-pratyanga vibhagasca suksmo size, the expectant mother experiences a feeling of
bhavati ...SuSruta Sarirasthana heaviness. All the parts of the body become better
defined, and the heart, in particular, can now be
The tiny round foetus develops a tail, two arms, experienced.
two legs and a head, and appears to have five
different parts. Other organs and senses develop In the fourth month, the pregnant woman
at a microscopic level at this time. is referred to as dauhrudini i.e. one having two

Development
of the foetus

First month Second month

ag
 >

ieee
aarance
Sito
Sos

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskérr

hearts - hers and that of her baby-beating inside child to-be-born will be healthy, with a happy and
her body. The desires of the developing foetus, contented constitution, and have a long life. The
described in Ayurved as dauhrud, or commonly favourable intelle and physical growth of the
ctual
known in Marathi as dohaale, become evident at child is also ensured.
this stage.
For the above reasons, the Seemanttonnayan
Ayurved says that the baby is able to voice its sanskar (explained in the chapter on Sanskars),
wishes through its heart from now on, and these has been suggested as one of the sixteen important
are experienced by the mother as dohaale. It is rituals to be performed in a person's life.
important that these wishes be fulfilled. If not, this
may lead to an increase in vata, which could, in FIFTH MONTH
turn, have an adverse effect on the foetus, and
become visible after birth, as a physical disability, Uaa wa: Ufa sate .. GFT IRREMT
mental discontentment or sorrow, in the child.
aaa ofa msi aragtiftrareral
Although these desires should be fulfilled, when afd stfeteh Stave ATS: |. ae RTT
they are related to food, one should not be over-
indulgent. Excessive intake of any one kind of Paficame manah pratibuddhataram bhavati
food can also lead to undesirable effects already ....Susruta sarirasthana
described earlier. There may be a craving for things
that are difficult or impossible to obtain, and in such Paficame masi garbhasya mansa-Sonitapacayo
cases, a compromise has to be worked out, so that bhavati adhikam anyebhyo masebhyah
these cravings do not go unfulfilled. For example, ...Caraka Sarirasthana
the desire for chalk, or mud or earth, can be met
by eating praval bhasma, which has a similar From this month onwards, the child’s mind
taste. The desire for extremely sour food such as becomes sensitized to various feelings and events,
tamarind, can be satisfied with amla or aamsool as well as to its surroundings. During this period,
(Garcinia purpurea). the maximum development of mansa (muscle
tissue) and rakta (blood) dhatus occurs. According
If these desires are properly attended to, the to the Garbhopanishad, the vertebral column also
ro, | a
¥ ———
an S28 \)

Fifth month Seventh month

100
 Growth of the foetus and its nourishment ie ae
eS
ome na oS BOS
pipenamrnraane
ros
Shas acini: SS

develops in this month. 3. Kulaj : the colour depends on the predominant

skin colour of the ancestors and the family tree
SIXTH MONTH of the child.

BB afe: gga mker 4. Mahabhutaj : the predominance of a certain

element in the diet of the mother is responsible
aS ale mia amano vata for the colour of the skin of her unborn child.
see SATA ATASA: | ae oer
One school of thought says that if the expectant
sasthe buddhih _ ....Susruuta Sarirasthana mother consimes sattvik and liquid foods, which
are free of impurities, her child will be fair-skinned
sasthe masi garbhasya bala-varnopacayo bhavati (as far as possible given the other factors as well),
adhikam anyebhyo masebhyah _ ...Caraka Sarirasthana and will have clear and glowing complexion. If
she consumes dark coloured foods (which tend to
Intelligence, strength and complexion develop increase pitta) then her child will have darker skin.
during the sixth month, an indication that the
foundation of these attributes have been laid during In general, if the mother wishes her child to
the foetal stage. In order to produce a strong, have glowing and fair skin, she should eat ghee,
intelligent child, with a glowing complexion and milk, kKheer, home-made butter, rice, buttermilk,
healthy skin, the expectant mother must pay strict tender coconut water, and panchamrut with saffron
attention to her diet, health, lifestyle and behaviour and gold, regularly. These foods not only affect the
throughout pregnancy, and especially during child's skin-colour but, as described earlier, also
the sixth month. Adequate nutrition is, of course, provide nourishment for their development.
extremely important.
SEVENTH MONTH
The colour and complexion of the foetus are
primarily affected by the fireelement(te/ mahabhoot). GAY Para: Wet: |... 7390wR
If the water element (/a/ mahabhoot) supports tej,
then the foetus will be fair and light-skinned; if the Saptame sarvanga-pratyanga-vibhagah
earth element (prithvi mahabhoot) dominates then pravyaktatarah _ ...Susruta sarirasthana
the skin will be darker. The proportion and balance
of these elements ultimately depends on diet. The foetus is almost fully developed at this stage.
According to Ashtanga Sanghraha, four factors All organs have essentially developed, lacking only
affect the baby’s skin colour: in growth and maturity. Though the organs are still
not fully grown, the child will be able to survive in
1. Pitruj-matruj means that skin colour is the advent of a premature delivery.
inherited from the parents.
Obviously, the ideal situation is for the baby to
2. Deshaj : the weather, average temperature and be born at full term (i.e. after nine months), when
environment of the region of residence affect development is complete. There is no substitute for
the skin colour. the nourishment that the mother’s womb provides.

101
 ’ «a ;
i
bl
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

EIGHTH MONTH NOURISHMENT OF THE FOETUS

aTEn srfeert
vata sis: | The foetus is nourished. primarily through the
7A Wasa vitae Pisa Aa APTA |... 7 mother’s diet, especially from her rasa dhatu.
PIRRETAT
fan arosriataraen
wa: faced,
Astame asthiri bhavati ojah Tatra jataScenna Tange,
Hama, Wasa a... aH eT
jivet nirojastvat nairrata bhagatvacca _ ...Susruta
$arirasthana Striya hyapannagarbhayastridha rasah
pratipadyate, svaSarirapustaye, stanyaya, garbha-
In this month, the Ojas (supreme energy), flows vrddhaye ca ...Caraka Sarirasthana
alternately between mother and child. The mother-
to-be alternately appears extremely happy and According to Charak,
enthusiastic (when the energy flows to her), or Rasa dhatu is responsible for :
tired and drained (when the energy has transferred
to the foetus). Because of this transfer of energy, 1. Nourishing the foetus.
delivery in the eighth month is not considered safe
for either mother or child. /f premature labour does 2. Development of the breasts, so that good
occur, the life of the one lacking Ojas at the time quality milk is produced, and
of labour may be in jeopardy, or will end up with a
lifelong disability. 3. Nourishment of the mother.

NINTH MONTH Hence, the mother's rasa dhatu should be

adequate, healthy and capable of providing for all
of the above. As the foetus grows, the umbilical
SATUS ATA... RH RRC cord also develops, and transports the essence of
this rasa dhatu to it.
Tasminnekadivasatikrantelpi navamam masam
upadaya prasava- kalam ityahuradasaman masat Ade GS Wael area TWA sarSt visas BIsca
...Caraka Sarirasthana aitervaaeatragt |. ga uke

By now the foetus has developed completely. It Matustu khalu rasa-vahayam nadyam garbha-
is preparing itself for labour, and its journey to the nabhi-nadi pratibaddha salsya maturahara-rasa-
outside world. A delay in delivery is not desirable, viryamabhivahati _ ...Susruta sarirasthana
since the placenta that nourishes the foetus, begins
to degenerate and dislodge itself from the uterine One end of the umbilical cord is connected to
walls at full term. In cases of post-term delivery, the umbilicus of the foetus, the other to the uterus.
the child may have long nails, or dry, rough skin Blood vessels form an intricate network at the site,
at birth. So, it is in the interest of both, mother and where the cord connects with the uterus, and this
child, for delivery to take place at around 9 months network is known as the placenta.
+ 9 days of pregnancy.
Being already assimilated in the mother's

102
 Growth of the foetus and its nourishment

body, rasa dhatu is accepted by the foetus, as it amniotic fluid is released when the membranes
is, through the placenta. Since all nutrients are rupture, which precedes the process of labour. This
delivered in usable form, only a negligible amount is commonly known as the ‘waters breaking’.
of waste is produced by the foetus.
At full term, the amniotic fluid naturally begins
The moment a woman begins to plan pregnancy, to decrease. Nowadays there are many cases
she should regulate and control her movements, where the amniotic fluid reduces suddenly and
behaviour, and lifestyle. This reduces the chances unexplainably during the eight or ninth month of
that the placenta gets implanted in an undesirable pregnancy. This is obviously detrimental to the
manner in the uterus. health of the foetus.

Inside the uterus, the foetus floats in a special The importance of the Five Elements
fluid, Known as the amniotic fluid. According to (panchmahabhoot), in the growth and nourishment
Ayurved, this fluid is formed from an abundance of of the foetus, is outlined as follows:
Prithvi (earth element) and Ja/ mahabhoot (water
element). a aaarateerd , aa a Tale,
ama: ecaata, oft cera, stents faatata 1. gga
As the foetus increases in size, the quantity of PIRICTA
amniotic fluid increases proportionately. The foetus
almost swims in the amniotic fluid, which protects Tam cetanavasthitam vayur-vibhajati, teyja enam
it from external injuries, and facilitates movement. pacati, apah kledayanti, prthivi samhanti, akaSam
There is normally about 900 to 1000 ml of amniotic vivardhayati_ ....Susruta Sarirasthana
fluid around the baby, but this may vary depending
on the season, and the individual constitution of The element ofAir (vayu) is responsible for all
the mother. All this fluid is replaced every 3 to 4 divisions occurring in the foetus, right from the first
hours. division of the cells, to the division of all body parts
and organs.
The foetus swallows around 400 ml of amniotic
fluid every day, but because of the fluid's special The element of fire (agni) provides the
composition, this causes no adverse effects. The necessary energy for the development of the foetal
fluid is merely expelled by the foetus, through the organs, and is responsible for the various essential
urine. transformations taking place.

The ancient sciences explain that any problems Water (jal) imparts moisture and lubrication
which may result from the foetus swallowing the fluid to the organs, binds them together and helps to
can be corrected by carrying out the Annaprashan nourish the unborn child.
sanskar. (See Chapter on Sanskaars)
Earth (prithvi) gives stability and density to the
The amniotic fluid also ensures that there is physical body and contributes to its structure.
no undue pressure exerted on the foetus when
the uterus begins contracting during labour. It The element of space (akash) provides optimal
actually facilitates the movement of the foetus. The space for all these changes to take place at the

103
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

correct time.
Mahabhoot Senses and body parts
The foetus gains shape and form because of
Vayu sense
‘of touch, skin
these Five Elements. If, for some reason, these
Agni sense of vision, eyes,
elements do not remain balanced and in their
natural form, the child may exhibit the following jatharagni (digestive fire)
defects : Jal sense of taste, tongue, fatty
tissue, phlegm, muscle,
The imbalance of the Element of Air (Vayu mansa dhatu, semen
mahabhoot) causes unnatural cell division,
Prithvi sense of smell, nose,
leading to various anomalies such as the growth
general physical structure
of extra fingers, the absence of an anal aperture,
or fused openings of bladder and rectum etc. Aakash sense of sound, ears,
mouth, voice, throat, the
The imbalance of the Agni mahabhoot (Element hollow organs of the body
of Fire) leads to skin defects, allergies, digestive
disorders and various eye problems. Additionally, the three doshas - vata, pitta, kapha
and the seven dhatus, namely rasa, rakta, mansa,
Aberrations in the Jal mahabhoot (Element meda, asthi, majja and shukra, have a significant
of Water) results in inadequate nourishment influence on the development of various organs.
of the foetus, decreased amniotic fluid and
hydrocephalus (excess water in the cranium of Ayurved describes the formation of all organs
the foetus). in detail. Some of the more important of these are
described below.
Abnormalities of the prithvi mahabhoot (Element
of Earth) cause instability, which could result in Heart - SATA, |... G97 RRA
miscarriage, underdevelopment of the foetus,
brittle bones or short stature. Slesma-rakta-prasadat ....Susruta Sarirasthana

Aberrations in the Akash mahabhoot (Element The heart develops from balanced kapha, and the
of Space) lead to congenital defects, such as essence of rakta.
openings in the septum of the heart, deformities
of the heart chambers or abnormalities of the Lungs - TTHATETETA | . GYT RREMT
ear.
Rakta-phena-prasadat ...SuSruta Sarirasthana
The following shows the relationship between
each element, and the senses and body parts: The lungs develop from the foam (extremely thin
saccules) of the essence of rakta dhatu.

Liver and Spleen - apeaceitert wiforast |. gaa

PRCA

104
 Growth of the foetus and its nourishment

Yakrta-plihanau Sonitajau ...SuSruta Sarirasthana sukra-Sonitasyabhipacyamanasya ksirasyeva

santanikah sapta tvaco bhavanti ....Suéruta
The liver and spleen mainly develop from rakta Sarirasthana
dhatu.
Ayurved compares the formation of the skin
Kidneys - tqaenalald
Gaeht |... 790 eer to the formation of a layer of cream on milk being
heated. This transformation is a continuous process
Rakta-meda-prasadat vrkkau —_...Suéruta Sarirasthana from the moment of fertilization throughout the
development of the foetus.
Kidneys develop from the essence of both rakta
dhatu and meda dhatu (fatty tissue). An important fact to note: Although it is true
that the foetus develops entirely from its parents,
Testes - Wianganmaanareld
FIN |. gayaenkeers the different characteristics of each organ are not
inherited from each parent equally. Some organs
Mamsasrk-kapha-meda-prasadat vrsanam exhibit a predominantly maternal influence, while
... Susruta Sarirasthana others are more influenced by the father

The essence of mansa, rakta and meda dhatus, In general, all soft structures and organs are
and balanced kapha, contribute to the development influenced by the mother, while the hard, firm
of the testes. organs are influenced by the father.

According to Ayurved, all hollow organs are Skin, rakta dhatu, mansa dhatu (muscles), meda
formed in the following way. Pitta acts on rakta dhatu (fatty tissue), umbilicus, heart, pancreas, liver,
dhatu as well as balanced kapha, together, to spleen, stomach, large and small intestine, rectum,
produce their essence. When this essence is then anus, kidney and urinary bladder are influenced
acted upon by vata, the hollow organs are formed. by the mother. Hair, beard, moustache, body hair,
These are organs like the intestines, uterus and teeth, bones, ligaments, semen and blood vessels
bladder. are influenced by the father.

Skin - Iepittreenistoeaes
aie
Gedifatchl: GA cae Mara gga mice & scePP

105
 Ayurve dic
Garbha Senskar

Since the heart of the foetus has developed substantially by the fourth month, it is able to
transmit its cravings through the mother.
It is necessary that cravings (dohaale) be satisfied in order to ensure the physical and
mental health of the baby.
The foundations of intelligence, complexion and strength are laid down during pregnancy
- a fact that should be kept in mind by the mother.
An adequate quantity of amniotic fluid is essential for the proper nourishment of the
foetus.
The woman should regulate her behaviour, lifestyle, and physical movements from the
moment she begins to plan her pregnancy. This reduces the incidence of problems which
may occur during the formation of the placenta.

106
Gerbha Sensbar

Some possible
foetal defects
t is only natural to wish for a child who could even cause certain abnormalities.
is bestowed with all possible positive This is especially true for those organs
qualities. We want that children should developing with maternal influence.
be physically and mentally excellent,
intelligent and artistic. This can by no 3. Problems arising in the parents-to-
means be taken for granted. A child's be, either before conception or while
imperfections will only come to light at conceiving: We have already learned
birth or shortly after. The following are that both male and female reproductive
some general causes for such issues: cells should be healthy. Diseases like
malaria, jaundice and tuberculosis have
1. A family history of hereditary long-lasting effects on the body. If either
problems, and/or defects inthe sperm or partner has recently suffered from any
egg: These could include all kinds curable of these, they should make sure that
and non-curable diseases, diabetes, they have been completely cured before
asthma, thalassaemia, obesity, increased conceiving. If not, the reproductive cell
pitta tendencies, acidity, headaches, weak could be affected, consequently leading
eyes, certain kinds of mental diseases, and to disabilities in the child.
skin disorders. All these may be passed on
to future generations. Such problems may If either parent has regular late nights or
manifest at different stages during life, but is under severe physical or mental stress
subtle indications of their presence can be at the time of conception, the foetus
seen early from childhood. For example, could develop certain physical or mental
if there is a history of diabetes in the abnormalities. The necessary precautions
family, children tend to be either obese to be taken at the time of conception have
or extremely underweight, complain of already been outlined earlier.
burning micturition (urination), exhibit
poor eyesight, and are generally weak. 4. Partial defects in sperm or egg: The
In many cases, however, the presence ideal pre-condition for a healthy baby, is
of increased blood sugar is detected only the presence of healthy reproductive cells.
after the person reaches the age of 35- In some cases, the baby may be born with
40. congenital defects which are only noticed
after birth. For example heart defects
2. Ignoring the guidelines related (valvular or septal), lack of a kidney,
to menstruation, as laid down by absence of the uterus, or inadequately
Ayurved: These practices followed before developed ovaries. In these cases it is
pregnancy also help the foetus after the possible that only the corresponding part
woman has conceived. If the guidelines of the reproductive cell (either sperm or
related to lifestyle and behaviour are not ovum) had some defects.
followed, the resulting disturbances may
have an adverse effect on the foetus. It Acharya Charak describes such conditions

107
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senshér

in the following way sensitive state during this adaptation period,

and needs great care and attention. Any serious
Wl TEN WTA SSA SAP aT Se: Wena, a infections occurring during this time, can lead to
anaaad facpicrrtesttc | undesirable long-term effects.

8. Fate / destiny that which is beyond our control:

Yasya yasya hyavayavasya bije bija-bhage va There ‘is often no obvious explanation for defects
dosah prakopam-apadyante, tam tamavayavam which may appear in the baby. In such cases, the
vikrtiraviSati ...Caraka Sarirasthana cause may stem from past lives, or may be due to
the effect of planetary positions. Ayurved clearly
Modern genetic science refers to genes and refers to this as, Devadiprakopanimitta vikarah
chromosomes. Ayurved describes similar functions samupalabhyante
in verses like the one above. These, of course, are
now being studied with the help of advances in MISCARRIAGE AND BLEEDING
modern science. Certain congenital diseases arise DURING PREGNANCY
when people intermarry in the same family or caste
(consanguinity). During the first trimester, the embryo is in an unstable
and delicate condition.
5. Problems during pregnancy: If diet, behaviour,
or lifestyle guidelines are ignored, or if the mother Any harm or damage at this point could lead to a
is unhappy, the foetus may develop defects. Any miscarriage. Any bleeding that occurs during this
ailment suffered by the mother during pregnancy, time could be very harmful for the embryo. It has
whether minor or major, could also affect the unborn not yet been properly formed and could easily be
child. Disorders such as urinary infections, white expelled with the blood. Ayurved refers to this as
discharge, mild fever, malaise, frequent coughs, Garbhastrav. Once begun, it is difficult to bring
colds or sore throat, should be cured completely under control.
during pregnancy. The child's cravings expressed
through the mother - dohaale - should be fulfilled to The complete development of the foetus occurs
avoid any impairment to mother or child. during the second trimester of pregnancy, and any
bleeding occurring during this time may cause it
6. Problems during labour: Prolonged labour, to be expelled. This is known as Garbhapaat, or
physical trauma to the child during labour, or undue miscarriage. However, since the foetus has stabilized
pressure given by the mother at an inappropriate by then, it is possible to prevent this occurrence with
time, can cause defects in the child. prompt and correct treatment.

E.g. If labour is difficult, the child may be unable SIGNS OF MISCARRIAGE

to breathe, and the ensuing loss of oxygen could
cause brain damage. - Spotting or mild bleeding, accompanied by a sticky
discharge.
7. Inappropriate postpartum care: The newborn
needs a few days to slowly adapt to the external - Back ache and lower abdominal pain. After the fifth
environment. It is in an extremely delicate and or sixth month, the pain feels like labour pain.

108
 Some possible fetal defects [aaa

- A feeling of weakness and general uneasiness. (giving stability to the foetus). Should any of the
above problematic situations occur unintentionally,
The causes of miscarriage are outlined as follows: these procedures, either done as precaution, or
after, can help nullify or reduce such negative
aaa ST aera Sasa effects. They should ideally be followed throughout
3itaaalad AAA: |... cee ereecena pregnancy.

Vyavaya vyayama-karSa-nabhi- thl-srait-sradial -aeacitaisatenscaantiranstist-

ghatatimatrasanksobhiyana apriyavalokana ATAU -feeara HIM Sit THAT
vanadayah _ ....Astangasangraha éarirasthana TATRA Tata |. ae ree

Intake of inappropriate food. Insufficient diet or Aindri-brahmi-satavirya-sahasravirya-amogha

incorrect dietary habits. avyatha-Siva arista-vatyapuspi-visvaksenakanta iti
Excess traveling. dasemani praja-sthapanani bhavanti
Incorrect physical exercise, or over-exercising. ....Caraka sutrasthana
Sexual intercourse during the first trimester,
or excess sexual activity in the latter part of These remedies are most effective when done
pregnancy. from the 4" to the 16" day of the menstrual cycle
Accident or physical trauma. - the fertile period (rutukaal) - in the preparation
Excess physical activity. for conception. They can be continued throughout
Frequent late nights or sleeping during the day. pregnancy. They strengthen the uterus and facilitate
Constant suppression of the urge to urinate or easy conception. Their effects last very long and
defecate. months later, they will help ensure an easy and
Overexposure to the sun, or staying in a hot site timely labour. Several such remedies are described
for a long period of time. below.
Habitually sitting in incorrect postures or
squatting. Boil milk with shatavari (Asparagus racemosus),
Exposure to news, noise or visual stimulation, brahmi (Herpestis monniera), vidarikand (Ipomoea
which causes mental stress and strain. digitata), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), bala (Sida
Emotions such as extreme anger, jealousy, fear, cordifolia), jeevak, rushbhak and consume regularly.
anxiety or sadness. Ghee prepared with the same herbs is as useful.
Internal examination, if incorrectly performed, These herbs help to cool, nourish and strengthen
could also damage the foetus. It should be the body.
avoided as far as possible, unless absolutely
necessary for diagnostic purposes. If possible, powder these herbs and boil with
water. Add the resulting decoction to bath water on
Measures to Stabilise the Foetus pushya nakshatra (the occurrence of the pushya
constellation).
There are remedies to help avoid such issues
and provide stability to the foetus from an early Make provision for a small herb nursery at home.
stage. Acharya Charak recommend the following Plant shatavari, brahmi, gulvel and durva. Once
measures, which are known as garbhasthapan ready, pick and dry them (in shade). Wrap them into

109
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

small bundles with cotton, muslin or silk cloth. Keep banyan, licorice, or the raw fruit of umber. Boil
these bundles under the mattress or pillow of the this herb in cow’s milk and water, and strain. This
woman attempting to conceive. milk should be cooked with brown / red rice and
candy sugar, into a kheer. It should eaten cold
Month-by-month diet recommendations have with honey.
already been outlined. It is important that they are 7. Make sure the pregnant woman is never under
followed religiously to ensure proper nourishment of any mental stress in this condition. She should
the mother and her unborn child. engage in pleasant and cheerful activities.
8. Keep the mother's diet light at this time. A thin
All of the above remedies are such that they can khichadi made of mung and soft rice, or mung
be quickly initiated at home. However, if bleeding kadhan (mung soup), cooked in pure ghee, are
or spotting occurs, medical consultation should be recommended foods
sought without delay!
Nowadays more and more women complain
What Should You Do In the Event That Bleeding about some bleeding during pregnancy. While
Occurs During Pregnancy? this does not necessarily lead to an abortion or
miscarriage, but it needs to be treated, since it is
Irrespective of the cause, the following measures surely detrimental to the Foetus. The main reasons
will be helpful: for bleeding and spotting are:
1. The expectant mother should sleep on a soft a) a weak uterus and b) an unstable foetus
and comfortable mattress, and her feet should
be elevated. Since bleeding or spotting could be harmful to the
2. Apply Shatadhauta ghruta on the lower abdomen, foetus, just halting the discharge is not enough. You
below the navel, in a thick layer (i.e. like a /ep). need to take measures to strengthen the uterus. A
3. Soak a cloth in cold cow’s milk and place on the weak uterus may result in disorders in the placenta,
lower abdomen, below the navel. The cloth can inadequate nourishment of the breasts, and under-
also be soaked in a cold decoction made of herbs development of the organs such as the spleen, liver,
which are cooling and help to constrict blood. and lungs, in the foetus (i.e. those organs which
The decoction should be made from dhayati develop from rakta dhatu).
(Woodfordia floribunda), behada (Terminalia
belerica), umber (Ficus glomerata), and pimpal The Risk Of Miscarriage
(Ficus religiosa).
4. Make a paste of the blue lotus (Nelumbium For women who have a history of miscarriage or
speciosum) and durva (Cynodon dactylon). Mix those who have specifically been warned by their
the paste with ghee. Soak a cotton swab in this vaidya or doctor that they are at risk of miscarriage,
mixture and place it in the vagina. If you cannot Ayurved suggests the following remedies to
prepare the above mixture, use Shatadhauta safegaurd the foetus.
ghruta instead.
5. The pregnant woman should eat shingada Ayurvedic medicines Known to arrest this
sheera. process are Garbhapaal Ras, Shatavari ghrut, or
6. Another useful recipe is as follows. Take any one Laghumalini Vasant, which can all be administered
of the following - the blue lotus, shoots of the as a prophylactic. Please do this taking the woman's

110
 Some possible fetal defects SRR
Epa
Reta i eee
Set Sora aa
ER
arcn mente neeoe re
aap

soe 2a yas
ee
oe a
ea

constitution into consideration and after medical nagarmotha, lajalu (Mimosa pudica), nagakeshar,
consultation. and padmakashtha, should be taken with honey.

PREVENTING MISCARRIAGE - 8" month - A powered mixture of Lodhra and pimpli

(Piper longum) should be taken with honey.
MONTHLY REMEDIES
1* month - In the first month of pregnancy, the These remedies are useful upto the eighth
foetus needs time to stabilise. Cow's milk with month. They should be initiated with the guidance of
powders of licorice, sandalwood and raktachandan a vaidya. Ayurved suggests these remedies so that
(red sandalwood - Pterocarpus santalinus), and a vaidya can help you in case there is a tendency
raisins as well, are all very helpful. towards miscarriage.

2"* month - Adecoction of nagkeshar and lotus stem If miscarriage or bleeding does occur in spite
in milk is advised. Boil 150ml (1 cup) of milk with of these measures, the woman may have to
10g each of nagkeshar and lotus stem and 600ml undergo uterus cleansing, and certain specialized
(4 cups) of water. Boil until the decoction reduces treatments available in Ayurved. There is a general
to approximately 150 ml again. Strain, and sweeten misconception that a woman who suffers a
with candy sugar before drinking. miscarriage, or undergoes MTP (medical termination
of pregnancy) in the first trimester, does not need
3 month - Drink milk with sugar and a powder made any medical therapy. It should be noted that a
from padmakashiha (Prunus malus), sandalwood, miscarriage should be treated as a mini-labour,
wala, lotus stem and nagkeshar © and the type of care administered for labour, as
clearly defined in the Ayurvedic texts, is absolutely
4 month - Take a little milk in a mortar. Add some necessary in such cases.
pieces of the rhizome of the banana plant, petals of
the lotus and the root of wala. Grind it with a pestle Asimple but effective guideline for therapy after a
until it is like a paste. This paste should be eaten by miscarriage or MTP is that therapy should continue
the pregnant woman. for as many days as the number of months the
pregnancy lasted, i.e. if miscarriage or MTP occurs
5 month - Consume a mixture of the blue in month four, the woman should undergo four days
lotus (neelkamal), lotus stem, renukabeej (Piper of all the suggested therapy. This is an approximate
aurantiacum), nagkeshar and padmakashtha with measure of the duration of therapy required based
water. The herbs should be mixed very well with on the extent of trauma.
water, and consumed.
THERAPY AFTER MISCARRIAGE
6 month - A handful of special black soil (dhekud) OR MTP
that has been heated in a fire, some red geru (gairik)
and some burned cow dung, should be soaked in Food
water. This water should be strained. Add sugar and
sandalwood to the mixture before drinking. Rice cooked until soft, mixed with herbs that
increase digestive fire, such as dry ginger, black
7 month - A powdered mixture of wala, gokharu, pepper, long pepper, chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica),

111
and chavya (Piper chaba),is recommended at this light and simple.
time.
After a traumatic experience like this, it is of
As an alternative, these herbs could also be utmost importance that the woman takes care of
mixed with mung dal soup. this vata imbalance. If left untreated, problems
such as weight gain, especially around the waist
The normal addition of spices used in Indian and abdomen, and disturbances in the menstrual
cooking through fodni etc. should not be used cycle, could arise.
in these recipes at all. Even salt should be used
minimally. Subsequently, medications and a diet that
strengthens the uterus should be continued.
Ginger and jaggery balls, taken in the mornings, In fact, all the care that needs to be taken as
in these conditions, are very helpful (see Special prescribed in this book to plan for conception
Recipes). should be done with care and in detail before
trying to conceive again. Having done all this,
Remedies to Help Balance Vata conception can be planned again after a period of
three to four months.
This condition leads to a lot of vata imbalance. This
should be alleviated with the following measures. In cases of abortion or miscarriage in the
later months (in the sixth or seventh month), the
A vata-pacifying oil like Santulan Abhyang above-mentioned remedies should be applied
Sesame Oil should be used for massage for at as well, along with the other precautions which
least fifteen days. are taken postpartum. These should be followed
Smoke therapy (with Santulan Shakti Dhoop), for about 30-45 days. Due to the accompanying
to the genital region to purify the uterus, twice depression, many women fail to take adequate
or three times a week. Once the bleeding stops care of themselves, and this may affect their
after a miscarriage, a cotton swab soaked in health and future pregnancies.
medicinal oil (like Santulan Femisan Oil)
should be placed in the vagina overnight, for at It is important to keep a watchful eye on the
least a month. growth of the foetus. In some cases, the foetus
The woman should be administered a decoction stops growing even if there are no signs of
made from gulvel, pittapapda (Fumaria miscarriage. This condition can happen in two
Officinalis), vala, nagarmotha (Cyperus cases: ‘upvishtak’ and ‘nagodar’.
rotundus), sandalwood, coriander and bala, for
eight to ten days. This shlok explains Upvishtak
Complete rest for at least a week. Housework Te: Geordie asic weft daca my
involving water, any exposure to wind, or late Weqayts Fae SIN at AaTaaeN Tal gx a urea
nights, should be avoided. There should be Agere & Arey stafasastars ay safasanysf |
abstinence from sexual intercourse for at least «WP IIRRCATA
a month.
All drinking water should be boiled in the Yasyah punarusnatiksnopayogat garbhinya mahati
manner suggested earlier and food should be safjatasare garbhe puspadarsanam syat anyo

2
 Some possible fetal defects Rc
S ies
niche
eee
oe Sine
gee
Ee
Resi
tess
POS SSS.
Bei
:
ea

va yonisravastasya garbho vrddhim na prapnoti to ensure that the growth process is restored. The
nihsrutatvat sa kalam avatisthate~timatram tam remedies to stabilize the foetus, as outlined earlier,
upavistakam iti ....Caraka éarirasthana are also useful here.

In the later stages of its development when the If correct treatment is not begun on time, the
foetus has grown in size, if the mother consumes foetus may die. This is called intrauterine death
hot and spicy food or strong medicines, she may and its symtoms are as follows:
suffer from vaginal bleeding. In this situation, Heaviness in the lower part of the abdomen,
insufficient nourishment is then passed on to which feels cold on touch.
the foetus, which could impair its further growth. Absence of foetal heartbeats or any foetal
In extreme cases, growth ceases altogether, a movements.
condition which is called upvishtak. However, in Abdominal pain, not accompanied by
general, this situation does not lead to miscarriage, contractions or vaginal discharge.
as the foetus is already quite well-developed. Breathlessness and unease.
Difficulty in movement.
In the situation known as Nagodar, growth also
comes to a halt, but in this case, the foetus begins If any of these symptoms arise, a doctor should be
to reduce in size. There are various explanations consulted immediately.
for this condition: reduced intake of food, or a diet
which is lacking in nutrients; insufficient intake or The foetus dying after 28 weeks of gestation, just
complete absence of items such as milk and ghee before the onset of, or during, labour. Ayurved calls
in the diet; excessive fasting, eating stale food, or this condition as ‘mrutagarbha’ (stillbirth). This can
food which increases vata. occur if guidelines that are contraindicated during
pregnancy are practised or if serious complications
In both conditions, where the foetus is still develop during labour. Stillbirths are more common
alive, treatment should commence immediately, if the baby is premature.

Children born out of consanguinity are more likely to have congenital defects.
If the pregnant woman does not follow the prescribed diet, the possibility of miscarriage is
increased.
If the risk of miscarriage does exist, measures to stabilize the foetus should be initiated immediately.
Taking advantage of these remedies is also beneficial in a normal pregnancy, even if there is no risk
of miscarriage.
If miscarriage does occur, purification and strengthening of the uterus must be performed. The
postpartum protocol (in terms of diet and lifestyle) should also be followed.
Neglecting any abnormal symptoms during pregnancy is not advised. Prompt action, consultation
with a medical practitioner, and appropriate treatment, is of the utmost importance.

113
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Bape:

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Yoga during pregnancy - 1

arlier generations of women were used focussing on those that are meant for
_ to doing household chores themselves. each trimester. Do consider the growth
This ensured that their bodies remained of the foetus and the physical changes
flexible, and the need for separate occurring in the mother at this time.
physical exercise did not arise. Our
modern lifestyle has made life ‘easier’, Let us first take a look at the exercises
but our bodies have become less flexible. that are suitable throughout pregnancy.
The muscles used during childbirth
remain under-utilized in our day-to-day WALKING
lives. While many muscles participate
in childbirth, attention is usually, and This is the simplest and easiest form
mistakenly, focused on the abdominal of exercise, and can be done easily
and pelvic muscles with respect to labour. throughout pregnancy. It uses all the
In reality, the thigh, back, neck, and even muscles of the thighs and hip joints,
the facial muscles, directly or indirectly which help in maintaining their flexibility,
participate in this process. Strengthening thus facilitating natural birth. Walking in
these muscles as well, through specific the also improves blood circulation and
exercises, will ensure a smooth delivery. increases the intake of fresh air and
oxygen. This can help reduce morning
During pregnancy, all physical sickness and maintain enthusiasm
movement should be carried out with throughout the day, especially in the
care to avoid problems for the mother first trimester. Walking in the morning is
and the unborn child. This does not mean ideal. But if this is not possible, walking
that exercise or routine work should be at any time, except after lunch, is fine. Do
avoided; onthe contrary, too muchrest and not walk too fast or too slow, and avoid
relaxation can prove disadvantageous, talking. Decide your pace keeping the
and hinder natural labour. The expectant weight of the foetus into consideration. A
mother should continue to carry out daily walk of at least 15 minutes in the
simple, routine household chores, as first trimester, 30 minutes in the second
well as specific exercises beneficial for trimester, and 45 minutes in the third
pregnancy. Another important advantage trimester, is recommended.
of such exercises is that they help to bring
the foetus into its natural birth position in Walking during the third trimester is
the womb, necessary for an easy and very important as this helps to engage
natural delivery. the head of the foetus in the pelvic brim.
(The head also descends due to the
The duration of pregnancy is divided effect of gravity during the walk). All of
into three phases, known as the first, these factors increase the likelihood of a
second, and last trimesters. One can natural vaginal delivery.
maximise the benefits of exercises by
 Yoga during pregnancy - 1 CEFR
ARPA
et
RES RERRE
Dea
epee.
ge ak
Nhe
TS
Re
Tees.
z reese
ES

During the 7th or 8th month, the woman may

experience swelling of the feet, but walking should
be continued in spite of this. If necessary, rest after
a walk using a pillow to elevate your feet.

Many women avoid walks, giving an excuse of

lack of a suitable area for walking. All you need is
a small space. You can always walk around even
a small garden. Vajrasana

SUKHASANA, PADMASANA,
VAJRASANA
These asanas are different types of sitting
postures, which help increase the flexibility of the
hip joints and strengthen the flexors and extensors muscles. Sitting in this posture after lunch, helps to
of the hips. pacifies vata, and improve the digestion. Try and
cultivate the habit of sitting in vajrasana for at least
a few minutes a day. If it is difficult to maintain this
posture, placing a thin pillow between the heels and
the buttocks could be helpful. These three asanas
can be safely practised throughout pregnancy.
Padmasana

DEEP BREATHING
All of us tend to breathe in a shallow and
superficial manner. This tendency may increase
during pregnancy especially when there is a feeling
of heaviness in the lower abdomen.

During pregnancy the expectant mother needs

You should perform pranayam in the morning more than regular oxygen for herself and her baby.
while sitting in one ofthe first two asanas. Everyday Shallow breathing in the chest is not enough for
chores such as cutting vegetables, making her needs. Instead of breathing from the chest
chapatis, writing or other household tasks may alone, focus on moving the abdominal muscles
also be done while sitting in sukhasana, rather than while breathing as well. Try and take long and deep
standing or sitting on a chair with dangling feet. If it breaths.This is extremely beneficial and increases
is possible, attempt doing such chores while sitting oxygen supply.
in padmasana.
Practice deep breathing first thing in the morning.
Vajrasana is good for the legs, thighs and waist Five minutes of deep breathing exercises, while

115
 still sitting in bed, is a good way to start the day. and morning sickness, are less severe.

HOW TO BREATHE: Sit in sukhasana, place Apana is responsible for bodily functions such
both hands lightly on the abdomen, and inhale as urination, defecation, and, most importantly, a
deeply. During the inhalation, the abdomen should natural vaginal delivery. The regular practice of
move outwards (this movement can be felt by the pranayam thus helps ensure a timely and natural
hands). Exhale slowly and steadily, feeling the birth.
abdomen moving inwards. The hands should not
push or exert any pressure on the abdomen. Incorrectly practised pranayam is harmful, and
so should be learned from an expert. Ideally one
Practise breathing like this regularly every should practise pranayam at sunrise. Practise a
morning and also several times during the day. second time between 4 and 6 pm (when the stomach
If you feel restless, mentally stressed, anxious, is not too full), if time permits. Five minutes practice
nervous or fearful, practise deep breathing. This is good enough to begin with. Gradually you can
breathing exercise also helps to reduce nausea go up to 15 minutes. Practise pranayam slowly. It
and morning sickness. should not be done in a hurry even if you have very
little time. Fewer, but more relaxed, repititions are
better than more repititions done in haste.
PRANAYAM
In all pranayam, as in all breathing, there are
As explained earlier, during pregnancy, the three distinct phases of taking breath - inhalation
woman requires more oxygen than usual - about (purak), holding the breath [both with lungs full and
one and half times more. An adequate supply of lungs empty] (kumbhak) and exhalation (rechak).
oxygen will ensure the proper growth of the foetus. Inhalation (purak) is generally easy and effortless.
In addition, it promotes mental peace, prevents Take care that the neck and chest do not stiffen
irritability and depression, fosters sound sleep, and during the breath-holding phase (kumbhaka). The
reduces frustration and fatigue. exhalation phase (rechak) must be done slowly
and carefully. If you hurry during this phase it can
Both simple deep breathing and pranayam cause dry cough and irritation.
should be practised daily by the pregnant woman
without fail. The former increases life energy or life Pranayam should be practised in an open,
force (pranashakti); the latter helps balance the clean, and quiet space. This not only helps the mind
Pran and Apana functions. If pran functions well, to stay calm and cheerful, but makes concentrating
typical first trimester complaints, such as nausea on the breath easier as well.

Shavasana

116
 Yoga during pregnancy -1 (aaa

If you have no previous experience of pranayam, learn how to relax all the parts of the body in the
just start with simple deep breathing - inhale as appropriate sequence, and help keep your mind
deeply and slowly as possible with the abdomen focussed.
moving outwards. Then exhale very slowly, to
completely empty the lungs. Once this becomes The best form of Shavasana is Yoganidra.
easy, One can progress to pranayam. Yoganidra adds music and simple vocal instructions
to the exercise and is even more effective than
Deep breathing and pranayam, performed in Shavasana. The numerous beneficial effects of
this manner, are refreshing, raise the mother’s healing music have already been described earlier.
fatigue tolerance during the process of childbirth, Since Yoganidra is available in an audio CD with
and help her to withstand the pain of labour. The precise guidance and music, it can be practised
rechak phase (exhalation) increases flexibility of independently of a teacher.
the abdominal muscles, which in turn, facilitates
the process of expelling the foetus during natural Expectant mothers often feel restless due to
birth. the various physical and mental changes occurring
during pregnancy. Shavasana and Yoganidra
Aumkar gunjan is the best form of pranayam. encourage mental peace and help maintain
Regularly chanting Aum provides all the benefits hormonal balance. They foster peaceful sleep
of pranayam, and cultures the foetus with Aumkar. which is an absolute must during pregnancy.
This culturing helps the development of various As the foetus grows, the pregnant woman will
mental functions in the foetus, such as memory, complain about back and neck aches, and find her
grasping power, intelligence and concentration. movements restricted. Shavasana gives instant
relief by helping all the muscles of the body to
relax. Regular practice increases pranshakt in the
SHAVASANA AND YOGANIDRA body and improves blood circulation. The growing
foetus also benefits from this. Very, importantly,
Shavasana can be practised easily throughout Shavasana and Yoganidra will help prevent high
pregnancy. It is a great asana with which to end an blood pressure in the last trimester.
exercise session. It can also be practised at night
just before sleeping. At first, it should be practised All the exercises in this chapter may be
with the help of a qualified practitioner so you can performed throughout pregnancy.

Any awkward or inappropriate physical movement should be avoided during pregnancy. Specific
exercises, to increase the likelihood of a natural birth, should be performed.
Walking is the best exercise, and should be done in accordance with one’s capacity.
Pranayam and deep breathing should be practised regularly, to meet the increased oxygen demand
during pregnancy.
Shavasan should be practised during the entire pregnancy to foster mental peace.
Sukhasana, padmasana, and vajrasana, should be performed regularly to maintain flexibility of the
hip and pelvic joints.

117
 eae ye P ep
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

Yoga during pregnancy - 2

n the first trimester, the foetus is not SHAKTISANCHARAN
completely stable. Therefore, you (ENERGY FLOW)
should not practise any difficult asanas.
Some asanas are not practical in the 1. Sit in sukhasana, hands resting on
last trimester because the foetus has the thighs.
increased very much in size. It is easiest 2. While inhaling, slowly raise the arms
to do asanas in the second trimester, sideways up to 60 degrees, as shown
and hence this time should be used to in the illustration, with thumbs facing
the maximum. upwards and fingers lightly flexed
to form a fist. The arms should be
Follow all the instructions carefully to straight.
avail of all the benefits and to exercise 3. Continue to breathe slowly and
all the muscles involved, properly. deeply. Each cycle of inhalation and
These asanas should be integrated into exhalation should last for about 20-30
the daily routine, along with walking and seconds initially.
pranayam. 4. To complete the exercise, while
inhaling, raise both arms above the
Recommended prerequisites: head, with palms facing outward,
1. Offer a prayer before starting in such a way, that the backs of the
2. Face east or west while performing hands touch each other. Exhale.
the exercises.
3. Choose a location sheltered from
draughts
4. Practice yogasanas after morning
ablutions, and never on a full
stomach
5. Clothes should neither be too tight
nor too lose during practice.

All asanas should be first learned

from an expert, and then practised
independently. Keep in mind the
condition of the body and its flexibility,
as well as, the state and strength of
bones and joints. The asanas should be
performed only within the limits of your
comfort.

Shaktisancharan

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 Yoga during pregnancy - 2 see Ss eee ReaD ae

5. Inhale again, and while exhaling, lower the arms SANTULAN KRIYA BUTTERFLY
slowly and place them again on the thighs.
Note : The eyes should be steady and focused, This asana should be performed as follows in
or, alternatively, they may remain closed lightly. the first trimester:
1. Sit in sukhasana
As you get better at this asana, you should hold 2. Slowly bring the feet, one after the other, as
your arms up in the illustrated position and breathe close as possible to the groin, as shown in the
slowly and deeply for up to a minute, for the best illustration. The hands can then be placed on
effect of this exercise. If there is discomfort in the the knees.
arms while doing the asana, they should not be 3. Breathing deeply, remain in this position for 30
lowered suddenly. The above sequence should be seconds, then, while exhaling, stretch the legs
followed through to completion. straight out in front. With practice, the time can
be increased to 60- 90 seconds.
This asana strengthens the neck, shoulder From the fourth month onwards, the technique
and back muscles, and improves the supply of should be changed as follows:
pran (life energy) to these regions. It leads to an 1. Sit in sukhasana
improved flow of energy in the body, especially in 2. Bring the feet close together as described
the spine. This improved flow of energy, along with earlier.
deep breathing, increases the tolerance for pain, we Hold both feet with the hands
and is thus helpful during labour. 4. Steadily and slowly move both knees up and
down as far as possible, like the wings of a
This asana should be a part ofthe daily exercises butterfly. Exhale while moving the legs towards
throughout pregnancy, if possible. the ground and inhale as they move up. Do not
jerk or do this movement hurriedly.

Hold the asana for about 60-90 seconds. With

practice it should be possible to touch both knees
to the ground.

This asana facilitates the contraction-extension

capacity of the buttock and pelvic muscles. It also
strengthens the muscles of the thighs, legs and
pelvis, which aids the process of labour.

SANTULAN KRIYA SNEHA

(LOVE)
Regular practice of this kriya improves the
ventilation of the lungs and stimulates them, and
increases life energy. It also opens and activates
the heart centre.
Butterfly

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

1. Stand erect with feet 15-20 cm apart and pointing

slightly outwards. Keep the arms straight down
on either sides.
2. Raise the arms, then fold them, and gently tap
the chest with fingertips of both hands while
inhaling.
3. While holding the breath make loose fists, and
gently tap the chest with the palm-side of the
fists. Do this only as long as you can comfortably
hold your breath.
4. Exhale through pursed lips while lowering the
hands to the sides.
Repeat 6-7 times. This asana may be practised
throughout pregnancy.

HRUDAYACHAKRA UNMEELAN
(CHEST BALANCE)
This asana, activates the heart centre,
strengthens the contractile power of the chest
muscles, and consequently increases the capacity
of the lungs. It stimulates the circulation of rasa and
Sneha - Love rakta, which helps prevent complaints like breast
engorgement, or rigidity of the chest muscles. The

Hrudayachakra unmeelan ~1 Hrudayachakra unmeelan -2

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 Yoga during pregnancy - 2
penerennsee
pasa Stes
Poeun aap Sees
eehes Coenen arene=

neck and shoulder muscles are also exercised, helpful. You can easily look up Gomukhasan in any
and, if practiced regularly throughout pregnancy, book on yoga.
this asana can guard against the sagging of the
breasts, which is often seen after childbirth. KAAK BAITHAK (COCK POSE)
1. Sit in sukhasana or vajrasana. This is a squatting position as required when
2. Hold the hands in the ‘namaste’ pose (join your using an Indian-style toilet. The use of this type
hands like in prayer) in front of the face, with of toilet is preferable for pregnant women for just
elbows touching each other. The upper arms this reason. This asana strengthens and increases
should be parallel to the floor. Exhale fully. the contractile power of the major pelvic and waist
3. Inhale slowly, and open the arms fully, as shown in muscles. In addition, the buttock, thigh, knee and
the illustration, until they are parallel to the ears. calf muscles, which will aid the process of natural
4. Exhale and bring the arms back to the original delivery, are strengthened.
position. Repeat this procedure about 10
times. The following steps should be followed for the
5. To finish, inhale deeply, and while exhaling, first trimester:
place the hands on the thighs. 1. Sit in sukhasana.
2. Stretch both legs straight out in front, with the
GOMUKHASAN (COW FACE POSE) feet about 3-4 cms apart.
3. Rest the palms of both hands on the floor next
Gomukhasan brings similar benefits. Since we to the buttocks, parallel to the body.
have normally lost much of our flexibility, it may be 4. Slowly, while pressing the palms to the ground
difficult to grasp the hands behind the back. If this for support, bend the knees and sit in the
is the case, holding one end of a handkerchief, or squatting position.
a small towel, in each hand behind the back, is 5. Fold the hands into the namaste position (as

Gomukhasana
Hand positions in Gomukhasana

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Kakbaithak in in First Trimester

shown in the illustration) and breathe steadily

for one minute. If required, use the hands to
support yourself by holding on to something in
front of you (perhaps the led of a chair).
6. Return to the sukhasana position by reversing
the above steps.

From the fourth month onwards this kaak Kakbaithak after 4° month

baithak asana should be done as follows:

1. Stand and hold on to a strong, stable support times as comfortable. Once a certain proficiency
at chest level, such as a door handle, keeping is attained, however, it should be repeated 10-12
about 22-25 cm between the feet. times.
2. While inhaling and holding on to the handle for
support, slowly move downwards as if sitting After completion, bring the legs together and
on a chair. The thighs should be parallel to the gently massage the thighs and legs to help reduce
floor. fatigue. This asana is very helpful in ensuring that
3. Exhale while returning to the standing position. delivery is normal and natural.

If done in this manner, all the benefits of the MERUTARANG-SPINAL FLEXES

asana are obtained, without undue pressure being
exerted on the abdomen or uterus. This kriya benefits the entire spine, and
increases tolerance for the stress and strain of
If you are not accustomed to this position, labour. It also enhances the contractile (flexion and
there may be initial discomfort in the thighs. In this extension) abilities of the spinal muscles, as well as
case, the kriya should only be performed as many the blood circulation to this area. The kriya should

IAP
 Yoga during pregnancy-2

Merutarang Type 1-1 Merutarang Type 1-2

be practised from the fourth month of pregnancy asana and its movements are very subtle. The
until delivery. main benefit is derived from concentrating on
the lower third of the back during this asana.
There are three variations of this kriya, for the
upper, middle arid lower sections of the vertebral Repeat this procedure five times in the
column respectively. beginning, and 12-15 times, once a certain level of
proficiency has been reached.
Type one
Note : No jerks or sudden movements need occur
This benefits the lower one-third (sacral) part of during this kriya. The contraction and relaxation
the spine. In addition, it stimulates
the 1st (muladhar) should be rhythmic and harmonious. As pregnancy
chakra, which aids the process of labour. progresses, and the foetus grows in size, a pillow
may be placed between the thighs and the floor for
1. Sit in sukhasana support.
2. As shown in illustration 1-1, hold both feet
tightly with the palms. The thumbs should face Type two
upwards and the fingers should be on the soles
of the feet. This benefits the middle (lumbar) region of
3. Concentrating on the sacral region, inhale deeply the spine. In the early stages, the foetus will not
into the abdomen while holding the back erect. experience this kriya, but as its development
While exhaling, relax the sacrum (the back may progresses, it will also enjoy the kriya. This will
hunch a little while doing this). Inhale and make be felt by the mother-to-be. As already described,
your back erect again very slowly. Since the the foetus responds to movements made by its
hands are grasping the feet and soles securely mother.
and the neck is erect, only the lower third of
the spine is affected by this asana. The whole This _ kriya activates the 2nd chakra

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbér

2-2. Straighten the back again while inhaling. Since the neck
remains erect while one is sitting in vajrasana, the specific area
affected is the lumbar region.

Repeat this procedure five times in the beginning. Once proficient,

it may be increased to 12-15 times.
Precautions to be taken are the same as mentioned in type one
above.

Type three

This kriya is targeted at the upper one-third of the spine (thorax).

Regular practice stimulates the heart and the Anahat (hruday)
chakra.

Merutarang Type 3-1

Merutarang Type 2-2

(swadhishthan), and the adrenal glands, which

;
eel
help in reducing fatigue and weakness. All three
types ofthis kriya, particularly the second, should
be included in daily yoga practice.

1. Sit in vajrasana.
2. Rest the hands on the knees keeping the
arms and shoulders relaxed.
3. Inhale deeply while concentrating on the
lumbar region and keeping the back erect.
While exhaling, relax the lumbar region by
hunching the back as shown in illustration Merutarang Type 3-2

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 Yoga during pregnancy-2 ~

1. Sit in sukhasana on the muscles of the abdomen and the back.

2. Rest the hands on the knees, keep the elbows Ardhamarjarasana can help relieve this strain,
straight and shoulders relaxed. and should definitely be practised during the last
3. Inhale deeply, while concentrating on the upper trimester. It may even be used during the first
third (thoracic region) of the spine, and keep the stages of labour in case there is extreme back
back erect. While exhaling, relax the thorax by pain. It can help make the pain more bearable at
hunching the spine as shown in illustration 3-2. that time.
Inhale and straighten the spine. Since the arms
remain immobile from the elbows upwards, this 1. Sit in vajrasana.
asana remains focused on the thoracic region. 2. Slowly assume a crawling position, keeping
both hands straight below the shoulders and
Repeat this procedure five times in the both knees below the buttocks as shown in the
beginning. Once proficient, it may be increased to illustration. Both arms and legs should be in a
12-15 times. straight line. The soles of the feet should be
relaxed.
Note make sure that the arms remain ~ Inhale.
straight. While exhaling, raise the back upward, and
lower the head between the arms - as shown in
Other precautions are the same as described in the illustration.
type one. These three types of merutarang should 5. While inhaling, straighten the spine. Do not go
be done diligently, 12-15 times each, for best into the reverse bend of the spine - where the
results. A break of two - three minutes between spine moves downwards towards the ground -
each set is advised. during pregnancy!

ARDHA MARJARASANA Repeat this procedure five times in the

beginning, and, once proficient, increase to 12-15
(SEMI CAT POSE) times.
This asana provides the same benefits as
merutarang, is simple to practise, and can be All of the asanas should be done rhythmically,
performed at all times. As the foetus and the with no jerks or sudden movements, and ones
uterus grow in size, there is an increased strain

Ardhamarjarasana

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

breathing should remain even throughout. practised when bed-rest has been prescribed.

Since the reverse posture is not permitted during For Kriya 1-5, it is advised that you lie on your
pregnancy, this is only ardha (half) marjarasana. back. If necessary, a thin pillow may be placed
Complete marjarasana is contra indicated. under the waist. Hands should be at the sides,
parallel to the body.
All throughout pregnancy it is advisable to be
careful while rising up from a horizontal or sitting Kriya no. 1
position. In fact, it is recommended that one
assume the posture of this exercise if you need 1. While inhaling deeply, extend the feet
to get up from the floor or bed before rising up downwards towards the ground (1-1)
completely to stand. This posture should be also 2. Exhale and straighten the feet again. (1-2)
assumed while getting up from the kaak baithak 3. While inhaling, flex the feet (toes stretch towards
(described earlier). the body) (1-3)
4. While exhaling, return to the original position.
The asanas described so far affect almost all (1-2)
of the muscles. Many more and similar asanas
can be learned and practised regularly. However, Repeat five times.
describing all such asanas goes beyond the scope
of this book, therefore we have limited ourselves to Note : make sure that the heels remain steady
the most essential exercises. and do not move during the kriya.

SIMPLE EXERCISES - Kriya no. 2

STRETCHING
1. At the ankles and wrists, rotate the feet and
The expectant mother often feels tired, weak, hands, first clockwise then anticlockwise, five
fatigued, or listless. At such times, instead of times.
avoiding exercise altogether, perform some of
theses simple exercises outlined below. After Note : make sure that the heels and arms
consultation with a doctor, they may even be remain firmly on the ground. Only the hands and

Stretch Kriya 1.1 Stretch Kriya 1.2 Stretch Kriya 1.3

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 Yoga during pregnancy -2 |

the feet should be rotated.

Kriya no. 3

1. Place the hands on the floor slightly above the

head, palms facing upwards.
2. While inhaling, stretch the arms upward and the
feet downwards, as if being pulled in opposite
directions.
3. Exhale and relax.
5. Repeat this five times.

Kriya no. 4
1. While lying flat on the back, grasp one knee
with the hands and bring it as far as possible
towards the abdomen (flexion of knee and hip
joints). Hold this position and breathe deeply for
about 5 times.
2. Straighten the leg.
3. Repeat with the other leg.

Kriya no. 5

1. While lying flat on the back, bend both legs and

bring the knees towards the abdomen. Maintain
this position for about five breath breathing Stretch Kriya No. 6
cycles.

Note : Make sure that there is no undue

pressure and strain on the abdomen, while doing
Kriyas 4 and 5. These kriyas benefit the back and
waist, and reduce tension in the pelvic muscles. 2. Interlock the fingers of both hands behind the
They also help to expel gases. back as shown in the figure.
3. While exhaling, stretch the hands backwards
To conclude, straighten the legs, turn on one and upwards as far as possible.
side, come up onto all fours (ardhamarjasana) 4. Inhale and bring the hands back to the relaxed
before rising up completely. Exhale as you stand starting position.
up.
Repeat 5-10 times.
Kriya no. 6
After completing the above exercises, sit
1. Stand with the feet about 10-12 cm apart. straight, supporting the back against a wall, with

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Nes Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

the legs stretched out, or lie down on the back for

three to five minutes, breathing calmly and slowly.

The exercises help to improve circulation and

although very quick, they have a positive effect on
the muscles as well.

Other important points for daily life:

The expectant mother should always stand
erect.
While sitting, she should keep her back
straight, or use a pillow for support, in case of
discomfort.
Her breathing should be normal, slow and
steady at all times, especially while doing any The ideal posture for a pregnant woman
to lift objects from the floor
work or exercise.
Sleeping on the side rather than on the back
is advised. As the uterus increases in size, the lie first on the side then turn onto the back. If
position as shown in illustration 21, with a pillow necessary, a small pillow can be placed below
between the knees, is recommended. the waist.
Do not bend the back when reaching down to
pick something up. The correct method is to Apart from these exercises, appropriate routine
squat (bend at the knees and lower the body movement also helps to ensure normal delivery. In
slowly). Inhale while going down and exhale fact, during pregnancy, everyday movement should
while getting up. only be done in ways that are ideal for the human
If you want to sit in one place for a long time, body. Sitting, standing, assuming restful postures
instead of a chair, it is better to sit on the ground or carrying and picking things up, can all be done
against a wall in sukhasana, or with the legs in suitable and unsuitable ways, depending on our
stretched out. This improves the flexibility of the habits. All the unsuitable and improper movement
pelvic region. results in a build up of vata imbalance, and should
The bed used for sleeping should not be too be avoided as much as possible.
high. Instead of immediately lying on the back,
ee

The ideal posture for a pregnant woman to sleep in

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 Yoga during pregnancy -2 [aaa

Perform all asanas within your comfort limit.

Unless otherwise specified, breathe normally and steadily while doing the exercises.
Wherever possible, follow the breathing technique as mentioned.
Do not disrupt the exercise routine, even if there is tiredness or fatigue?
All movements during pregnancy should be done with caution and due awareness.
When doing asanas and exercises, concentrate on the body part that is expected to benefit
from them.

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Garbha Sanskar

Preparations prior to
delivery
prasavam prati ».Susruta $arirasthana

The head faces downwards, and the

legs are bent towards the body. This
is the Prakrut asan of the foetus. This
position is ideal for natural childbirth.

mateq Ad: Ca oul

Tegptarargl THaATe 1 ... HOTTEST PRR

Garbhastu matuh prsthabhimukho lalate

krtafjalih sankucitango garbha-kosthe
... Astangahrdaya Sarirasthana

This shloka, from Ashtanga-hruday

Sharirsthan, states that while in the
uterus, the foetus lies naturally with its
Natura! Position of the Foetus
face turned towards the mother’s spine,
its body bent, and with both hands
e have already learned that the foetus is together in front of the head.
suspended in the amniotic fluid present
in the uterus. When small in size, the If this position changes for any
foetus moves in all directions: up, down, reason, natural labour may be difficult. In
sideways, and even turns upside down. Ayurvedic literature, a condition in which
As its size increases, however, its the foetus is in an unnatural position is
movement become more restricted. called moodhgarbha.

Prakrut asan refers to the natural The primary reason for moodhgarbha
position of the foetus in the uterus, and is is the mother moving incorrectly or
described in the following shloka from the inappropriately during the pregnancy.
Sushrut Sharirsthan. Several cause are listed below.

aI SARE: Va TAT Naga fen: | Too much physical work.

a ait foreen anf Pastrana wed Ufa 1 Lifting heavy objects.
Too much travelling.
Inappropriate or excess exercise, too
abhugnolbhimukhah sete much walking or running.
garbho garbhaSaye striyah Trauma to the abdomen due to a fall,
Ya yonim Sirasa yati svabhavat or injury caused otherwise.
Severe jolts, possibly due to swinging

130
 Epes
Preparations prior to delivery ==LOSS a3
atiee sas

of the legs while sitting, swinging on a swing, or The pregnant woman should continue to take
travelling on bad or pot-holed roads. regular walks towards the end of pregnancy to
Sitting incorrectly or squatting when not help the baby's head descend and fit into the pelvic
required. brim. In case of a primigravida (first pregnancy),
Attempted abortion. the head usually engages in the eighth month, and
the expectant mother should take longer walks
If you suppress natural urges such as urination from this month onwards. In the case of second
and bowel movements, eat very dry or very spicy or or subsequent pregnancies, the head usually
any other gas producing foods, you could prompt engages in the ninth month, so she could extend
moodgarbha. Another instance in which a normal her walks during this time.
vaginal birth may be difficult is if the placenta is
attached to the lower rather than upper part of the From the point of view of doshas, the main
uterus. cause of moodhgarbha is an imbalance in vata
dosha, especially in the apanvayu, which can
As explained above, the easiest position for manifest itself in several forms, as described in the
delivery is when the foetus’ head is downwards Sushrut Nidansthan.
with the face turned towards the mother's spine. If,
instead of the head, the face, shoulders, or hands a aa ferponronfanifecisocraey
sta Weld Tal
are lowest, it is called moodhgarbha. In some Gea Bad |... gaa Rarer
cases, during childbirth, the buttocks, knees or
legs emerge first instead of the: head, a situation Sa yada vigunanila-pratipidito~ patyapatham
referred to as 'breech'. Sometimes the foetus lies anekadha prapadyate tada sankhaya hiyate
horizontally (parallel to the ground) in the uterus. .... Susruta nidanasthana
Ayurved calls this condition parigh (transverse
presentation) and it is the most difficult presentation When apanavayu gets disturbed and enters
for labour. the birth canal, it causes several different types of
moodgarbha.
The natural position of the foetus is important
because it helps the head to become engaged in In this context, | recall a patient who has been
the pelvic area (brim), during the eighth or the ninth one of many who was under my care for the
month of pregnancy. This engagement means that entire duration of their pregnancy. Till the seventh
the baby's head actually gets fixed into the area or eighth month, the development, weight, and
meant for it, just before delivery. The position position of the foetus was perfect. In the eighth
does not change thereafter and then the head can month, she inadvertently moved a heavy box, and
emerge first during delivery. immediately felt the baby turn inside her abdomen.
A visit to the gynaecologist confirmed that the
Once the baby’s head is engaged, its movements foetus had shifted from its original position and had
naturally decrease. This may cause some concern become slightly horizontal. This incident occurred
at first, but it is natural. The reduction in movement some time ago, and the treatment then consisted
helps to ensure a proper delivery and there is of administering gentle abdominal massage, to
usually no need to worry. slowly move the baby back to its correct position.
The woman subsequently delivered at full term,

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Garbha Senskar

without any further complications. The attendant doctor, and the lying-in hospital
have a vital role to.play in the natural delivery
In this manner, it is possible for experienced process. They should be selected carefully.
doctors or midwives to correct minor problems. More
serious problems could, however, require surgery, Natural labour is beneficial for both the mother
and extreme care should be taken to prevent such and baby, and the appropriate diet, behavior and
situations occurring at all. exercises, which facilitate this, have already been
described. Besides these, the following measures
Delivery is much easier if the mother can, through should be followed in the ninth month.
her breathing, control the speed of the baby's descent
and her contractions, during a particular stage of A cotton swab soaked in Santulan Femisan Oil
labour. Earlier, midwives would generally take care should be applied to the vagina.
of this, motivating and instructing the expectant Application of Santulan Kundalini Oil (containing
mother accordingly. As this has now become rare, herbs which pacify vata), from the tail-bone to
the mother-to-be should make an effort to learn the waist.
these breathing techniques from trained teachers Massaging the breasts with Santulan Suhrud
during the ninth month. Oil and the lower part of the abdomen with
Santulan Rose Beauty Oil.
In the ninth month, the woman should mentally A light diet, and early dinners (by 7 p.m.). Ensure
prepare herself and her baby for the coming birth. A that bowel movements are regular.
fully grown nine-month foetus is now a 'baby', has an
independent identity, and is sensitive. So the mother If the guidelines outlined for every month are
can, and should, interact with her baby during this followed properly, the muscles of the lumbar, pelvic
month. She should tune in to her inner self and talk region and the back, become supple, lubricated, and
to the baby as if it were there in front of her, telling flexible. All of this will lead to the birth of a healthy
it how eager the entire family is to welcome it. She and illness-free child, can occur naturally at full term,
should also tell the baby that being born vaginally without any problems.
(the natural birth process) will make it easier for both
of them. She should explain that everything is going All the above-mentioned guidelines, help to
to be simple and easy. Some readers may find these balance vata dosha, and maintain apanvayu, and
points ridiculous, but those who have actually gone so, contribute to an easy and timely delivery.
through this process, and experienced it, know how
true and important this is. Such an inner dialogue DELIVERY
is made clearer with the help of regular meditation
and listening to healing music. Both these activities
MISCONCEPTIONS & BELIEFS
should be done more frequently in the ninth month. As full term approaches, questions and doubts
about delivery-related issues will arise, and possibly
The mother should devote maximum time to the be compounded by interactions with friends and
coming child. It goes without saying, that leaving family. The following points should erase some of
the house should be avoided unless necessary. The those doubts:
mother should not involve herself in unnecessary
activities.

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 Preparations prior to delivery a
Rent Sot

The Time of Delivery abdomen, at times above the umbilicus, or in the

sides or the back, and they are generally irregular.
Generally ‘full term' denotes 280 days of True labour pains, on the other hand, begin in
pregnancy (Refer to the chart to calculate the the lower abdomen, and are fairly regular. The
expected due date or EDD). However, the EDD reasons for false labour pains could be flatulence,
is Only an approximation, and delivery may not indigestion, constipation, or irregular bowel
necessarily occur on that day. The baby may movements. False labour pains are dull or weak
possibly be born eight days before or after this date, pains. Unlike true labour pains, they do not become
i.e. within a time frame of 15 days around the EDD. stronger. False labour pains can be experienced
Do not fix a particular date in your mind according even if the date of delivery is not imminent.
to the EDD calculator or you will end up anxious
if delivery doesn't occur on that very date. Labour Remedies for false labour pains
pains that commence naturally are beneficial for
normal vaginal birth without complications. There Eat food that is light and easy to digest
should be no unnecessary worry about the timing Eat a mixture of ginger juice and honey
of delivery. Drink hot or warm water regularly
dae Apply Santulan Rose Beauty Oil on
eget the
It has also been observed, that women whose abdomen
menstrual cycle lasts less than 30 days, tend to 5. Chew on roasted bishop's weed seeds
deliver before the due date. Conversely, those
women who have a cycle of more than 30 days If these provide no relief then you should consult
often deliver after the expected due date. However, a doctor.
the reason for the commencement of labour pains,
at a particular point, exact reason for the pain has Are Labour Pains Unbearable?
never been fully understood.
Of course natural labour is quite painful, but it
False Labour Pains has natural causes, and the reward is sweet and
fulfilling.
The uterus is a muscular organ, and to expel
the foetus during labour, the muscles begin to If you have taken care to follow the guidelines in
contract. This causes labour pains, which are in no this book to prepare for labour, it should be easier
way similar to abdominal aches and pains. Pain, in to bear. Here is a quick reminder of the guidelines.
the absence of uterine contractions, is called ‘false
labour pain’ and many women, especially those in 1. Regular practice of breathing techniques and
their first pregnancy, may experience such pain. At asanas to keep the muscles required for labour
times they are similar to labour pains, but with no flexible.
outcome. 2. Massage and internal oil applications to keep
apanavayu balanced and the birth canal
It is important to know the difference between lubricated.
3. The application of herbal pastes (/ep) as
false and true labour pains, else it could lead to
suggested in this book.
uncertainty, and unnecessary distress. False labour
pains can occur at any time and anywhere in the

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanshér

In labour, it is advisable to remain relaxed and The Disturbance of Apanavayu

not focus on the pain, as that will just increase the
stress. The process of birth should be experienced During labour, apanvayu moves downwards,
with a caim, peaceful mind and a joyful attitude. and pushes the baby out. Once the foetus grows to
a certain optimum stage, aganvayu is automatically
Nowadays, many women are inclined to think activated.
that they can avoid labour pains by undergoing
surgery. However, it should be remembered that lf a Caesarean section is performed, apanvayu
labour pains only last for a short time, while the becomes active at an inappropriate time, and moves
side effects of surgery last throughout life. Another in the wrong direction, resulting in an imbalance of
disturbing trend is the use of painkillers during vata dosha. This, in turn, could lead to excessive
labour. This has one major disadvantage. Since weight gain, increase in abdominal girth, and lax
the woman cannot feel her contractions after abdominal muscles after the operation,
painkillers, she cannot apply adequate pressure at
exactly the appropriate times during delivery, and A Caesarean section should be performed only
this could cause problems during childbirth. if there is a genuine and pressing necessity. In the
case of a Caesarean section you need to ensure all
Like it has been explained earlier, if you follow all the more that you follow all the practices outlined
the guidelines from the beginning of pregnancy, the in this book to ensure that vata dosha remains as
natural process of birth can progress smoothly. balanced as possible.

Caesarean vs Normal Birth Returning to original form

During my travels abroad, around 20-25 years It is said that going through the process of childbirth
ago, | noticed a surprising trend. In cases where is like beginning a new life all over again, To ensure
the due date for delivery fell on a weekend, the a return to the original pre-pregnancy state, the
pregnant woman was administered various drugs mother has to make a lot of effort after delivery
to induce labour on the Friday just before (to free to pacify vata dosha, and allow enough time for
up the weekend), or a Caesarean section was regeneration.
performed to fit the doctor's schedule rather than
wait for the baby to be delivered at its own time. The after-effects of a C-section make it very
difficult to carry out the remedies necessary to deal
Over the years though, many women have with vata dosha after childbirth. The Caesarean
begun again to choose to deliver the baby at home section incision, the stitches, and the resultant
with the help of a trained nurse or midwife. This is blood loss, need time to heal. Besides restricting
the result of an increased awareness all over the certain movements, it also restricts the woman from
world of the importance of natural birth. Natural practising certain yoga asanas and exercises. On
labour is best for the health of the mother and her the other hand, after a natural vaginal delivery the
child. woman will get back to regular movement within
3-4 days.

in any case it is very important that the woman

134
 Preparations prior to delivery eee 2)

who has just given birth should have oil applied all a very important organ, is also weakened by the
over her body. Even if oil is not applied to the scar surgical incision, and this could affect hormonal
after a Caesarean section, it should certainly be balance and, in turn, overall health. Since the
used to massage other parts of the body, such as uterus is weakened, women who have had a
the buttocks, thighs and back. After a C-section it is Caesarean, are advised to have two children at
even more important to have oil massages, smoke the most. Furthermore, if the woman has a weak
therapy and fomentation to balance disturbed constitution, a second child is not advisable at all,
vata. or special care is required for her to conceive again.
In some cases, the weakened uterus cannot bear
Preparation for breast-feeding the weight of the full-term foetus during the second
pregnancy, and a Caesarean is again advised
The body becomes progressively ready for beforehand. If a second conception occurs before
the birth process as early as the eighth month of the scar on the uterus has healed, after the first
pregnancy. In the breasts, the changes necessary caesarian, this can also lead to complications.
for milk production also take place. After a natural
delivery, the production of milk starts immediately, After a natural delivery, it is easier for the uterus
which does not necessarily happen after a to contract and slowly return to its normal shape and
Caesarean delivery. With a Caesarean, medication size. It has been observed that after a Caesarean
is sometimes required to help the mother start the section, the menstrual cycle post-delivery begins
flow of milk. earlier than expected, which has a negative effect
on breast milk production, and the health of the
Easy acclimatization after natural birth mother.

For the child, the most important benefit of the Other Issues
natural vaginal delivery is that the birth occurs in
gradual stages, and the baby emerges from the TaTATaTeS ATT HATTARAal:
stfereiiferd Lea AAT
birth canal very slowly. This helps the baby to ae torredateded AR: Ustateheh afeaerfa at wes
get acclimatized to the outside environment, and arifa, aaa TETRA
vata qeifita Frege
breathing, crying and other movements happen fared da ga a GaaIeTa:, PATA PA
relatively easily. Tata sit Aah BAT |

The scenario is quite different in a caesarean Prajatayasya narya ruksa-Sarirayastiksnaih

birth. The child is abruptly presented to the outside avisodhitam raktam vayuna tad
environment. Owing to this sudden shock, the deSagatenatisamruddham nabheradhah
newborn needs more time to acclimatize itself to parsvayorbastau bastisirasi va granthim karoti,
the outside world. tataSca nabhibastyudarasulani bhavanti sucibhiriva
nistudyate bhidyate diryate iva ca pakvasayah,
Other Serious Side Effects Of the Caesarian samantad-adhmanam-udare mitrasangasca bhavati
iti makkala laksanam
Section

The above verse illustrates the situation, where

Surgery also weakens the abdominal muscles.
This could cause a hernia in the future. The uterus, a woman with a “dry intestinal system” (dryness in

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Garbha Senskér

the body), delivers a child, and the impure blood, Nowadays, most women do not follow diet
which is not completely discharged or removed guidelines, or behaviour and lifestyle precautions,
with medicines having penetrating properties, which result in a vata imbalance throughout the
subsequently obstructing the flow of vayu. This pregnancy. In such cases, labour may not begin
blood then accumulates behind the umbilicus, naturally once full term is complete, and may have
the bladder, or laterally to the bladder, forming a to be induced with drugs. This can further increase
knot, which causes pain in the abdomen, bladder, the vata imbalance.
or umbilical region, or a pricking pain in the large
intestine. Furthermore, the area around the stomach The healthier and better alternative, is to work
bloats, and there is difficulty in passing urine. This towards natural labour and birth, right from the
condition is called makkal. beginning.

The foetus should be in 'prakrut asan' to ensure a natural, normal delivery.

This prakrut asan can change through inappropriate movement by the mother.
Regular exercise supports the prakrut asan of the foetus.
Breathing techniques can be used when labour is in progress to make the pain bearable. These
techniques should be learned and practised in advance.
A natural, normal delivery is ideal for the health of the mother and the child. All efforts made to ensure
this, should be encouraged.

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 St Seee
bd 5 !
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

Delivery

YMPTOMS OF THE ONSET

abdomen and the mother can now
OF LABOUR breathe more easily. But there is now
extra pressure on the urinary bladder and
Ayurved outlines the signs and symptoms neighbouring organs (as the uterus rests
of the onset of labour as follows on the bladder at this time). This leads to
an increase in the frequency of urination
wid f forfae Het qed eae | or defecation. It also becomes difficult to
walk around, or sit on the floor, and the
thighs feel heavy. The lower abdomen
Jate hi sithile kuksau mukte (below the umbilicus) feels bulky. If
hrdaya-bandhane ... Susruta Sarirasthana it is a woman's first pregnancy these
symptoms are evident around one week
A woman who feels emptiness on both prior to the actual delivery. In subsequent
pregnancies they occur only three to four

Dialation of the Cervix

Position of the baby during delivery

lateral sides of the abdomen, whose heart days before delivery.

feels free from bondage or heaviness (a
lessening of pressure around the heart), How long does it take for the baby to be
is shortly going to deliver her baby. born? Or how long does labour last?

As the time of delivery draws near, Across the world, about 130 million
the baby descends into the pelvis (this women give birth each year. Each
is called ‘lightening'). This changes the process of labour is of a different duration.
general shape of the abdomen. The The mother and child go through different
downward shift of the foetus relieves stages, from the onset of pains, until the
pressure from the upper part of the actual birth of the baby.

17
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

The following is a description of the process of enters the vagina through the cervix, passes
labour. through the vagina, and ultimately, emerges from
the external vaginal opening.
Ta
GS Safa forma werent ate,
FIM FO TAT, TOMA, ATT: SHH, In the first stage, the cervix slowly dilates and
faqad a-ercaftia aera: Fa: ae, AerTHcd, stretches, so that the head of the foetus can pass
aaul-afed-cnfe-pfa—misigs Fede:, a: wea, through. In some women, this occurs easily, without
srremiera
atta | aes endear too much discomfort, but others may have a lot of
pain.
Tasyastu khalu imani lingani prajanana-
kamabhito bhavanti, tadyatha klamo gatranam, In such cases, the pain is inconsistent but has
glanirananasya, aksnoh Saithilyam, vimukta a particular pattern when it occurs. At first, the pain
bandhanatvamiva vaksasah, kukseh avasramsanam, occurs every 10-12 minutes, and lasts for about half
adho-guurutvam, vanksana-basti-kati-kuksi- a minute. Slowly, as time passes, both the intensity
parsva-prstha nistodah, yoneh prasravanam, and frequency of the pains increase. Towards the
anannabhilasasceti ....Caraka Sarirasthana end of this phase, contractions generally occur
every three to five minutes, and last for about 45
SIGNS OF LABOUR seconds.

A general feeling of weariness, weakness and The first stage can last for anywhere between a
listlessness, which may even be noticeable on few hours up to two days. Incase ofa first pregnancy,
the face. this stage usually lasts for 12-24 hours.
The eyes lose their shine, and there is a feeling
of fatigue in the breasts and chest area. On rare occasions, at the end of the first stage,
Loss of appetite. the mother may have the urge to push the foetus
Pain and discomfort in the back, waist and lower out, even though the cervix is not yet fully dilated.
abdomen. Do not give in to this urge since the baby's head
Watery, or, at times, slightly sticky discharge may press on the undilated cervix, and cause
from the vagina (the discharge of the mucus swelling in the cervical area. This could obstruct
plug). the later stages of labour, so no pressure should
be exerted during this phase. The breathing
The time, from the onset of these symptoms until techniques described earlier, help to regulate this
the placenta is delivered, is called prasavakriya in stage of labour, and, in particular, to control the urge
Ayurved (labour or delivery). It has three distinct to push. This allows the cervix to dilate properly.
stages.
The pregnant woman should consciouly breathe
deeply in this phase. This prevents muscle fatigue
FIRST STAGE and helps conserve strength for subsequent
phases, when it is really required.
THE LATENT PHASE
The cervix remains closed throughout the Towards the end of this phase the pains will
pregnancy. During the labour process the foetus begin to occur at regular intervals of approximately

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 Delivery

five minutes. When this happens it is time to apply movements, or constipation, lead to irregular
Santulan Balant Lep (a medicinal paste) around contractions.
the umbilicus. This paste should be kept handyy
in advance and applied around the umbilicus in a Food intake during labour: A major question
circular motion. This application helps expedite the that people have about labour is regarding the food
next phase of delivery. that the pregnant woman can eat during this time.

Apply a_ vata-pacifying oil like Santulan She should continuously sip liquids like fresh
Abhyang (S) Oil to the pregnant woman's waist, fruit juices, water with salt and sugar or sherbet.
back, thighs and lower abdomen. The oil should be Solid food should be avoided. For lunch or dinner,
warm during application. It helps apanavata move soft liquid rice, soups, liquid khichadi or pureed
in the right direction, making the process of labour rice, are fine. The intake of fluids should not be
easier. in excess though. It is important merely to ensure
that the body is supplied with a sufficient amount of
The woman in labour should pay close attention salt and sugar, to provide adequate energy to the
to the frequency of the contractions. She should muscles.
note when each contraction starts and stops. As
labour progresses, contractions should be stronger, The traditional custom of eating sheera (please
have smaller intervals in between them and also refer to the chapter on Special Recipes) when
last longer each time. As she goes further into labour pains start, or before leaving for the hospital,
labour they should occur at closer intervals and last has some logic. Sheera is satisfying, strengthening,
longer. If the contractions happen to be irregular and lubricating. The ghee used in sheera is easily
i.e. they differ in intensity - some being heavy and absorbed, and is an internal lubricant, which keeps
the others less intense, and if the intervals between the intestines supple and prevents constipation.
them are irregularly long or short, it does not bode The sugar used in sheera is assimilated slowly and
well for a natural delivery. provides energy for the effort that is going to be
made.
In the case of irregular contractions, Ayurved
suggests that inhaling the fragrance of herbs, such SECOND STAGE
as koshtakolinjan, kalalavi (Gloriosa superba),
proves beneficial. Dhoop to the genital area, with
herbal mixtures such as madanfal and guggul, or
devdaru and guggu! will prove helpful.
Asyam avasthayam paryankmenaropya
The application of Santulan Balant Lep, as pravahayitum upakrameta _ ...Caraka Sarirasthana
mentioned above, along with gentle massage of
the waist, pelvis and back with warm Santulan During the first stage of labour, the woman may
Abhyang Oil, help to alleviate the complications. still be mobile, but it is advised that she lie down in
the second stage, which starts with the complete
The pregnant woman's bowel movements dilation of the cervix, and ends with the delivery
should be regular when she goes into labour. of the foetus. This phase begins with the rupture
It has often been observed that irregular bowel of the amniotic sac, but as the head of the foetus

139
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Garbha Senskér

blocks the birth canal, not all of the amniotic fluid and shoulders, and the exercises done for these
is expelled. The remaining fluid then helps create muscles, throughout pregnancy, prove useful
pressure, which pushes the foetus downwards. At here.
this stage, the active participation of the woman
is needed to push the baby out. This augments The Ayurvedic texts recommend that other
the contractions that are also pushing the foetus. women be present during labour. These should not
She should push when a contraction begins, and be just any women, but should fulfill the following
continue to push until it stops. Applying pressure requirements.
before or after the contractions is not favourable
for the delivery or for the foetus, and only tires the
mother unnecessarily.

Charak Samhita explains this phase in the

following lines: Striyasca bahvayo bahush prajatah sauharda-
yuktah satatamanuraktah pradaksinacara
SMTA AAT WAST: A GAMA: Weed AeA. pratipattikusalah prakrtivatsalah tyakta-visadah
ad vata, won aren fern facpfancaa, kleSasahinyo~bhimata _ ....Caraka Sarirasthana
MAPA IM IAT a Hata | AMT sha
VATE Ben VST Aaa AAU ATANATETA, In addition to nurses and doctors, women
an Weer TETTEUTafa |a Bearest srewata present at the birth should have the following
ATA EM | AM aS Hadt WA: ys vated, AdISARR qualities-
TOA |... AMET IRCA
A loving and helpful nature, experience and
Anagatavirma pravahisthah ya hyanagatavih knowledge of childbirth, mental strength, and the
pravahate vyarthamevasyastat karma bhavati, praja ability to encourage and understand the woman in
casya vikrta vikrtimapanna ca, $vasa-kasa-sosa- labour.
pliha-prasakta va bhavati
Anagata-kalam garbhamapi pravahamana They should also be known persons, related to
yatha caisameva ksavathvadinam the woman, and be present for the entire duration
sandharanamupaghatayopapadyate, tatha prapta- of delivery. They should also be able to show
kalasya garbhasyapravahanamiti confidence in natural procedures that will work in
Sa yatha-nirdesSam kurusveti vaktavya syat the pregnant woman's favour in the long run.
Tatha ca kurvati Sanaih puirvam pravaheta,
tato~nantaram balavattaram _ ....Caraka Sarirasthana Ayurved has outlined a specific mantra, to be
whispered in the ear of the woman, during the final
Contractions generally occur at intervals of two stage of labour:
to three minutes, lasting for approximately 1-114
minutes each time. The woman should breathe
deeply in the interval between contractions, so that
chUt AA HAY SU STRUT etTe,
she can give adequate pressure when they occur. “fafasie fees aration: marae: |
Pressure
eral calFal Urq ayers a feerg a
should be exerted from the neck Wya wasfateos sfaftos ys |
140
 Delivery ae

aalfdehaelfa Oat aaiftcreanfetaray aia. ace erie The second stage of labour ends with the birth
of the child, heralding the onset of the third stage.
Karne casya mantram imam anukila stri japet,
THIRD STAGE
‘Ksitirjalam viyattejo vayuh Visnuh Prajapatih
Sagarbham tvam sada pantu vaisalyam ca disantu te Once the baby is born, the uterus becomes
somewhat smaller in size, thereby loosening the
Prasusva tvam aviklistam aviklista Subhanane placenta, which is attached to the uterine wall.
Kartikeyadyutim putram artikeyabhiraksitam’’
iti ...Caraka sarirasthana Due to the strong contractions, the uterine
muscles have by then become fatigued, and the
“May the Earth, Water, Sky, Air, Fire, Vishnu, spontaneous expulsion of the placenta begins
and Prajapati, protect you and your child. May they only after a short break of about fifteen to twenty
also help you to have a safe delivery. May your minutes. The intensity of the contractions is fairly
baby be born without undue effort. May the baby mild by this time, and generally not too distressing.
be as brilliant as Kartikeya and may Kartikeya The expulsion of the placenta takes around 30
himself protect it.” minutes after the birth of the child. When the
placenta reaches the vagina it can be gently
This mantra should be chanted when the woman removed manually. There is absolutely no need to
is bearing down with the contractions. exert undue force, either by pulling the umbilical
cord, or the woman exerting pressure to push it
With strong contractions, the head of the foetus out.
gradually moves forward, and after it emerges, the
shoulders and then the rest of the body follow. In Pulling at the umbilical cord before the placenta
the first pregnancy, this stage can last for about two has naturally detached from the uterine wall can
hours, and for about half an hour in subsequent cause haemorrhage, which could endanger the
pregnancies. mother. However, if the placenta is not expelled
after 30-35 minutes, it must be removed with
Nowadays an episiotomy - an incision in the special measures.
perineum made to facilitate the easy emergence
of the foetus - is carried out routinely, without really Ayurved has recommended certain remedies
assessing if there is a need for it. Normally, the for expulsion of the placenta if it does not expel on
mouth of the vagina is optimally dilated and relaxed its own. They are as follows:
at this stage, so that the foetus can come out easily. Smoke therapy using bhojpatra (Betula
Stitches given after an episiotomy, can restrict the bhojapatra) and guggul (Balsamodendron
woman’s movements while sitting or standing, and, mukul) or similar herbs.
in some cases, may also cause problems during Application of a paste made of ghee cultured
sexual intercourse in future. with the root of the rice plant, to the genital area
(vagina and surrounding area).
As soon as the foetus emerges, the vaginal The application of a paste made from the root
area should be covered immediately, to prevent of the kalalavi (Gloriosa superba), finely ground
vata from entering the uterus. and applied on the woman’s palms and soles.

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Ingesting a mixture made from pimpli (Piper a doctor or a trained nurse should carry out this
longum), cardamom, bor (Zizyphus jujuba), bid procedure.
lavan (a kind of salt) etc., which helps the uterus
to contract. It is also important to ensure that the entire
placenta is expelled, and that nothing remains. The
The delay in the expulsion of the placenta expulsion of the whole placenta ends the third stage
can be due to the obstruction of the movement of of labour and completes the process of delivery.
apanvata. Ayurved suggests a special basti to help
this situation. The next phase of care for the new mother (she
is called sutika in Ayurved) will last several months
and is described in detail in the following chapters.

The entire process of delivery can last up to 12-

24 hours for the first pregnancy, and about 4-12
Tadasthapanamasyah saha vata-mutra- hours for successive pregnancies.
purisairnirharatyaparamasaktam
vayorevapratinulomagamatvat Some women report that even their first labour
Aparam hi vata-mutra-purisanyanyani only lasted four hours. It is possible that their
cantarbahirmargani sajjanti —_...Caraka Sarirasthana constitutions may be such that they did not feel the
pains of the first stage, and therefore they assume
Normally, waste products such as gases, urine, that the entire labour process consists only of the
and faeces are excreted from the body. If this does last two stages. Nature must take its course and
not occur, then the placenta may be blocked within the first stage has to occur for the next two to take
the body. In such cases, the administration of special place. Women who do not realize when the first
basti helps to regularize the flow of apanvata. This phase came and went should consider themselves
facilitates the evacuation of waste products, and very lucky indeed.
leads to the expulsion of the placenta.
The reason we have gone into such detail
However, this basti, called asthapan basti, about the process of childbirth is that some women
should be administered only under the guidance of have no idea about the birth process. Incomplete
an expert vaidya. or superficial Knowledge may cause them to fear
delivery, or they may assume that childbirth is a
The final measure suggested, if all this does not very difficult test to go through.
work, is to remove the placenta by hand.
With good guidance a woman can prepare
A clean pair of hands with clipped fingernails herself well throughout pregnancy for delivery.
are required for this procedure. The hands should Preparations will provide courage and help her go
be smeared with an oily substance, such as ghee, through labour with relative ease.
and inserted into the vagina. The umbilical cord
should be used for guidance, and followed gently to In Ayurvedic terminology a woman who has just
reach the placenta, which should then be tenderly delivered a child (post-partum) is called sutika. As per
dislodged and removed from the uterine wall. Only Ayurvedic science, women who have just delivered

142
 Delivery

should be given a number of treatments to help them should have vata-pacifying properties such as those
return to a balanced state. in Santulan Shakti Dhoop.

As described earlier, vata regulates and controls As a result of the intense physical work during
the entire delivery process. After carrying the foetus labour, the new mother is usually tired, and begins
for nine months, the uterus is suddenly empty after to feel hungry by this time. If this is the case then
delivery and the woman is tired after labour. All of Ayurved suggests that she should first be given a
these factors contribute to an increase of vata in specifically medicated ghee to eat. The amount of
her body. The main aim of these treatments, done ghee is to be determined by an expert Ayurvedic
immediately after childbirth, is to pacify this vata as physician after checking her general health, appetite,
soon as possible. physical strength, and the strength of her digestive
fire (Agni) into account.
The first treatment to be administered is a gentle
massage to the sutika's lower abdomen, below the If she is not able to ingest this ghee, then she
umbilicus, with warm, vata-pacifying oil. Her back should be given a decoction (kadha) of Dashamool.
should be massaged a little as well. Dashamool is a set of ten specific roots of herbs
that are excellent for pacifying vata (your vaidya or
Usa wage aietengea| Ayurvedic medical shop will be able to guide you
Tem stesusa plans a asad i about this). The dashamool herbs should be bought
beforehand in case they are required. To prepare the
cate Cae ari TAS VTEAAA |. areata feacreaa decoction, a handful of all the herbs should be boiled
with four glasses of water, until the liquid is reduced
Pidayet ghattamudaram garbha-dosa-pravrttaye to one quarter (one glass) of the original amount.
Mahata adustapattena kuksi-parsve ca vestayet This liquid should then be strained, and two spoons
Tenodaram sva-samsthanam yati vayusca samyati of pure home-made ghee added to it. It should be
...Kasyapa khilasthana consumed by the sutika while still warm. This herbal
decoction helps to pacify and balance vata and
The remnants of childbirth should be removed protects the sutika from post-partum diseases.
from the uterus immediately after delivery. To
achieve this, the abdomen of the sutika should be After this the sutika can be given a meal of liquid
pressed gently (to whatever extent she allows) and rice, or rice cooked with mung dal. Add a good
a belt tied around the abdominal region. This helps quantity of pure ghee and a little dry ginger powder,
the abdomen return to its pre-pregnancy state and pimpli powder and a pinch of sa/ndhav (rock salt) for
pacifies vata. taste and to make the meal a little spicy. Liquid rice
can be eaten at any time. It immediately satisfies
The sutika should now be allowed to rest a while. hunger without leaving a feeling of heaviness. It is
After she has recovered a little, warm Santulan very easy to digest and there are no chances of any
Abhyang (Sesame) Oil should be applied to her imbalance being caused by it. The meal also pacifies
entire body and she should have a bath with warm vata and helps relieve tiredness.
water afterwards. After the bath she should be
administered dhoop on her entire body, especially
around the genital area. The herbs used for dhoop

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansa

A woman pregnant for the first time will show signs of the onset of labour a whole week in advance of
delivery.
Santulan Balant Lep should be applied at the end of the first stage of labour, to help keep the duration
of labour under control, and make the whole process easier.
In order to conserve and maintain her strength, the mother-to-be should eat sheera or a soft, liquid
food.
The abdomen of the post-partum woman should be bound by a sufficiently tight belt to help remove
the remnants of childbirth from the uterine cavity and pacify vata.

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

—
after delivery
After delivery, the new mother
and her baby require special care.
Ayurved gives detailed guidance
about the care to be taken, including
lifestyle advice and specifc dietary
guidelines, during this extremely
sensitive situation. These guidelines
throw new light on the ingrained
practices and customs already
prevalent in the Indian tradition.
 e@

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Care of the 'Sutika'

(a woman who has just given birth)

t is entirely natural, that a woman who The special and necessary post-
has had a baby looks very different from delivery care, is described in the following
her earlier self. But now a days the after lines:
affects of the childbirth begins to show
on a woman's body. It may be difficult to 7eaRq ae atanfeeccada
judge in this generation whether a woman Peoaea qafa staal at,
is married or not just by looking at her, mIdghsaasiaeadacad, WaT
but it is much easier to tell whether or not —- dqetaartan efafasrayea yincara,
she has had a child. However, Ayurvedic = aeaTaT aad false ace ker
practices are effective enoughto help make
it very difficult for people to tell whether Tasyastu khalu yo vyadhirutpadyate
you have had a child or not. Every woman sa krcchasadhyo bhavati asadhyo va,
wants to be admired. Mothers love to hear garbha-vrddhi-ksayita-sithila-sarva-
compliments such as "you do not look like dhatutvat, pravahana vedana-kledana-
the mother of two children!" This can come raktanihsruti-visesa-sunya Sariratvacca,
true for any pregnant woman who follows tasmattam yathoktena vidhinopacaret
pre-natal and post-natal guidelines set ve Caraka Sarirasthana
down in Ayurved.

146
 Care of the 'Sutika'

After delivery, the new mother is very weak, is cool, the oil should be warmed prior to use.
sensitive and susceptible. She has provided Applying oil on the entire body should take about
nourishment and energy to the child during its 25-30 minutes, and the oil should be fully absorbed
entire development, undergone the exertion and in the skin.
resulting fatigue of labour, and blood loss, during
and after delivery. Any health problem, arising Herbal Bath
during this time, could be difficult to treat, and in
some cases, impossible to cure. Administering 1 to 1% hours after the oil massage, take a
special remedies (to strengthen and protect her) bath with warm water. Instead of soap, use herbal
can provide the necessary care and attention, right pastes like San Massage Powder. The powder
from the beginning of the post partum phase. is to be mixed with chickpea flour and milk cream
to be made into a paste (or as directed on the
There are three post-partum phases as product). These herbs act like a skin moisturizer
described below: and help to balance vata and help to reduce stretch
1. Thefirstten days: Immediately after the delivery marks, the slackening of the skin and prevent the
the new mother is tired and she will surely have accumulation of fat.
some vaginal bleeding. She requires special
attention at this time. After a bath smoke therapy with Santulan
2. The first 45 days: It is important to follow the Shakti Dhoop for the genital area is recommended
guidelines that are meant to help the uterus every day for at least the first ten days.
contract to its normal size again. Diet, medicine
and body care that ensure the adequate Smoke Therapy & Hot Fomentation
production of breast milk are recommended
during this time. The next therapy is hot fomentation. When
3. Until the reappearance of menstruation: The possible, the use of charcoal or dried cow dung
time until the recommencement of menstruation cakes is recommended. These are lit, and pieces
is included in the post-partum period, so the which do not release smoke, are to be used.
woman is 'sutika'’ during this entire phase.
Paying careful attention to diet, behaviour and Method: a traditional bed (khaat), made of
lifestyle, ensures the adequate production of interwoven cord ropes, is the most suitable for this
breast milk and maintains hormonal balance. therapy. Cover the bed with a thin muslin cloth. The
This also prevents weight gain, and helps her to Sutika should lie down on it (see image). A metal
regain her former physical shape. container with hot charcoal embers is then placed
below the bed. The fomentation is done in this way,
for approximately ten to fifteen minutes, after which
TREATMENT FOR THE SUTIKA specific herbs should be added to these charcoal
embers, to transport the smoke to the entire body.
Massage Some of the herbs, which could be used here, are
balantshop (Peucedanum graveolens), ova (Carum
Every morning for the first ten days she should copticum), vavding (Embelia ribes), etc. Santulan
apply Abhyang Oil all over her body and especially Shakti Dhoop.
to her waist, back and breasts. If the weather

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

If a bed as described above is not available, any and the tying of an abdominal belt, should be
similar bed, having a mesh or net, can be used. performed daily for the first two phases, i.e. for
the first 45 days after delivery. They may then be
The heat should be felt all over the body, and tapered off gradually. E.g. fomentation and full body
especially at the waist. Herbal smoke and hot massage (abhyang) could be given every alternate
fomentation so administered, pacifies vata and day, then be reduced to three or four times a week,
helps to restore strength to the joints. Thus, it by the end of the third month. From the fourth
helps in preventing back ache, pain in the lumbar month onwards, these can be done twice a week,
region, and similar complaints. If charcoal is not until the start of menstruation.
available, a hot water bottle, or electric hot-pads,
can be used instead, and a heater should be used After 45 days, it is not necessary to tie the
to warm the room. During the summer, as much abdominal belt, but smoke therapy should be
fomentation should be taken as can be tolerated. continued until menstruation returns.
The room should be kept comfortably warm during
this entire therapy. Pichu

Covering the Ears Once the post-delivery bleeding has stopped

completely, a cotton swab soaked in Santulan
The ears should be protected with a scarf, not Femisan Oil can be inserted into the vagina
only for these ten days, but during the 45 days after daily, to help restore the hormonal balance, and
delivery as well. A small ball of cotton or wool can strengthen the uterus
also be placed in the ears, and be careful that the
ears are not exposed to the wind or cold air, from a Padabhyang
fan or an air conditioner.
Daily foot massage - Padabhyang (Please
Abdominal belt refer to the glossary of terms for this extremely
important therapy) - helps balance vata and pitta,
A belt should be tied securely around the and increases physical strength.
abdomen immediately after delivery, and_ this
should remain in position, except when having a The Sutikaghar - an ancient practice
bath, during the day as well as the night. The belt
supports the now empty and loosened abdomen, Since most deliveries nowadays take place in
and helps to restore the waist to it's earlier girth.. hospital, it makes it difficult to put all of the above
It also prevents flatulence, and imparts a feeling of Suggestions into practice, yet it is advisable to
fullness and satisfaction after meals, which reduces implement as many of them as possible.
the risk of overeating.
To ensure that all the above are implemented
Duration of Treatment completely and properly, in the earlier years,
the concept of a 'sutikaghar’ existed. This was
The above-mentioned treatments, namely a special place, built close to the main dwelling,
fomentation, full body massage, smoke therapy, where pregnant and post partum women resided,

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 Care of the 'Sutika' [aa

and where all the above-mentioned guidelines 10 days. This balances Vata and helps prevent
could be practiced with ease and to their best post-partum disorders. Ayurved has stressed the
effect. A reference to the building of a sutikaghar, importance of preventing post-partum fever, and
in accordance with Vastu-shastra guidelines, can Dashamool, which has fever-reducing properties
be found in the Charak Samhita. (anti-pyretic in action), is ideal. It is best made fresh,
but if this is not possible, then Dashamoolarishta,
On an auspicious day during the ninth month or similar ready-made kadhas (decoctions), which
of pregnancy, the expectant mother would move are specifically prescribed for this period, may be
to the sutikaghar, where the child was then born, taken.
and all further procedures required for the baby
and its mother were carried out. All the necessary The uterus gradually expands during pregnancy,
facilities to heat water, bathe and administer herbal and should return to its normal size post-delivery.
smokes (dhoop) were provided. The place was well At such a time, treatments to purify the uterus
equipped with everything required by the mother and restore its former strength, are of utmost
and the child. It was airy, well lit, and kept extremely importance, as the future health of the new mother
clean. They were careful that there wasn't too much depends on these factors.
light or wind in the house, but that they adequately
ventilated at the same time. Special herbal smokes Trikatvadi vati: Prepare a mixture of equal
and a collection of antiseptic liquids and herbs were amounts of powder of dry ginger, black pepper,
available to ward off contagious infections. pimpli (long pepper),cinnamon, cardamom, bay
leaf, coriander seeds, and nagkeshar, and add
Your own Sutikaghar enough jaggery, so that the mixture can be formed
into small round tablets. Take two of these tablets,
It is almost impossible to find such an ideal morning and evening, with hot water, for 45 days
Sutikaghar today, but the family should try to after delivery.
provide a separate room for the new mother, when
she comes home from hospital. The room should be Sunth (Zingiber officinale) goli: one small round
prepared and kept ready beforehand, and located tablet, made from dry ginger powder, ghee, and
such that it is not directly accessible to visitors. jaggery, should be taken on an empty stomach,
In such a room, the handling of the newborn by every morning, for 45 days after delivery.
outsiders and strangers should be prohibited, and
it must be ensured that the mother and baby get Kala bol (the dry pulp of Aloe vera): tablets made
enough rest. from kala bol are very useful for the purification of
the uterus. As these are difficult to make at home,
Medicines for the Sutika tablets made from kala bol and jaggery can be
obtained from a vaidya (Ayurvedic physician). One
In addition to the above-mentioned external or two tablets (depending on their size) should be
therapies, various medicines, to be taken internally, taken every day, for 45 days.
are recommended.
Jaggery pacifies vata, and thus should be
The drinking of dashamool kadha in the morning included in the diet everyday.
on an empty stomach should be continued for

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

A special mixture, to purify the uterus and Santulan Lohit Plus, Santulan Rudhira, are
restore the abdominal girth to its earlier state, is some of the herbal products recommended to help
described in the book Yogaratnakar. replace the blood lost during delivery and after.

wad atin qapfererara afte | Besides these, Ayurvedic medicines such

Wradisreraftisn MN... aT
Freatetd HUIS as Jeerakadyarishta, Devadarvyadee_ kadha,
Panchajeeraka gud, and Yavadi ghruta, may be
Prasita vanita vrddha-kuksi-rhasaya sampibet taken as well.
Pratar-mathita-sammisram trisaptahat kana-jatam
.... Yogaratnakara Recommended treatments after the resumption
of menstruation:
The drinking of buttermilk mixed with pimpalmool
(the root of Piper longum) is recommended, every
morning, for three weeks after delivery. This helps UTTARBASTI
restore the uterus and the abdominal girth to their
former status. Half a teaspoon of Pimpalmool Uttarbasti is extremely beneficial for the
powder should be mixed with the required quantity maintenance of health after menstruation has
of buttermilk and consumed. recommenced. It purifies the uterus, removes
any residual vata imbalance, restores hormonal
Yet another simple remedy, useful in reducing equilibrium, and helps regulate the menstrual
the size of the abdomen, is a powder of turmeric cycle. Uttarbasti fosters the proper constriction
and amla, mixed with ghee and honey. Good and contraction of the uterus back to normalcy,
quality amla should be dried (cut them up and leave helps remove any vaginal flaccidity, and prevents
them in sunlight until dry) and powdered. Turmeric, prolapse of the vagina and uterus.
washed thoroughly, should be ground into a powder
and blended with an equa! amount of powdered An increased incidence has been observed,
amla. Half a teaspoon of this mixture should be of the uterus remaining enlarged in size after
taken with honey and ghee, once or twice a day, the first delivery, which could be the cause of
for 45 days. This powder available commercially, menstrual disorders in the future. To prevent such
are not always pure or of good quality, so it is better an occurrence, two to three Uttar bastis, performed
to prepare the powders before childbirth, and store under medical supervision, are advisable after
them at home. childbirth. Proper care, diet, and therapies, done as
explained above, ensure that the woman regains
The new mother should drink milk with shatavari her pre-pregnancy state.
kalpa twice or three times a day. San Rose, = &

150
 Care of the ‘Sutika a

Fresh decoction of dashamool, or ready-made dashamoolarishta, should be consumed in

the first ten days after delivery.
From a health point of view, the first ten days are the most important. So, optimum care
must be taken during these days, preferably by following all of the Ayurvedic guidelines.
For the first 45 days after delivery, regular oil massage, fomentation, smoke therapy, and
wearing an abdominal belt, are very important for the health of the new mother.
Ayurved has outlined special remedies to help restore the size to its original size after
childbirth.
Two to three uttar bastis should be taken after approximately six months, to help the uterus
return to its normal size, and to restore the hormonal balance.

153
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ic |
iat, ths
o

Ege ine _— eetey

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Diet after delivery

he Sutika, who breastfeeds her baby, cause problems to the baby ranging
must pay special attention to her diet, to from indigestion to skin diseases, heart
maintain her own and her child’s health disorders, asthma, and_ respiratory
ailments. According to Kashyap Samhita,
fraaeargrarrtg: YA Ta STATA:| the baby could also suffer mental
Galea aon TATA AGIAN I disorders and planetary imbalances
(Graharog). The sutika's diet requires
careful planning.
Mita-pathyasanan-matuh
putre tesam asambhavah As already mentioned, if the woman
Sukhodayasca dhatrinam feels hungry immediately after delivery,
tasmat tadupacarayet she can eat liquid rice, or liquified mung
.... KaSyapa cikitsasthana and rice seasoned with long pepper, dry
ginger, salt, and homemade pure ghee.
If the mother eats proper food in These are tasty, nutritious, satisfying,
appropriate quantities, then she and her easy to digest and do not cause heaviness
child will remain healthy. in the stomach. Both are suitable to be
eaten as breakfast as well, in the days
The nursing mother should take to come.
precautions to avoid indigestion. If the
mother has indigestion, her milk too may All Samhita (ancient texts), describe

By
 Diet after delivery [EE beste asecae

the following very important factor, while considering In accordance with the principle ‘like increases
the post partum diet. It is natural for the sutika to like’, the new mother should be sure to drink a
be weak, as a result of the strain of pregnancy, sufficient quantity of milk, so that ample breast
nourishing the foetus for nine months, labour, milk is produced. A cup of milk with shatavari
breast-feeding and vaginal bleeding. Considering kalpa, is recommended twice or three times a
this, a diet having the following qualities is ideal. day. She should continue to eat panchamrut as
That, which replenishes and strengthens the lost well as almonds which have been soaked in water
and weakened dhatus (body tissues), is rich in overnight and peeled. All of these supplements
lubricating substances, and which is easy to digest, are of tremendous benefit, and these benefits are
healthy, nutritious and satisfying. Eating even small passed on to the baby indirectly, through breast
quantities of food lacking in these properties is not milk.
recommended. Fasting is also detrimental to the
health during this period. It is advisable to have fixed and regular timings
for meals, and to eat only as much as is satiating,
Ghee and homemade butter should certainly be but does not cause a feeling of heaviness in the
included in the diet. Ghee can be used in cooking, stomach.
and should also be added to purify the cooked food
while serving, |.e., spreading on chapattis, phulka, The Kashyap Samhita also advises that
bhakri (all are different types of bread), or pouring vegetables be cooked in ghee (a fodni of ghee).
a few drops on the rice, lentils or Khichadi. Sheera
should be eaten daily. FAS Shae
PUTTS Al ... wearer Racers
Dink ladus (see Special Recipes) should be Ghrtabhrstani kismanda-miUlakair-varukani ca
eaten daily, for as long as the baby is breastfed. .... Kasyapa khilasthana
Care should be taken that the dink is of good
quality. These ladus strengthen the bones, prevent Not only vegetables, but also spicy dal/ lentils
back ache and pain in the lumbar region, and help or soups, should be tempered with ghee. Mung
regain strength and energy. The date powder, dink, dal is preferable, but tur dal can also be used
and khus khus (poppy seeds), used in this recipe, occasionally, and the addition of sprouted methi
nourish the hair, thus preventing hair loss. seeds to the dal is also advised.

Homemade butter, milk and coconut, are also Vegetables such as_ kohala_ (Benincasa
beneficial for the hair. cerifera), bottle gourd (dudhi-Lagenaria vulgaris),
smooth gourd (ghosali-Luffa aegyptiaca), ridge
Methi (fenugreek seeds) ladus can also be gourd (dodka-Luffa acutangula ), gherkins (tondli -
eaten for up to 45 days after delivery, (see Special Cephalandraindica), bittergourd(karela-Momordica
Recipes). These help to restore the uterus to its charantia), padval (Trichosanthes anguina),
former size, and enhance the quality of the breast parvar, zucchini, pumpkins, carrots and lady finger
milk. Ahleev (Lepidium sativum) also boosts (bhendi- Abelmoschus esculentus), are excellent
production of breast milk and is nourishing. It can for the nursing mother, and boiled potatoes can
be eaten in the form of kheer, made with ghee, milk be an occasional treat. Spinach, fenugreek (methi-
and sugar, or as a ladu with coconut. Trigonella foenum-graeceum), maath (Amaranthus

153
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér,

gangaticus), tandulja (Amarantus oleraceus) are mother eats a soup like this, she will be protected
good choices among the leafy vegetables, and can from all diseases. An alternative method, which
be also eaten occasionally. offers similar benefits, is to temper the food with a
fodni that has been prepared in a small iron vessel.
FOATT: CASA: OL. ae yeBe Kare Dals, soups and other liquids, can be seasoned in
this way. While pouring the fodni, the iron vessel
Kulattha-yush sasneha-lavanamlastatah param can be dipped into the soup as well. Iron pot, pans
...Kasyapasamhita khilasthana or griddles, should be used to cook vegetables
and chapattis, bhakri or fulka. This way, the food is
Kashyap also recommends the occasional cultured with iron during cooking, and this helps to
intake of kulith (Dolichos biflorus) soup, cooked with replenish the body’s supply of iron.
amsool (dried kokam fruits), in ghee. Kulith pacifies
vata, and purifies the uterus, thus preventing post- Cumin helps purify the uterus and is a good
partum vata imbalances. This soup can be included addition to the fodni; turmeric has antiseptic
in the diet twice or three times a week. Besides properties, helping to purify both, the blood and
this, mung dal soup, made with any of the above- the breast milk, and should be used generously
named vegetables, is beneficial and nourishing. during cooking. Besides these, coriander powder,
fenugreek seeds, ginger, fresh coconut, aamsool
Seasonal salads can be made using cucumbers, (dried kokam fruits), ajwain, asafoetida (hing), black
radishes, steamed carrots or cooked beetroot. pepper, cinnamon, bay leaf, coriander leaves and
Sprouted and steamed mung beans are also a chilies (to taste) can be used in cooking. A cup of
good salad addition. buttermilk with cumin powder, black salt (saindhav)
and shahajeera (caraway) powder, should be taken
Apples, pomegranates, papayas, tender after lunch.
coconut or sweet grapes can also be occasionally
included in the meal. The food should be prepared SUGAR
SA TARA: |... area farerereera
in a simple and sattvik manner; it should be tasty,
without being too hot, or containing too many Usnodakopacaram ca svasthavrttamatah param
different spices. ...Kasyapa cikitsasthana

Ayurveda recommends a specific remedy called Drinking water should be boiled for 20 minutes
as 'mudgayush yog'. every morning. It can then be kept in a thermos,
and drunk warm, or as hot as possible, whenever
al TA OleA Gege Yarra | required.
Wicd Ofeent art adeatas
saatefa ainda wir
This helps the digestion process, and reduces
Vahnau taptena lohena mudga-yusam suvapitam fat at the abdomen and around the waist. Some
Pitvevam sutika nari sarva-vyadhin vyapohati may find it difficult to drink warm water in summer,
.... Vangasena striroga so, during this season, it can be cooled to room
temperature before drinking. In other seasons,
A piece of iron, which has been heated over especially in winter and in the rainy season, only
a flame, is immersed in mung soup. If the new warm water is recommended, and it is a must

154
 Diet after delivery a H.
paOva SRS

throughout the 45 days after delivery. Non-vegetarian food is heavy to digest. If you
cannot do without it, take it in a soup form, but only
After meals a recipe of supari - a digestive and a minimum 15 days after delivery. Eggs should
mouth freshner - as outlined in the chapter on not be eaten at all. Sour yoghurt, lassi, shrikhand,
Special Recipes can be taken. This also prevents fermented foods, pickles made from raw mango,
flatulence, and helps purify the breast milk. tamarind, pineapple, ice-cold water or soft drinks,
ice-cream, jack fruit, custard apple, and heavy
foods like elephant yam (suran), are all to be strictly
SUBSTANCES TO BE AVOIDED avoided. Fast foods such as pav bhaji and panipuri
and burger and pizzas are also a taboo.
Chavali (Vinga catiang), pavata (vaal-Dolichos
lablab), chole (a type of chick pea), chick pea (Cicer The diet and lifestyle, both need to be modified,
arietinum), and other legumes which are heavy to depending on the place of residence, climatic
digest. Also, vegetables which increase vata, such conditions and the season when the birth has taken
as capsicum, gavar (a type of bean - Cyamopsis place. In the climate of northern India, for example,
psoralioides), spring onions (allium cepa), cabbage tamarind is forbidden, while it is considered
(Brassica oleracea), and cauliflower (Brassica beneficial in southern India.
botrytis). In addition, the inclusion of vegetables,
such as onion, garlic, and eggplant is discouraged, Despite such variations, it is universally
along with eggs, non-vegetarian and stale foods. accepted that the post partum woman needs
These are all tamasic in nature, and thus, must utmost attention.
be avoided for at least six months after childhood.

A breastfeeding mother should take all precautions to ensure that she does not suffer from
indigestion.
The diet should include homemade ghee, fresh homemade butter, and dink.
She should drink boiled warm water as far as possible.
A non-vegetarian diet should be avoided for the first 15 days of delivery and as far as possible
thereafter.
Turmeric, fenugreek (methi) seeds, balantshop, shahajeera and ajwain, should be included in the
daily diet to help purify the breast milk.

1599
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Ideal practices for the

new mother
s already described, Ayurved repeatedly proper diet and medication, breast milk
emphasizes on specific diet, remedies and may decrease if there is stress or tension
behaviour for all phases of life. Needless to at home. It is essential to ensure that
say, the new mother is not an exception. the new mother remains happy, and in a
stable and peaceful state of mind while
Acharya Sushrut has written the she breast-feeds, especially during the
following, regarding the lifestyle to be first three to four months.
followed:
Other dietary measures like Shatavari
PAUATATAA
ATS UR |... gy omnes Kalpa, kheer, or ahleev ladus should be
continued regularly.
Krodhayasamaithunadin pariharet
.... SuSruta Sarirasthana Itis advisable
to avoid sexualintercourse
for at least 45 days after delivery, as this
Things to be avoided is the minimum time necessary for the
mother's body to regain its strength.
Anger, grief, excessive physical effort,
sexual intercourse, sleeping during the Kapha and pitta increase if one sleeps
day, talking loudly, traveling for extended during the day, and this can affect the
periods, sitting in one place for too long, quality of breast milk. Taking long naps
too much walking, contact with cold in any during the day is discouraged when
form, going out in a strong breeze, being nursing the child. Sitting in one position
exposed to the sun, overeating or eating for extended periods can cause lower
foods that have opposing qualities (like back ache and pain in the lower abdomen.
milk and fruits), or foods contrary to the It is good to stand up or move at regular
basic constitution of the person are all to intervals.
be avoided.
Vata dosha, which is already out of
The reasons to. avoid the above balance, is further affected by contact with
activities are explained. All of these any form of cold. Examples of cold contact
activities increase vata and should be are
avoided completely, especially during the 1. Taking a cold shower, washing up, or
45 days following delivery. Even after this washing clothes or utensils in cold water.
suggested time frame, it is best not to 2. Sitting continuously in an air-conditioned
indulge in these activities too much, for a room or in a room with a cooler, or directly
while. under a fan.

Anger, grief and other forms of mental All of these could result in body ache,
tension can affect the production of breast stiff or painful joints, and shivering.
milk. It has been observed that in spite of

156
 Ideal practices for the new mother ea Pe a RON Oy tae
BOR SES RK

Going out when there is a strong wind or in the asaham syat-tathavidham

hot sun, can also cause imbalance in Vata and Pitta Tatha Sariram sutayah
respectively. The after-effects of this are fever and khinnam prasavanasramaih
darkening of the skin. The new mother should keep Vata-pitta-kaphotthanam
a scarf tied around her head and ears for the first vyadhinam asaham bhavet
ten days, and small cotton swabs in the ears up until ....Kasyapasamhita khilasthana
the 45th day after delivery. If she has to leave the
house or be exposed to wind, she should wear a Just like an old, feeble, and battered house is
scarf without fail. weakened and unable to bear the force of heavy
rain, winds or earthquakes, a woman is weakened
Most women gain weight after childbirth, after delivery and is unable to tolerate the problems
especially around the abdomen and waist, and caused by vata-pitta-kapha dosha.
their bodies go out of shape. The main reason
for this sudden weight gain is not pregnancy It is important to understand that a woman who
itself, but inappropriate care after delivery due has just given birth is extremely susceptible to many
to ignorance. This is further exacerbated by the health issues. Prevention is far better than cure
use of contraceptive pills, which are usually taken especially for the new mother, because the health
immediately after the onset of menstruation, to of her baby also depends directly on her health. To
prevent another pregnancy. Many such practices enjoy her motherhood with good health she should
can have far-reaching effects that may be difficult be prepared to follow this entire set of guidelines for
to cure and that women are completely unaware the recommended period of time.
about. They result in chronic backache, arthritis,
rheumatism, loss of weight and hypertension. Having emphasized the importance of rest, it
If the uterus does not return to its normal size, a should also be mentioned that after 45 days, she
woman's hormonal balance will not be restored, and can safely walk around the house, on the terrace or
subsequent conception could be difficult. The health in the garden. But she should not tire herself out.
of children born later may also be affected.
A woman gains about ten to twelve kgs during
The Kashyap Samhita explains this in detail, pregnancy, of which she loses approximately 6
giving an accurate and appropriate example. kgs in the process of delivery and just after. The
Acharya Kashyap states here: remaining weight is lost gradually over a period of
seven to eight months.
aM a ot sad Had: FSAI |
adaidtacntarmae arate Today, women usually want to lose weight quickly,
and are willing to experiment with exercise programs
aM VR gar: asi WaT: prevalent everywhere which focus on exercising
aaa Meat SAS AAT I until one is really tired out. These exercises, like
gym and aerobic routines, even in their mild form
may not be of much help in the long run. How much
Yatha ca jirnam bhavanam such exercises really contribute towards sustainable
sarvatah Slatha-bandhanam weight loss, is a matter of research, but it is certain
Varsavata-vikampanam- that these exercises weaken the body. Weight

TOC
 e Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

that has gradually increased over the 9 months of Yogasanas, which should be performed after
pregnancy, is best lost gradually and by natural three months are: Santulan Kriya Sthairya, Santulan
means. Yoga asanas and breathing techniques allow Kriya Vistaran, Pavanmuktasan, Vishnushayanasan,
you to retain your strength and energy while helping Naukasan, Parivartit Chakrasan, Santulan Kriya
the body become healthier and stay in shape. Samarpan, and Suryanamaskar. Such exercises
are simple to do, and should be done as the energy
levels allow. Santulan Bhasrika, done along with
these asanas, helps reduce fat and restore the
thighs, abdomen, waist and buttocks to their original
shape and size.

PARVATASAN (MOUNTAIN POSE)

The final posture in this asana resembles
a mountain, hence the name. The practice of
Parvatasan improves the flexibility of the spine,
diaphragm, and intercostal muscles.

It also improves digestion. If done regularly

throughout pregnancy, it ensures an easy and
natural labour, and helps in reducing fat on the
abdomen and excess on other parts of the body.
Parvatasan

1. Sit in} padmasana, ardhapadmasana__ or

sukhasana.
2. Bring the palms together in the namaste pose in
front of the chest.
3. While inhaling, raise both arms up, keeping the
palms together, until the arms are fully stretched

Shalabhasan

158
 Ideal pra tices for the new mother =
a =

upwards and come close to the ears. Stretch as 2d for a minimum of

much as possible.
4, While exhaling, slowly bring down the arms, Note: if it is difficult to Iiftb20th legs at one time,
rest them on the knees, returning to the original then lift one leg ata time, for the first few days.
position.

SANTULAN KRIYA VISTARAN

SHALABHASANA (EXPANSION)
(LOCUST POSE) This kriya makes the spine supple and strong,
This asana strengthens the muscles of the strengthens the lumbar muscles, facilitates expulsion
abdomen, back and waist, improves digestion and of gases, improves digestive capacity, and helps the
trims the waist. It also reduces obesity and helps ‘ loose the weight gained during pregnancy.
prevent menstrual disorders.
1. Sit in vajrasana.
1. Lie on the abdomen with the insides of the feet 2. Bend forward and lie down on the stomach,
touching each other. bearing the weight of the upper body on the bent
N) Lay both arms next to the body, hands below the arms. The elbows should be perpendicularto the
thighs with the palms facing upwards. The chin ground (see illustration). Place the index finger
should be touching the ground. and thumb of both hands just behind the ears,
W While inhaling, contract the muscles of the and the other three fingers on the cheeks. The
lumbar region and buttocks and raise both legs ould be close to each other. Do not rest
simultaneously and as high as possible. The your chin in your palms. Look straight ahead.
chin should remain on the ground and shoulders Ww Open the eyes and mouth wide, making sure
should be relaxed. Maintain this posture for three there is no strain on any muscles.
to five breaths (inhalation and exhalation). 4. Slowly inhale and exhale deeply through the
4, Slowly lower the legs. mouth, mentally picturing a python sucking in its

Vistaran - Expansion

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

position, and then slowly bring the legs down.

Pavanmuktasana

This asan can be done throughout the day,

as many times as
necessaly.

Santulan
Kriya Sthairya
(GROUNDING)
Regular — practice
of this kriya keeps
the spine _ flexible,
prey. Asound (like waves in the ocean) produced stimulates the pituitary
while inhaling and exhaling like this is normal. gland, improves
oh Remain in this posture, and breathe deeply digestion,and reduces
through the mouth, as long as it is comfortable. abdominal fat.
Then reverse the steps anc return to the starting
position. 1. Stand erect with
the feet about 15-
PAVANMUKTASANA 20 cm apart, and

(WIND RELEASE POSE) the toes pointing

slightly outwards.
As the name suggests, this asana helps to relieve Keep the arms
gas in the abdomen (Pavan means gas / wind). It straight down,
helps improve digestion, and maintain regular bowel almosttouchingthe
movements. It reduces back ache and lower back body, the hands
pain, and improves the functioning of the uterus. in fists with the
thumbs pointing
iF Lie on the back, keeping both arms straight downwards.
on the sides of the body, with the palms facing 2. Keep the feet
downwards. firmly rooted on
Bend the knees at a ninety degree angle. the ground.
Interlock the fingers of both hands with the arms 3. While inhaling
around the knees. deeply, liftthe heels
. While exhaling, bring the bent legs towards the and rise up on
chest and abdomen. the toes. Imagine
Lift the head slowly and carefully and try to touch that you are being
the knees with the forehead. Maintain this position pulled upwards by
for as long as possible, keep breathing normally. a thread attached
While inhaling, bring the head slowly to its original Sthairya - Grounding
to the top of the

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 Samarpan - Surrender

head. spine or the arms.

4. Holding the breath, draw the abdomen inwards 4. Look at the tips of the thumbs and exhale slowly,
and upwards. Concentrate on the sahastradhar while sliding the palms along the ground, until
chakra (crown center at the top of the head). the body is extended as much as possible. In
Maintain this posture as long as is comfortable. this position, the abdomen and chest should
5. Exhaling slowly, relax the abdominal muscles touch the thighs, and the buttocks should not lift
gradually, and bring the heels back to the up from the heels.
ground. 5. Exhale completely, spread the arms slightly
to allow the head to touch the ground. At this
Practise for a minimum of six to seven times. stage the breath should be fully exhaled and
the arms straight. Remain in this position for a
few seconds. Ensure that the buttocks are still
SANTULAN KRIYA SAMARPAN resting on the heels.
(SURRENDER) 6. Raise the head, inhale while looking at the tips
of the thumbs, and slide the hands back towards
This kriya practiced regularly keeps the spine the body.
flexible, exercises the neck muscles, improves 7. Coming into the erect position, with palms in the
digestion, and reduces abdominal fat. It also helps initial namaste position, exhale completely.
one to become more humble, and creates an attitude
of surrender. This kriya should be repeated six to seven times.

1. Sit in vajrasan, and bring the palms in front ofthe Note : If you have problems in the neck, practise
chest in the namaste position. Inhale fully and this kriya without lifting the head while rising up
deeply. again as is instructed in point 6. You will still receive
2. Keeping the palms together, extend the arms most of the benefit of the kriya.
straight in front of the body, with the thumbs
making a right angle with the fingers. The fingers Ayurved clearly explains the necessity of all these
should be pointing away from the body. measures in this chapter, in the following shloka:
3. Bend forward slightly and touch the fingertips
to the ground. While doing this do not bend the ud fe aigfs-afta-filae -aeaoregquarent—

161
 Ayurvedic

Tet Re aa Sigurd and @ natural delivery, The Ayurvedic point of view

iS exoressed in the fallondag SWOKS.

Evam hi garbhavrddhi-Ksapita- Stila ava AVHESRRG FS SEs Whee Sol wast Teh
Sarita-dhatu-pravahana-vedand-Kleda 5 y tL ae eRe
raktanisruta ViSesa-SUNYa-SamrAceca PURANAve
bhavati =.Susruta Sirirasthana Nivetta-prasavayantu panah adbhyo
varsedhya drdhvam prasavamadnadyd RinVah
A pregnant woman, who iS weakened and Min. kumarolaipayurdhavati. . Sasrata Gritasthara
due to the growing foetus, the strain of deliven, and
excessive blood loss, whose dhaius are depleted if eve SN More Man 2 SX year QAO Oodtweer? Mo
and feeble, will regain her anginal form (i.e. her chilgren, en he second oni? may Mave & Shorter
youth), if she follows all of the above-mentioned lif span. Rt has been observed that, if the second
guidelines. pregnancy ensues five to Sx years after the first,
there is an increased chance that conception could
A woman should consider having another child be difficult, or that the foetus could develop some
only when her physical strength is restored, after she abnormalities. There are greater chances of &
has discontinued breast-feeding, and her regular Spontaneous abortion, 2 stilidirth, or a difficult and
menstrual cycle has recommenced. Conceiving complicated labour process.
by mistake during lactational amenorrhoea (this is
called blind pregnancy), is not advisable. Presently, socety S witnessing &@ mad
detenoration of values. Corruption, misbehaviour,
Ideally, menstruation should recommence in and disregard for rules, are on an increase. Respect
seven or eight months after delivery. Menstruation for elders, humility, and disaipline, are rarely-seen
causes breast milk to decrease and if it restarts qualities. They have become almost strange and
earlier than this then the decreasing quantity of UNKNOWN Ideas.
breast milk may prove insufficient for the baby.
Generally menstrual penods only recommences The coming generation S desperately in need
when the baby’s breast milk requirements of new values and Garbha Sanskerto revitalize
automatically decrease with its age. No special society. Whether a couple has only one chi
measures are necessary to artificially restart or several, what iS desiradle SS that they are
menstruation. Any such measures will probably do helped to develop on ail three levels, physically,
more harm than good. psychologically and intellectually, in a proper way.
Society needs children who are physically and
Women nowadays, do not usually wish for mentaily fit, and intellectually supenor. To this end.
another child until the older one is grown up and Garbha Sanskar guidelines therefore act as an
somewhat independent. A very long gap between integral part of life, and will be beneficial for the
siblings is, however, not advisable, from the point of future of the entire word.
view of maternal health, development of the foetus,
 Ideal practices for the new mother MI

Anger, grief, anxiety or mental disturbance can adversely affect the production of breast milk.
It is important to rest after childbirth, but this does not mean completely restricting all movements.
The expectation that weight gained during pregnancy over nine months will be lost very quickly is
inappropriate. It snould be lost gradually, over six to seven months.
Simple yoga should be started after three months of delivery. This help to restore the physical form,
and give strength to the body.
4. gap of two to three years in age is an ideal time period between two children.

163
 OS beete,

me)

CANE)...
In Sanskrit there is a saying...
Lalayet panchayvarshani... it
means that the child should be
pampered upto fve years of age.
To understand what ‘pampering’
means, and to know exactly what
has to be done to ensure a long
and healthy life for the child, it is
important to learn everything in
baby care in detail from dietetics
and lifestyle, to medicines.
 e

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Care of the newborn

n Ayurved, 'Jaatkarma Sanskar,' refers to sarpisa visodhya _ ....Susruta sarirasthana

the actions thatare tobe takenimmediately
after the birth of a child. These are to be The mucus / secretions covering the
carried out simultaneously with the care face, eyes and nose of the newborn,
of the post-partum mother. Here is a list should be removed. The child takes its
of things to be followed immediately after first independent breath immediately
the birth of the child. after birth, and deposits on the mouth
or nostrils may hinder this respiration.
JAATKARMA SANSKAR After thoroughly washing one’s hands
and clipping one’s nails, the lips, palate,
IY Wdteaied
Wa a aaa tongue, and the insides of the cheeks of
after fates |... aya mers the new born baby should be cleaned
gently to clear any obstructing mucus,
Athajatasyolbam mukham ca saindhava with a_ sterile cotton swab wrapped
around the finger. The baby’s cry signals

166
 Care of the newborn

the commencement of respiration. If the baby is on the baby’s tongue, to expel any residual mucus,
exhausted from the process of delivery, this may or swallowed amniotic fluid.
be delayed, and in such cases, fanning the baby,
gently patting its back, or sprinkling its body with The umbilical cord should be cut only after
a little water, helps. If these measures fail, then all this has been done. The manner in which the
artificial respiration must be initiated. umbilical cord is to be severed is described below.

If a baby cries immediately after birth it is an

indication of its good health.

Once the baby is breathing satisfactorily, the

following mantra should be spoken into its right AAATUAYa GAA | ee aT
ear:
Tato nabhi-nadimastangulamayamya sitrena
agrgn aaate zeetaars| baddhva chedayet ..Suéruta S4rirasthana
area 4 yaaranta 3 ara oi 7A |)
Dvayorantarayoh Sanairgrhitva
wary: waanise aro arte | tiksnena raukmarajatayasanam
saan fem are raifaiag |. yeh eer chedananam anyatamenardhadharena
chedayet ...Caraka 4arirasthana
Angadangat sambhavasi hrdayadabhijayase
aima vai putranamasi sa jiva Saradam Satam A piece of silk thread, should be tied tightly at a
distance of eight fingers (4-5 inches approximately)
satayuh Sata-varso~si dirghamayuravapnuhi from the baby’s umbilicus, and a second thread
Naksatrani diso ratrirahasca tvabhiraksatu should be tied tightly, a little distance away, from
__Astangasangrahs uttarasthana the first. Using a sharp instrument, the umbilical
cord should then be cut in between the two threads.
This mantra is a prayer, that the child may have The threads and the instrument must be sterilized
a long and healthy life, and that it may stay safe. beforehand. This technique of tying the cord in
two places, which is still prevalent today, helps to
minimize blood loss.
rea WAI | eH eee
Until the baby begins to breathe independently,
Prathamam pramarjitasyasya casya Sirastalu its blood circulation takes place through the
karpasapicuna sneha-garbhena prati-safichadayet placenta, which is why the umbilical cord is still
_ Caraka Sarirasthana pulsing immediately after birth. Once respiration
begins, the flow of blood is directed towards the
After this, a small cotton swab dipped in pure baby’s lungs, and no longer through the umbilical
ghee is placed on the fontanel (the opening at cord. Its blood circulation now changes direction,
the crown of the child’s head). If required, a small and passes through the heart-lung system of the
quantity of pure ghee and black salt, can be placed baby, causing the pulsations in the cord to slowly

167
 y

Ayurvedic
Garba Senshar

decrease, and ultimately stop. The best time to cut person grinding the gold should be facing east
the umbilical cord is when it stops pulsing. The time while doing so. Gently rub this mixture on to the
in between the baby starting to breathe and the baby’s tongue, with the right hand ring finger.
cutting of the cord can be used to clean the baby’s
mouth, and place the ghee-soaked cotton on the This should be done daily for six months.
fontanel etc.. According to Kashyap Samhita, this mixture has
the following benefits
Once the cord is cut, the umbilicus is covered
with a soft muslin (or cotton) cloth. The muslin cloth - increases the baby’s lifespan
can be tied around the baby’s abdomen like a belt. - improves the immune system
This protects the cord from infection and prevents - increases intellect and memory
it from dangling. It can be fixed after the baby has - protects the baby from negative energies
been bathed. - it can help make the child so intelligent that
he or she will be able to remember things that
Honey and Gold have been only heard once.

The following Sanskar is one of the important Oil The Baby

procedures advised by Ayurved. It is completely
safe and should be done as socn as possible after After this, ghee or gentle oil infused with vata-
the baby is born. pacifying herbs, such as Santulan Abhyang
Coconut Oil, should be applied very gently all over
FA SAR Vise
Tite Ha eat the baby's skin. This facilitates the easy removal
TAYSATA
BEI |... wy oeeors of the sticky mucus-like substance that covers
the skin of the newborn; if necessary, a little black
Atha kumaram sitabhiradbhirasvasya jata-karmani salt (Saindhav) may be added to the oil to aid the
krte madhu-sarpiranantactrnam adgulya- removal of the mucus. When this is done, the child
anamikaya lehayet _ ....Susruta Sarirasthana should be bathed with clean, warm water.

fared itedgure MEH OEISEAT | Ayurved advises the use of sarvagandhodaka

amar ayatiea Head saree PT ares sees for the baby’s bath. Boil water with the following
herbs - cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves,
Vighrsya dhaute drsadi camphor, nagkeshar (Mesua ferrea), kankol
pranmukhi laghunalmbuna (Cubeba officinalis), agaru (Aquilaria agallocha),
amathya madhu-sarpibhyam shilajeet (Asphaltum) - and let the water cool until
lehayet kanakam SiSum___...KaSyapa lehadhyaya lukewarm and use it to bathe the baby. To make
things easier, a decoction made from the above-
Place a drop of honey and ghee (just honey is mentioned herbs may be added to warm bath
also fine) onto a sahan (a grindstone made from water instead. This decoction is not only fragrant,
a particular material). Take a piece of pure gold but it pacifies vata as well.
(24 karat - not something that is part of or taken
from everyday jewelry) and grind it in a coin-sized
clockwise circle on the honey on the stone. The

168
 Care of the newborn
eat aepeetepeee
berate
a Sep So
=
Ste =
Pa icin
we aera

FIRST BREASTFEEDING produce milk in your breast, resulting in the progress

of your child. As the Gods became immortal by
After bathing, the baby can be breastfed. Once consuming elixir (amrut), may your child too live
both mother and child are clean, the right breast a long life after drinking elixir in the form of your
should be washed with water. The mother should milk.
then sit facing east, be in a pleasant frame of mind,
and bring the child to her breast for feeding (the If possible, someone present should recite
first breast feeding should last approx 30-40 mins). this mantra. If not, the mother should keep similar
Suckling is an inborn natural reflex and comes thoughts in her mind during breastfeeding
easily to the baby. The breast milk, immediately
after birth (called colostrum), is thick, and has a THE BENEFITS OF BREAST
different constitution from the milk produced after
FEEDING
a few days. This milk is important for the baby’s
overall development. A proper first-time feeding The secretion of mammary glands is called
ensures adequate milk formation thereafter for breast milk. Breast milk is a complete and
the mother as well. Do not be mistaken that the wholesome food for the baby, and is therefore,
mother has insufficient milk (since it is thick and considered to be an elixir. Thus the saying ‘maturev
not in large quantities in the beginning) and do not pibet stanyam' - the new-born should have only
try to feed the baby any other milk from a bottle or breast-milk. The followiong are the reasons why
with a spoon. If you do this, the baby will begin to breast milk is so important for both the mother and
reject the natural breast-feeding process. The baby the child.
usually sleeps immediately after its first feed.
It is easily accepted by the baby, it keeps the
The Sushrut Samhita advises the recital of the baby healthy.
following mantra at this auspicious moment of the
baby’s first feed: Breast milk is complete in itself as it has all
nutrients that are needed for the infant.
aR: APRS Ea: aiaTleA:|
Te a Aes aera THTTA II The essence of all substances consumed
by the mother, whether they be nourishing
Tas Uical UREA YMA | food, medication, nutritional supplements or
Seay: starcat Sat: VIVA SM. gee eT rasayans, are assimilated by the baby through
breast milk. Breast milk helps the development
Catvarah sagarastubhyam stanayoh ksira-vahinah of intellect, the immune system, and physical
Bhavantu subhage nityam balasya bala-vrddhaye and mental health of the baby.

Payo~mrta-rasam pitva kumaraste Subhanane Breast milk is always fresh and pure and
Dirghamayuh avapnotu devah prasyamrtam yatha available whenever required by the baby. The
... Susruta Sarirasthana risks resulting out of storage of other milk (e.g.
the milk turning sour) are avoided. Breast milk is
Oh fortunate woman, let all the four oceans at the perfect temperature for optimal absorption

169
 oe; Ayurvedic
Gerbha Sanskar

and contains natural immune antibodies and used to extricate the extra milk. But be cautious as
has anti-infective qualities. the repeated indiscriminate use of a breast pump
could lead to cracks in the nipples.
Breast-feeding strengthens the bond between
the mother and the child. It will leave a powerful A quiet and calm place is best for breastfeeding.
impression of security throughout life. The mother should sit comfortably, ideally in a
cross-legged position, on a soft seat. The baby
Breast-feeding is also beneficial for maternal should be held in such a way that the head is
health. The reappearance of menstruation any slightly above the level of its abdomen. Instead of
time in the first five to six months after childbirth the mother bending over, it is better to hold the child
can be detrimental for her health. Breast-feeding slightly higher on the arm, otherwise the weight of
protects the mother from this as menstruation the breasts may cause breathing difficulties for
will generally not recommence as long as the the infant. The baby’s head should not be entirely
child is being breast fed. covered with a sari pallu or a cloth as it could
smother the child or cause difficulty in breathing.
The numerous beneficial effects of breast- The child may have to breathe through its mouth,
feeding, have been confirmed by modern scientific and the air, which then reaches the abdomen, may
research. It is an accepted fact that children Cause vomitting and colic.
who have been breast-fed, are generally better-
nourished, healthier, and have stronger immune The breasts must be cleaned before each feed,
systems throughout life. and for this, a vessel should be filled with boiled
water and kept covered ready for use. When the
PRECAUTIONS WHILE BREAST baby is ready to feed, the mother should wash her
FEEDING hands, then use a sterile cotton swab dipped in this
water to wash her breasts, especially the nipples.
Initially, breast-feeding may be difficult for both Whenever the baby is hungry, this procedure should
mother and child, but with due care and patience, be followed. A new sterile cotton swab should be
both will become accustomed to it quickly. used each time.

For the first few days, the baby’s milk In the beginning, babies can feed for around
requirements are minimal. During this time, the five minutes on each breast. The time can then
mother secretes thick milk called colostrum. The be gradually increased to 10-15 minutes on each
quantity of breast milk increases gradually. If the side. There is no hard and fast rule about how
baby takes less milk than is produced, the residual long the infant is to be fed. It depends on various
milk remains in the mammary ducts, where it can factors, such as age, hunger and the infant's ability
cause a feeling of heaviness and a dull ache in to suckle. The baby will usually feed up to 15-
the breasts. This excess milk should be removed 20 minutes and stop suckling once it is satisfied.
with some gentle pressure else it could form clots Conversely, a weak or premature baby, may feed
which could block the mammary ducts, leading to up to 30-35 minutes. The mother will normally be
discomfort for the mother, or even fever. It could able to determine the baby’s requirements within a
also cause decreased breast milk production in few days.
some women. If required, a breast pump may be

170
 Teams
Care of the newborn "™ Dae

It is important that the mother remains attentive just to feed. Similarly, it is not good to keep the
to the baby’s needs during nursing. Sometimes, child waiting for a set feeding time if it is hungry
too much milk gets secreted as soon as the baby beforehand.
is held close. This may be difficult for the baby to
swallow. At such times, the flow may be reduced by It is natural for a mother to worry about whether
using the index and middle finger above and below or not her baby is getting adequate milk, as there
the nipple, to compress it gently. is nO way of measuring how much milk has been
consumed. But feeding the baby again and again
After feeding, the nipples should be cleaned out of this worry, say on a regimen of every two
once again. The mother should apply pure ghee on hours, may end up causing the baby indigestion.
the nipples once or twice a day to keep them soft
and lubricated and prevent cracks and fissures. If the child gains weight normally, sleeps
The baby should be fed alternately from each soundly, feeds at proper intervals, is not irritable,
breast. Begin one session with the right breast, has no digestion problems, and is quiet for two-
and next time, start with the left side. This balances three hours after feeding, then its needs are being
milk production on both sides. adequately met.

Ensure that there is no pressure on the baby’s The baby may vomit occasionally after a feed,
abdomen after feeding. This is best done by holding but this should cause no concern. As long as it gains
the baby with its back erect, close to the chest, and weight normally, sleeps quietly, and is not irritable,
gently stroking its back. one need not seek medical advice for occasionally
vomiting. Vomiting actually rids the baby's stomach
The baby should be allowed to feed whenever it of any excess accumulated kapha / phlegm. The
is hungry. The initial interval between feeds (when incidence of vomiting usually reduces gradually,
the child is hungry), is usually about 2% to 3 hours, and ultimately stops when the child begins to turn
slowly increasing to three to four hours. If the baby onto its abdomen and crawl.
is asleep at feeding times, it should not be woken

As soon as the child is born, a sterile cotton piece, dipped in ghee, should be placed on the
child’s fontanel. This strengthens and secures the child's brain and senses.
A new-born should definitely be given honey and ghee with gold (as described in the
chapter). This is the first sanskar to be performed after birth, and is paramount and vital for
the progress of the child's health.
Breast milk is the best food for a new-born.
The first breast feed should be given 30 to 40 minutes after childbirth, to make matters easy
for both, the mother and the baby.
Breast-feeding is also very important for the mother's health.

171
 SerAyurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Breast-feeding

_ f possible, the baby should not only be BREAST MILK

breast-fed until it is six months old. Even
if other food is given to the baby from then A breastfed child is totally dependent
on, breast-feeding should be continued onthe mother’s milk for complete nutrition.
until the child is 12 to 15 months old. In turn, the quality of the milk is affected
by the mother’s diet and behaviour;
Ayurved emphasizes the importance what she eats or drinks, the lifestyle and
of breast-feeding to the extent where speech habits she adopts, are some of
it suggests, that feeding be done by the factors that influence the breast milk,
another woman (wet nurse / dhatri), if and ultimately the baby. For this reason,
the baby’s mother is incapacitated for the mother should take care of her own
some reason. The wet nurse should be health.
of the same age as the mother and have
a similar nature. If, however, neither the Since breast milk is the child's only and
mother nor a wet nurse is able to feed the complete food, it is imperative that it does
baby, the only other option is to feed the not lack in any nutrients, is balanced, and
baby with cow’s milk. is of optimal quality. It is necessary that
the mother include Santulan Shatavari
Today, it is not uncommon for many Kalpa in her diet right from conception.
new mothers to not wish to breast-feed Other foods that help the production of
their babies. In such cases, the hormone breast milk and can be taken regularly
injections or medication given to stop milk are ahleev ladu, kheer, milk, and ghee.
production certainly have a detrimental Healthy breast milk is defined below:
effect on the overall health and strength of
the mother. In addition, the baby deprived
of breast milk, does not get the benefits
of breast milk which you have read in the
previous chapter.
Stanya-sampattu prakrti-varna-
Such erroneous and unnatural gandha-rasa-sparsam, udaka-patre ca
instincts should definitely be discarded. duhyamanamudakam vyeti prakrti-
On the contrary, while breast-feeding, bhutatvat tat pustikaram-arogyakaram
the mother can experience a limitless ceti ....Caraka Sarirasthana
joy, by watching the baby thrive and grow
because of her milk. Breast milk should be clean, thin and
at body temperature (not warmer).
It should look white and have a shine
(like the white surface of a conch)

172
 Breast-feeding (ay

It should be sweet in taste.

(poppy seeds), semolina, with sugar orjaggery,
To test purity, add a few drops of breast milk to to lunch.
a glass of clean water. Imbalanced breast milk Eat home made butter / ghee with candy sugar
will not mix well with water. (khadi sakhar).
Drink milk with half a teaspoon of shatavari
Many women experience that the breast milk churna and half a teaspoon of vidari (Ipomoea
they produce has decreased. Possible reasons for digitata).
this are outlined below. Mix together % tsp of pimpli powder (long
pepper), 4 tsp of dry ginger powder (suntha), %
shleapienrarcacatehyss
fra: tsp of hirda powder, % tsp of jaggery with ghee
RAM Wala |... geeks and take the mixture with milk.
Santulan Lactosan is a good herbal supplement
Krodha-soka-avatsalyadibhisca striyah stanya-naso for the mother while she is breast feeding her
bhavati ...SuSruta $arirasthana child.
The breasts should also be massaged with
Anger, grief, lack of maternal love and empathy, Santulan Suhrud Oil to prevent sagging.
fasting, over-exercising, excess anxiety or worry, Regular massage also helps to increase the
can lead to reduced formation of breast milk. production of breast milk.

Many women today are working, and _ this The Quality Of Breast Milk
can cause consiant physical and mental stress,
in addition to time constraints, which may lead To ensure that breast milk remains optimal, the
to neglect of dietary and behavioural guidelines following preventive measures are advised.
prescribed in this book.
Turmeric - A sutika's diet should include a fair
All the above-mentioned factors may cause amount of turmeric in the form of powder. Ensure
a deficiency in the amount of milk produced. that the powder used is pure and preferably
According to Ayurved, rasa dhatu and breast milk homemade. If can procure fresh turmeric root,
are closely interconnected. Rasa dhatu, being the include it in meals in the form of a pickle, made
first dhatu, is easily affected by minor changes in with ginger and salt. Use turmeric generously
food habits, or the prevailing mental state, and this when cooking vegetables and lentils / dals as
in turn affects breast milk. well.
Hing (asafoetida) - This can also be used while
Ensuring adequate production of breast milk cooking to help keep breast milk pure.
Sprouted Methi (fenugreek) Seeds - These can
Drink adequate quantities of milk with Santulan
be added to vegetables and lentils / dal fodni,
Shatavari Kalpa. also fosters the formation of good breast milk.
Eat ahleev kheer or ahleev-coconut ladu twice
Cumin (jeera) - This is excellent for purifying
a day.
breast milk, and can be used to temper
Eat sheera made with water chestnut-flour and
vegetables. The addition of jeera powder to
jaggery. buttermilk or vegetables makes them more
Add kheer, made from rice flour, khus-khus

173
 ——_—‘—em
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

palatable. body temperature.

As described earlier, chewing some ajwain,
balantshop (Peucedanum graveolens), or lf the breast milk is disturbed by kapha, then it is
sesame, after meals, as supari or mouth slightly salty, sticky, and heavy. If added to a glass
freshener, also helps to purify the breast milk of water, this type of breast milk will sink to the
(See chapter on Special Recipes) bottom. It can cause disorders, such as excessive
Kulith (Dolichos biflorus) - Kulith soup is advised salivation, increased sleep, swelling on the face,
twice a week, as it helps maintain the quality itching, and frequent bouts of cough and cold.
of breast milk. It should be cooked in a cumin
fodni, and the addition of aamsool (Garcinia THE EFFECT OF THE DOSHAS ON
purpurea) makes it tastier. BREAST MILK
Massaging the breasts daily with Santulan
Remedies for imbalances due to vata dosha
Suhrud Oil is also recommended.

Following these simple steps will prevent impure Intake of dashamoolarishta and kumari asav,
and unhealthy breast milk. If, for some reason, mixed with warm water, helps. Taking dashamula
problems still arise, you need to visit an Ayurvedic ghruta is also advised.
physician. Applying a paste of dashamool, hirda (Terminalia
chebula), and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on
DETERIORATION OF the breast, helps to purify the breast milk. These
ingredients are available separately in powder
BREAST MILK
form. They should be mixed in equal quantities
with water to form the paste.
The taste, colour, smell and quality of
The intake, of a mixture of asafoetida and black
breast milk may deteriorate due to:
salt (Saindhav) with ghee, reduces disorders,
such as abdominal pains, colic, and flatulence
Over-eating by the mother, eating too much
in the baby.
bitter/salty food or any stale food, eating too
much of paneer (cottage cheese) and curd, Remedies for imbalances due to pitta dosha
sleeping in the afternoon, sadness, anger, grief,
stress and inadequate sleep. Intake of panchatikta ghruta.
The application of a paste made up of herbs,
If breast milk is disturbed by vata dosha, it
such as sandalwood, vala (Andropogon
becomes frothy, slightly dark in colour and tastes
muricatus), anantmool (Hemidesmus indicus),
bitter / astringent. Drinking such milk can cause
having cooling properties, on the breast.
the baby indigestion, flatulence, constipation, and
inadequate weight gain. Herbal preparations, such as pravalpanchamrut,
kamadudha, bhunimbadi kadha, may be taken
If the breast milk is disturbed by pitta dosha, after consultation with an Ayurvedic physician.
it becomes yellowish in colour, sour / bitter, and Remedies for imbalances due to kapha dosha
hot. On consuming such milk, the baby can have
excessive sweating, loose motions, and a high Intake of dry ginger powder mixed with honey

174
 Breast-feeding nse
Sees
ee
SRoo. Sage ek RO
ve RS SEO

and ghee. and allow it to cool to the around body temperature

The application of a paste of kadechirait before feeding the baby.
(Swertia chirata), gulvel (Tinospora cordifolia),
and triphala (mixture of amla, hirda, behada), The above treatment serves to make the cow’s
on the breast is recommended. milk easier to digest. All of the nutrients from the
Herbal medicines such as pipplyadi powder mother’s diet are automatically passed to the
panchakol powder, may be taken after baby in the appropriate form and correct quantity
consultation with a physician. through breast milk. To compensate for these
deficiencies in cow’s milk, preparations such as
If the breastmilk is impure, imbalanced, or in Santulan Chaitanya Kalpa made from herbs such
decreased quantity, appropriate treatment should as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), or kavach
be started promptly. Breastfeeding is extremely bij (Mucuna pruriens), can be mixed in the milk.
important. It should only be stopped if you are not This milk should then be strained through a clean
able to remedy its dusturbance or if milk is being cloth, before it is given to the baby. Maintaining
produced in very small quantities. Please consult strict hygiene and sterile conditions is of the utmost
an Ayurvedic physician in such cases. Pure cow's importance in the above process.
milk is the only permissible substitute until the
remedies are effected. Before feeding the baby A very important point to be noted here, is that
with cow's milk, however, it must be cultured in the tinned or powdered milk is very difficult to digest,
following manner: and should not be used. Bottle-feeding should be
avoided as well, but, if in an emergency, the baby
Add ten to fifteen grains of vavding (Embelia has to be bottle-fed, both, the bottle and rubber
ribes) or a spoonful of /aghupanchmool herbs nipple, should be boiled for at least twenty minutes.
(mixture of five specific roots) to % cup of milk and Ifa cup and spoon are used to feed the child, these
¥%, cup of water. Boil it, then cook on a low flame should also be adequately sterilized. Preferably
until the total quantity is reduced to one cup. Strain use a silver cup and spoon for feeding.

For the first six months, the baby should be strictly breastfed. After that, even if other foods are
introduced, breastfeeding should be continued till the child is 12 to 15 months old.
If, for some reason, it is not possible to breastfeed the baby, cow’s milk can be used as a substitute.
This milk, however, should be cultured with herbs, and kalpas like Santulan Chaitanya Kalpa to
provide the baby with adequate nourishment.

175
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanshér

For a healthy baby...

B abies grow
remedies,
very
when
rapidly. Ayurvedic
integrated into the
daily routine, improve the health and
herbal oils, such as Santulan Abhyang
(Coconut) Oil. Applying pressure to the
baby's body or rubbing its skin forcefully
development of the baby, and in the long could cause injury. Try and apply the oil
run are of tremendous help to the growing as if you're playing with the baby lovingly
child. Some recommended Ayurvedic and with care. The baby will enjoy the
remedies, also part of traditional experience, and cooperate completely!
curative methods to encourage excellent
development in the child, are as follows. The traditional and easiest position
in which oil can be applied to the baby
MASSAGE is shown in the picture above. The baby
is to be massaged gently while placed
Every morning before bath, the on the legs extended out in front of you.
baby should be massaged gently (it is If this position is not possible, the baby
called Abhyang in sanskrit) with special may be placed on a soft sheet laid on the

176
 For a healthy baby...

floor.

How To Massage The Baby?

Begin with applying oil to the fontanel. Apply

as much oil here as gets absorbed. Then put two
to three drops of oil in the baby's navel and two
to three drops in each ear. The massage should
be done from the legs upwards; the direction of
movement is from the soles to the feet and then the
thighs. Massage strokes should generally be from
the lower part of the body to the upper. Similarly,
the palms, backs of the hands, then the arms
should be massaged in this sequence. A similar
upward movement is to be followed on the back,
from the sacrum to the neck. On the abdomen,
the strokes of the massage should be in a circular
clockwise movement from the right to the left side.
The massage oil should be lukewarm, especially
in the rainy season and in winter. Give the baby a
bath about 2 an hour after the massage.

Regularly massaging the baby will strengthen

its bones and muscles. The baby's skin will become
softer and will glow a lot more. Massage will also
ensure adequate and normal physical growth for
the baby, and will improve resistance to disease neither too hot nor too cold.
and will also boost the baby's immune system. A
second application of oil in the evening will ensure As the baby’s skin is extremely sensitive,
sound sleep for the baby during the night. susceptible and tender, the use of a bathing powders
such as Santulan Baby Massage Powder,
It is advisable to continue giving the baby instead of soap, is recommended. Some of the
regular massages until the age of two. It should be main ingredients of such powders are sandalwood,
a definite daily activity for the baby during the first anantmoo! and turmeric, with chickpea or masur
eight to nine months, and subsequently the child flour
can be given a massage once or twice a week up
to the age of five. Santulan Baby Massage Powder should be
mixed with fresh milk or cream to make a paste.
Use this paste instead of soap while bathing the
BATH AND
baby.
HERBAL PASTE APPLICATION
The water used to bathe the baby should be The room used for the baby's massage and

ee,
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

bath should be free of draughts of wind. Draughts calamus) powder to the baby's chest and some
can occur due to open doors or windows. Direct finely powdered sangjira to the baby's abdomen,
exposure to a fan or air-conditioner is just as bad. armpits, groin and chest. After this the child can be
Immediately after bathing, the baby should be dressed.
wrapped in soft muslin cloth, and dried gently.
This remedy helps removes excess or unwanted
body hair on a child, and may be especially useful
SMOKE THERAPY - DHOOP
for girl babies . Mix turmeric and vekhand powder,
After bath, the baby should be exposed to or make them into a paste and apply it to the skin
dhoop. If one follows traditional methods of dhoop, regularly. This considerably reduces future visits to
the charcoal or dried cow dung (govarya) to be the beauty parlour!
used for this purpose, should already be lit and kept
ready when the child is being bathed. It is quite CLOTHES
convenient now, though, to use electric dhoop pots
or pans (available in the marketplace) The baby's clothes, sheets and bed linen
should be made of soft cotton or silk. Ayurved
Sprinkle a small amount of Santulan recommends that all clothes used for the baby
Tenderness Dhoop on the electric pot and switch be treated with dhoop as well. The baby’s clothes
iton. The baby should then be held over the smoke should be washed, dried in the sun - and then
that emanates from the herbal mixture. exposed to dhoop to sterilise them - before use.
This practice is a must in the rainy season. In other
If needed, a large sieved pot or pan may be seasons exposing only the baby's cloth diapers to
placed over the dhoop pot so that the baby is not dhoop may also be sufficient. Clothes and cotton
directly exposed to the heat. This also helps to diapers should be ironed to prevent microbial
ensure that the smoke spreads out more (see the contamination.
image on the previous page). The smoke should
reach all the parts of the baby's body, especially Avoid making your baby wear tight clothes,
the fontanel, ears, anus, and genitals. Please especially undergarments. Cloth diapers should
ensure that the baby is not in any discomfort or not be tied tightly onto the abdomen.
feels choked or is touched by anything hot in this
process. In the interests of convenience, there is an
increasing tendency to use disposable diapers.
Dhoop, taken daily, helps to ward off infections These leave the genital region constantly moist
and prevents coughs, colds and fever. Since this and do not allow the area to be exposed to air.
therapy helps the overall growth and development This causes an increased incidence in infection,
of the child it should be administered daily for at inflammation, or rash (diaper rash) in the area. Avoid
least for the first six to eight months. As the baby using disposable diapers as much as possible.
grows older, and it becomes difficult to hold the
baby in such a position, the child may be placed
near the dhoop pot instead.

After dhoop, apply a pinch of vekhand (Acorus

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 For a healthy baby...

KAJAL traffic noises. The baby should be kept away from

draughts and not placed directly under a fan.
Kajal is great for the eyes. It is a myth that kajal can
damage the eyes. Kajal, which has been prepared The baby's cot should be clean, soft and
using traditional Ayurvedic recipes and guidelines, comfortable. Make sure the baby is always
such as San Anjan (black), is perfectly safe and protected from insects and small animals, such as
excellent for the baby. It improves vision as well ants, mosquitoes and flies. It is not good to have
as the health of the eyes and gives them a glow. the baby sleep only on its back, so it should be
It has also been found that those who have been turned on to its side occasionally.
using Ayurvedic kajal since childhood, have fewer
eye problems in adulthood. It has been observed, that maintaining one
sleeping position for longer periods of time can
Protecting The Ears And The Head result in an unnatural shape of the cranium, so it
is recommended, that the head be supported in all
TRE Maye Hea wad three directions by the use of soft pillows, or soft
Weed | ...swindye SRI cotton fabric rolls. When the baby is lying on its
side, a pillow should be used to support the back
Aharahahscasya Srotra-srngatakam snehaplutena as well.
plotena pracchadayet ....Astangasangraha uttarasthana
Please allow your baby to sleep undisturbed
A drop of lukewarm oil should be put in the ears and discourage visitors from trying to wake it.
every day, and then the ears should be protected Noises like doorbells and telephone rings can
with a cotton swab disturb your baby's sleep, affecting its digestion
and consequently its growth.
After this, it is recommended to cover the baby’s
head and ears with a cap. Even in summer the baby The duration for which the baby sleeps will
should be wearing a cap on the head immediately reduce naturally as it grows. If your baby does not
after the morning bath, even if the baby sleeps sleep soundly enough or has disturbed sleep you
during this time. The child should always sleep with must take remedial measures immediately.
its head in the east.
It is recommended that the baby sleep in its own
SLEEP bed, but near its mother. This enables the mother
to keep an eye on her child and allows the baby to
Sleep is very important for the baby’s all-round feel safe and secure.
development. Initially, babies sleep for 20-22
hours, waking up only when hungry or wet. When Ayurved recommends the following regarding
the baby falls asleep immediately after feeding, it is sleep for babies
an indicator of good health.
ert ATM Ge a A eelaye |
The room where the baby sleeps should meet
the following criteria. It should be warm, quiet,
not frequented by people and away from loud or

179
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

Bodhayet sahasa suptam no na cainam samutksipet be so intense as to cause damage to the baby's
. Astangasangraha uttarasthana eyes (indicated when the baby finds it difficult to
keep its eyes open). Take care that the baby does
It is not a good idea to waken a sleeping child not look directly into a light source. Often a baby's
suddenly. The baby should not be lifted without cradle is placed directly under a fluorescent light,
waking it up beforehand. or an electric lamp or the baby may be left to sleep
near the television. The ability of a baby's eyes to
areas
a aed Tetra feWet: | react to light, by dilating and constricting its pupils,
PATA ETS UTA SATA TA I only develops after the seventh or eight month, so
exposure to very bright light can cause permanent
damage to its retina.
Trasayennavidheyam ca
trastam grhnanti hi grahah The hearing centres of the brain also begin their
Vastra-patat para-sparsat further development only a few months after the baby
palayet langhanacca tam ...Astaigasangraha uttarasthana is born. Speech development also depends on these
centres. The babies senses and consequently, these
Any unnatural or loud noises, abnormal shapes, centres, should be protected from harsh exposure
frightening sights or situations, all of which have the or injury until they have been properly developed.
potential to harm the baby, should be kept away. Any damage to these senses and nerves can lead
to a lifelong disability in the baby.
Strangers should not be allowed to hold the
baby when it is without clothes. The baby should Ayurved advises certain raksha karma (protective
not be swung into another person’s arms, or thrown measures), to protect the baby from bacteria,
up into the air. negative energies and planetary influences. The
following list of herbs and grains bundled together
Such actions can cause grahabadha - lung or creates a protective atmosphere around the baby.
brain damage / disorders, or contagious diseases. Collect some finely ground vekhanda (Acorus
calamus), kushta (Saussurea lappa), asafoetida
ad tact
SUR A ata (hing), yellow mustard seed, atasi (flax seeds),
TA SUNT AN... serra seReeTT garlic and rice grain together. Make two bundles like
this in silk cloth. Fix one bundle on to the door of
Varsam svavasaterbahyam the mother and baby's room and tie the second to
kumarasya na darsayet the baby's cradle. Use a generous amount of the
Dipamatapamagnim ca ingredients and tie the bundles loosely so that their
rupamanyacca bhasuram fragrance spreads easily. According to Ayurved, this
... Astangasangraha uttarasthana helps to prevent negative energies and germs from
entering these rooms.
In the first year especially, the child should be
protected from excess heat, too much light, fire, If you are able to carry out all the suggestion
and untoward and fearful images. This does not in this chapter you will ensure that your wonderful
mean that the baby should be kept in a dark room. new-born will stay healthy and feel secure.
There should be adequate light, but it should not
es &

180
 For a healthy baby...

When the natural progress of the child is supported by Ayurvedic treatments, it becomes
healthy, which will prove beneficial throughout its life.
Massaging the child is a must. Begin by gently rubbing oil on the baby's fontanel, and
putting two or three drops in the ear and navel. Use oils like Santualn Abhyang Coconut
Oil.
Herbal smoke using mixtures like Santulan Shakti Dhoop, administered daily after a bath,
will protect the baby from infections.
If you apply Ayurvedic kajal in the eyes, it doesn’t damage or trouble the eyes, instead it
benefits the eyes and helps them remain healthy. Future eye disorders are also mitigated.
For the child’s physical, mental, intellectual progress, and proper digestion, it is important
for it to sleep peacefully and adequately.

181
 .& Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Diet for the baby

sasthe annaprasanam masi
he baby’s diet is divided into three types,
on the basis of age and the type of food: kramattacca prayojayet
Ciragnisevamano~nnam
1. Ksheerap balo naturyamasnute
2. Ksheerannad Bhajedyatha yathacannam
3. Annad stanyam tyajyam tatha tatha
rae Astangasangraha uttaratantra
For the first six months, the child
should be breast-fed. This is the Ksheerap After 'Annaprashan', the baby can
stage when the baby's sole nourishment slowly be given more and more solid food
is mother's milk. while the amount of breast milk it is given
can slowly be reduced. The more gradual
After this, the phase in which the the increase in solid food the lower the
baby's main food is still mother's milk, chances that the baby will fall ill.
but it can now also be fed other foods,
is called the Ksheerannad stage. This Kheer, fruit juice, vegetable soups,
phase lasts until the child is approximately the water left over from cooking rice and
two years old. mung dal or a liquid rice paste, are some
of the foods that can be given to the baby
Then follows the Annad stage in which between the ages of six months and one
the baby shifts completely to solid food. year.

The Ksheerap (breastfeeding) stage All food should be introduced into the
has been described in detail in previous baby’s diet very gradually. If the baby is
chapters. able to digests the lightest or simplest
food offered, then a new type of food can
Ksheerannad begins with the ritual of be introduced after an interval of ten to
Annaprashan. On an auspicious day in its fifteen days.
sixth month, the child is fed a light, diluted
semolina kheer (see Special Recipes) - E.g. begin with kheer for the first ten
its first food other than mother's milk - in to fifteen days, then add fruit juices over
a silver cup and spoon. the next ten to fifteen days. This can be
followed by vegetable soup, and so on.
The following Shloka describes the
beginnings of giving solid food to the Cooked or prepared food should be
baby given to the baby only once a day at first.
USSG AA sae Waa | Once the baby becomes used to it, it
Feuer arent ATeAeyA can be given twice a day. The best time
TAIN Aaa SA APG AM AM | to give the baby solid food is during the
day, rather than the evening. Plan your
baby's diet carefully according to these
guidelines.

182
 Diet for the baby
ae: Gessce: eer RS
RS
See eee aS
Siteca ese be ee oe
SARE SS

Baby food should be liquid/mashed, without ground cumin powder may also be added and
any solid pieces, and should be neither cold nor about 2 a cup fed to the baby at one time.
too hot.
RICE + MUNG LIQUID: Cook rice or a mixture of
If the baby refuses to eat a certain food, don’t rice and mung dal in water. The ratio of water to
force it, but try again in a few days. As the baby's grain should be about 8:1. The water leftover after
taste buds get accustomed to different food, the cooking the rice and mung should be given to the
baby will develop its own likes and dislikes. Your baby. A little salt, sugar, ghee and cumin powder,
baby may acquire an aversion to foods which have may be added to the water for taste. About % a
strong flavour, are tasteless or strongly spiced. cup of this liquid can be fed to the baby. A little
The baby's food should be cooked in a manner vegetable may also be cooked along with the rice
that makes it easy to digest. It is best if the mother + mung dal mixture for variety.
tastes the food before giving it to the baby.
After the first year, the amount of liquid in the
Add only a minimum amount of salt and sugar diet can be gradually reduced. For example, soft
to the baby's food initially. Ready-made, tinned or cooked rice or soft khichadi can be given instead
bottled baby food has become very popular, but it of the rice-water. If necessary, this can be pureed
will only put unnecessary pressure on the baby's in a mixer.
digestive system at an early age.
Fruit juice can be substituted with mashed,
KHEER: This soup-like sweet dish, made from steamed apple, pear or mashed papaya, and in
milk, Sugar and a grain like rice, semolina, poppy summer, about a quarter of mashed banana may
seeds or nachani (Eleusine coracana ), is very be given. As bananas tend to increase Kapha
healthy. About % or % of a small cup of kheer may dosha, they should be mixed with a little honey.
be given to the baby at one time. The amount of fruit juice you give your child may
also be increased by the time it is one year old.
FRUIT JUICE: The freshly squeezed juice of sweet Introduce small pieces of chapati soaked in dal /
seasonal fruits, such as grapes, pomegranates, lentil soup. This can be pureed too if necessary.
sweet lime, apples or papaya, may be given to the Make sure that you increase the amount of food
child. Since apples are heavy to digest, they should gradually.
be steamed, mashed and then strained to remove
the juice. Papayas can be mashed by hand, and Vegetables like lady fingers (okra), bottle gourd
the pulp strained to extract juice. Two to three tsp (dudhi), carrots, beetroot, ridge gourd (ghosali),
of the juice of any one fruit can be given at a time. potatoes, spinach, fenugreek (methi), or padval
Another mistaken practice adopted commonly, is (snake gourd), may also be added to the dal / lentil
to feed the baby bananas. Bananas are best to be soup / chapati mixture.
avoided until the baby is at least one year old.
Grated fresh coconut, chopped coriander
VEGETABLE SOUP: Cook one or two of the leaves, a pinch of chili powder, sugar and salt can
following vegetables - bottle gourd (dudhi), red be added to vegetables to improve their taste.
pumpkin, spinach, zucchini and carrot - in a little
water, and puree it. Salt, sugar, ghee and finely To improve the taste of vegetables for the baby,

183
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

freshly grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, it guava, custard apple, jackfruit, or strawberries.
a pinch of chili powder, sugar and salt, can all be
added as required. At the age of two, the next stage i.e. Annad
begins. Now, emphasis shifts to solid food in the
The addition of homemade ghee to all of the baby's diet. By this stage the child will have milk
above foods is a must. At least once a day, give teeth, and as chewing and swallowing improves,
the child khichadi, plain dal or spiced dal / lentil as you should adjust the baby's diet accordingly.
these provide the necessary proteins for the baby’s
growth. It is a widespread misconception that once the
child has been weaned, the need for milk reduces.
The development of the brains intelligence Our bones continue to develop until the age of 16
takes place primarily during childhood, and mental and the growing child needs a lot of milk at least
and physical growth occurs rapidly at this early until then. In fact, people ofall ages should regularly
stage. This development is enhanced enormously drink milk. Add Santulan Chaitanya Kalpa to milk
by a nutritious diet. to increase its benefits. Until the age of five, a cup
of milk two to three times a day is an absolute must
At this age the baby's food should be for children. Milk, as has been mentioned before,
predominantiy sweet-tasting. Items such as home should be boiled properly, should not be taken after
made ghee or butter mixed with sugar should be sunset and should be had warm.
in abundance. However, chocolates, pastry and
cakes, though sweet in taste, are heavy to digest From the age of two onwards, the child’s diet
and best avoided. should include a complete meal consisting of dal/
lentil soup, rice with ghee, vegetables, chapattis,
Foods which are bitter and spicy/ pungent in a salad and buttermilk. If children become
taste, should be introduced into the diet as late as accustomed to this at an early age, they learn to
possible, and kept to a minimum. eat all vegetables, fruits and soups.

The baby’s digestive system is delicate and At this stage, children haven't yet developed
sensitive. Make sure to avoid food that is not easy to likes and dislikes, and even if they have started
digest. This list includes legumes, such as chavali, doing so, they can be altered to a certain extent.
peas, or sprouts, non-vegetarian foods, eggs, Keeping in mind their future health, vary their diet
cheese, paneer, excess yoghurt, cake, biscuits and and feed them all types of vegetables.
other products made from white flour (maida), sour
fruits such as pineapple, orange, guava or custard A mother who proudly proclaims, “My child
apple. Avoid giving the baby these foods for the won't eat any vegetable other than potatoes,” is,
first two years at least. Fried foods and other ready consciously or unconsciously, gravely neglecting
made and processed food items should not be her child’s health. Similarly, parents who complain
given to the baby. their child will only eat biscuits, chocolates or
pizza, should ask themselves who is responsible
Never combine milk or cream with fruits as this for that. Aren’t the parents the ones who introduce
could cause a variety of allergies and skin rashes. their children to such foods in the first place to be
If the baby suffers from colds or coughs, do not give blamed?

184
 Diet forthe baby aaa

The best mid-day snacks for children are, ladus foods to their children. However, it should be
made from mung dal and pure ghee, rajgeera ladu, remembered that besides having been stored for a
raisins, figs, dry dates, almonds, shashti shalilahya, long time , these foods often contain preservatives
or upma (a preparation made from semolina). and artificial food colouring. They are not only
Children also love boiled potatoes mashed with difficult to digest, but it is doubtful whether they
homemade butter and a little salt. This could be have any nutritive value at all. Such ready-made
made more interesting with small quantities of foods may be used occasionally, in emergencies,
cooked carrots, bottle gourd (dudhi), or spinach but they are no alternative to fresh, wholesome,
added to the potatoes. nutritious food prepared with love and attention at
home.
Children should have dinner by 7.30 or 8 pm.
Dinner can consist of khichadi, soup, rice, fulka or In conclusion, the baby’s food should be easy
mixed vegetable paratha. Dhirdi (salty pancakes), to digest, nutritious, easily assimilated by the body,
made of rice or chickpea flour, is a good change and enriched with all the nutrients necessary for
occasionally. growth.

Mothers are often tempted to give one of the

many commercial quick-to-prepare, instant baby

When the baby is six months old, the Annaprashan sanskar should be done, and the baby
should be introduced to other foods. These foods should be increased very gradually, so
that no pressure is created on the digestive system.
The digestive capacity of the infant is limited. It is unable to break down heavy foods,
hence, such foods should be avoided.
Even when the child starts eating proper meals, it is imperative for him/her to have milk
regularly, throughout childhood.
The habit of eating a full meal should be inculcated right from childhood.

185
 yurved has mentioned special herbs / chaatan, for at least 6 months daily.
=e substances, to foster the baby’s overall
qauen daarawadksy |
development. They are to be mixed with
SAE THIS Gos Gea qos Welter |
honey or milk and ground on sahan (a
Aa VAT Sa a EIAs |
special stone) and given as a chaatan
weftata: saan: qavtmerTesad_
(a paste to be placed on the tongue or
licked) to the baby. Such herbs are called
lehya, and should be given to the child Suvarna-prasanam hyetan
every day from its birth onward until -medhagni-balardhanam
recommended. They should preferably ayusyam mangalam punyam
be administered by placing the mixture vrsyam varnyam grahapaham
on the baby's tongue.
Masat parama-medhavi
Earlier this book has described how vyadhibhirna ca dhrsyate
gold ground in honey should be given sadbhirmasaih sruta-dharah
to the child immediately after birth. The suvarna-prasanad-bhavet _ ..... Kasyapa
Kashyap Samhita advises continuing with
this ground gold in honey , in the form of On a clean sahan, (a special type of

186
 “Rasayan” for the baby Reet
aes
yy ee
i
Ries
eRe ;

flat stone on which herbs are ground to a paste), half. The water should then be cooled and given to
a piece of pure 24-carat gold is ground with a the child lukewarm. If it is not possible to boil it for
small quantity of honey, in clockwise direction so long, it should be boiled for at least 20 minutes.
(see illustration), and this mixture is placed on
the baby’s tongue with a fingertip. A small one or This gold-infused water augments the benefits
two gram piece of gold is reserved especially for of the gold paste mentioned above. To make the
this purpose. A gold ring or other jewellery, that is water easily digestible, a pinch or two of ajwain
worn daily, should not be used. The gold should be (Carum copticum), balantshop (Peucedanum
rubbed on the sahan with honey for around four graveolens), and vavding (Embelia ribes) and
or five circles, or till the honey changes its colour fennel seeds can be added during boiling.
slightly. This paste should be given to the baby
preferably at the same time every day, morning or BALAMRUT
evening, without fail. This paste is very well known
to help develop the baby's intelligence, digestive Santulan Balamrut, a specially created herbal
fire (agni), strength and grasping power. It also rasayan for children, should be given daily to the
helps the child attain longevity. That is probably the baby from the time it is ten days old up until the
reason why our tradition says that the act of giving child turns two. It should be administered mixed
the baby this paste is auspicious, and blesses with a little honey. It has been observed that
the child! According to Acharya Kashyap, it also children who have been given Santulan Balamrut
protects the child against undesirable planetary on a regular basis, are good-natured, have an even
effects, and infection from various microorganisms. temperament, cry less, and smiling a lot more.
If given for a month, it helps to increase the baby’s They have excellent overall development, and are
comprehension and immunity; if given for six less likely to fall ill.
months, the baby develops excellent memory, and
the ability to remember things, even if told only BALGUTI
once.
Another great Ayurvedic tonic is Ba/guti. Balguti
WATER INFUSED WITH GOLD is a remedy whose efficacy has been experienced
countless times. It helps ensure proper digestion
(Suvarnasiddha Jala) and bowel movement and improves the immune
Like the above-mentioned gold paste, it is system, preventing colds, coughs, and fever.
beneficial to give the baby water that has been It helps the baby gain weight, and supports
infused with gold. In general, infants do not need nourishment and helps in the overall development
water for the first six months, but drinking water of the baby. Besides these benefits, several herbs
is necessary as they grow older, especially in in Balguti also strengthen the brain and bones, and
summer. help guard against worm infections.

PREPARING GOLD-INFUSED WATER The herbs used in Balguti, work best when
ground in mother’s milk. Alternatively, they may
Boil a litre of water on a low flame with a piece of also be ground with gold-infused water. The herbs
gold, for convenience it can be attached to a silver should be used whole, wiped dry, and stored in an
chain. The water should boil until it is reduced to airtight container. Ideally, Balguti should be given

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

to the child daily until it is 15 months old, and for grasping power and memory, such as brahmi and
the first eight months at the minimum. jatamansi, could also be given to your baby. One
such lehya preparation that contains these herbs
The herbs normally included in Balguti are and can be easily administered to the baby is
listed and their benefits explained in the chapter on Santulan Brahmaleen Ghruta (add a few drops of
Balguti later on in this book. honey for taste and give it your baby like chaatan
described earlier). Since babies do not have teeth,
A complete set of all of these herbs is available lehya (softened paste) preparations are obviously
commercially, but you should ensure that they are very helpful in terms of delivering these important
pure and of good quality. It is also possible to buy herbs to the baby.
a ready ground mixture of these herbs, but it is
much better to freshly grind each dose as required. This is the fastest period of growth and
If made fresh at home, the dosage of any of the development in human life. You can imagine how
herbs can be altered as required, depending on helpful such potent food supplements will be in the
whether the child has a particular problem. Also, baby's system at this age. Not only will the baby
readymade Balguti does not contain almonds or dry absorb these rasayans faster, but they will also
dates, which then have to be added later anyway. have a greater and longer lasting effect on the
baby's entire life, than if they are taken in adulthood.
In addition to all these rasayans, other herbs Rasayans are an imperative part of child care that
which nourish the brain, increase intelligence, bring lifelong positive results.

Ayurved says that if in the first six months, the baby is regularly given gold
ground in honey, the baby will be intelligent and have an excellent memory.
In general, infants do not need water for the first six months, but drinking water is
necessary,
as they grow older, especially in summer.
The water should be boiled with gold, and a pinch of ajwain (Carum copticum),
balantshop (Peucedanum graveolens), vavding (Embelia ribes) and fennel seeds.

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Child development
milestones

here is an inexpressible joy in watching progress is obvious over a period. If, for
a child grow and develop. The entire any reason, a particular milestone is not
family enjoys the child's day to day achieved within the stipulated time, (for
achievements, and takes great pleasure example, the child is unable to hold up its
in describing these in intricate details. head, turn over, or crawl within the given
period), expert medical advice should be
Achild develops gradually, inan almost sought immediately.
programmed manner in accordance with
Nature. These developmental milestones A new-born child normally weighs
are described in this chapter. The changes between 2.5 and 3.5 kilograms. The child
are not visible overnight, but gradual will normally lose a little weight in its first

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Garbha Sanskér

week, but rapidly put it back on in the second week, over on its side independently. It should also begin
and continue to gain weight very quickly over the to respond to those around it, and, for example,
first year. After the first year its weight gain will should show some facial reactions when spoken
become more gradual. to. By this time, the child can usually recognise all
members of the family.
Although there may be variations on weight
gain depending on diet and the baby’s constitution, Turning The Head, Grasping with Hands
a child will gain approximately half a kilogram
a month for the first year. A healthy Indian child By the fourth month, the baby begins to turn its
will weigh between 2.5 and 3 kilograms at birth. head in the direction of any sound or noise nearby,
Its weight will double at the age of six months, be and tries to grasp things with its hands. Gradually,
three times at one year, 4 times at 2 years and 5 it is able to hold small toys easily. The child also
times at 3 years of age. Between the ages of 3 and begins to articulate (i.e. make sounds when it is
7 years the child will gain about 2 kg per year. From happy), and is able to turn on its abdomen.
the age of 7 until puberty the child will gain about 3
kg per year. On average, the weight of a 3 year old Sitting Up
will be 15 kg, of a 5 year old will be 18 kg and a 7
year old will be 21kg. At the age of five months, a baby tries to sit
up with support. It also tries to move forward on
Many parents worry unnecessarily, if their child its abdomen, although often, babies tend to move
is not chubby. If the baby’s development is normal, backwards first. A child can sit up unsupported by
if it plays happily, eats and sleeps well, and if its the age of 6 months.
physical and mental milestones are within the norm,
there is no reason to be concerned. However, if the Crawling
baby does not gain weight for 2-3 months and is
irritable, does not feed properly, or is inordinately The ability to crawl depends on the strength
plump, then expert advice should be sought. of the spinal cord, and the spinal muscles.
Coordination (the ability of the arms and legs to
Holding Up The Head move in a particular sequence) develops after
the nervous system is fully developed. Since this
The first important milestone is the baby being takes a little time, the child usually begins to crawl
able to hold up its own head. This should be properly at seven - eight months.
achieved by the age of 2% to 3 months. The baby
should be able to hold its head upright even when Teething
it is held on the shoulder or being lifted up from a
lying position. Its gaze should also have stabilised Teething, which also commences at this
by this age, so that it can follow the movements of age, May Cause excessive drooling. The desire
objects in front of it. to drink milk reduces automatically. The child
becomes restless and exhibits the need to chew
Turning On The Side on something hard. Instead of a plastic teether, it is
better to give the baby a piece of carrot, kharik (dry
A three-month-old baby should be able to turn dates) or licorice, to chew on. Generally, the two

190
 Child development milestones "9
a
See
RSS
ROBIE.

lower front teeth erupt first, and all the milk teeth Standing Up
erupt between the age of six months to 1% Years.
Using someone's hand, a bedpost, or a sofa for
eae aad Aenea: | support, a 10 to 11 month old baby learns to stand
TEA AS HPS: PACA |. ovine secon up, and tries to take a few steps. It also tries to
grasp tiny objects such as puffed rice or Jahya, and
Bhaksayed danta-pavanam put them in its mouth. Since the baby will pick up
nasthiradvija-bandhanah objects lying on the floor, you must be extra careful
Tasya tat-ghattanat kruddhah and vigilant at this time to prevent the baby from
kuryadantamayan-marut putting rubbish or dangerous objects in its mouth.
.... Astangasangraha uttarasthana
Walking And Eating
Until the time the baby’s gums harden and
become strong, it is not advisable to use a The child begins to walk unsupported when it is
toothbrush or datoon (herbal sticks) to clean its a year old. At this age, it should also wake up if it
mouth. This can disturb vata, and cause dental wets the bed at night. The baby will want to eat with
problems or malaligned teeth. a spoon, or drink from a glass independently. It will
try to put a small glass/cup of water, or a spoon, in
This does not mean that the mouth should not its mouth. The child's initial attempts will invariably
be cleaned. Even a small baby’s mouth should result in spillage, or mess on the floor/table. Do not
be cleaned every day. It should.be cleaned with discourage the child. It will learn gradually, and
warm water, using a finger, only after the hands should be allowed to eat by itself at least once a
have been washed and the fingernails clipped. day, ideally from a plate with a high rim, so that it
Once the baby is a year old, or has learned how is easier to pick up the food with a spoon. If you do
to rinse its mouth, then herbal tooth powders, such not allow the child to do this the child will become
as Santulan Yogdanti, may be used. This powder habituated to always being fed.
is not harmful even if ingested. By the age of four
or five children can use a toothbrush to clean their Instrustions And Bowel Movements
teeth without help. They should still be supervised
to ensure that they clean their teeth properly. The child now also begins to understand when
told not to do something or not to touch certain
Responding To Its Name And Beginning To objects. The bladder-bowel timings also become
Make Sounds regulated.

By the 8" or 9 month the child recognises and Music

responds to its name, and attempts to say simple
words such as ‘baba, mama, dada’. It reaches out Expose a child to good, melodious music from
to touch objects that are attractive. It will also go the age of 1-1 % years. The child will learn to
to someone other than the parent, if it likes that appreciate good music. The child should also be
person. It learns to make actions like waving out, made to listen to musical versions of traditional
and tries to stand. evening prayers, such as Ramraksha, Hanuman
Chalisa and various common Aaratis, which help

SH
 y

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbér

it learn these traditional compositions and instill independently. At this age, the child will do things
faith in the child. The child also learns to memorise like look for reasons for not going to bed on time. It
things by just listening to them - an ability that will enjoys watching TV and talking to elders.
result in several advantages throughout life e.g.
while studying. Parents and elders should reduce watching
TV at this stage, to encourage the child to find
lf the mother has listened to Garbha Sanskar or new innovative ideas to entertain itself. Instead
any other healing music during her pregnancy, the of watching television, playing in the open air with
effect on the child will be visible even at an early other children, which motivates the child to be
age. You can see the extent of this effect because creative, is best. Encourage the child to take up
children become quiet easily when they hear the mentally stimulating activities.
same music that they heard while in the womb.
Simple Sentences And Self Expression
Simple Words And Games
By the age of three, children can construct
At the age of 1% to 2 years, the child will begin to simple sentences. Their vocabulary increases
say simple words, especially the names of things it rapidly, and the child can memorise short poems
likes. It can now identify common household objects and songs. It begins to play with toys such as dolls,
such as a fan, light bulbs, parts of the body such as cars, etc. on its own, and enjoys exploring and
nose, ear and hands, and can recognise animals drawing, or simply scribbling, with coloured pencils
such as a horse, cow, dog, or an elephant. It can and crayons. The child also begins to express itself
also say its own name and listens very carefully by saying it feels hot or cold, hungry or thirsty, and
when spoken to. The ability to run develops at this to make decisions about what clothes or shoes to
age and the child begins to enjoy indoor games wear.
such as hide and seek.
At this stage parents should not completely
Simple Tasks reject the child's preferences. On the contrary, you
should encourage its independent thinking. Instead
By the age of 2 or 3 years, a child learns to of scolding the child if it is stubborn, explaining why
remove simple garments, slippers, and shoes certain things are wrong, will help it differentiate
from a cabinet for example. Doing these tasks between right and wrong, truth and lies, good and
independently gives it a feeling of joy and a sense bad.
of achievement.
In this regard, it has also been observed that
Stories And Entertainment children exposed to Garbha Sanskar music while
in the womb and after, are less stubborn, and are
The child also begins to enjoy stories, fables more calm and quiet in comparison with other
and children's songs and can do a number of things children.
a 8 &

192
 Child development milestones

In the first week after birth, the infant loses weight, which is recovered in the second week.
During the first year, on an average, children gain about % kg per month.
If, for any reason, a particular milestone is not achieved within the stipulated time (for
example, the child is unable to hold up its head, turn over, or crawl), expert medical advice
should be sought immediately.
If a 1 or 1% year old child is allowed to eat one meal a day on its own, then the child becomes
independent more quickly.
Once the child turns a year old, it should be made to listen to musical compositions, like
Ramraksha, Hanuman Chalisa, and other Aaratis. This increases the child's capacity to
memorise and learn by listening.
Do not bend to the wrong, stubborn wishes of the child. But instead of scolding the child, if
parents explain properly, the child will not develop the tendency to become stubborn. It will
start to understand the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, etc.

193
 Ayurvedic

Raising a child

—
&

Photograph: Shrikrishna Paranjape, Child: Harshad Dhumal

arents and all the members of the family, During the first three months, the
play a very important role in sculpting child should not be handled more than is
the young child’s personality. Children necessary. It should as far as possible be
are not only sensitive on a_ physical handled by the mother, grandmother or
level, but are mentally susceptible, and other women who are experienced with
easily impressionable. They try to imitate small children. As far as possible, visitors
people around them, so it is important should be discouraged from holding the
to be aware of every tiny detail of what baby, or taking it on their lap. Holding the
is done or said in front of a child. The baby incorrectly for an extended period
following points should be taken into of time could cause discomfort, pain, or
consideration, in order to ensure the body ache to the child.
child’s successful physical, mental, and
intellectual progress. The head and neck should be carefully

194
 Raising achild (ee

supported, until the baby can hold its head up fully from being stunned than out of enjoyment. Such
(at between three to four months). The new type toys may also adversely affect the eyes.
of convenient baby carrier bag now available,
that allows the mother to carry her baby and still HUTA ARUN: PAT |. are viewers
have her arms free, does not provide adequate
support to the baby’s neck and back. The use of Manayasca dharaniyah kumarasya
this carrier bag can have a negative effect on the ....Caraka Sarirasthana
infant’s overall posture, and should not be used
until the child is at least six months old. Even after Ayurved advises that children wear suitable
that, it should be used only in rare and unavoidable precious stones and gems. There may be security
circumstances. or safety concerns with making the baby wear
extremely precious gems. Even so, a small black
Although it is very tempting to pinch a child’s tulsi and/or gold bead may be tied around the
chubby cheeks, please avoid doing this. A baby baby's wrist without much fear. The baby can wear
should not be left unsupervised with other small a gold or silver chain of a suitable size, so that
children. neither can it slip off over the head, nor can it be
easily pulled off. Girls can wear anklets of silver or
A child will begin to sit at the age of five - six gold, and boys can wear similar anklets made of
months. There's no need to hurry this process up panchadhatu (a particular amalgam of five metals),
or force the child to sit before then. Even when the but these should not fit too tightly.
child starts to attempt to sit up, it is best to allow
this only for short periods of time in the beginning. It is important to talk to the baby as soon as it
Prolonged sitting, at an early age, can cause the is born. It is a misconception that children cannot
back to become rounded, or lead to permanent understand anything. The child should be spoken
weakness of the spine. The same precautions are to using clear and proper words instead of baby
necessary when the baby learns to stand. It is best talk. Avoid arguments, fights, shouting, or banging
not to force a child to walk or put him in a walker. things around children, since they become aware
Let Nature take her course, and the baby reach of such things at a very early age. It is essential
its milestones at its own pace. There is no need that family members are aware of how they speak
to worry if a baby does not walk precisely at 10 among themselves. Derogatory remarks about rich
months of age. Any forcible steps taken to hasten and poor, black and white, or beautiful and ugly,
this may only cause regret later. should not be made in front of them.

Instead of aswing / cradle, itis betterto place the Toilet training should be started when the
baby’s bed on the floor, which provides adequate child begins to sit, i.e. at five to six months, and
space, and allows the baby to look around. There voluntary bladder clearance (passing urine), should
is also the danger that the child may fall off a bed or be encouraged after waking up in the morning, at
cradle, once it is able to turn over independently. bed time, as well as at regular intervals during the
day. If an appropriate diet has been followed during
Don't fix brightly coloured, harsh sounding and pregnancy, the baby will not have a tendency to
rotating toys, above the baby’s cradle. A child may wet its bed and will grasp toilet-training faster.
stop crying when it sees the toy, but this is more Infants who have been brought up in accordance

195
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér,

with Garbha Sanskar have been known to sleep The toys should be:
for six to seven hours at a stretch, even when only
a month old. Of different types.
Colourful and attractive.
The child does not know fear until two years of Produce sounds that are not harsh or irritating.
age, and any fear instilled at this time can have Light and easy to handle.
a lifelong effect, and may even cause mental Without sharp or pointed edges, which could
abnormality. Fear is a natural instinct, and is present cause injury.
in everyone to some extent, but the action of adults Large enough, so that they cannot get into
should not add to this. Real or the imaginary ideas, nostrils or the throat (for example coins or
such as the police or ghosts, should not be used to marbles).
purposely frighten a child. Non-toxic. This means that the materials and
colours used in making the toy should not be
a OS fae Bley| AEA TS SESS FISTA harmful to the child.
fadaarrreata
Uses reageae AMT StTeeTAT Ayurved goes on to say that toys should not be
PUNE faa ATAU A HT TAT. eH RCT frightening, troublesome or unsightly.

Na hyasya vitrasanam sadhu It is better to buy fewer toys of better quality,

rather than a lot of cheap, low quality toys. By the
Tasmat tasmin rudatyabhufyane va anyatra age of three or four, the child begins to develop
vidheyatamagacchanti raksasa-pisaca- its own likes and dislikes. Some may prefer cars
putanadyanam namani ahvayata kumarasya and planes, others paper and pencil, so the child
vitrasanartham nama-grahanam na should be provided with toys according to its liking.
karyam syat _ ....Caraka Sarirasthana These preferences should also be encouraged.

One should not scare a child when it is crying, Encourage the child to participate in your daily
eating, or being disobedient. activities, such as watering plants, picking flowers,
or seasonal activities, such as making kites for
Give a child educational toys as it grows. makarsankranti, forts out of mud, or lanterns during
Suitable toys have been clearly defined by Ayurved Diwali and Christmas and so on.
in the Charak Sharirsthan.
The following verse gives talks about how a
Wistale ae pane gqfateh areata afsranih child's play area should be.
arpettt ardent araremraterta
ararorenrfar
MATT EA: |. ree eee iS:
Gararat Aygrataesta |
aearoTRoTes:
fran Festa at
Kridanakani khalu kumarasya tu vicitrani
ghosavanti abhiramani caguruni catiksnagrani
canasyapravesini capranaharani Krida-bhtumih samakarya nissastropalasarkara
cavitrasanani syuh _ ....Caraka éarirasthana Vellosanakanambhobhih sikta nimbodakena va
Sha Astangasangraha uttarasthana

196
 Raising achild ay

The play area should be clean, leveled, and If there is a small age gap between two siblings,
free of pointed objects. It should be cleaned with the family should not be particularly attentive to
water mixed with disinfecting herbs like vavding, the older child. In the event that there are two or
black pepper, long pepper or a decoction of neem more children in the family, they should all receive
leaves. Any commercially available disinfectant equal praise and everything should be shared fairly
works just as well. between them.

Children should sleep for 11-12 hours every Achild should also be taught the joy of giving, for
day up until the age of three. A very young child example, sharing sweets or giving gifts to others.
will fall asleep the moment it is sleepy; however, as This encourages the attitude of sharing.
the child grows, it is better to fix a set bedtime, at
about 8.00 or 8.30 p.m. Once children understand It is a current trend to send children to school
the concept of going out, watching television, or at an early age, and this is good, as long as it is
chatting, they begin to resist sleep. Parents and limited to children of the same age group, and
other family members, should modify their own involves activities like playing, listening to stories,
routine, so that their children can follow a fixed or reciting poems together. Try and see that there
schedule. Until the age of three orfour, an afternoon is no pressure on the child to memorise things or
nap is also recommended. Adequate sleep allows do homework. The behaviour of other children and
for the proper development of the brain. teachers should not cause stress to the child or its
parents.
As a child begins to crawl, stand, and walk,
objects at home should be placed out of its reach. Nowadays, there is a lot of discussion about
When the child learns to talk and play, the parents how to correct children and the general opinion
should respond correctly, and praise its efforts. goes against punishing children or being strict with
them. But if the child is wrong, then correcting him
A certain amount of noise, mess & chaos are is not a problem. In fact, if the child is corrected,
intrinsic to childhood. Don't set rules in either disciplined, and is inculcated with good habits,
extreme i.e. neither have undue restrictions in right from childhood, then it will be benefitted for
place nor give the child unlimited freedom. Parents its entire life.
and family should also participate in these childlike
activities, setting limitations only where and when The incidence of children exhibiting violent traits
required. is on the increase, especially due to the influence
of television, and this needs to be handled with
By the age of 2, children are intensely curious great tact and care. It is better to acquaint children
about their surroundings, and begin to question with traditional stories, such as the Ramayana, and
things. This trait should be encouraged, and an other stories of valour and courage and traditional
attempt should be made to answer every question fairy tales, rather than introducing them to cartoons
in a way that the child really understands the and modern fantasy stories which tend to be violent.
answer. This will foster the child’s intellectual Remember that watching TV for extended periods
development. damages the eyes, and sitting in one place for a
prolonged period will make the child lazy.

iS
 -

Seen
ee

Ayurvedi
Garbha Semshér

Common childhood diseases

f the child care is followed according water on a grindstone (see Balguti),

to Ayurvedic principles, or according should be applied on the area around
to suggestions given in this book, the the baby’s navel while still warm. Instead
chances of a child falling ill are minimised. of hing, dikemali can also be used.
Having said that, it is important to be Another option is to prepare a paste with
acquainted with simple remedies for ajwain powder and apply it on the baby’s
common childhood infections. Obviously, abdomen. Mild fomentation done on the
one should consult a doctor if symptoms abdomen, generally gives instant relief.
do not subside and/or worsen, but it is The method for fomentation is as follows:
better not to give strong medication or Heat a handkerchief on a griddle or a pan,
antibiotics to children. It is important to and after ensuring that the temperature
know at least a few common Ayurvedic is bearable, place this on the baby’s
remedies. abdomen. It is recommended that the
mother eat a mixture of ajwain, badishop,
If problems occur in a nursing infant, balantshop, jeera, and saindhav, after
the mother has to be treated along with lunch or in the form of a powdered
the child. Ayurved has suggested that in mixture with hot water. In addition, she
some instances, the medication may be should: drink only boiled water and eat
applied on the mother’s breast, in the light, easily digestible food.
form of a paste, and removed just before
the child is fed. Slightly older children can be
given Santulan Annayog, or
ABDOMINAL PAINS AND pravalpanchamrut. These are tableted
COLIC and so should be crushed into a powder
before administering to the child with
Both infants and older children suffer water.
from this complaint at some point in time.
In a breast fed child, stomach ache is
CONSTIPATION
generally caused either by something in
the mother’s diet, or by indigestion. It is normal for a very young baby
to pass stools seven to eight times a
The main question that arises in this day, which may also be liquid in nature.
case is - how do we know that the baby However, as the baby’s digestive system
has abdominal pain? If the abdomen matures, the frequency reduces to once
seems distended, or crying increases if it or twice daily (sometimes as early as
is touched, then one can safely assume the 2nd or 3rd month). At times there
that there is pain or colic. At such times, may be a tendency to pass hard stools,
a paste prepared by grinding a piece of or to strain excessively. In such cases,
asafoetida (hing) in a few drops of hot the baby’s abdomen should be gently

198
 Common childhood diseases

massaged with castor oil. Soak 10-15 raisins in powder, after consulting an Ayurvedic physician.
warm water for 10-15 minutes, strain, and give the
baby this water to drink. Ensure that the mother’s The baby may also have loose motions when
diet contains a sufficient amount of ghee, and that new foods are added to its diet, so take care when
she drinks warm water. introducing a new food item. It is advisable to add
new foods with consideration, and not to be strict
Older children can be given % to % tsp of hirda about introducing them at a particular age.
(Terminalia chebula) powder, or % teaspoon castor
oil with warm water. This oil can also be applied to VOMITING
the anal region.
Babies sometimes vomit after breast-feeding
LOOSE MOTIONS (for e.g. once out of several feeds a day). If weight
gain proceeds normally, and the child is happy,
These are generally caused by indigestion, or there is no need to worry. Often the vomiting
impure water/food. This may also occur as a result serves to remove any phlegm / kapha that may
of teething. Simple home remedies may be tried if have accumulated in the stomach. However if
the baby is feeding normally, is bright and chirpy, vomiting increases (for eg. more than once a day)
and passes only three - four loose motions in a and this is accompanied by other symptoms such
day. If the baby seems drained and listless and has as a sour smell, or if the abdomen feels hard (to the
more severe loose motions, you should consult a touch), or the baby is restless, then medicines may
doctor immediately. be used. If it becomes listless, or vomits even more
frequently, medical consultation should be sought
An effective remedy is as follows. Suntha, immediately.
ativisha, nagarmotha, and kakadshingi, should be
ground with honey on a clean sahan (see Balguti), After feeding, it is advisable to hold the baby
in a clockwise direction, for three - four turns, and vertically near the torso, and gently rub its back in
the mixture should be fed to the baby. If the child an upward direction beginning from the lower back.
cries before passing stools, this could be because This generally prevents vomiting. Care should
of abdominal cramps. In this case, murudsheng be taken to ensure there is no pressure on the
should be added to the above mixture. For a day stomach, or that the baby is not playfully put into
or two, the mother should eat only mung khichadi an uncomfortable position. Grind pimpli and suntha
(rice and mung dal cooked together in water), three to four times each in honey on the grindstone.
buttermilk, and shashti shali lahya. Given this paste to the baby. The mother should
take extra care of herself so that her breast milk
It is important to watch out for dehydration in has absolutely no imbalances during this time.
the baby at this time. Add a pinch of salt, and a
teaspoon of sugar, to a cup of boiled water, and Older children can be given medicines, like
give 4-5 spoonfuls of this at regular intervals to the pravalpanchamrut and eladi vati churna.
baby.

Slightly older children can be _ given

pravalpanchamrut, kutajarishta, or kutajaghana vati

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REDUCED SLEEP OR worm) medicines should be given. ‘San Rose’ and

‘Shatavari Kalpa’ also give good results.
RESTLESSNESS
We have learned earlier that the child needs Another reason for this complaint is local
adequate, sound sleep, and should wake up muscle weakness (weak sphincters), and this may
happily. Waking up with a cry, generally indicates be resolved with toilet training, making necessary
that the sleep was disturbed. An oil massage given dietary changes, and the required medication. In
at bedtime, a drop of ghee in the baby’s nose, and some instances, the complaint indicates some
a little oil in the ears, a pinch of nutmeg powder other potential disorder in the urinary tract. Children
gently massaged onto the head after bathing, who feel insecure, are fearful of something, or have
or the application of a paste, made by grinding nightmares, may suffer from bed-wetting. Parents
nutmeg in ghee, on the forehead, all help to ensure should make sure that the child receives sufficient
a sound sleep. Older children can be given San love and affection, and feels safe. It is helpful if
Relax Syrup, or Sanbrahmi tablets. Playing the person who the child feels closest to puts it to
soothing music for the child is good as well. The bed.
baby should be properly covered with a sheet or
blanket, anti-mosquito measures should be taken, Irrespective of the cause, neither reprimanding
and there should be no direct light falling on the the child nor ignoring the problem will help. If the
child's eyes. disturbance is not dealt with correctly, and at the
appropriate time, the child could enter adulthood
REDUCED APPETITE OR with a flawed psychological disposition.
WORMS
COUGHS, COLDS AND FEVER
Worms normally cause a reduced appetite, and
some children also develop faint white patches on At the first sign of a cold or fever, the child
the face if they have worm infestations. In such should be given ‘/s" — %" teaspoon of Sitopaladi
cases, two pinches of vavding powder in honey, powder with honey. A special mixture, known as
or % or one teaspoon of vidangarishta in water, Balachaturbhadra, should be prepared for the child.
may be given to the child. A paste made by rubbing It contains ativisha, kakadshingi, long pepper, and
ground ativisha on the tongue reduces worms nagarmotha powders, in equal proportions. Two
and increases the appetite. Santulan Bal Herbal or three doses, each comprising of 2 pinches of
Syrup is also very helpful. this mixture with honey, give significant relief.
Balachaturbhadra is also useful in cases of
BED WETTING AT NIGHT indigestion and loose motions.

If a child continues to wet the bed two to three Oil and warm fomentation with rui (Calotropis
times a night without waking up, this is known as gigantea) leaves, or ajwain seeds is helpful. Apply
bed-wetting. By the age of three, the child should a few drops of Santulan Abhyang (Coconut) Oil
be able to control bowel and bladder urges for a on the baby's back and chest. Heat rui leaves on
time. Worms or constipation usually causes lack a pan but make sure that they are of a bearable
of control, and in such cases, vidangarishta, temperature for the baby's sensitive skin. Place the
balachaturbhadra powder, or kruminashak (anti- warm leaves on the baby's chest and then on
its

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 a -
Common childhood diseases sacrum
Seems Ao
peters
Ss ee
Sepa
SS
eens

back. When the leaves reach room temperature, teething include loose motions, fever, vomiting
they can be re-heated and applied again. This can and headaches. Drooling, and the need to bite on
be done up to four orfive times. Instead of rui leaves something (due to irritation of the gums), are also
one could also use a handful of ajwain seeds tied common. A piece of khareek (dry date) or a stick of
up in a small, thin cotton cloth. This small bundle licorice, are ideal items for baby to chew on. During
can be heated and applied several times like the this time, the gums can also be gently rubbed with
rui leaves. The ajwain seeds in cotton cloth, heated a powder of amla and dhayati flowers mixed with
and held near the baby's nostrils also helps relieve honey. This not only relieves teething problems,
cold. One or two drops of warm diluted ghee put in but also reduces gum irritability. The process
the nostrils brings relief if the nose is blocked. is made easier by giving the child four drops of
vachadi ghruta in the morning and evening, and by
If the child has a cough, make the following applying a paste (lep) of dantoddbhedagadantak
decoction. One behada, a one inch piece of rasa to the gums.
licorice, one ripe leaf of adulsa, and four cups of
water, should be boiled, until the liquid is reduced These complaints are usually not very severe,
to one cup. This liquid should be strained and and since they disappear on their own, as soon
given to the child. A little khadi sakhar (candy as the teeth erupt, no specific remedies are
sugar) may be added for taste. Children between required. Expert advice becomes necessary when
two to six months of age can be given two to three symptoms are severe enough to interfere with the
teaspoons of this water two to three times a day. child's general health. Beware that parents may
Five to six teaspoons are advisable for children inadvertently ignore vomiting or loose motions at
over six months. this time assuming that they are due to teething,
when in fact they may be due to more serious
Fever should be under careful observation, Causes.
especially in children under the age of five. The
temperature often shoots up rapidly, and may even BABY TALK
cause convulsions, so it is wise to seek medical
help the moment the fever begins to increase. A child’s speech becomes clearer as it grows.
In the meantime, measures should be taken to Vekhand and hirda, both present in balguti, are
bring down the fever. These include: placing a wet known to improve pronunciation. Special remedies
compress on the forehead, cold sponging (wiping are called for, if there are speech and pronunciation
the child’s body with cool water), padabhyang with defects. In such cases, a powder made from
Santulan Padabhyang ghruta, and feeding the vekhand, licorice, dry ginger and ajwain, in ghee
child a solution of sugar and salt in water. made from cow’s milk, is prescribed. Another option
is to rub a mixture of jatamansi powder and honey
on the tongue. Saraswat powder, saraswatarishta,
TEETHING
and other similar medicines, should be used only
Teething is a very important milestone in the after consultation with an Ayurvedic physician.
baby’s life, and it usually presents no problems
for a child who has undergone Garbha Sanskar,
and has been provided with correct diet and
nourishment. Common complaints associated with

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Garbha Sansbér

TONSILS tongue) by grinding the herbs in suvarnajal (gold

fortified water), honey, or ghee.
Many children today suffer from tonsil problems,
with complaints ranging from a sore or reddened Paediatric medicines should be mild, and neither
throat, pain during swallowing, talking and drinking, too bitter nor spicy. Powders should be strained
to visibly swollen tonsils on either side of the (sifted) to obtain finer powder, or a tablet can be
throat. These complaints are generally caused by crushed into a fine powder, before administering.
excessive consumption of oily or cold foods, cold There are normally several doubts about what
water, or ice cream. The child needs remedies dosage should be used for very young children.
that will pacify pitta and kapha. It has often been The medicines described in this chapter, and even
noticed that the complaints persist despite the the rest of the book, are detailed enough, so that
surgical removal of tonsils. Therefore it is better to if followed properly, you will automatically end up
focus on increasing the body’s resistance rather making the required amount of medicine or dose
than surgery. to be given to either mother or child. However, if
you have the measuring facility, Ayurved offers the
Simple methods to increase the body's resistance following simple guidance.
are as follows. The child should be given Santulan
Sitopaladi powder with honey each morning and areca vera arf een Sesmferacat |. reve war
evening, gargle with warm water, turmeric, and
salt, and be given San Rose regularly. An even Balasya prathamé masi déya bhésajaraktika
better option is to take medicines specific to the .... Sarangadhara samhita
constitution, on the advice of an expert vaidya.
Ayurved says that the medicine for a child up
ANUPAN to one month, should be 125 milligram (one ratti).
After this, the dosage should be increased in
The medium in which medicines are given to the accordance with the child’s age, digestive power
child is called ANUPAN. For very young children, and general health. However, this requires expert
breast milk is used to mix the medications. Other supervision.
options are to prepare chatan (paste put on the
Min ca a

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 So nat
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Premature birth and child

care
NDERSTANDING Indulging in sexual activity based only
CHILDBIRTH AND physical attractions at an inappropriate or
PREMATURE DELIVERY immature time will cause problems when
we really want children. It can cause the
The birth of a child is a moment of unnecessary depletion of seminal fluids
indescribable happiness for its family. It or even cause imbalances in the body’s
is a great opportunity for the parents and vital fluids. It can also lead to actual
family to shower their love on the child physical problems during intercourse, and
and experience the little miracle they therefore, difficulty in conception. One
have produced. As human beings we could have picked up infections, or suffer
have the capacity to understand that we from ovarian cysts, weak sperm and ova,
are part of God’s way to keep Nature’s a blockage of the fallopian tubes or the
Wheel in motion. The human being also vas deferens, fibroids in the uterus or
understands that the purpose of life swelling of the uterus or ovaries. All these
goes beyond the mere fulfillment of, and will cause difficulties in conception. While
response to, the four natural instincts many such diseases or difficulties can be
viz. food, sleep, fear and sex. Man can cured through Ayurvedic medicine and
conceptualize a greater destiny for therapies, one cannot be one hundred
himself. He has, with great care and effort, percent sure that conception will definitely
developed an intelligence and several be possible afterwards — some things
other desirable qualities, and created a need the help of the Almighty.
social fabric such that he will pass on his
evolution and culture to a new generation, If you follow the practices of
time and again. Man has conceived all Ayurvediya Garbha Sanskar for your child
this for himself. Therefore the birth of from the time of conception (or perhaps
every child is a great event. even before), without compromise as
suggested, then your child is sure to have
Nowadays, the idea that one should several good qualities. But any fault or
have children only occurs to us after we imbalance in the reproductory systems
have spent 25 or 30 years of our lives. of either parent, or in the process of
In childhood we have the excuse of pregnancy or childbirth will definitely leave
childhood, and in youth we either focus some adverse effect on the child.
heavily on studying and preparing for a
good career, or while away our time The birth of a child does not take place
in experimentation or in the sensory only because of the mixing of body fluids.
pursuits. Either way, we commit errors It is the coming together of these physical
through our misplaced priorities. And processes with a specific consciousness,
then, when we want to have a child, we which chooses to take up a_ Suitable
realize that we may not be in our peak body to unfold its own concept about
psychological and physical health. itself. So an inherited fault, or even the

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Gurbha Senshér

soul’s own ‘programme’ to be afflicted thus, could In fact, it is very difficult to raise any baby who
be the cause of a disease or discomfort. Therefore has not completed the full term of pregnancy,
there are cases where both man and woman are even though modern science has provided many
medically fit, but they are not able to conceive. It methods and machines for premature babies.
is nearly impossible to pinpoint the causes behind However, experience shows that it is faith and
a child being born disabled or handicapped, or prayer that may prove most important to ensure that
why the mother or child had grave and seemingly a premature baby grows consistently and properly.
unexplainable difficulties during pregnancy or
childbirth. CARE FOR THE PREMATURE
BABY
There are detailed instructions in the Ayurvedic
Garbha Sankar for what and how much a A child born before completing 37 weeks in the
pregnant woman should eat so that neither mother’s womb is called a premature baby. Since
she nor her growing foetus face any discomfort. the child has spent a little less time in the womb, it
These recommendations change for every month will not be fully developed and so unable to survive
of the pregnancy, covering every stage of growth completely independently in the outside world. It is
for the foetus. There are also instructions for the important to take extreme care of the child at this
kind of energies (deities) the pregnant woman stage.
should invoke throughout pregnancy. Besides
these, it would be excellent for her and the child In the womb, the lungs are the last organs to
if the pregnant woman takes up the chanting of be developed. When the child is in the womb, it
the given ‘foetus and womb protecting’ mantras does not need to inhale and exhale, unlike after
(Garbhasanrakshak mantra-stotra). These are birth. Among the several transitions a baby has to
available on Santulan Ayurved’s Garbha Sanskar make once out of the womb, breathing through the
audio CD. If the pregnant woman has been careful lungs is the most important. A premature baby’s
and also followed Garbhsanskar properly, it is lungs may not be fully developed, and so it might
expected that her pregnancy will last approximately be necessary to place it in a ventilator to begin with.
nine months and nine days. Sometimes though,
due to some disease, or the age (usually advanced) The fewer the weeks spent in the womb,
of the woman, some past incident of her life, weak the more care needed for the premature baby.
reproductive cells or several other such causes, the A baby born before 24 weeks of pregnancy
child is born prematurely. requires extreme care. A premature baby will be
underweight, lack in physical development, have
If a baby is born just after or within six months less hair and sometimes even its ears will not have
of pregnancy, its body has not developed fully taken shape fully. During childbirth a premature
inside the womb, so its extremely difficult though baby may have its arms and legs spread, instead
not impossible to raise such a baby. An eight-month of collected, as happens in full-term babies. In
pregnancy is dangerous for both baby and mother male premature babies it is possible that the testes
and so it is universally advised that all possible have not yet separated properly from the main
efforts should be made to see that the baby is not body. It is possible that premature babies may be
delivered at this time. susceptible to diseases related to the development
of the brain, heart, lungs and liver. They could suffer

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 Premature birth and child care

from defects in vision or hearing. They will have low IVF or IUI artificial pregnancy techniques. In
immunity and low energy as well. Therefore they these processes, depending on individual cases,
may not grow or develop as fast as other children. hormones are used to stimulate the ovaries to
Even handling a premature baby at birth is difficult. produce eggs.
It is extremely important to keep the baby in the If the pregnant woman has weak or small uterus
care or supervision of a specialist for the first few If the pregnant woman has tumors in the uterus
weeks or couple of months. It has been seen that a If the pregnant woman faces’ extreme
woman who delivers prematurely is often not given psychological stress, fear, disappointment or
as much attention as she needs. It is important other such emotionally stressful situations
that the oil massages, hot fomentation, dhoop, and If the pregnant woman smokes or chews
abdominal belt, as well as all other post-partum tobacco or consumes alcohol, or has other such
care recommended for a woman who has had a addictions
normal labour process, should also be administered
in case of a premature delivery. The obvious conclusion is that one should
make maximum effort to ensure these situations
There could be several reasons for premature do not occur if one wants to conceive. In case a
delivery. woman is above the age of 35, or has a history of
miscarriage or abortions, or a weakened uterus, it
Weak or deficient sperm or ova would certainly help her to conceive and have a
Deficiencies in the pregnant woman healthy pregnancy if she undergoes Pancha Karma
Some problems during pregnancy and follows the processes that help to culture her
Food or action that is detrimental during ova, prior to attempting conception.
pregnancy
Accidents A premature baby may not be capable of feeding
on mother’s milk by itself. Breast milk should be
From the above general understanding we can extracted and given to the child through special
derive the following specific instances that may lead pipes. It is important to remain aware of cleanliness
to a premature delivery and purity during this process. In the beginning the
baby needs only a little breast milk. It is important
If the pregnant woman is over 35 or under 18 that unused breast milk also be removed, else it
If the pregnant woman is either very short, or will get stored and cause knots in the breasts or
extremely overweight lead to other complications like a decrease in the
Conceiving again within six months of childbirth production of breast milk. Many people start feeding
(the new foetus will then have chances of being their children milk other than breast milk, because
delivered prematurely) it is much more convenient, but this not good for
A previous history of miscarriage or abortion either mother or baby. Even though modern science
Inadequate nourishment during pregnancy has made great advances in the care of premature
If the pregnant woman suffers from diabetes babies and invented several machines to take care
or high blood pressure. She could be suffering of their needs, they cannot substitute for the kind
from these before pregnancy or she may have of development and nourishment possible in the
contracted them during pregnancy. womb. It seems that even after maximum care, the
Twin or multiple pregnancy possibility of some deficiency or some weakness

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

in prematurely born children, sometimes revealed far less than full term babies, and their immune
much later in life, is quite high. systems will also be weaker. Everyone at home will
have to be extremely careful that they do not carry
A child born after full term will weigh around 2.5 any infections.
to 3 kilos at birth. A premature baby may sometimes
weigh less than a kilo. This kind of child requires Make sure that your hands are absolutely clean
even more care. when touching the baby
The baby’s clothes, bed sheets and covers
Since a premature baby may be required to be should be absolutely clean
kept under a specialist care for a few weeks, and Use dhoop that gets rid of micro-organisms
in some cases, even a few months, it may not be every morning and evening in the house
possible to perform all the traditional Jaatkarma Handle the baby as little as possible
Sanskars. Only the simpler things like placing gold Do not let guests or outsiders come in contact
infused honey on its tongue, rubbing oil into its with the baby
crown and perhaps applying oil to its body, may Do not travel with the baby
be possible. It has been seen that these sanskars
definitely help it to recover faster. A premature baby may have weaker or not yet
fully developed lungs, and so may also have low
CARE OF A PREMATURE CHILD haemoglobin. Balguti will really help to make up
for this. A rasayan containing saffron and gold, for
In the womb, the baby is in a comfortably example Santulan Balamrut, is excellent for the
warm environment. A premature baby cannot be baby. It helps increase the formation of blood and
expected to acclimatize to the outside environment fortifies the immune system.
as quickly as a child born at full term. A premature
baby needs to be placed in an incubator which will A premature baby’s digestive system is also not
provide the necessary warmth and physical security fully developed. The diet plan followed for a baby
for its survival and transition. In an incubator, a born after nine months in the womb may not be
child need not be handled, and it will be safe from suitable for a premature baby. A prematurely born
environmental disturbances and micro-organisms. baby should be introduced to food very cautiously,
The amount of time a premature baby will spend and the food should be in extremely small
in an incubator depends on its health and its speed quantities. Make sure that the food suits the baby.
towards full recovery. Even after the baby leaves The possibility of abdominal pain, low appetite
the incubator or comes home, it will probably and improper clearance of the bowels is much
require more care than other babies. greater. Balguti will help here as well, and so will
hot fomentation to the abdomen. Santulan Baal
The baby will require regular check-ups from an Herbal Syrup is extremely useful as well.
expert doctor. Even its eyesight and hearing need
regular testing, and you should pay close attention It is most important to be aware that a premature
to whether the baby is able to achieve all the growth baby’s growth milestones should not be calculated
milestones at the appropriate time. from the time of its birth, but from the expected date
of delivery. E.g. A child that was expected around
It is natural that a premature baby will weigh the 1st of March may be born prematurely around

206
 Premature birth and child care

the 1st of January. The child’s growth milestones effect on the child’s brain or further growth. But once
at eight months after birth should reflect six months such a child begins to grow, it normally catches up
growth to compensate the duration by which the with other children, and perhaps some premature
child was born prematurely. It is also possible that babies may have special attributes, which will then
since the child did not receive all the nourishment begin to reveal themselves. The birth of a child
it was supposed to in the womb, its growth may is the greatest among Nature’s miracles. One
be slightly slower than normal. It may take up to obviously wants that it occurs according to nature’s
two years for a premature baby to catch up with given time and within the correct natural period.
the growth levels of other babies. It is important to One needs to make efforts towards this. Habitually
understand this so that one does not take improper listening to healing music during pregnancy
measures in the hope of speeding up the growth of certainly helps with this. The music album called
a premature baby. ‘Garbnsanskar, mentioned earlier, is ideal for this
purpose.
The therapies and practices suggested in the
Ayurvedic Garbha Sanskar to ensure all-round To increase our trust in God and to engender the
development of the child should certainly be done positive faith that He is always with us is the need
for a premature baby. These include regularly of our times.
performing, abhyang (massage), with oil and
Santulan Baby Massage Powder, dnoop and POST MATURE LABOUR/ POST - TERM
placing gold infused honey on the baby’s tongue. DELIVERY
This will help the baby recover faster and fill the
developmental and nutritional gaps it has suffered. Delivery after 42 weeks is known as post-term
labour. Such babies have more birth weight, dry,
Taking care of a premature baby, right from wrinkled skin, and fully-grown nails on fingers and
childbirth, is an extremely difficult proposition. For toes. There is also less amniotic fluid at birth, which
example if any special techniques, like holding the is of a different colour. The placenta exhibits some
baby’s head with forceps and pulling it out during changes as well.
labour, were required, it may have had an adverse

207
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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sensbar

Concepts of Ayurveda

ou will have come across’ several five basic elements called the ‘pancha-
Ayurvedic terms and concepts while mahabhoot'. These pancha mahabhoot
going through this book. While it may not are Prithvi (earth element), aap or jala
have been difficult to understand them in (water element), tej (fire element),
terms of practicing Garbha Sanskar, you vayu (air element), and akash (space
may want to know more about them in element).
general. This chapter will take you through
some of the basic ideas and principles of Every substance is comprised of
Ayurveda in a little more detail. these five basic elements, but in different
proportions and combinations. Depending
THE FIVE ELEMENTS on which mahabhoot dominates that
substance, it can be categorized as
Tatas
@ arta: ferfreten | Jaleeya, parthiv, or agneya.
VST
A BU Tal WAS ASOT: 1
Substances with the Predominance of
the Earth Element (Parthiv dravya) have
Mahabhutani kham vayuh the following characteristics - heaviness,
agnirapah ksitistatha high density, imparts gandhatva (smell),
Sabda-sparsasca rupam bulkiness and hardness. They impart
raso gandhasca tad gunah Stability, strength and compactness.
....Caraka Sarirasthana Example: Iron.

This verse explains that every living or Substances with the Predominance of
non-living substance, is made up of the the Water Element (Jaleeya dravya) have

212
 Concepts of Ayurveda

Characteristics of panchamahabhoot (5 elements)

Element | Subject | Taste Characteristics ‘Action

Prithvi | smell | sweet, heavy, dense, slow, bulky | heaviness, stability,

(earth) astringent and hard conjunction, firmness,
hardness, downward action
Aap taste sweet, salty, | liquid, lubricating, soft, moisturizing, lubrication,
(water) sour, slightly | cooling, slow, slimy, pervasive, softening,
astringent flowing adhesive action,
refreshing, going
| downwards
Agni | form pungent, dry, sharp, hot, clear. burning, digestion,
(fire) salty, slightly |subtle, light, rough illuminating, going
_| sour upwards, transformation
Vayu | touch astringent, dry, light, cooling, rough, | drying, cleansing, makes
(air) slightly bitter |subtle, clear, quick, easily | lighter, thinning, provides
diffused speed
Aakash | sound not soft, light, subtle, easily softening, creates
(Space) manifested diffused, clear, smooth vaccuum, makes lighter,
creates space

the following characteristics - liquidity, coolness, Their function is to provide mobility, cleansing
sluggishness, viscosity and imparts rasatva Examples: peas, barley (yav Hordeum vulgare).
(taste). These substances function to provide
lubrication, flow, moisture, refreshment, hydration Substances with the Predominance of the Space
and adhesiveness. Examples: Milk, water. Element (Akasheeya dravya) have the following
characteristics - subtlety, clarity/cleanliness,
Substances with the Predominance of the Fire lightness, imparts shabdopaadakta (sound). Their
Element (Agneya dravya) have the following functions are to give hollowness, porosity, lightness.
characteristics - dryness, sharpness, heat, clarity/ These substances are the best pacifiers of the
cleanliness, subtlety and imparts saroopta (form). doshas. Example: Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
These substances function to burn, glow, colour,
light and digest. Example: Saffron (Crocus THE THREE DOSHAS
Sativus)
Ayurveda recognises that there are three major
Substances with the Predominance of the Air functioning energies in the body. These energies
Element (Vayaveeya dravya) have the following are the 'ones who function’ in the body.
characteristics - dryness, clarity/cleanliness,
lightness, imparts sparshaadnyeyta (touch).

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senshér

arg: fori armsirera: VIR STE: | having the quality of smell’. Since this function is
one of constant movement, and has speed, it is
called vata.
Vayuh pittam kaphascoktah sariro dosasangrahah
....Caraka sutrasthana SATHANA
GA AY: |... ere

Vata, pitta and kapha are the three doshas Vayvakasa-dhatubhyam vayuh ....Astangasangraha
present in our bodies. When balanced, and in their
natural state, these bio-energies protect the body The combination of the air and space elements
and keep it healthy. If, however, they are disturbed (vayu and akash) forms vata dosha in the body. lt
or aggravated, they can lead to disease in the body. is also known as anil or sameeran. |In the human
Since they are independently capable of causing body, vata starts accumulating in the summer,
disease, they are known as ‘doshas’. becomes aggravated during monsoon, and gets
pacified in autumn.
The doshas - vata, pitta and kapha - correspond
to the wind, the sun and the moon respectively. Just Qualities of vata dosha
like all functioning in our world can be traced back
to the wind, sun and moon, our bodily functions too GA: Vitel HY: Gensreisa fIgve: GR: |. ae Baraca
depend on the balanced working of the doshas.
Ruksh sito laghuh stksmascaloltha visadah kharah
VATA DOSHA ...Caraka vimanasthana

In nature, when winds function normally, the Vata is dry, cold, light, subtle, moving,
biosphere is regulated. Fire burns normally, the clearing and cleaning, rough, extremely fast, and
clouds bring rain on time, and the moon, stars and tremendously energetic.
planets move in accordance with their planned
schedule. But if the wind is aggravated it brings Vata imparts knowledge of sound and word,
storms, tidal waves, landslides; it uproots trees, and sensation of touch. Vata is the most influential
and causes earthquakes. of the three doshas, affecting the other two as well.
It has the property of rajas.
Ayurveda calls the function of wind in our
bodies, ‘Vata’. Vata dosha is not directly evident. It makes
its presence felt through its actions. Ayurveda
The following shlokas provide more descriptions. describes vata as having a unique quality called
‘Yogavahi’. This means that vata imbibes and
at Tha Terra |... gga gaeerd assimilates the qualities of the substances it
interacts with. In summer the wind is hot, and in
Va gati gandhanayoriti ...Susruta sutrasthana winter, it is cool. Similarly, Vata in combination
with Pitta, is hot, and in combination with Kapha,
The above shloka, refers to vata as that which is cool.
flows constantly and has velocity. The original
word 'va' means 'moving speedily’ and 'the one Vata is also sukshma (subtle). The subtle

214
 Concepts of Ayurveda §~9 ns
soreness
pane
feat
eee
ee OMS

nature of vata allows it to permeate everywhere.

aelenrqeqeat:
It influences everything in the body, up to the cells sarvadhatu-vyuhakarah - Vata is the entity that,
and the smallest cavities. from the stage of the foetus ownards, helps
create and mould our organs and levels of
The functions of vata in the human body are as tissue in the body. The development of tissues
follows in the body throughout life is regulated through
vata.
ART AAR:
vayustantrayantradharah - The main aim of Gara: TARA
vata is to 'run' the human body, similar to the sandhanakarah Sarirasya - Vata binds the organs
energy and forces required to run a machine, to each other, when and where required.
and, for this reason, vata is that which carries
pran (life energy). Vata is responsible for all the Wade! ara:
processes of the body. pravartako vaach - It stimulates speech i.e. helps
in the formation, vocalisation and enunciation of
Tadaasry Sarasa, words. Vata is essential for proper speech.
pravartakacestanam uccavacanam ~- All
‘movements’ in the body are because of vata.
Voluntary actions - moving the limbs, opening srotra-sparsanayormulam - It is instrumental in
and closing of the eyes, walking etc - and the formation of the ears and the skin.
involuntary actions - blood circulation, intestinal
movements (peristalsis) and menstrual bleeding watcarearaia:
- are all controlled by vata. Vata is responsible harsotsahayoryonih - Abalanced vata generates
for urges such as bladder and bowel movements a sense of well-being and enthusiasm in the
(excretion), sneezing, laughing, crying etc. At body and mind.
the cellular level in the body, vata regulates
cell division, the formation of new cells and the FARIS:
death of old cells. samiranolgneh - Vata activates and boosts
digestive ‘fire’.
fraan
worn a aaa:
niyanta praneta ca manasah - Vata holds the STATA:
propensity to motivate and discipline, and to dosasamSosanh - It traps and removes
control the mind. imbalances and impurities in the body.

Ga f-saron Sela: ae afedoi

sarvendriyanam udyojakah - It regulates the kepta bahirmalanam - It removes and excretes
function of the senses and sense organs. Is all waste products from the body.
responsible for bringing about an understanding
of the world around us through the sensory and wal Wats
motor organs. karta garbhakrtinam - Vata causes the formation
of the outline (basic structure) of the foetus.

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskér

Vata has been attributed the basic characteristics physiology and workings of the human body and
of speed, enthusiasm and inspiration. It even during the diagnosis ofa disease, noting symptoms
stimulates the working of the other two doshas - and planning treatment. It is sometimes the case,
kapha and pitta. In the absence of support from that even though the superficial symptoms of a
vata, kapha and pitta will not be able to function disease may be pitta-related, the treatment of an
properly. Therefore, all bodily functions are actually underlying vata imbalance can help to remove the
carried out by vata. root of the ailment.

Acharya Charak says about Vata: fad Ug: aR: Ug: UFal AeA: |
aat a dat aa eet Fea... aia
Gal fe ASI ara A TOT: ToT Baa:
aaa WM Sed aa Aaa Wee gee Pittam panguh kaphah
panguh pangavo maladhatavah
Sarvam hi cesta vatena sa pranh praninam smrtah Vayuna yatra niyante
Tenaiva roga jayante tena caivoparudhyate tatra gacchanti meghavat _....sarangadhara
anon Caraka sUtrasthana
Even though moisture-bearing clouds carry rain,
In its natural, balanced state, vata performs it is, in actual fact, the wind, that determines where
all physical functions, and is therefore known as the rain will fall, and in what amount. Although vata
‘pran’ (life energy). If vata is vitiated, however, cannot carry out the functions of pitta and kapha
the consequence may be severe disease or even (e.g. digestion of food is pitta's work and cannot
death. be done by vata), it provides support to pitta and
kapha by providing the speed and enthusiasm
For this reason, Acharya Sushrut has given necessary to carry out their functions at the right
vata the name of ‘Bhagwan’ (He who is beyond our time and place. /n the absence of vata, all other
control). He goes on to say the following. dhatus (tissues of the body), waste products, as
well as pitta and kapha, will stagnate.
awa Tale Aaa pA: |
feaeqrafafernsty yearaeaROT ga Aarons To help Balance Vata

Sarvesameva sarvatma sarva-loka-namaskrtah There are two types of therapies that help
Sthityutpatti-vinasesu bhitanamesakaranam balance vata - snehan (oleation) and svedan
.... SuSsruta nidanasthana (fomentation). Further, snehan is also of two
types.
Just like God, vata is present in all living beings.
Vata is holy to humans, and is responsible for the 1. External oleation (massage), using oils cultured
formation, stability, and destruction of everything with vata -pacifying herbs.
that happens at all levels in the world.
2. Internal snehan, which includes both, the
Although vata, pitta and kapha control all bodily consumption of ghee fortified with similar
functions, vata is the most significant, and the most medicines, and basti.
vital. This should be kept in mind while studying the

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 Concepts of Ayurveda

PITTA DOSHA word ‘pitta’. Tapa means ‘heat’. Santapa means

‘burning’.
Just as fire transforms various substances,
converting them into new and different forms Consequently, pitta signifies heat, aggression and
through its heat, (e.g. butter being turned into digestion.
ghee. Even milk being fermented into cheese
through heat is a transformation through fire), pitta ara for
digests the food that is eaten, and converts this
into different types of dhatus. Just as the action agneyam pittam ....Caraka cikitsasthana
of the sun or its fire imparts colours to everything
around us (e.g. a raw green mango turns yellow It is said that pitta is agneya (fiery) in nature.
when ripe because of the sun’s heat and energy), Pitta dosha is formed mainly from the element of
action of pitta imparts natural and specific colours fire (agni), with the help of the air (vayu) and water
to organs and products in the body, such as the element (aap). The synonyms found in the ancient
skin, blood and urine. Fire works on substances to scriptures for pitta are ‘tej’ (glow) and ‘agni' (fire).
separate out their impurities. On gold, it works in
this manner to enhance its clarity and purity. In the Qualities of pitta
human body it carries out similar functions where
required. E.g. it separates excess kapha dosha PARA Heat a FAME HS |... oie GIA
and tamasic material from important organs like
the heart, purifying it and increasing its efficiency. Sasnehamusnam tiksnam ca dravamamlam saram
katu _ ...Astangahrdaya sttrasthana
The following shlokas will help us understand
pitta further. Pitta is somewhat oily in nature, hot, sharp,
liquid, sour, light, moving (moves from a higher
afta eR frarria: opttarea iad: ysTgsaa sala | to a lower position), pungent, and with a slightly
unpleasant smell.

Agnireva Sarire pittantargatah kupitakupitah Functions of pitta in the body

sSubhasubhani karoti ...Caraka sitrasthana
Uferasom
avid gent Fal ofa:
Acharya Charak has compared pitta to the sun WoT Ae Ve Mel AGT AU .. oerrecer greens
or to fire, saying that pitta facilitates the efficient
working of the body when in its natural and Pakti-usma darsanam ksudha trsa rucih prabha
balanced state, and creates problems for the body medha prajfia Sauryam tanumardavam ca
when imbalanced. .... Astangahrdaya sttrasthana

ay Grad aa foray | The prime functions of pitta are, the digestion

of food, control of body heat, and the functioning
Tapa santape tena pittam of the eyes. A balanced pitta also activates the
sensations of hunger and thirst, imparts taste,
This phrase tells us about the origin of the lends softness to the body, and a glow to the

Pad
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

skin, gives abha (brilliance), and sharpness to Ambhah prthivibhyam kaphah samutpadyate
the mind. Qualities such as intelligence, bravery, ... Astangasangraha

and boldness, also stem from pitta, and, it is for

these reasons that pitta dominates during youth, Kapha is formed from the water (jal) and earth
providing the urge, determination (fire), aim, and (prithvi) elements. Since it functions as a binding
enthusiasm, necessary for work. It enhances our agent, kapha is also known as shleshma (one who
ability to grasp concepts. joins things together).

Since the main function of pitta is digestion, it is Qualities of Kapha dosha

of the utmost importance that it remains balanced
and healthy. It is very important that this digestive severing eto |
fire works properly, since digestion of food is the SSE: WTS aa faatayEr
fon: 2 RP YACHT

only way for the body to receive energy to function.

It is important to pay attention to the kind of food Guru-sita-mrdu-snigdha-
one eats. All of these factors, in addition to a madhura-sthira-picchilah
balanced diet, help to maintain a stable pitta. One slesmanh praSamam yanti
should always be conscious of keeping pitta in a viparita-gunairgunah ...Caraka sutrasthana
natural state of equilibrium.
Kapha is heavy, cool, soft, oily and lubricating,
KAPHA DOSHA stable, gelatinous and slow in nature. In a balanced
condition it tastes sweet. When vitiated and
The cooling nature, mildness, and mood- imbalanced, it tastes salty.
elevating properties of the moon, lead to the
formation of moisture in nature (ardhrata), in the Based on these characteristics, kapha has the
form of strength, humidity, and nourishment. Kapha following functions in the human body:
carries out the same functions in the human body.
Rel a: fara we Fae IH |
aa ua oR sctearanta: opftarepita: erMefamtsst HAHAHA MW .. aeeIET
BMSsale
Sneho bandhah sthiratvam ca gauravam vrsata
Soma eva Sarire Slesmantargatah kupitakupitah balam Ksama-dhrtir-lobhasca kapha-karma-
Subha~subhani karoti ....Caraka sttrasthana vikarajam _ ...Caraka stitrasthana

Acharya Charak says, that the moon lives in the A healthy and balanced kapha lubricates the
human body in the form of kapha. When balanced, entire body. It binds body parts together e.g. keeps
and in its natural state, kapha brings good health. joints firmly together, and strengthens the origins
Out of balance, it can cause imbalance and and insertions of the muscles in the bones etc.
disease. Furthermore, it maintains the body’s compactness,
grounding, strengthens the dhatus and organs,
sey: Ofseeat
aH: AAT |... serrai7e keeping them firm and strong. Kapha strengthens
shukra dhatu, and, as a result, improves fertility,
and boosts the immune system, thereby increasing

218
 Concepts of Ayurveda [ae

Dhatu Bee Mala (waste product) Function

Rasa breast milk, Kapha satisfying

menstrual blood
Rakta tendons, blood Pitta giving life
[aa _| vessels
Mamsa skin, lubricative Kha-mala (waste products | covering, platering the
fluid present in the | from the ears, eyes, nose, | body
muscles mouth and reproductive
organs)
Meda ligaments sweat lubrication
nourish asthi dhatu,
Asthi teeth (according to | hair, body hair, nails, holding, protecting
Kashyap)
Majja | ----- lubricating substance for nourishment of shukra,
the skin, eyes and stool
Shukra ---- rejuvenation
ofconception

the body’s resistance to disease. Prakrtastu balam slesma vikrto mala ucyate
Sa caivojah smrtah kaye sa ca papmopadisyate
It speeds up healing processes in the body and ....Caraka sutrasthana

fills up wounds.
Kapha in its balanced state is considered to be
On the mental level, healthy kapha brings the body’s best strength-provider. It is equivalent
enthusiasm, tolerance, the ability to forgive, to Ojas, providing the maximum amount of energy
mental stability, knowledge, intellect, the capability to the body. In an imbalanced and vitiated state, it
of determining right from wrong, and a feeling of becomes a waste product, which then has to be
satisfaction. Kapha controls lubrication, stability, excreted from the body.
strength, and nourishment, all of which are
important during childhood. It is for this reason that Balanced kapha plays an important role in
kapha dominates during this phase. In childhood, maintaining strength, and the body’s immune
the dhatus need to be developed and stabilized. system, thereby increasing resistance to infections.
They need to grow at appropriate times. This will For the maintenance of good health, care should
only happen if kapha is balanced and healthy. be taken to ensure a proper functioning of kapha.

Because of these qualities, kapha is also AGNI (FIRE)

referred to as bala, or strength.
After learning about the three doshas, let us now
Werte ae scree faepel He eA | turn to the concept of Agni as outlined by Ayurveda.
ea TA Normally, the word ‘Agni , brings to mind the image
a aa: Ba: Ha a a oeafeyad NN...
of a raging fire. Although the nature of agni in the

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Garbha Senskar

human body is slightly different, the functions of an Rogah sarvelpi mandagnau

external fire and the fire in the human body are the
same, namely to digest and transform. This Sanskrit verse means, that a vitiated and
low agni is the root cause of all diseases.
In the same way that fire is used to cook food,
the agni present in the body digests the ingested The agni responsible for the digestion of food
food to generate energy. Just as one cannot eat is called Jatharagni. In addition, the five main
raw wheat, rice, grains or uncooked vegetables, elements (mahabhutas) have five bhutagni or
ingested food cannot give strength without first panchagni and the seven dhatus have seven
being transformed into energy by agni. dhatvagni bringing the total sub-parts to 13. Of all
of these sub-parts, Jatharagni, which influences
A balanced agni results in regular bowel the state of all the other agni, is the main, and
movements, appropriate appetite, enthusiasm and most important. Jatharagni transforms the
energy for work, as well as a feeling of lightness in ingested food into 'ahar ras' (essence), which is
the body. subsequently digested by the seven dhatvagnis,
to form the seven dhatus. During each
In describing the qualities of this fire, Acharya transformation into each dhatu, waste products
Charak says: (malas) are also formed and are used or excreted
in different ways.
sTqauil ae Taree SeATSTTSN
WT |
AAAS:
WOT: Aaa Serle gen: The function attributed to the various agnis
correspond to the function of the hormonal system
WIAs fad gaa far sacra 1. ee in western medicine. Agni converts food into all
the required energies. Agni organizes the natural
ayurvarno balam svastham utsahopacayau prabha physiological cycles, and ensures that they occur
Ojastejognayah pranah cokta dehagnihetukah at the right time and place, and that they are
supplied with the energy they require. The concept
sante~gnau mriyate yukte ciram jivatyanamaye of agni includes the understanding of the hormone
...Caraka system.

Life, complexion, colour, strength, good health,

THE SEVEN DHATUS
enthusiasm, radiance, lustre, a well-built body,
Ojas, and glow all depend on agni. Once it is Rasa - plasma, lymph and all other liquid
extinguished, there is no life, and death occurs. components and secretions
Conversely, a healthy agni provides a good,
healthy, long, and disease-free life. Rakta - blood
Mansa - flesh
The following are the qualities attributed to this
Meda_ - fat
digestive fire.
Asthi - bones
Tm: Basha A-PAy | Majja_ - bone marrow
Shukra - vital fluids

ae
 Concepts of Ayurveda eas

TARA GATAA SEY

SAMT era: | AAS: | the nature of this dhatu. It is liquid in nature. It
imparts satisfaction, and nourishment in childhood,
adulthood and old age, in specific ways. During
Rasasrnmamamsamedo~sthimajjasukrani childhood, it helps quick and appropriate growth of
dhatavah, Saptadtsyah .... Vagbhata sUtrasthana the body. In youth it helps maintain the body and
through old age it helps to prevent the tissues of the
Dharanaat dhatavah means the basic body from perishing. It lubricates the body, adding
components that constitute, construct, sustain and to its strength and firmness. The healthier the 'rasa
nourish the body, are called dhatus. Imbalanced dhatu' the better these functions in the body overall.
doshas can disturb these dhatus and cause disease,
which is why dhatus are also sometimes referred The most important function of rasa dhatu Is to
to as dushya (that which can be contaminated). provide satisfaction by 'reaching' where required.
E.g. If you have been out in the scorching sun and
According to Sushrut, the following time is you come home and have a glass of fresh juice,
required for food to be transformed into dhatus. It you will feel refreshed and satisfied. This is the kind
takes one day to convert it to rasa, five days to of satisfaction and function the rasa dhatu provides
rakta, 10 days to mansa, 15 days to meda, 20 days internally.
to asthi, 25 days to majja and 30 days for the final
transformation to shukra dhatu. Location of rasa dhatu: The primary location
of rasa dhatu is the heart. From there, it spreads
Food digested by Jatharagni is subsequently throughout the body together with vyanvayu, which
formed into dhatus. Each dhatu is formed from the is also present in the heart.
previous one in the order described above.
Rasa dhatu and dosha: Rasa dhatu is closely
The initial conversion is into ahar ras (essence of related to kapha dosha, as is evident by such
food). Ayurveda calls this sthul pachan (gross break functions as providing contentment, lubrication and
down of food). Ahar ras is an essence comprising sustenance.
of essential food elements, and is paramsukshma
(extremely subtle). It is capable of nourishing all Symptoms of rasa deficiency: If, for any reason,
of the dhatus and up-dhatus (by-products of dhatu the quantity of rasadhatu is reduced, the following
transformation). dhatus (which rasa will nourish) such as blood and
muscle become weak and de-vitalised. The face
The transformation occurring after the stage of and skin turn rough and dry, the mouth and throat
ahar ras is known as sukshma pachan - (subtle feel dry, the tongue is parched and tiredness and
transformation into various dhatu levels). fatigue set in easily. Tolerance to noise, loud talk
or even to a baby’s cry, becomes low. Even a little
The Seven Dhatus are as follows. activity causes palpitations and breathlessness
and the mind feels blank.
1. RASA DHATU
Milk and ghee are the best remedies to increase
Rasagniconverts the ahar ras into the first dhatu, rasa dhatu. Besides these, honey, tender coconut
namely ‘rasa dhatu’. The word ‘rasa’ itself, indicates water, sweet lime, pomegranate, apple, grape and

ETE Z2\
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

other fresh fruit juices, water from soaked shashti Since man is dependent on rasa dhatu, it
shali lahya (a special variety of rice which is puffed), should be kept in balance through appropriate diet,
also help to nourish rasa dhatu. lifestyle, and behavioural disciplines.

Reasons of rasa deficiency: fa-amti alata. 2. RAKTA DHATU

Cintyanam caticintanat The second level of dhatu is rakta (blood),

which is formed when rasa dhatu gets digested
Excessive worrying, or unwarranted tension is by raktagni. The word rakta means ‘red’. As per
the main cause for the deficiency of Rasa Dhatu Ayurvedic understanding, pran or ‘life force’ is
located at ten specific places in the body, and rakta
Diseases of Rasa Dhatu: Imbalances in the three dhatu is one of them. This makes rakta dhatu even
doshas can lead to disturbances in rasa dhatu more important.
which can show up as the following symptoms.
Like rasa, rakta dhatu is also in a fluid/ liquid
. Lack of appetite form. Since, it flows out the moment there is an
. Lack of taste; inability to distinguish tastes injury, it is also known as kshtaj (from the wound).
. Nausea
. Feeling of heaviness in the body Functions of raktadhatu
Fever
. Drowsiness 1. Is responsible for one's complexion and, if
. Body ache healthy, lends a shine and a pleasant glow to
Onhon=
ON. Paleness of the skin the skin.
9. Body stiffness 2. Helps to activate agni to aid the digestion of
10. Weakness and fragility food.
11. Klaibya (impotence) = It holds Pran.
12. Krushangata (excessive weight loss) 4. Enables. sensation in the skin through
13. Premature wrinkling and greying of the hair. circulation.

The treatment plan for all the above should The following is a description of healthy (pure)
not only aim to balance the dosha related to the rakta from the Ashtangahrudaya.
symptom, but also balance and reinforce rasa
dhatu. The remedies for this include rasayans and nay want fafa sigitdteordeay |
a diet plan. Since rasa dhatu is the uppermost and SO SIRI MMIC ICtr® \ ... SOPTEET GACT
first dhatu, it is vital that its balance is maintained
so that the subsequent dhatus are not affected. Madhuram lavanam kificit asitosnamasamhatam
Acharya Sushrut says the following in conclusion. Padmendra-gopa-hemavisasalohita-lohitam
.... Astangahrdaya sttrasthana
Tas GeeferedTH WAI: |. gy area
Rakta dhatu is mostly sweet and slightly salty in
Rasajam purusam vidyat rasam rakset-prayatnatah taste, and at a temperature that is neither too hot
... Susruta sttrasthana nor too cold (since it is at body temperature). It has

222
 Concepts of Ayurveda

a bright red colour, like a red lotus, red-hot gold, or disease.

gunja (Abrus precatorius) seed.
Clear skin and good complexion depend solely
Rakta can be said to be pure if its stain on a on rakta dhatu. People who wish for skin like this
muslin or cotton cloth can be completely washed should ensure that their rakta dhatu is balanced
away with water. and pure. Some important blood purifiers used
in Ayurveda are anant (Hemidesmus indicus),
Rakta dhatu and dosha: Rakta is connected to manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) and gokshur (Tribulus
pitta since it is one of the locations of pitta dosha. terrestris).
This is also the reason for Rakta dhatu's sharp
smell (the smell of blood). Of the three doshas, Rakta dhatu is a vital component of the human
pitta is most likely to affect rakta dhatu. body, besides being an important location for pran.
A heavy loss of blood due to injury, accident or in
Symptoms of deficiency in rakta_ dhatu: the process of surgery leads to loss of pran and
A deficiency of rakta leads to the following therefore, loss of life. Acharya Sushrut explains
symptoms further

Weakness in agni and consequently digestion. aaa eR AS BfeRota ada |

Excitement in Vata ACA A Gaal Tad sitet ofa feerfa: i...
gy grees
Blood vessels begin to lose their tone
Dry and lustreless skin. Cracks in skin. Dehasya rudhiram mulam
GE
> Increased desire for cooling and sour foods. rudhirenaiva dharyate
Tasmat yatnena samraksya
Diseases of Rakta Dhatu: Several diseases may raktam jivam iti sthitih —....Susruta sUtrasthana
result if rakta dhatu is disturbed by an imbalance in
doshas. Kushta (skin ailments), visarpa (herpes), Rakta is the foundation of the human body,
pidka (rashes, boils, pustules), raktapitta (bleeding important for its sustenance and_ functioning.
from different orifices of the body, i.e. mouth, nose, Hence, rakta is synonymous with life, and all efforts
ears, anus etc.), asrugdar (excessive vaginal should be made to protect and preserve it.
bleeding), gudmedrasyapaak (boils, ulcers, and
blemishes, around the anal and genital regions, 3. MANSA DHATU
or in the mouth), spleen disorders such as
splenomegaly, abcessess, jaundice, facial hyper Mansa dhatu is formed when mansagni digests
pigmentation, alopecia, and the formation of itchy raktadhatu. This is the third level of tissue, and, like
lesions on the skin are all results of vitiated rakta rakta, is also one of the ten locations where pran
dhatu. resides.

Acharya Charak also points out that any chronic Mansa dhatu is important for the determination
disease that does not heal properly or quickly has of the physical structure and build of a person. Its
its origins in rakta dhatu. In Ayurvedic practice, in main function is to provide ‘fullness’ and ‘form’ to
many cases, the physician has also to consider the the body. It, also supports physical movements
treatment of rakta dhatu itself, besides treating the

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Garbha Sansber

and activities. Mansa dhatu and dosha: Mansa dhatu is closely

associated with kapha, which is evident from the
Although vata is the force that ‘drives’ similarities in their main functions - to hold the body
all movements, that movement is achieved together and provide strength.
through the contraction and relaxation of
the muscles (formed out of mansa dhatu). Symptoms of mansa dhatu deficiency

At a physical level mansa dhatu can be 1. Weight loss, especially noticeable in the
understood as meaning ‘muscles’, although the hollowing of cheeks and the flattening of
complete Ayurvedic point of view on mansa dhatu buttocks
is not limited to this understanding. Reduced physical strength
Weakness of the senses and sensory organs,
Acharya Sushrut mentions mansa dhatu in the Dryness of skin, dryness in the body
following way. Pricking pain in the entire body, joint pain
One
Oy
a Laxity in vessels transporting the blood.
Aiaeaaaeaa: UTR fasted: Ue syed |
GAT IRE, SCET Symptoms of excessive mansa dhatu: Mansa
dhatu)§ may increase due to inappropriate diet.
Mamsavayava-sanghatah parasparam vibhaktah It can be seen to have increased at the cheeks,
pesiityucyate ...Susruta Sarirasthana, dalhana abdomen, buttocks, waist, thighs and neck. Its
increse also leads to a feeling of heaviness in the
Mansa dhatu can be seen as differentiated into body.
different mansa peshi throughout the body. These
mansa peshis correspond to individual muscles as Diseases of Mansa Dhatu: The vitiating of mansa
per modern understanding. dhatu due to the imbalance of a dosha can lead to
any of the following.
Qualities of mansa dhatu
Abnormal or disproportionate growth in certain
fafeao a4 yoeuritag caciatd areca Ta | muscles, arbud (tumour-like growth), ga/shaluk
(cysts in the throat), gandamala (goiter, and
swelling of lymph nodes), mumps, gangrene of
Picchilam ghanam Slaksnamisad raktamiti particular muscle tissue (putimans).
mamsasya svarupam _....Caraka vimanasthana
The word dhatu means ‘that which holds’,
Mansa dhatu is gelatinous, dense, smooth, and and of the seven dhatus, it is mansa dhatu, that
mildly reddish in colour. specifically holds the body together, and provides
physical strength.
Acharya Sushrut has described five hundred
mansa peshi, which are spread in all parts of the The body's stamina, and ability to work long
body, around bones, tendons and small and large hours or occasionally stretch beyond normal levels
joints. of fatigue depends on the health of mansa dhatu. It
is imperative to look after mansa dhatu.

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 Concepts of Ayurveda

4. MEDA DHATU Tiredness without exertion

Reduced activity
When mansa dhatu is digested by medagni, Dull and lustreless eyes
meda dhatu is formed. It is the fourth level of tissue Rough skin and hair
and corresponds to the body's fatty tissues. Ithas the . Flat or sunken abdomen
greatest propensity, among the dhatus, to increase dO
ea
ee
0. Splenomegaly.
in volume and size. While a disproportionate
increase in meda dhatu is certainly not desirable, Symptoms of excess meda dhatu:
it is not prudent to take extreme measures to get
rid of excess fat through quick fixes or unnatural 1. Fatty deposits around the buttocks, waist. and
methods. One needs a certain amount of meda abdomen.
dhatu, according to individual constitution, that will 2. Tiredness after minimal activity.
help in regulating the body's normal functions. An © Breathlessness.
extreme loss of meda dhatu can lead to problems 4. Oily skin, excessive sweating, and strong body
throughout life. odour.

The most important function of meda dhatu is to Diseases of Meda Dhatu: The formation of fatty
provide lubrication to the entire body. Like mansa tumors or lumps, enlargement of the ovaries,
dhatu, it also provides firmness and strength to hernia, mumps, obesity, adiposity, swelling of the
the body. It helps in the production of sweat, and lips, diabetes, and excessive sweating.
nourishes the bones.
Meda dhatu, if deficient or in excess, can cause
The location of medadhatu: Meda dhatu is several problems, and so one should work towards
present almost all over the body. It is important to keeping it in balance.
understand that this fatty tissue is what stays in the
bones of the fingers, toes, wrists, ankles and other 5. ASTHI DHATU
small bones in the body. It is only meda dhatu that
can nourish, nurture and lubricate these bones. A When asthyagni digests medadhatu, then asthi
deficiency of meda dhatu can cause these bones dhatu, the next level of body tissue, is formed. The
to become brittle. word asthi means bones.

Meda dhatu and dosha: Meda dhatu is closely SITET: Geen FBAA HRT: |
related to kapha, since both of these have similar aiferancam
eet Brad efeai Ya. gaa oes
functions, such as, lubrication, and imparting
firmness to the body. abhyantaragataih sarairyatha tisthanti bhuruhah
Asthisaraistatha deha dhriyante dehinam dhruvam
Symptoms of meda dhatu deficiency: een Susruta sarirasthana

Numbness around the lumbar region A tree stands erect due to its firm central core.
Weight loss Similarly, the central structure of the human body
A feeling of hollowness in the joints is the skeleton.
Unbearable joint pains
oN.

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Garbha Senskar

Asthi dhatu is the core supporting structure of Even if a herbal preparation or medicine has the
the body. It is hard and firm in nature and gives ability to reach these dhatus, the patient's digestive
protection to important organs and marma points. fire must be strong enough to transfer the medicine
to the necessary organs.
For example, the skull protects the brain,
the rib cage protects the heart and lungs, and For these reasons, the treatment and cure of
the vertebral column protects the spinal cord. ailments related to asthi, majja and shukra dhatus,
require diligent and meticulous efforts, and a lot of
Asthi dhatu is the basic framework of the time.
body. It is bound to the muscles by tendons and
ligaments, to provide shape, form, and structure to 6. MAJJA DHATU
the body. The form of medadhatu and mansadhatu
also depends on this framework, and a persons The digestion of asthi dhatu by majjagni forms this
height is entirely dependant on asthi dhatu. sixth level of body tissue. Majja is an important and
essential dhatu, which increases strength and gives
The three elements required for the formation nourishment to the body, especially the bones. But
of this dhatu are: earth (prithvi), fire (agni), and its most important function is to form and nourish
air (vayu). Although the bones are hard on the the last dhatu, namely shukra dhatu.
outside, internally, because of the presence of vayu
mahabhoot, they are sponge-like and porous. The location of majja dhatu: Majja dhatu is
present in the cavities of large bones as bone
Symptoms of asthi deficiency: marrow.

Loss of hair The entire brain, which resides in the bony

Brittle and broken nails cranium, is a part of majjadhatu. So are the eyes,
Deterioration of the teeth the spinal cord, and nerves, enclosed in the
Dry and rough skin vertebral column. It is, therefore, essential that this
Laxity ofjoints dhatu be protected and taken care of.
2S
Bese
And a pricking type of pain in the bones.
Majja dhatu and dosha: Maijja dhatu is associated
Diseases of Asthi Dhatu: Adhyasthi (abnormal with kapha dosha. All dietary substances that
bone growth, e.g. heel spur), adhidanta (extra contribute to further strengthening and nourishing
teeth), dantaabhed (chipped teeth), asthibhed already health and balanced kapha dosha, also
(susceptibility to fractures), asthishool (pain in have the ability to strengthen and nourish maija
the bones), vivarnata (skin pigmentation) and dhatu.
keshalomanashashmashrudosha (hair, nails, facial
and body hair abnormalities) are all asthidoshaj Symptoms of majja deficiency: If majja dhatu is
diseases. undernourished or if its quantity is less than normal,
the following symptoms become evident.
Asthi, majja, and shukra diseases, are the most
difficult to treat. The medicines and food prescribed Alpashukrata (deficient shukradhatu - low
should have the capacity to reach these dhatus. sperm count and motility, impotence and infertility),

226
 Concepts of Ayurveda

parvbhed (severe and unbearable joint pain), period of recovery. This is because it is difficult for
asthinistod (pricking type of pain in the bones), medicines to reach this dhatu and the effects of the
asthisheeryata (weak, hollow and brittle bones, medicines are seen only after an extended period
nowadays also called Osteoporosis), physical of time. Therefore, once such diseases occur, both
weakness, and various vata-related diseases, such doctor and patient should be disciplined, meticulous
as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and paralysis. and apply themselves fully to the treatment for an
adequate amount of time.
Ayurveda also refers to the core of a fruit’s
seed as majja, and its function is identical to the The treatment of majja related problems normally
functions of majja dhatu in the human body. For requires an extended Pancha Karma. While basti
example, almonds, which are good for majja dhatu, and virechan bring good results, some specialized
are found within the kernel of a seed. Apricots therapies such as shiro basti and netratarpan may
(Prunus armeniaca) too have a almond-like fruit also be required. Pind svedan - a massage for the
inside the kernel of their seeds, which is very full body using a special variety of rice which has
healthy for majja dhatu. Other substances, which been cultured with certain herbs and medicines - is
augment and nourish majjadhatu, are godambi usually quite beneficial in these cases.
(the kernel of the Semecarpus anacardium), and
walnuts. Milk and ghee nourish all of the dhatus, 7. SHUKRA DHATU
including majja.
AAMGTy AAA eg:
Diseases of Majja Dhatu: If. majja dhatu is
disturbed due to the doshas, the following problems Sapta-dhatusu saptamo dhatuh
may result.
Shukragni converts majja dhatu into the seventh
Tamodarshan (black spots in the vision), and final level of body tissue, shukra dhatu. This
moorcha (fainting), giddiness, parvbhed (severe is one of the ten locations of pran. Shukra is
and unbearable joint pain), and the formation of commonly thought of as semen in males. However,
ulcers on the bones. semen (virya) is only one part of shukra dhatu.

One of the biggest reasons for disturbances Shukra dhatu is present in men, women, and
in majja dhatu is eating foods that have opposing children. It works at many levels. Psycholigically
qualities together (called viruddhaannainAyurveda). it encourages valour, fearlessness, courage,
Viruddha anna means foods which work against enthusiasm and steadiness. At the physical level,
each other, and damage the body in the process. strength, endurance, the motivation/attraction for
E.g. milk and fruit (milkshakes, fruit salads), honey the opposite sex and the formation of sperm and
and hot water (honey should never be heated), salt ova in males and females respectively, are all
and milk (salt curdles milk immediately), and many functions of shukra dhatu.On the cellular level, it
such examples. Ayurveda advises strongly against is responsible for cell division and the formation of
taking these foods together. new cells.

Diseases due to the imbalance of majja dhatu The location of shukra dhatu: Shukradhatu is
are, as a rule, difficult to treat, and require a long
present in the whole body. The following verse

221
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

explains: 8. Occasional presence of blood in the semen

9. Pain in the genitals
TH sant aon afea afte fas aan | 10. Body ache
Taaryd Fe Vs EA TAT .. ae ae 11. Pain in both large and small joints
12. Depression, lack of enthusiasm
Rasa iksau yatha dadhni 13. Aggravation of vata and pitta dosha
sarpistailam tile yatha 14. Loss of memory, concentration, imagination,
Sarvatranugatam dehe sukram recall capacity, creativity and comprehension.
samsparsane tatha _ ....Caraka cikitsasthana
Excessive sexual activity is the main cause of
The juice in sugarcane, the oil in sesame seeds, or this deficit, the other causes being masturbation,
ghee in the curd made from the cream of milk, are sexual voyeurism, reading sexually stimulating
not seen, although they are subtly present in these literature, thinking of sex or any activity that leads
substances in ample quantities. In the same way, to discharge of virya. Excess worrying, excessive
shukra dhatu is present in every cell and particle of physical and mental activity, unwholesome food,
the human body. chronic illnesses and old age, can also cause
deficiency in shukra dhatu.
Shuka dhatu is seen only in the form of semen
when discharged during sexual intercourse, or at Once the symptoms become obvious, it is
times, as the result of sexual thoughts. absolutely necessary to find and treat the root
cause. Engaging in inappropriate sexual activities,
Shukra dhatu is even present in children such as masturbation, should be refrained from,
but is not evident or manifested. The rose has a even though this may be difficult.
wonderful fragrance which is not apparent when it
is still a bud; the scent emanates when the flower Due to the effects of shukra dhatu, the desire
blooms. Similarly, shukra dhatu, although present to masturbate may be natural at a certain age,
from birth, becomes evident only in youth. just as wet dreams during sleep are natural.
However, virya, which is necessary for the body,
Shukra dhatu and dosha: Shukra dhatu is closely should be conserved at any cost. Just as_ water
related to kapha. A balanced kapha dosha and simply overflows when a water tank is full, only
healthy shukra dhatu are required to ensure a excess (overflowing) virya should be discharged.
strong immune system. In practice, this means that priority should be given
to virya required for the day-to-day activities. One
Symptoms of deficiency of shukra dhatu: should at least make sure that virya discharged
should not be so much that one experiences
Physical weakness and feebleness lethargy, laziness and a lack of enthusiasm to
Frequent dryness of the mouth work.
Lethargy
Weakness despite no physical exertion There are several opposing opinions and on-
Impotence going debates, regarding this topic, but they arise
Reduced or no seminal discharge because only one view is taken into consideration
Co Decrease in sexual stamina
ON
Rl - that the urge is natural. However, if virya is used

228
 Concepts of Ayurveda

up for masturbation etc, it will result in very little eral GEA Ted TT Ai at Pracata \l ... are ARIA
virya being supplied to the main organs, such
as the heart and brain. This deprivation of vital aharasya param dhama
strength means that the daily functions of the Sukram tad raksyamatmanah
body will either not occur properly, or be weak. It Ksayo hyasya bahtn rogan
is important that we understand all the effects of maranam va niyacchati _ ....Caraka nidanasthana
virya and protect it in accordance with one's own
Capacity and constitution. Lack or deficiency of shukra can cause serious
life threatening diseases, and even death. All who
Foods such as milk, ghee, almonds, panchamrut desire good health, should take absolute care of
and Ayurvedic rasayans (only if made scientifically shukra dhatu.
and by an authentic Ayurvedic process) like
shatavari kalpa, chyavanprash, dhatri rasayan, UPADHATU AND MALA
bruhan modak vajikar kalpa and other appropriate
rasayans could be consumed to improve shukra As described earlier, after the first level of digestion,
dhatu. Herbs such as amla, gokshur, ashwagandha, the dhatus are converted from one level into the
kavach, vidari, jyeshthamadh, are also excellent next - from rasa to rakta to mansa etc. It is for this
for increasing shukra. reason that each level of conversion requires a
specific agni. The main agni, Jatharagni, digests
When treating shukra dhatu imbalances, it ingested food, which is then divided into two parts,
is important to first cleanse the body with the namely ahar-ras (essence of food) and mala (waste
help of Pancha Karma, before further therapies products, for example urine and faeces). The mala
and medicines. The next step is a nutritious and (waste products) are excreted in the body’s natural
balanced diet, along with rasayan and medication, cycle, and the ahar-ras is further converted into the
to strengthen and nourish shukra dhatu. dhatus.

Shukra is the final level of tissue in the body. It This process is repeated when each dhatu is
is the purest constituent of the body. Each previous formed. Every dhatvagni digests the earlier dhatu
level of digestion or conversion removes impurities to create the next one. At the same time, it forms
from the digested matter. Shukra is the last, and 2 additional parts, the updhatu (sub-type of that
consequently, purest possible form of this matter - dhatu) and mala (impurity or waste product).
or energy itself. Like rasa and rakta dhatus, shukra
dhatu is also in a liquid/ fluid form. When shukra Updhatus do not then get further converted into
dhatu is healthy, most of the physiological functions the next level of dhatu. As we shall see further,
of the body occur smoothly. The immune system they have their own functions. There are seven
is dependent on this dhatu, as is the functioning updhatus, and these are not metabolised further.
and health of the organs, such as the heart and
the brain. Updhatu and mala assist in various bodily
functions. Once formed, mala is naturally excreted
Thus Acharya Charak advises: from the body, but its presence for a stipulated time,
in certain organs, is sometimes useful as well.
STA OU ITA Vgh AE AAAI: |
229
 ty
irae
ioe
eth
* ht or
\ > %

b. Poe Sbad
Ayurvedic
Garbha Senshér

By-products of Rasa Dhatu : When rasa dhatu is The waste product formed from rakta dhatu is
formed, its updhatus in women are stanya (breast pitta, which is eliminated through the body with the
milk) and raja (menstrual fluid).Stanya is formed normal waste products.
towards the end of pregnancy and after childbirth.
Raja accumulates in the uterus from the time of By-products of Mansa Dhatu: The updhatu of
puberty until menopause and is discharged every mansa dhatu, is skin and vasa (the lubricating
month in the form of menstrual blood, if conception element naturally present in the muscles). The
has not occurred in that monthly cycle. waste products excreted from the ears, eyes,
nose, mouth, genitals, are the mala components
The reason that menstruation ceases during of mansa dhatu.
pregnancy, is that the updhatu being formed of rasa
dhatu is engaged in nourishing the foetus and helps By-products of Meda Dhatu: The updhatu of
in the formation of breast milk. Even when the child meda dhatu are another type of stronger snayu
is being breast fed there is no menstruation, but (ligaments). Meda dhatu's mala is perspiration.
as soon as the menstrual cycle recommences, the This is why obese people tend to sweat so much.
production of breast milk reduces, and eventually
stops. By-products of Asthi-Dhatu: Sages such as
Acharya Kashyap, consider the teeth to be the
It is for this reason, substances that nourish updhatu of asthidhatu, and the hair and nails as the
and strengthen rasadhatu, such as milk, fruit juice, mala components. To maintain good health of hair,
tender coconut water, and shatavari kalpa, are it is therefore necessary to have good and healthy
recommended during pregnancy. asthi dhatu.

The mala of rasa dhatu is the type of kapha that By-products of Majja Dhatu: Majja dhatu does
is present in the mornings, in the form of stickiness not have an updhatu. The oiliness in the eyes,
and phlegm in the throat and mouth. In small skin and the stool, required for lubrication of these
quantities, and in a balanced state, this kapha functions, is actually the mala from maijja dhatu.
causes no harm. However, if the stickiness or
phlegm persists even after you have cleaned your By-products of Shukra Dhatu: Shukra Dhatu
mouth in the morning, or if it remains throughout the produces no updhatu or mala. All impurities have
day, it indicates an excess formation of mala. You already been removed from the material through
must administer appropriate remedies to remove successive conversions from one dhatu to the
this from the body. next.

By-products of Rakta Dhatu: Kandara and sira, Shukra dhatu can be compared to that gold
are the updhatu of raktadhatu. The term kandara which has been heated several times and is free
refers to strong and firm snayu (tendons), and of any possible impurity. It is the purest and best
the word sira means vessels. Kandara impart of all dhatus.
the necessary firmness required to shape the
muscles, which form from mansa dhatu. The
MALA FROM GROSS DIGESTION
arteries and veins, that transport oxygenated and
de-oxygenated blood, are a part of sira. Mala are the substances that have to be excreted/

230
 Concepts of Ayurveda [aR ete
rake

removed from the body. If these waste products and a reduced quantity of faeces, may cause a
remain in the body for any length of time, they can hollow feeling in the abdomen, general weakness
cause a variety of problems. So, they are excreted and the sapping of strength.
from various body openings.

Faeces, urine and sweat are the three main

MUTRA (URINE)
forms of mala. In addition, blood which is old and Urine is a waste product from the liquid
which has served its purpose in the body, impure components ofthe diet. It removes excess moisture
blood, old and worn-out mansa dhatu and other and lubrication from all over the body and the blood.
dhatus that have completed their functions, are The waste produced during the formation of rasa
mala as well. and rakta dhatus is excreted through urine.

Mala will also contain imbalanced Vata, Pitta If the quantity of urine being released by the body
and Kapha. reduces drastically, it can cause pain in the urinary
bladder region. On the other hand, excess urine,
PURISH (FAECES) will result in an increased frequency in urination,
leading to an enlarged bladder, and a pricking type
Most of the nutrients of digested food are of pain in the urinary tract.
absorbed by the small intestine. The remaining
substance is passed on to the large intestine where The process of urine formation is continuous,
any remaining nutrients are also absorbed, leaving and the urine is stored in the bladder before being
only residue in the form of faeces (called purish excreted. The urinary bladder and kidneys taken
in Ayurveda). This is then pushed towards the together (called basti in Ayurveda), are one of the
rectum and anus to be removed. This is the mala three most important marma points in the body (the
from the ingested food, and should be excreted in other two being the heart and the brain).
appropriate time, in order to maintain the balance
and health of the body. SVEDA (SWEAT)
Faeces is stored in the rectum and anus. Sweat (‘sveda' in Ayurveda) is the third important
Prolonged fasting, eating little food and constipation mala, and is a waste product formed from meda
can cause an imbalance in the quantity of faeces, dhatu. It is excreted through the skin. The Sushrut
a disturbance of vata, flatulence, and burping. Sutrasthan says
The accumulated vata, may travel in an upward
direction, causing pressure and pain due to the Wind AGAPAR A |. gaa yrerT
movement of gases in the abdomen and sides of
the body. $arirardrata tvaksaukumaryanica ....Susruta sutrasthana

It is essential that every individual develops Sweat has two important functions, namely, to
the discipline to remove the faeces at a regular maintain moisture (hydration) in the body, and to
time each day. Faeces is, to some extent, also keep the skin soft.
responsible for maintaining the strength of the
body. An increased frequency of stool evacuation If there is a reduction in the production of

231
 a. &
&
| ‘<.
The:

Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar,

sweat, the skin becomes dry, the sense of touch AaATAAS Fe fe VA

is hampered, and the hair becomes rough and dry.
Excessive sweat production, results in itchy skin Dosadhatumalam mulam hi Sariram
and an unpleasant body odour. The steam bath is
an important Ayurvedic therapy, that uses either a Good health is founded on balanced doshas, a
steam chamber, or a hot cloth wrapped around the sufficient quantity and excellent quality of dhatus,
body, to stimulate sweating. This helps to balance and a regular excretion of waste products in
vata and kapha. appropriate amounts.

Purish, mutra, and sveda are the three main OJAS

waste products of the body. If vata-pitta-kapha
doshas and the seven dhatus are vitiated, the Ayurveda defines ojas as follows:
resultant waste products are also called mala,
and this 4th type of mala is also excreted from the AMA
OE aa: SA: ... gerne eee
body. For example, a vitiated and aggravated pitta
will give a yellow tinge to the skin and the whites Aa Ae: SI: gga we
of the eyes; aggravated kapha causes a feeling
of heaviness in the head, and congestion in the Sarvadhattinam param tejah ojah
chest. When the dhatus are used up, they become ... Astangasangraha sutrasthana
waste products, for example when blood becomes
impure and vitiated, the skin darkens and this may Sapta-dhatt snehah ojah ...Susruta sitrasthana
lead to skin diseases.
Ojas is the most excellent and exceptionally
It is absolutely necessary to excrete all pure result of all seven transformations. In short,
such waste products from the body, and this is the purest essence of all the dhatus is said to be
best accomplished through the body-cleansing ojas, and, therefore, it is said to possess supreme
treatments of Pancha Karma. Pancha Karma power and strength.
therapies have been designed in a way that
only such mala - disturbed/used up dhatus and This concept in Ayurveda refers to the best
imbalanced dosha components - are removed, possible result of energy transformations in the
while healthy dhatus and balanced doshas are body. It cannot be physically identified. It is only
conserved. experienced. It can be seen in somebody else as
the glow in their eyes, their aura, their excellent
E.g. Virechan is designed to clear accumulated strength and health or their very efficient immune
imbalanced pitta dosha from the intestines. It does system etc. In short, a person with a lot of ojas will
not disturb the normal functioning of the body or have characteristics like these. We have seen how
cause undue weight loss, or other side effects the dhatus become progressively purer and more
associated with having several motions. nourishing as they go through their tranformations.
Ojas is the best, or the essence, of all the seven
The following verse puts it concisely dhatus. The body is formed from this pure and
disease free part of all the dhatus put together. All
life and progression depend on this energy.

232
 Concepts of Ayurveda

Acharya Charak describes it further as follows. in the body is about half onjal (one onjal, is the
quantity that your hands can hold when cupped).
stra wiforn: adefeadt adara In general, it is apar ojas that reduces when an
Aad Basar Sifad arafawsa Wo .. aa greens Ojas deficiency occurs, and a major reduction can
ultimately cause death.
Ojaasa prinitah sarva-dehino vartayanti
Tadrte sarva-bhutanam jivitam navatisthate Reasons for ojas-kshaya
....Caraka sttrasthana
TATA, ATA SAAT VTA, LATA ATL eT:
All living beings are alive because of good ojas. He: Galtad DAN MGMT gga eee
Life is impossible without it, and if ojas is destroyed,
death is a certainty. Abhighatat ksayat kopat
sokat dhyanat sramat ksudhah
Ojas, in its natural and balanced state, is a form Ojaah sanksiyate hyebhyo
of kapha, and shelters pran. According to Charak dhatu-grahananihsrtam__...Susruta sitrasthana
Samhita, the main characteristics of ojas are: It is
sweet, cool, oily or greasy, heavy, soft, spreads Mental or physical injuries, any type of dhatu
easily, and is bright and pleasant. deficiency (a reduced amount of any of the seven
dhatus), excess anger, grief, worry, physical or
The functions of Ojas: Ojas is the reason for mental stress, or hunger, can all lead to a reduction
the existence of the body in the first place. If ojas of ojas.
is extremely deficient, even balanced doshas
are unable to function. It imparts psychological Symptoms of an ojas deficiency: Strength
satisfaction and fulfillment, and nourishes every and stamina are generally low, the sense organs
organ and cell of the body, stimulating them to experience a drop in working capacity, the skin
function optimally. Ojas controls all physical and loses its glow and becomes dull, the complexion
mental functions, motor and sense organs, the becomes lusterless, the person will experience
intellect and the mind. The voice and the colour tiredness and malaise, dryness and roughness over
of the skin also depend on this energy. In general various parts of the body like the skin, eyes, and
the body’s strength, health, and the absence of lips. It also causes instability of thought and mind
disease, are all reliant on a healthy ojas. and too much worrying. There may be bouts of
sadness, gloominess, depression and worry, and a
Types of Ojas: Par and apar are the two types of lack of enthusiasm about everything. Unnecessary
ojas. Par is the purest form of ojas, mainly located in and groundless fear, diminished self-confidence,
the heart, and its quantity is described as being the and constantly falling prey to negative and morose
equivalent of eight drops. This ojas is maintained in thoughts are more symptoms. This deficiency can
its qualitative and quantitative form throughout life, lead to death if it is not immediately remedied.
and the definite result of any reduction in par ojas,
will be death. The nourishment of ojas is detailed as follows

The second type is apar ojas. Its qualities are apenas

wat a feats a
similar to those of balanced kapha. Its quantity BTA ATA: UN...eeITeI
CTGALT

233
 y

Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Madhura-snigdha-sitani laghuni ca hitani ca PRAN

Ojaaso vardhananyahuh ....KaSyapasamhita sitrasthana
arta: aia arg: ard Trea: agian sarcrfa
Substances which are sweet, oily and WOT: |... YT RRC
lubricating, cooling in nature, and which are easy
to digest, nourish ojas. In addition, foods which are Agnihsomo vayuh sattvam rajastamah paficendriyani
consumed in accordance with the constitution, also bhutatmeti pranah _ ....SuSruta Sarirasthana
enhance ojas.
Pran is the principal energy that allows life to
For example, milk, homemade butter with continue. The main activity of Pran comes through
sugar, ghee, panchamrut, rasayans prepared from the following 12 spheres of action - knows as
high energy and high virya herbs, as well as herbs Dwadasha (12) Pran. These 12 things sustain
which belong to the jeevaniya group of herbs, all life. Pran is identified, and also expresses itself,
nourish ojas. through them:

Mental peace, enthusiasm and a happy frame 1. Agni - Fire - The Catlytic Agent
of mind, are all beneficial to ojas. This does not 2. Som - Liquidity. This is represented by kapha,
mean simply doing whatever one wants, but rasa and shukra. It is the carrier of the conceptual
indicates a tendency towards genuine satisfaction pragramme of the person, or the mind.
and peace. If guidelines to bring peace of mind, Vayu (as explained earlier)
satisfaction and contentment are followed, this Sattva - to act without expectation
will help nourish ojas. So, following practices such Raja - to act with expectation
as yoga, pranayam and meditation, as well as Tama - to expect without action
listening to healing music, all help to increase ojas. Shrotrendriya (sense of sound)
Actions that give peace of mind, such as reading, eg
OO
cae
Pn) Chakshurendriya (sense of vision)
and engaging in a hobby, also help. 9. Rasanendriya (sense of taste)
10.Ghranendriya (sense of smell)
Acharya Charak has described ojas in the 11. Sparshanendriya (sense of taste)
following lines 12. Bhutatma (jeevatma- soul)

Sel ATT gfATT SEA eet a aT PRANAYATANA (The Locations of Pran)

Tee:
WOT aa Ufa: Mae gre
WaeaAe: WoT ay waa: |
Yasya nasat tu naso~sti dhari yat hrdayasritam vrata qual tari YATE TAA... aes eer
Yaccharirara-sasnehah prana yatra pratisthitah
....Caraka sttrasthana DaSaivayatananyahuh prana yesu pratisthitah
Sankhau-marma-trayam kantho raktam Sukraujasi
Ojas is that which is the essence of all dhatus, gudam ...Caraka sttrasthana
which is stored in the heart, and which, if destroyed,
can cause the destruction of the body. Pran The locations where the pran resides in the
resides in ojas and for this reason, ojas should be body, are known as pranayatan, and are as follows:
conserved and protected. the heart, urinary bladder along with the kidneys

234
 Concepts of Ayurveda

and the head (brain) - are the three most important. ARTAV
Then - the two shankhamarma (temples on either
side of the head), the throat, rakta dhatu, shukra Ted TH: BitoTt anfa anf sag ae |
dhatu, ojas, and the anus. Any damage, injury, or aq auie alamaed arf USA: BTA
deformation of these can lead to death.
Ta Ta: Wh Son arda wala ui...
990 qe
MERUDANDA
Rasadeva rajah strinam
This is actually a synonym for the vertebral masi masi tryaham stravet
column or spine, which is made up of 33 vertebrae, Tad varsad dvadasadtrdhva
with a flexible and soft inter-vertebral disc between yati paficaSatah ksayam
each of these. This disc serves to prevent wear
and tear caused by friction between two adjacent Masena rasah Sukram
vertebrae. strinam cartavam bhavati ...Susruta sttrasthana

The spinal cord extends from the neck to the With puberty, usually around the age of
sacrum. The cranial and spinal nerves leaving these twelve, bleeding occurs every month, marking
foramina (openings in the spinal column), spread all the onset of menstruation (menarche). This is
over the body. It is because of this unique vertebral also known as afrtav, stripushpa, or raja. The
column, that we stand erect. bleeding is called artavdarshan (presence of
bleeding). Menstruation ceases around the age
Kundalini Massage of fifty, heralding the onset of menopause (known
as rajonivrutti).
This is a specialised massage for the entire
vertebral column and back. A specialised oil for the The twelve days following the fourth day of
spine, such as Santulan Kundalini Oil which has menstruation (and after having bathed on the
been cultured with several herbs is used to massage fourth day), are favourable for conception, and
the entire back. during this phase, the woman is called rutumati.

The kundalini massage helps prevent and PANCHA KARMA

treat ailments such as backaches, slipped disc,
spondilitis, stiff neck, frozen shoulder and sciatica, adhag afeatory agen wert
a ad |
as well as in symptoms arising from excessive fed and arafsrtaisategia u...aeve gree
vertebral degeneration.
Yadirayedbahirdosan pafcadha
This massage should be done by a trained sodhanam ca yat
Ayurvedic therapist using Santulan Kundalini Oil. Nirtho vamanam kaya-
Simply applying Santulan Kundalini Oil on the siroreko~stravistruti ...Vagbhata sttrasthana
back is also beneficial and provides relief.
Ayurveda outlines five purification procedures,
collectively called Pancha Karma.

235
 ie
7 . owe

Garbha Sanskar

These procedures remove excess, vitiated, and tolerance, foster a sound memory, excellent health
aggravated doshas from the body, from both upper and youth, lend glow, lustre, an excellent skin colour,
and lower openings of the body. strong voice, clear speech, an excellent functioning
of the sense organs. Ayurveda explains that these
Pancha Karma encompasses the following: benefits of rasayan chikitsa have several desirable
effects .that come along with excellent health,
Vaman (to expel kapha dosha), virechan (to including, a greater social life, status and success.
remove pitta), shirovirechan (for diseases of head,
neck, shoulder, i.e. organs above shoulder level), Types of Rasayan Chikitsa
basti (to balance vata dosha), and raktamokshan (Medication Therapies)
(blood-letting - for blood-related disorders).
1. Kutipraveshika: A prolonged therapy in which
Before these therapies are administered, the a person lives isolated and without contact in
following preparatory procedures, known as purva a cottage and consumes rasayans and food as
karma, must be completed. They are - recommended and given (again without contact,
for e.g. by sliding the food and medicines through
Snehan - Consists of external and_ internal a hatch). 'Kuti' means cottage.
lubrication by oil massage and the drinking of ghee.
This gives softness to the body and lubricates it. It 2. Vatatapik: Undergoing rasayan chikitsa (a diet
balances vata. It loosens toxins that they can be of herbal preparations and food) while living
expelled in the process of Pancha Karma. a normal daily life. Both Kutipraveshika and
Vatatapik therapies have been designed for
Svedan - Liquefies the vitiated doshas to make maintaining health, rejuvenating the body, and
them fluid, removes the toxins from their original achieving a long life. They should be done when
places, brings them into the bloodstream, and one is already healthy.
transports the doshas to the digestive tract to be
expelled. 3. Naimittik: Taking herbs and medicines meant to
deal with specific diseases and imbalances.
RASAYANCHIKITSA
4. Achar rasayan: Guidance with regard to
TAMA fe MAA TATA TATA... ee Farereerr7 appropriate behaviour and the lifestyle to be
followed.
Labhopayo hi Sastanam rasadinam rasayanam
....Caraka cikitsasthana
GARBHA SANSKAR
The treatment that leads to the formation of Yavittrastadan
J ae ler wha vata |
excellent rasa, rakta, and other dhatus, is called
rasayan chikitsa. The medicines and herbs required
for this treatment, are known as rasayans. Sukra-Sonita-jiva-samyoge tu khalu kuksi-gate
garbhasanjiiam bhavati ...Caraka sarirasthana
Advantages of rasayanchikitsa: These remedies
impart longevity, increase physical strength and

236
 Concepts of Ayurveda FS ae

According to Ayurveda, a foetus is not just a begins to express itself, the mind and body come
physical body, but is formed from the male and closer, and are bound together. At this time, the
female reproductive cells, the atma (soul), mind, foetus can be influenced by sound and this must be
intellect, the five elements (panchamahabhoot), and used to help develop the foetus at all three levels
consciousness (chetanadhisthan). From the third - physically, psychologically and spiritually. This
month onwards, the foetus can feel happiness and culturing (sanskar) is the most important part of
joy. By the fourth to fifth month the consciousness Garbha Sanskar.
2 ee &

237
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Senské

Investigations
during pregnancy
en 2eeove

—_ a

ome investigations are advisable during since she nourishes both herself
pregnancy, to ensure the well being of and the baby within her. If there are
both, the mother and the foetus. However, signs of haemoglobin deficiency
they need to be done with extreme care (anaemia), it is better to focus on
so that no harm comes to the mother- correcting her diet, and on the intake
to-be and her child. Only very few and of Ayurvedic medicines to normalise
necessary tests should be conducted the haemoglobin levels, rather than
during pregnancy. They are listed here repeating blood tests unnecessarily.
with some information about each. b) Blood sugar: There may be some
fluctuations in the blood sugar levels
1. Blood tests during pregnancy, due to changes in
a) Haemoglobin: The pregnant woman carbohydrate metabolism. Itis vital that
is susceptible to low haemoglobin the blood sugar levels be monitored

238
 Investigations during pregnancy == BES ists
oe
<
a

on a regular basis if there is a sudden increase the foetus. The following symptoms require that an
in weight, and an existing family history of either urgent urine test be carried out - swelling around
diabetes or idiopathic abortions (miscarriages the eyes, burning urination, itchiness, frequent
due to unknown cause). An increase in blood urge to urinate or white discharge (of watery or
sugar levels at this time may not necessarily yoghurt-like consistency).
mean diabetes. To begin insulin treatment or Please seek expert medical advice if the levels
other medication in such circumstances may of albumin are very high or present consistently in
harm the foetus. It is better, instead, to control urine.
sugar levels by controlling the diet and relying
on natural Ayurvedic remedies 4. Sonography :
c) HIV and Hepatitis B: Tests for these conditions Sonography, where sound waves are used as
are now mandatory, prior to delivery. an investigative method, when discovered, was
d) Determination of blood group: It is vital for propagated as harmless to mother and child. It is
the pregnant woman to know her blood group in a common practice these days to regularly have
case ofan emergency. In the event that her blood sonography tests conducted during pregnancy. But
group Is Rh negative, appropriate measures can modern science has now discovered that repeating
be taken early in order to safeguard her health sonography tests could harm the baby's brain.
and that of the foetus.
The investigation may be performed once,
It is advisable that all blood tests be carried
during the 4th or 5th month of pregnancy, to check
out in one sitting to avoid drawing blood from the
for any physical abnormalities or genetic defects. It
pregnant woman again and again. If absolutely
should be repeated only if any specific irregularities
necessary, only the haemoglobin tests may be
have been found. Unnecessary repetitions for any
repeated.
other reasons, like checking the growth of the baby,
should be avoided.
2. Blood pressure :
In some cases, blood pressure tends to increase
5. X- Rays:
towards the end of pregnancy, so this should be
These are usually avoided during pregnancy.
checked regularly, particularly during the last
If unavoidable, they should not be taken during
trimester. This is all the more necessary if there is
the first trimester. Exposure to these harmful rays
swelling in the feet or body, or bouts of giddiness.
can cause severe side effects to the foetus, such
In most cases, blood pressure returns to normal
as genetic mutations, cancer, or growth defects
after delivery. (teratogenesis), to name a few.

3. Urine check : General rules for investigations and tests

1.Only those tests which are absolutely necessary
The kidneys (urinary system) of the expectant
for certain diagnostic purposes, should be
mother, ere under pressure, as they have the dual
conducted.
responsibility of excreting wastes from her body
2.Repetition of tests should be kept to a bare
as well as from the foetus. For this reason, it is
minimum.
normal to find traces of albumin or sugar in the
3. This also applies to blood tests, as the experience
urine. If this is the case, no treatment is required.
of a needle piercing and drawing of blood is not
But if these levels, especially albumin, are found to
advisable during pregnancy.
be abnormally high, it could affect the nutrition of
 ete wth pe

yurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

Table for calculating

delivery date (EDD)
8] 9 | 10] 11] 12} 13] 14] 15) 16] 17) 18 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 25, 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31
Jan 11/2/3141/5161]71] be
4 — : — j~—~
r
15|16| 171] 18} 19 |20 |21 |22 |23 |24 |25 |26 | 27 |28 | 29 |30) 31) 1 2}|3|}4)5 1) 6 LO |
Oct | 8 | 9 110 11/12) 13 1141}

Fe. | 1/2/314151]6/7 18 | 9 | 10] 11 | 12] 13] 14] 15) 16) 17) 18] 19 al 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28

14/15 | 16| 17] 18 | 19 |20 | 21 | 22 |23 |24 [25ie 27 28 |29/30 1| 2131/4 5 | E Dec
Nov | 8 | 9 |10 | 11 | 12 E
TE (ears

Mar |1/121/131]4151617/8 1 9 | 10] 11 | 12] 13| 14) 15| 16) 17) 18 | 19 | 20} 21 | 22 | 23 |24) 25 | 26 | 27) 28 29 | 30 | 31
SEES +— [ +

Dec | 6 | 7 [3 9 |10] 11 |12 |13 |14] 15 | 16 |17 |18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |22 [23|24 | 25 | 26 |27 | 28 29} 30/31); 1/;2/)3)41/5 |Jan

Apia a 2a 3540 eSaleom em eS 9m |LON Aa TAs Shay Ss osha as 19 |20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30

- T - Tae

Jan | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |10] 11 | 12] 13 | 14] 15 | 16) 17 | 18 ce 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 ae 26 [2 28 |29 |30 | 31 | 21314 Feb

May|1/|2/3]4)]5/]61!]7/] 8] 9 | 10} 11] 12) 13] 14] 15] 16] 17) 18 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

T

Feb. 3| 6|/718 |9 | 10] 11 | 12) 13 |14] 15) 16 17/48 19 |20 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 25|26 27 28 | ja 3 |4\|5|6|7 Mar
|SNES —_—+ + j——___}_—_—

June} 1} 2/3141/5 1/6) 7) 8] 9 | 10) 11 | 12) 13 | 14) 15) 16) 17 | 18 | 19) 20) 21 ||22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29) 30

Mar ls 9 [10 11 |12 | 13 |14} 15 | 16 | 17} 18 Pie 21 22 |23 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 ee [2 3|}4/5 |6 oP

=
July | 8 | 9 | 10} 11 |12) 13 | 14} 15 | 16 | 17] 18 |19 |20 | 21 2 | 24 | 25 267 28 |29} 30} 31] 1 | 2} 3 ce 6 | 7 |Aug

Nove 2 ESN 4 a ES Ga eS. eos LON 2 Ss a eS 86a TLS? 19s 2 OF ez ee2 23 | 24

Aug 8|9 |10 11 |12 |13 |14} 15 16/1718 19 |20 |21 | 22 23|24 25 |26 |27 |28 |29 [0 [3 1)};2/;3|)4/]51]6 Sept

9 10 | 11 | 12) 13 | 14} 15 | 16] 17] 18] 19 | 20 | 21 22 23 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

Aept | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10] 11 | 12] 13} 14 15 |16 17 18

|19 20 |21 22 | 23 | 24 25 |26 27} 28) 29/30) 1|}2/1344 [s 6 | 7 | Oct
eo \ i

Instructions for the use of the above table

Find the date of your LMP (last menstrual period) in the row of unshaded boxes. The date
shown below this is the EDD (expected date of delivery). The actual date could be within
the span of eight days on either side of the EDD. According to Ayurvedic literature, the
duration of pregnancy is nine months and nine days. Counted in this manner, the EDD
falls four to five days before that acquired from the table. Example: If LMP is January 1
then due date is October 8, + eight days, indicating anytime between 1 to 15 October.

240
 oy Ayurvedic
Garbha Senshér

Family Planning
i
eee amily planning is a necessity in these causes weight gain, skin pigmentation,
modern times. While we have developed and deterioration of the health in general.
several methods of family planning, we Research has proved beyond doubt that
need to ensure that neither partner is the long-term effects of contraceptive
adversely affected by the methods we pills are severe. Hence, it is advised that
choose to employ. Let us take a look at the contraceptive pills be avoided.
various methods and their effects. 6. Rhythm techniques: This involves
1. Spermicidal chemical jellies, foam avoiding sexual intercourse during a
liquid and creams for females: These specific period of the menstrual cycle.
are applied internally (in the vagina) Ovulation is possible from the first day of
before sexual intercourse. There is a menstruation onwards until 16 days after.
possibility that such chemicals have side So from the first day of menstruation
effects on the vaginal tissues. onwards for 18 days (two days after
2. Diaphragm (a thin coating placed on possible ovulation) sexual intercourse
the cervix): The woman can insert this should either be avoided or performed
herself prior to sexual intercourse, but it with a condom.
is tedious, and has to be learned from 7. Surgical options: Minor — surgical
a medical practitioner. The diaphragm procedures arecarriedout topermanently
needs to be used in conjunction with the sever the vas deferens (in the male) or
spermicidal products mentioned above, the fallopian tubes (in the female), and
and can produce the same side effects. is normally be done if the couple does
3. Condom for men: This is the simplest not wish to have any more children. The
method and least harmful for both the procedure is more common in women.
partners. It should be used only during It has been seen that such closing or
the Rutukal (fertile period), and need not severing of the tubes, often causes
be used at other times. Take care that weight gain around the abdomen and
the condom is intact before you use it. buttocks, or irregular menstrual cycles.
4. Loop or copper T: These devices are Severing the vas deferens has certain
implanted in the uterus. Urinary and side effects for the man as well, and
vaginal infections are common side consequently, such surgical techniques
effects in many women who use this are not recommended as effective family
method. It may also lead to excess planning techniques.
menstrual bleeding which persists long
after the loop or Copper T has been After consideration of the above
removed. Some women even tend to methods, one can surely say that the
gain a lot of weight due to these side safest and least harmful techniques are
effects. All in all, an unhealthy method of the use of a condom, and having sexual
contraception. intercourse during the safe period of the
5. Contraceptive pills: It has been monthly cycle. If pregnancy is then desired,
propagated for many years that these it can occur easily and quickly, after these
pills do not have any side effects. But are discontinued.
in practice, it is obvious that regular use a
=—
fe
oe
ee
ee

241
 Af
- ‘

z Murudsheng Mayphal

Sagargota ~

;Nagarmotha

Ashwagandha Flalakund Behada

t is a common tradition to give Ba/guti to paste generated when you have finished
_ infants every day. The benefits of Balguti grinding all the herbs like this is the size
have been described earlier in the book. of the dose to be given to the baby.
The herbs that make up balguti, are to
be ground in mother’s milk or in gold At 1 Month Old - Increase the grinding
water (‘survarnajal’ - water boiled and to 2-3 circles per herb.
infused with gold), and should be given
to the baby once a day. Balguti should be Increase the number of circles the
started when the baby is ten days old and herb is ground for as the child's age
continued until the baby is fifteen months increases.
old.
At 5-6 Months Old - If the baby is
DOSAGE healthy, you could give as much paste as
is generated from 7-8 circles of grinding.
At 10 days Old - Grind each herb on
the sahan in a circle the size of a one If the child has any health problems,
rupee coin just once or twice, in the add more circles of the herb effective for
clockwise direction. The total quantity of that illness while grinding. Keep doing

242
 Balguti

this until the symptoms of that illness subside.

The different herbs used, and their benefits and

relevance to particular diseases, are mentioned
below

Murudsheng (Helicteres isora): As the name

suggests, Murudsheng helps to reduce cramps
(murda), and parasitic infestations. The proportion
of Murudsheng in the Balguti should be increased, if
the baby suffers from cramps and loose motions.

Hirda (Terminalia chebula): This herb can induce vomiting.

stimulates the appetite and liver function, improves
the digestion, facilitates the passage of wind, Vekhand (Acorus_ calamus): This bulb
improves bowel movements, and helps eliminate has a strong odour. Vekhand helps to improve
worms. Increse hirda in Balguti if the baby has comprehension, intelligence, and clarity of speech
a tendency towards constipation, or a bloated in children. It also prevents the recurrence of
abdomen due to gases. Hirda is a rejuvenating infections, frequent coughs and colds, and parasitic
herb (rasayan), and nourishes the dhatus. It is also infestations. This should be turned a maximum of
beneficial for the eyes. five to six times on the stone.

Pimpli (Piper longum): A medicinal fruit, also Behada (Terminalia belerica): This is the best
known as /ong pepper, is mainly used for problems herb to pacify imbalanced kapha. Because of its
of the respiratory and digestive systems. It helps astringent taste and effect, it is very useful in the
prevent frequent and recurrent bouts of coughs and treatment of loose motions. Increase its dosage in
colds, improves the appetite, reduces abdominal Balguti if the child suffers from colds, coughs, and
pain, and is beneficial in cases of indigestion. If frequent diarrhoea.
the child suffers from frequent coughs and colds,
or loses appetite, then the proportion of pimpli in Jyeshthamadha (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or
Balguti should be increased. Licorice: Another easily available herb which
pacifies vata-pitta, strengthens balanced kapha
Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans) or Nutmeg: It is and reduces constipation. It is commonly used to
a commonly available kitchen ingredient. When improve the quality of voice, brings lustre to the skin
given in small quantities (in Balguti), it helps the and is able to nourish all dhatus. It should be added
baby to sleep better. It improves memory, recall, regularly to Balguti. Increase its amount in Balguti,
and intelligence. Nutmeg also gives consistency to when the baby suffers from difficulty in breathing
stools, and is mainly used to treat loose motions. due to kapha (phlegm / mucus) accumulated in
You can grind nutmeg for one or two turns more for the chest. It can be used as a medicine if the child
the above complaints. However, since nutmeg is a is suffering from a cough. % teaspoon of ground
strong substance, one should not use more than Jyeshthamadha with three to four drops of honey
four or five turns in Balguti. Use in greater quantity should be administered to the child 2-3 times a day

243
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Semshér

until the cough subsides. This helps to loosen the health of the skin. It prevents parasitic infestations
sticky mucus. At times it can cause vomiting, but and skin diseases. a
this clears the phlegm, and provides relief to the
child. Kayphal (Myrica nagi): Very beneficial for the
throat and voice. Kayphal also balances kapha-
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus): It is cooling vata, and is helpful in cases of cold, cough, fever,
in nature, facilitates the digestive process, and or throat pain.
acts as a diuretic. It also improves the baby's
intelligence and grasping power, and has anti- Mayphal (Quercus infectoria): It is astringent
helminthic properties (it destroys parasites). in taste and is, therefore, useful in cases of loose
motions and vomiting. It is also helpful in conditions
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum): This of kapha (phlegm / mucus) accumulation. Increase
herb grows in the Himalayas and is frequently used Mayphal in Balguti in such cases.
in Ayurvedic medicines. It aids digestive processes
and controls fever. It helps to alleviate pain in the Sagargota (Caesalpinia bonduc): The seed
abdomen, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Because of its of sagargota helps against worms and parasites
special benefits for children, it is also Known as in the digestive tract, and is anti pyretic in nature
shishubhaishajjya (babies' medicine). It should (fever-pacifying). It is especially used in cases of
be used in limited quantities, and ground only for abdominal pain. It can be used everyday in Balguti.
a maximum of four or five rounds for daily use. It Increase its usage in case the baby has fever or
provides all round nourishment to the baby. abdominal pain.

Kakadshingi (Rhus succedanea): Reduces Kuda (Holarrhena antidysenterica): Kuda is

kapha and vata, and is therefore very effective very useful for the digestive system. It works as
against cough, vomiting, hiccoughing, and fever. It an excellent appetizer, and ensures the proper
is especially useful during teething. digestion of food. It helps to bind stool. Increase its
use in case of loose motions.The dosage should
If the child suffers from cold, cough, vomiting or be increased whenever there are loose motions,
loose motions, nagarmotha, ativisha, kakadshingi especially if they are accompanied by fever. Another
and pimpli can be given together as follows: Grind way of effectively administering Kuda is that it can
the herbs together in milk or water. A teaspoon of be ground with buttermilk instead of water to form a
this paste should be mixed with honey, and rubbed paste. "ath of a teaspoon is enough for one dose.
on the tongue of the child. Children over 18 months
can be given % teaspoon of the churna (powder), Dikemali (Gardenia gummifera): This is a
mixed with honey, made from these herbs. Children type of resin (gum). It prevents parasitic infestation
younger than 18 months should be given only We in the digestive tract and is an excellent remedy for
teaspoon. all types of teething problems. However, as it has
a strong smell, grinding only a small quantity (only
Halkund (turmeric -Curcuma longa): Haldi two to three turns) for Balguti, so that the child
pacifies and balances kapha-vata, purifies the doesn’t develop a dislike for the taste.
blood, and improves liver function. It imparts a
glow to the complexion, and is beneficial for the Vavding (Embelia ribes): This works against

244
 Balguti

worms and parasites as well and fosters the child’s promotes intelligence, and strengthens the dhatus.
development in general. Ayurvedic literature Almonds should be soaked in water for 8-10 hours,
advises that increasing the dosage of vavding by peeled and then eaten. Until the age of two months,
one grain in balguti every two months, until the Ys ground almond is recommended; from 6-12
child is a year old, can help prevent a variety of months, “% ground almond can be given; one whole
complaints. Moreover, vavding aids digestion and almond thereafter. A child of two years old can be
purifies the blood. It can be said that it acts as a given two almonds, and, as the child grows, the
rasayan for the child. quantity may be increased to three to four almonds
a day.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): _ It
increases strength, nourishes shukra dhatu, and Khareek (Phoenix dactylifera) or Dry dates:
has rejuvenating properties. Its regular intake helps It pacifies and balances vata-pitta, and is cooling in
to ensure that the baby gains weight steadily, in a nature. It imparts adequate lubrication to the body,
healthy manner, and the baby's immune system improves the strength, fortifies the bones and is
improves. very nourishing for the child. Rubbing 12-15 turns
of khareek in the daily balguti, is recommended.
Suntha (Zingiber officinale) or Dry Ginger: It Almond and khareek are both sweet in taste, and
aids the digestive process, facilitates the passage cause no harm, even if given in larger quantities.
of wind (gases) and the easy passing of stools, Children like their taste, so they are used to improve
improves the voice, relieves and reduces coughs, the taste of the balauti.
vomiting, and loose motions. If these complaints
are present, the amount of suntha should be Mrugshrung: It should be ground on the sahan
increased in Balguti. stone, and a small quantity mixed into the balguti.
Mrugshrung helps strengthen the bones, teeth,
Badam (Prunus amygdalus) or Almond: and hair, and fosters their proper growth.
It is nutritious and beneficial for the brain. It also

The following list shows the substances to be increased in balguti for specific complaints

Cold and cough: kakadshingi, pimpli, suntha, Loss of appetite: pimpli, hirda, suntha, vavding
vekhand, kayphal, behada Constipation: hirda, jyeshthamadha, suntha
Cold and cough with fever: all of the above Abdominal pain: sagargota, murudsheng,
plus nagarmotha, ativisha suntha, ativisha
Loose motions: kuda, behada, murudsheng, Vomiting: kakadshingi, nagarmotha, ativisha,
suntha, nagarmotha, jaiphal. mayphal
Loose motions with fever: nagarmotha, Worms: vavding, dikemali, sagargota, halkund,
ativisha, kuda, behada, murudsheng, suntha, nagarmotha, murudsheng, hirda
sagargota. Rashes: halkund, nagarmotha, and vavding.
——
oa fe Be

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Sixteen Sanskars

ndian traditions give great importance to The ancient seers realised that we
sanskar. Sanskar means ‘culturing’. In must follow certain practices so that are
keeping with the same Indian tradition, this able to fulfill the purpose of our lives.
idea is best explained with examples.
These are called sanskars, and they
When you add a little curd to a lot of are used to culture people. The seers
milk, slowly, the entire milk is transformed. have researched the physical actions one
The end result is not a mixture or a must perform on the body and mind and
compound. We say that the milk has been ritualized them into these practises. They
cultured. Similarly a student, for example, contribute to bringing about a desirable
a student of music, comes to live with his positive change in us.
teacher. He learns not only the craft or
skill, but also a manner of being, a way of Each person must face many different
life and imbibes his teachers habits and kinds of changes, from birth until death,
positive values. We say that he has been and specific sanskars have been advised
cultured into a musician. for each of these, so that the individual

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 Sixteen Sanskars

is capable of meeting these challenges, physically, a male or a female child can be conceived.
mentally, and intellectually.
Punsavan sanskar aims to ensure the proper
Ancient Indian science, refers to around 40 physical development of the child, so that it remains
sanskars, and 16 of these are considered to be healthy and free of disease, with sufficient virya
most important. These are described below. and ojas for its entire life, irrespective of its gender.
Although, the name may suggest that this sanskar
1. Garbhaadhaan sanskar: This sanskar has is a religious ceremony, it is, in fact, a completely
already been described in great detail in the earlier Ayurvedic treatment.
chapters. It includes the process of preparing for
conception, and focuses on ensuring the purity of Ayurveda clearly states that the success of this
sperm and ovum, and ensuring that conception procedure is dependant on many factors, such as,
occurs at the appropriate time. This is a very the time and place, and the karma as well as destiny
important procedure, because it affects the child’s of the person. Only if these factors are positive can
overall health and development. The appropriate the procedure be successful. There are different
time of conception, ensures the birth of a healthy, ways of performing Punsavan sanskar.
intelligent, and well-endowed child. A person's
conception itself is his first sanskar. You will see that For example: Take the tender shoots of a north
several such sanskars have to be done for a person or east-facing branch of a banyan tree. Grind them
throughout childhood by his or her parents. in milk, and use this !iquid for nasya (as nose drops).
This nasya must be done on pushya nakshatra (the
2. Punsavan sanskar: This is carried out before occurrence of the pushya constellation). These
the second month of pregnancy ends to ensure drops are put into the left nostril of the mother if
that the child to-be-born is full of life energy. a daughter is desired, and in the right nostril if the
couple wants a son. A similar procedure can also
Contrary to common belief, the result of this be done with Durva grass juice.
sanskar is not to ensure that the child is male. The
aim is to ensure fertility (for the continuation of 3. Seemantonnayan sanskar: The commonly
nature’s cycle) in the newly developing child. This performed dohaale jevan (satisfying the baby's
sanskar ensures that the child born will further be food wishes) ceremony, is a part of this sanskar.
able to have children as well. This is to be done in the fourth month of pregnancy,
when the woman is normally experiencing dohaale
Both men and women play an equally important (cravings). The ceremony is focussed around
role in the formation of a strong social framework, satisfying the expectant mother’s wishes and
and in ensuring the continuation of our species. desires, and the aim is to ensure the intellectual
By nature, the male is physically stronger than the progress of the child.
female, and many atrocities have been committed
against women because of this. Some changes in 4. Jaatkarma sanskar: Includes rubbing gold on
social norms are therefore called for. It is not wrong the tongue of the baby, immediately after birth, and
for a family to want a son, especially if they already bathing the newborn with herbal water. The aim
have a daughter, and in such situations, Ayurveda is to protect the baby’s health, and to stimulate
has suggested special measures, whereby, either intellectual growth. This has been dealt with in

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Garbha Semskér

detail in earlier chapters. 9. Mundan sanskar: It is performed either when

the baby is in its third year of life, or fifth year of
Gold is rubbed into honey which carries it all life (not before and not in between). In this sanskar
over the body. This culture helps against infection the baby’s hair is cut for the first time. According
that the baby may have brought from the womb, to ancient Ayurvedic science, cutting a girl’s hair
and reduces the possibility of further infection. may adversely affect her hormonal balance, so
Gold also helps the baby face the light and energy 'mundan' is only done for boys. Hair is associated
of the outside world. If one wants to understand with the fire of the body and is an indicator of
this deeper, then one can imagine the impressions proper growth. This sanskar should be performed
the baby must have received in the dark womb. only if the baby has good all round development.
This sanskar helps remove those impressions. Therefore one waits for three years to be sure of
such development.
5. Namkaran sanskar: The naming ceremony
performed when the baby is 12 days old. The baby 10. Upanayan sanskar: Also known as the 'Thread
is bathed with fragrant water and herbal powders, Ceremony’. It is considered to be a second birth for
and is then given an auspicious and meaningful the male child. It can also be done for girl children.
name. The tradition believes that while the physical
growth of a human being occurs automatically
6. Nishkraman sanskar: This is performed when through the balance between the three doshas,
the baby is four months old, and is taken out of excellent knowledge can be gained only through
the house for the first time. The baby should be special effort. This is an initiation into learning and
taken to a temple on the same date (tithi) as the awakening true humanity in the person. While all
day it was born. This clearly also indicates that, other development takes place automatically, one
unless it is urgent or unavoidable, the baby should has to clearly decide to take this initiation. It is a
not be taken out of the house during the first four new birth in terms of the personality of the individual.
months. The child is given 'Dnyana diksha' to awaken his
inclination towards knowledge. The child takes a
7. Annaprashan sanskar: This is performed when vow of celibacy, which must be adhered to strictly
the baby is six months old. After this ceremony, after the upanayan sanskar.
fruit juice, mashed rice, and other foods can be
gradually introduced into the baby’s diet. 11. Dnyana sanskar: This ritual is performed by
the teacher (guru) or the father, when the child is
8. Karnavedh sanskar: This sanskar involves old enough to start learning. In ancient times, there
piercing the earlobes, and is performed on any existed the practice of staying in a gurukul to obtain
auspicious day in Shukla paksha (first half, or knowledge. The gurukul was pure and sanctified,
ascending period, of any lunar cycle moving and located in a peaceful place, where the child
towards the full moon), usually when the baby is six could live until the age of twenty-five. Students
or seven months old. Baby boys will have their right in the gurukul remained celibate (brahmchari)
earlobes pierced first and then the left, and baby and acquired knowledge. Ayurveda describes
girls their left earlobes first. This is a therapeutic the learning proces in the Ashtang Uttarsthan as
activity which helps to stimulate the brain. follows:

248
 Sixteen Sanskars

viedo aaraot ferermeamad

Ad: | 14. Vanaprastha sanskar: It entails transferring
sqPreard
aa aa sata fara a all of one’s worldly responsibilities to the next
aan afraged:
ead atearr .. swrneize sercers generation, after having properly discharged all
family duties. The person now goes beyond the
Saktimantam yatha-varnam vidyamadhyapayet tatah immediate family, and assumes responsibility for
society as an extended social family.
Anusisyat sada cainam dharmaya vinayaya ca
15. Sanyas sanskar: It aims to bring about spiritual
Yatha nendriyadustasvaih rhiyate yauvanagam progress and helps the person on the path of
See Astangasangraha uttarasthana moksha. It is the process that binds a person with
the universal family, going beyond that which has
When the child is physically, mentally, and been bestowed upon us by our ancestors. It is the
intellectually ready to attain knowledge, then an journey that unites us with every living being in the
arrangement for his training needs to be made, whole world. One should try to overcome selfish
depending on his capability, potential, likes, motives, and work for the benefit of all humanity.
and intelligence. The training should include an This is the beginning of understanding the meaning
awareness of duty, humility, truthfulness and good of ‘sva’ or self.
behaviour, all of which will stand him in good stead
in his youth. He will learn to control his sensory 16. Antyeshti sanskar: They are the final
organs, ensuring that he does not fall prey to rites, which are tc be performed after death, and
sensory impulses. This control will help him fulfill consist of consigning a persons physical remains
his desires, and ensure his progress. to fire. The aim of this sanskar is to prevent any
harm that could be caused to society, in the form
12. Samavartan sanskar: This refers to the of infection or disease, which may come from the
departure from the gurukul at twenty -five years corpse. The soul separates from the physical body
of age, after duly passing all of the required at death, and this sanskar helps the soul to have a
examinations. The student receives the blessing of speedy onward journey.
his guru or teacher, and returns home.
According to Indian science, these 16 most
13. Vivah sanskar (Marriage) : It is the beginning important sanskars are to be carried out at
of family life or gruhasthashram, which binds different stages in our lives, and should include
together a healthy man and a healthy woman, with all these, like Garbhadhaan (conception and
the aim to bear children. Vivah Sanskar is a vital before), Punsavan and Seemantonnyan (during
foundation of our social structure. pregnancy), Jaatkarma up to Sanyas (during a
person’s lifetime), and Antyeshti (after death).
nee

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sensbér

Immunisation

mmunisation is common all over the In comparison to adults, a newborn has

—
Barre
nea world now. While it is not specified in weaker resistance (immunity) to infection,
Ayurvedic texts, we have included it here and this must be gradually strengthened
so that you understand this process while through proper diet and lifestyle. A debate
carrying out all that is required for your is currently in progress as to whether this
baby's health. Inoculation is carried out to feeble resistance mechanism should be
prevent infections by certain virulent and additionally burdened with vaccination
dangerous organisms at a young age or or not. This is a dispute concerning the
later in life. relative benefits of inoculation.

There are several vaccines for various On one hand immunization protects
diseases. They are given through different against infection. On the other hand,
methods, and have varying schedules the possibility of resulting reactions, for
of administration. Vaccines _ basically example fever, epileptic seizures, suffering
use dead or weak disease causing from the disease for which the vaccine was
microorganisms to stimulate an immune originally given, autism or, in rare cases,
response to that disease in the body. This even mental retardation, certainly can
immunity once developed at a very early hamper the child’s physical and mental
age, will serve to protect the person from development.
that disease in future. One can read more
about vaccines from expert sources. In view of the above, many lay-persons

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 Immunisation ~~

are justified in harbouring doubts, about whether to In view of this, it is better to wait until the baby
agree to inoculation or not. is healthy again, before giving any vaccines. A 7-8
day deviation from the vaccination schedule is
In addition to taking into account the pros and permissible.
cons of immunization, the following points should
also be considered before a decision is made: Furthermore, combination vaccines such as
MMR or DTP could be potentially dangerous. This is
1. What are the chances of the child acquiring because the baby’s weak immune system is placed
the disease against which the vaccination is under stress by having to deal with three different
intended? types of organisms, and this could have disastrous
results, such as being infected by the very disease
2. What are the possible adverse effects of the the baby has been inoculated against. In former
vaccine? times, breast-feeding, appropriate and nutritious
diet, herbal smokes (dhoop), and Balguti, were
3. Whatis the condition of the immune system at the attended to without fail. These measures protected
time of vaccination? For example, does the baby the baby’s health adequately, and the chances of
have normal weight? Is the baby healthy? Has infection were low. If you take proper care of the
the baby recently suffered from a cold, cough, baby's diet, lifestyle and nutrition, the chances of
fever, loose motions, or any other ailment? any infection are negligible.

Illness can weaken the immune system, so if the Many people think that it is necessary to inoculate
baby is not healthy, any inoculation given at that the child with all the commercially available vaccines,
time can be potentially dangerous, and may actually but this is not always true. Parents should consult
cause the baby more suffering. their doctor about which vaccines are necessary for
their baby and only then begin to have their child
There have been cases where a full-blown polio inoculated. There is no need to go along with ‘herd
attack was triggered when the polio vaccine was mentality’, i.e. administering all vaccines to your
given to a child suffering from fever. baby just because everyone else is doing it.
me fen

Essential immunisation schedule advised by the Indian Government

BCG* _| From birth up to one month of age
DTP** and Polio When baby is 6 weeks old
DTP and Polio When baby is 10 weeks old
- DIP and Polio When baby is 14 weeks old |
be Measles When baby is 9 months old
DTP and Polio (booster) When baby is 1.5-2 years old
+
* Protects against Tuberculosis

** Protects against Diphtheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus |

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Experience speaks...
When the Garbha Sanskar series was published in the ‘Family Doctor’
a supplement of Sakal newspaper, it received.an overwhelming
response. Many who have listened to the ‘Garbha Sanskar' music
album, and have benefited from our advice, have sent us their
feedback. Here are some of the experiences they shared.

| personally found Sakal’s supplement Sanskar’ CD regularly during her

‘Family Doctor’, very informative and pregnancy.
useful. Having read information regarding Here is another experience: a woman
application of 'lep' on a pregnant woman’s was able to deliver her child normally
abdomen, | used it on my daughter during despite her baby passing stools while still
labour pains. She delivered the baby inside her abdomen, thus avoiding an
before the expected time, and the pains emergency surgery.
were bearable. Witnessing the positive | thank you from the bottom of my
results of the 'lep', the doctor in charge heart. Any amount of thanks would be
used the same lep on two other women, insufficient.
who were benefitted tremendously. Mrs Sulabha H. Purohit, Amravati
My daughter also listened the ‘Garbha

Firstly, |want to thank you for the CD , able to walk around the house when put
‘Garbha Sanskar’. | had liked it the moment in a walker when he was 5 months of age;
| heard it but |am now convinced about its however, | have discontinued it on doctor’s
true effectiveness. Since a year, everyone advice. He really tries to converse, and |
in our family listens to it daily. | began to am sure, if he knew words, we would be
listen to this music from the fifth month of conversing by now!
my pregnancy, and also took Ayurvedic | have applied ghee on his anterior
medications. My son, Rishi is now seven fontanelle (talu) regularly for 1 % months,
months old. and am regularly massaging his soles
Right from birth, he began to turn on with ghee. When we recite the “barakhadi”
his side, and responded very well when (Marathi alphabet series) to him, he tries
spoken to. He was able to lie on his to repeat after us. His overall progress is
stomach when he was 1 % months old. really astonishing. | hope to benefit from
His response to music, rhythm, tunes your guidance in future.
and melodies is excellent right from the Thank you once again for the ‘Garbha
beginning. Everyone who has seen him Sanskar’ CD.
is surprised at his development. He was Mrs Manjusha Deshmukh, Solapur

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 Experience speaks... ae

fe & a eG

| am a regular reader of ‘Family Doctor’, which | have been reading the ‘Garbha Sanskar’
has benefited me tremendously. | have a six-month- series on ‘e-sakal’ regularly, and | am sure, it
old daughter. | have followed all the suggestions will help many couples. | would like to share my
and advice during my pregnancy, according to your experience from 15 years ago, and | am still
'Garbha Sanskar' articles. My child is healthy, and benefiting from it.
more importantly, | had no problems during labour. At that time, my husband and | were planning
My delivery time lasted only for 2 to 2 % hours. | for a second child. We were fortunate enough
thank respected Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe for the ‘Family to get your guidance. According to your advice,
Doctor’ series. both of us took Ayurvedic treatments and
Shubhangi Dole, Kurduwadi
medicines prior to conceiving. We meditated
using Santulan Aumkar Meditation. | listened
to healing music (swasthya sangeet) before
a8 conception and throughout my pregnancy. |
did not require any other medications, except
| am a regular reader of ‘Family Doctor’. The
the Ayurvedic medicines prescribed by you. |
‘Garbha Sanskar’ series has helped me tremendously.
religiously applied ‘Kundalini oil’ on my back,
As luck would have it, your article on ‘Care to be
and used other oils like 'Femisan oil’ regularly.
taken in the ninth month’, coincided with ninth month
| delivered my child at the appropriate time
of my pregnancy. The same was true, for the article
without any untoward problems.
on ‘Care of the newborn child’. | was able to have
My son had bright glowing eyes, and was
a normal delivery only because | have followed all
able to focus his gaze from birth itself. He would
your advice in great detail. My son is four months
sleep for 7-8 hours at a stretch, when he was
old now.
15 days old, and | never had to get up at night
Mrs Hema Jagdish Konge, Ahmednagar
because of him. |had no complaints ofhis crying
or irritability. He has shown excellent progress
Bee and understanding. He loves to hear your
'phajans' especially 'Hanuman chalisa’. My son
| have regularly heard ‘Garbha Sanskar’ during is now 15 years old and has always stood first in
my pregnancy, and | experienced serenity and academics. His knowledge and understanding
contentment. Often | slept soundly after listening to of music is exceptional. He composes music
the music. The baby within me also used to move for all school music competitions, and is
less whenever | listened to it, and | experienced that proficient with the keyboards and Saxophone.
it would become calm just by listening to the music. His drawing and elocution is also noteworthy.
My son is now one and a half years old. He is very In short his overall development and progress
sharp, bright and has very good comprehension. is remarkable.
He is not fussy about food. All physical and mental The credit for all this goes to ‘Garbha
milestones like crawling, teething, walking, talking Sanskar’. It is impossible to put in words the
occurred on time and without any problems. benefits we are seeing today, for measures
Mrs Reena Maheshwari, Solapur taken years ago.
Mrs Sadhana Talele, New Zealand

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Semskéir

X
SUS

| regularly read the ‘Family Doctor’ supplement | listened to ‘Garbha Sanskar’ album from
every Friday. | have followed all the advice given the fourth month onwards during my second
in the ‘Garbha Sanskar’ after | became pregnant, pregnancy. My son is now nine months old.
especially the diet and exercise regimes. This He is completely healthy and has a very happy
helped me to deliver the baby in only one hour. My disposition.
4-month-old daughter is very healthy today. Mrs Archana Joshi, Pune.
Mrs Chaya Temkar, Ahmednagar

gee
| was impressed by the concept of ‘Garbha gold and balguti daily. He has a calm nature and
Sanskar’ right from the beginning. So, |commenced generally does not get irritable. If he cries, then
taking your medications before conception. listening to the ‘Garbha Sanskar’ or ‘Shiva’ CDs
| began listening to ‘Garbha Sanskar’ music from made by you calms him down immediately.
the day | conceived, and | listened to it for the entire My son is 1 % years old today. He is very
nine months of my pregnancy every morning and intelligent and has a very good comprehension and
evening, in spite of having a regular full time job. understanding.
Listening to this music kept me fresh throughout In 6 months | have reduced the weight gained
the day, and helped me sleep soundly at night. | during pregnancy. | had feared a weight gain in
also took your prescribed medicines regularly. this time since | was already overweight. The
| have got positive results from these measures surprising thing is my weight now is less than my
taken. Despite being a little overweight, | was able pre-conception weight. Inspite of having delivered
to have a normal unproblematic delivery, by using recently, | have no complaints of tiredness, hair
your ‘lep'. My son is healthy. He listens to your loss, or back ache. | am grateful to you, Dr. Malavika
‘Ramraksha' stotra every night. and Dr. Bhagyashree for your guidance.
Since his birth | have been giving my son Mrs Sangeeta Bhor, Lonavala

a & @

After discovering the benefits of following a which my weight gain was ideal. | would have
holistic way of living, my life has changed for the people comment that | didn’t look pregnant even in
better. Once my husband and | decided to have my seventh month... did not suffer from the usual
an addition to our family, | wanted to make sure complaints women have during their pregnancy,
that | kept things as natural as possible, without like high blood pressure, varicose veins, etc.
any artificial interventions. | followed almost all | listened to the Garbhasanskar music every
the things | possibly could, mentioned in the day. Every time the baby got uncomfortable for
Garbhasanskar book. any reason, | would play this music and | felt that
| was very careful about my diet, because of instantly he was settling back and feel at ease. Even

254
 Experience speaks...

today whenever | feel that my baby is uneasy | play out of the womb. He would sleep for around six
him this music and he’s back being his peaceful hours during the night at only two months old. He
self after listening to Dr. Balaji’s voice. asks for food and attention with minimal crying.
The birthing of my baby was one of the most | can’t thank Dr. Balaji enough. His guidance
fun and memorable experiences of my life. It was and insight carried me while on this journey. Any
beautiful. Nothing like the horror stories of what women, planning on embarking on this miracle
others made it out to be. | was able to do all of would only benefit by reading this book. It may
this without an epidural, chemicals, or man made become your best friend.
drugs. Gargi, America
|gave birth to a healthy, happy and alert baby. He
started to support his head after only a few weeks

When we decided to plan a family we every day. He was holding and turning his head
were aware of the Garbhasanskar concept. from the minute he was born. He is very strong,
The book gave concise guidelines about the alert and bright. His is accomplishing his physical
care to be taken before and after conception. growth and mental development goals earlier than
With the expert advice from Dr. Shri Balaji babies of his age. He is a very happy baby and
Tambe and Dr Bhagyashree .we did Pancha responds positively to Santulan Healing Music.
Karma, followed by appropriate diet restrictions, The after-delivery
care specified for new mothers
strengthening rasayans (tonics) and supporting proved to be very effective in regaining strength
medicines. and ensuring sufficient breast-milk formation.
The detailed information specified regarding The book answers the countless questions a new
the monthly diet and dietary restrictions helped in mother may have about the baby’s care and her
maintaining excellent health during pregnancy. My health. Having those answers at one’s fingertips is
blood pressure and weight were ideal throughout very comforting hence giving confidence to the new
pregnancy. The regular Yoga and listening to the mother to enjoy the beautiful phase of motherhood
Garbhasanskar CD in addition to the other Santulan in her life.
Healing Music assisted me in staying active and Our faith in the Garbhsanskar process never
pleasant. | was able to work full-time right until the wavered in spite of the sometimes contradicting
end of pregnancy. advice from other experts.
The book provided excellent knowledge on We hope that the Garbhasanskar concept
the various aspects of labour and tips on how to reaches out to all couples and they also embrace
cope in all the phases, thus helping me to mentally and enjoy parenthood to the fullest.
prepare for the birth. With the help of Balant Lep There are no words to express our gratitude
and Kundalini Oil applied during labour | was able towards Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe for his blessings and
to give birth to our son naturally without resorting invaluable advice.
to any pain-relief Dipika Sharma, New Zealand
After birth we gave our son gold with honey

299
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

The experiences of a doctor

and a mother
In the year 2000, | tied the knot with Mr. Sunil and Aumkar. This, combined with yoga, helped
Tambe. For a young girl, a fresh graduate in to develop my baby’s aura. | never felt burdened
Ayurvedic Medicine, it was fortunate to be accepted with the diet plan, or other lifestyle changes that |
as a member of Dr. Shri Balaji's and Smt Veena’s followed.
unique family. The fact that my father-in-law After delivery, | did not suffer from common
practised Ayurved, was not unknown to me, but complaints (like back ache, hair loss, weight gain),
what was pleasantly surprising was, that even my as | followed the post delivery regime mentioned
mother-in-law and brother-in-law, Mr. Sanjay, and in this book.
his wife Dr Sujata (settled in Germany), believed
Furthermore, my baby stopped crying whenever
in and followed the Ayurvedic and Vedic principles
the ‘Garbhasanskar’ CD was played at home. |
in their lives in great detail. As a part of this family,
regularly gave my child ‘Santulan Balamrut’, balguti,
| experienced a new life, a life where the modern
Brahmaleen Ghruta (ghee), abhyang massage and
times are lived through an ancient science, and
smoke therapy using Santulan Tenderness Dhoop.
through the practice of all Indian customs and
| followed all of this for all my three daughters. It
traditions, irrespective of where one was located.
has shown visible results in their progress.
When my husband and | thought of extending
My daughters, Tanushree, Tanishka, and
our family, we were provided with invaluable
Sushmita, are very understanding, obedient
guidance by my parents-in-law. | was extremely
and cooperative. Their creative capacities, good
happy to note that Ayurved had researched and
memory, and ability to grasp things were evident
outlined norms in detail about this miraculous
from a very early age. They are not stubborn or
process.
cranky. Drawing, music and singing come naturally
So both of us, my husband and |, underwent to them. Their ability to understand musical notes
PanchaKarma, besides takingAyurvedic medicines, is astonishing. In all their cases, | had a sense of
Rasayans, etc. | regularly listened to musical their affinity to music since the time they were in the
compositions by my father-in-law, especially the womb. | never had to force or scold them, to believe
Feminine Balance album. Members of our family in or have faith in God, and to respect teachers
practice the reading of certain scriptures and the and elders, etc. As mothers, if our children are like
chanting of certain mantras. This became my this, their progress will always satisfy us, make us
routine as well, which | followed twice a day. happy and serve to inspire us.
Soon enough, | had the opportunity to deliver Every woman will have a happy and fulfilling
the happy news of my pregnancy to my family. | child bearing experience if she follows the guidance
then followed all suggested measures, including offered in this book. | am sure that all those who
daily exercises, diet, intake of medicines and herbal make the efforts prescribed here will give birth to
preparations, oil application and so on. At every
healthy and creative children.
stage of my pregnancy, | adhered to the prescribed
guidelines, strictly following the do's and don'ts.
| also listened to the Garbh Sanskar CD, and By Dr. Mrs Malvika Tambe, Karla
felt my baby listening intently and calming down. |
meditated daily, recited different mantras (stotras)

256
 oy
Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanshér

Special Recipes
PANCHAMRUT ‘Amrutshatakara’ (a sugar-based preparation
containing shatavari (asparagus racemosus),
As the name suggests, this preparation is like an saffron, and gold can be used instead of normal
amrut or elixir. It prevents disease, slows down the sugar to increase the benefits of panchamrut.
process of aging, increases enthusiasm, immunity, The use of a silver cup to make panchamrut is
memory, and resistance to infection. If taken recommended.
daily before breakfast, panchamrut is extremely
beneficial. SEMOLINA KHEER
A couple should take panchamrut for at least Semolina (rava) made from wheat is very
two months before they want to conceive, and once nutritious. Prepared in the form of kheer (like
the woman conceives, she can continue to take porridge), with milk and saffron, it strengthens
panchamrut throughout pregnancy. If taken during shukra dhatu. Ayurveda recommends that the
this period, it benefits the foetus, and if continued pregnant woman should eat kheer in the 8th month
after delivery, it ensures proper formation of breast of pregnancy, and semolina kheer is the best kind
milk, and consequently, optimum development of of kheer for this purpose. It can be eaten 3-4 times
the child. In addition, it helps maintain the health a week. It is also beneficial if eaten occasionally in
and energy levels of the mother. Once the baby has the other months of pregnancy, and after delivery.
been weaned, it can be given a spoonful everyday.
A 2% -3 year old child should eat a whole serving Kheer is also well-suited to be the baby’s first
as described below. solid food (annaprashan sanskar) and can be
continued thereafter as it is nutritious for children.
Serves : 1 person Children usually like its taste.

Ingredients and their properties are as follows: Serves: 4-5 persons

One teaspoon sugar: for strength, good for the
heart and brain. Preparation time: 30 minutes
One teaspoon honey: strengthens the heart
Ingredients
and eyes, balances all three doshas.
One teaspoon curd (not yoghurt): beneficial Fine semolina 50 g.
for shukra dhatu, balances vata dosha. Ghee ORG:
Two teaspoons pure Ayurvedic ghee:
Sugar 12570;
improves intelligence, strengthens digestive
fire (agni), balances vata and pitta dosha, and Saffron powder a pinch
strengthens kapha dosha.
Milk 1 lit.
Seven to eight teaspoons lukewarm milk:
strengthens mind and body, increases the life
energy (ojas), and nourishes all the dhatus. 1. Ina thick bottomed pot, roast semolina in ghee
on a low flame, until golden brown
The ingredients should be added in the above 2. Add milk and boil it. Milk should already be
given sequence. slightly heated before adding. Add sugar and
saffron and boil once again. Almond slivers can

20f
 Ayu rvedic
Garbha Sanskar

be added for more nutrition and taste. the pot and allow it to cook for 5 minutes. Keep
stirring occasionally so that it does not stick to
Vermicelli (wheat noodles) and rice kheer can be the bottom of the pan. If required place a griddle
prepared similarly. below it to prevent it from sticking and burning.
4. Add the sugar, saffron powder, raisins,
NARAYAN SHEERA cardamom powder and almonds. Stir well, cover
the pot, and allow it to cook until the sugar has
This delicious preparation is beneficial for been absorbed into the mixture. Add the sliced
health in general. It can be eaten for breakfast, or banana, and cover for two minutes, then turn off
as a sweet with the mid-day meal. It is satisfies the flame. It is now ready to serve.
the stomach and the mind. It improves physical
strength, memory, immunity and the abilities of the MUNG DAL SHEERA
brain. Narayan sheera can be eaten by everyone
all year round. It is especially beneficial during Mung dal is a rich source of easily digestible
pregnancy, after delivery and for children as well. proteins which are readily absorbed by the body.
This dish, which is made with milk and ghee, imparts
Serves: 4-5 persons strength, and nourishes all dhatus, especially
bones, muscles, and ligaments. It is extremely
Preparation time: 30 minutes beneficial to the health of the mother and child,
during pregnancy and lactation. A diluted version
Ingredients of the sheera, may be given to babies when they
are a year old.
Semolina iZo'70:
Ghee 125:g: Serves: 4-5 persons
Sugar 251g)
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Milk % it.
Almonds Zo: Ingredients

Cardamom powder ¥2 tsp. Mung dal 100 g.

Raisins 20.9: Ghee 60 g.

Saffron powder 4 tsp. Milk 400 ml.

Banana (sliced) 1 Sugar 100 g.
Cardamom powder 0.75 g. (% tsp.)
1. In a thick bottomed pot, heat ghee and fry the
almonds and raisins in it. Remove them once 1. Wash the mung dal and soak it in water for
fried. about 1’ hours. Drain the water and grind the
2. Inthe same ghee, cook semolina on a low flame mung in a mixer.
until it is well roasted. 2. In a thick bottomed pot, heat the ghee and
3. Slowly, add the (pre-heated) milk. Milk will roast the ground mung dal on a low flame
cause the semolina to puff up. Mix well, cover until it is golden brown and emits an aroma.

258
 Special Recipes

(Approximately fifteen to twenty minutes). Keep 3. Mix the grated carrots, soaked mung dal,
stirring constantly. Add the hot milk, stir well, chopped coriander and coconut.
and cover for five minutes 4. Heat the ghee in a small pan, add cumin seeds,
4. Add the sugar and cardamom powder, mix well asafoetida, and red chilli (the procedure is
and cook on a low flame for a few minutes. known as fodni), and add to the carrot-mung dal
5. Cover the pot, and allow it to simmer until done. mixture.
Serve hot. 5. Add salt, sugar, lemon juice, and mix well. The
preparation is ready to be served.
CARROT AND MUNG DAL
SALAD SPINACH, BOTTLE GOURD
(DUDHI) AND
Carrots are rich in Vitamin A and mung dal is rich
in proteins. Since both are easy to digest, this salad
MUNG DAL SOUP
is excellent during pregnancy and after delivery. Spinach is a rich source of iron, which makes
Children can be given this salad from the age of 2 this soup especially beneficial during pregnancy
or 2 2 when they start having entire meals. and after delivery. Bottle gourd (dudhi) is very
healthy, nutritious, and balances all three doshas.
Serves: 4-5 persons Mung dal is rich in proteins. The soup may also be
given to the baby at the age of 8-10 months, but it
Preparation time: 30 minutes must be well pureed, and homogeneous, to make
it easily digestible.
Ingredients
Serves: 5-6 persons.
Carrots 12510:
Mung dal Z0'Gs Preparation time: 40 minutes.
Chopped coriander 4g.
Ingredients
Lemon juice 6 g. (1 tsp.)
Bottle gourd (dudhi) 150 g.
Cumin seeds 3: 9g. tsp.)
Spinach 50 g.
Grated Coconut fresh or dry 3 g. (1 tsp)
Mung dal 50 g.
Salt 3 g. (% tsp.)
Hot water 1% lit.
Sugar 6 g. (1 tsp.)
Grated ginger 9g. (1% tsp.)
Asafoetida (hing) 0.7 g. (4 tsp.)
Salt 9g. (1% tsp.)
Dry red chilli 1 piece
Sugar 3 g. (% tsp.)
Ghee EG ES)Os
Ghee 2 tsp.

1. Wash and soak the mung dal for 3-4 hours in Asafoetida (hing) 1.5.9. C2 tsp:)
water. Then drain it. Cumin seeds 3 g. (1 tsp.)
2. Wash, peel, and grate the carrots.

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 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

Turmeric powder 0.5g. (% tsp.) Preparation time: 30 minutes.

Grated Coconut fresh or dry 9 g. (3 tsp.)
Ingredients
Dry or green chilli (optional) 1
Kulith flour 50 g.
Chopped coriander 3g (1% tsp.)
Ghee Sitsp:
1. Wash, peel, and chop the bottle gourd into Cumin seeds 3 g. (1 tsp.)
very small pieces. Clean, wash, and chop the
Asafoetida 1.5 g. (% tsp.)
spinach.
2. Wash the mung dal. Turmeric 1.5 g. (% tsp.)
3. In a thick bottomed pot, roast the cumin seeds,
Grated Coconut dry or fresh 9 g. (3 tsp.)
hing (asafoetida), turmeric, coconut, and chilli,
in ghee, for a short time, and then add the Chilli paste 1.5 g. (% tsp.)
chopped vegetables and mung dal. Mix well.
Water 1 lit.
4. Add the hot water, salt, sugar, and ginger. Allow
to boil, until the mung dal, bottle gourd, and Salt 9g. (1% tsp.)
spinach are cooked. Kokam (Garcinia purpurea) 2-3 pieces
5. Puree coarsely, add chopped coriander, and turn
off the flame. Chopped coriander 3g. (1% tsp.)

Omit the chilli if necessary. 1. In a thick-bottomed vessel, roast cumin, hing

(asafoetida), turmeric, coconut, and chilli, in
When soups are mentioned, tomato soup is ghee for some time.
usually the first that comes to mind. However, 2. To this, add hot water, salt and kokam. Wait for it
the basic method as given above may be used to to boil and then put it on simmer.
prepare nutritious and appetizing soups from any 3. Add kulith flour in a slow sprinkling action
other vegetables that are available. ensuring that no clumps are formed. Let it cook
for 5-6 minutes stirring to keep consistent.
KULITH SOUP 4. Add finely chopped coriander, and the soup is
ready to serve.
Kulith is a bean that is easy to digest and
pacifies vata and kapha. This tasty and nutritious MINT (PUDINA) CHUTNEY
soup enhances digestive fire (jatharagni), Supports
the proper functioning of the urinary system and All the ingredients used here are appetizing,
is good for the health in general. The special and boost the process of digestion. This chutney is
quality of kulith is that it helps the uterine muscles very useful in case of nausea and lack of appetite
constrict. Therefore, it is recommended in Ayurvedic during pregnancy. It is also good for preventing
literature to be taken regularly by the new mother indigestion post-partum.
after delivery, especially during the first 45 days
post-partum. Serves: 4-5 persons

Serves: 4-5 persons. Preparation time: 10 minutes

260
 Special Recipes (aa

Ingredients Ingredients
Pudina (mint) 10 g. Grated bottle gourd 100 g.
Coriander AS: G); Grated carrot 100 g.
Fresh Grated Coconut 10 g. Wheat flour 250 g.
Green chilli ig. Chopped Coriander 6 g. (3 tsp.)
Lemon juice 2 tsp. Grated ginger 3g. (% tsp.)
Salt 6 g. (1 tsp.) Chilli powder 1g. (“ZtSp.)
Sugar Dass) Asafoetida 1.59. (“% tsp.)
Turmeric Oa (C21sSpe)
1. Clean and wash the mint and coriander leaves.
Salt 9g. (1 “%tsp.)
2. Grind all the above-mentioned ingredients
Sugar 9g. (1% tsp.)
(except the lemon juice) in a mixer until they
turn to a paste. A little water may be added if Curd 2-3 tsp.
necessary. Ghee As required

3. Add the lemon juice, mix well and serve. 1. Mix all the ingredients together except the
wheat flour.
MIXED VEGETABLE THEPLA 2. Gradually add the flour and knead to form a
slightly firm dough, adding water if necessary.
Bottle gourd (dudhi) and carrots, used for these Divide the dough into 7-8 equal sized balls.
theplas, are very nutritious, and contain a range 3. Flatten each ball with a rolling pin into a
of important vitamins. Wheat flour, the only flour circular shape (make it as thin as required),
used in this recipe, adds to the nutritive value, and and roast on a gridle (tava) or a flat non-stick
asafoetida, ginger, turmeric and coriander enhance pan, adding a little ghee aound and on it while
taste and make the theplas easier to digest. They roasting until golden brown on both sides.
can be made quickly, and should ideally be eaten
when hot. Serve it hot with pickle, chutney, curd, jam or
homemade butter.
Theplas can be included in the child’s diet
once it has started eating entire meals. Children Note: Other vegetables like spinach, fenugreek
may often refuse to eat certain highly nurtritious leaves or grated zucchini may be added for variety
vegetables. These can be added to thepla. They and as per one’s taste.
are good during pregnancy as well, to add variety
to the expectant mother's diet.

Makes: 7-8 theplas

Preparation time: 45 minutes.

261
 , Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbar

SUPARI (FOR THE MOTHER a pan over a low flame. Each of these mixtures
AFTER DELIVERY) will require a different amount of time to roast.
You will know that a mixture is roasted properly
Ajwain (Carum copticum) aids the digestive when it releases its aroma.
process and prevents flatulence. Sesame helps 4.Whencool, add the dhaniadalandjyeshthamadha
to purify the uterus and reduce vata present powder to the fennel seeds and balantshep.
there. Balantshep is a lactogogue (improves the Grind this mixture in a mixer, but only a little,
production of breast milk) and helps to prevent since it should not be made into a fine powder.
colic and abdominal pain in the infant. All the other Crush the roasted grated coconut by hand to
ingredients enhance taste and aid digestion as make a coarse powder.
well. The mother should eat this mixture (approx 5. Mix everything together thoroughly and store in
1 teaspoon), after her meals. It should be chewed an airtight container.
really well before ingesting.
SUNTHA GOLI (GINGER BALLS)
Makes: 300 g. approximately.
Ginger is beneficial for general health and
Preparation time: 30 minutes. particularly post-delivery. It not only aids digestion,
but also helps in purification of the uterus, and has
Ingredients vata pacifying properties.
Ajwain 50 g.
Makes: 20 balls approximately
Sesame seeds 90g:
Fennel seeds 50 g. Preparation time: 15 minutes

Balantshep 29.G; Ingredients

Dry grated coconut 50 g.
Suntha (dry ginger) powder 20 g.
Dhania dal 50 g.
Ayurvedic ghee approx 20 g.
Jyeshthamadh powder 259:
Grated jaggery 30 g.
Clove powder 2.0.0:
1. Add jaggery to the suntha churna and mix well.
Black salt 5g. approximately
Lemon 1 2. Add the liquid ghee to the above mixture and
make small balls, the size of betel nuts. Store in
1. Mix the lemon juice and black salt. an airtight container.

2. The lemon juice and black salt need to be mixed Recommended: one ladu every morning on an
with the sesame, ajwain, fennel seeds and empty stomach.
balantshep, but separately. Put a fourth of the
lemon and black salt into each of these. Each
DINK LADU
should be mixed thoroughly.
3. Roast each of the above mixtures separately in High quality dink (a special gum resin - gum

262
acacia), fried in ghee, is excellent for strengthening Milk 25-30 ml . (4 cup approx.)
bones, joints, and the spine. Kharik (dry date) Ghee for frying as required
powder balances all three doshas and nourishes
bones and muscles. Other ingredients such as 1. Carefully crush the larger pieces of dink in a
almonds, cashew nuts and pistachios provide mortar and pestle to make them smaller. (Else
strength. They increase life energy (ojas) and large pieces remain uncooked in the centre and
virya. Suntha, pimpli and saffron make the above very small pieces burn during frying).
mentioned ingredients easy to digest and assist 2. Coarsely grind the almonds, pistachios, cashew
the process of absorbing the other ingredients. nuts and charoli in a mixer.
3. Roast the khus khus in an iron-frying vessel
Dink ladus ensure that the nutritional (kadhai). Allow it to cool, then grind it roughly in
requirements of calcium and iron are met. They a mixer or a mortar and pestle.
also help in increasing stamina and maintaining the 4. Roast the dry coconut on a low flame. Crush
weight and figure. For these reasons, having one a with the hands after cooling.
day is a must after childbirth, and it is beneficial if 5. Heat the ghee in a kadhai and fry the dink pieces,
eaten during pregnancy as well. a few at a time until they expand. When cool
enough, crush them lightly with the hands.
Makes: 30-35 ladus. 6. In the same kadhai, fry the date powder in the
remaining ghee.
Preparation time: 1 hour. 7. In a large plate or bowl, add the fried dink, date
powder, ground almonds, pistachios, cashew
Ingredients nuts, and charoli, coconut, khus khus, suntha,
pimpli and nutmeg (jaiphal) churna, and mix
Dink 200 g.
thoroughly.
Kharik powder 200 g. 8. Combine the jaggery, sugar and milk, and heat
in a thick-bottomed pan on a low flame. Once
Dry grated coconut 100 g.
the jaggery melts and forms bubbles, remove
Khus khus (poppy seeds) 100 g. the mixture from the flame. Add saffron powder
Cashew nuts 50 g. and mix well.
9. Add the above mixture slowly to this syrup and
Almonds 50 g. roll into balls (laddus) while still warm.
Pistachios 50 g.

Charoli 50 g. METHI LADU

Jaggery 300 g. Methi (fenugreek) seeds are extremely helpful in
purifying the uterus after delivery, and in restoring it
Sugar 200 g.
to normalcy. They also help to lose excess weight
Suntha powder 20:0: after delivery, and purify the breast milk.

Pimpli powder ZOO

Fenugreek seeds are normally very bitter and
Nutmeg powder 6 g. (2 tsp.) dry. To counter this effect, the seeds are soaked
Vv, g. (teaspoon) in ghee for a number of days. This process has
Saffron powder

263
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

been described in the recipe below. This methi until they expand. When cool enough to handle,
ladu contains several other nutritious ingredients, crush them lightly with your fingers.
such as dink, almonds, khus khus, and godambi. 5. Roast the wheat flour in the remaining ghee till it
The preparation is extremely helpful for women is golden brown in colour.
just after delivery. 6. In a large plate, mix the hot roasted wheat
flour, fried dink, ground almonds, cashew nuts,
Makes: 25-30 ladus. godambi, charoli pistachios and khus khus. Add
the methi powder and ghee mixture to this. Add
Preparation time: about 1 hour powdered sugar and roll into ladus while warm.

Ingredients AHLEEV LADU

Methi (fenugreek) seed powder ious)
Ahleev (Garden Cress - Lepidium sativum) and
Ghee 100 g. fresh coconut improve the quality of breast milk.
Ghee for frying as required Since all the ingredients are extremely nutritious
for both mother and child, these ladus are a must
Wheat flour 150)¢, while the child is being breast-fed.
Powdered sugar 400 g.
Makes: 25-30 ladus
Dink 25'g.
Khus Khus 509g: Preparation time:40 minutes
Almonds Zo:
Ingredients
Cashewnuts PLEO
Ahleev Zod:
Charoli 209.
Jaggery 300 g.
Pistachios Zoi:
Almonds 50 g.
Godambi 25.9:
Pistachios 50 g.
1. Soak the methi powder in freshly made ghee Cashew nut 50 g.
(made from homemade butter). Leave it in the
ghee for 8 days. Stir well at least once a day. Nutmeg powder 1 flat tsp.
2. Grind almonds, cashew nuts, godambi, charoli Fresh grated coconut 100 g.
and pistachios coarsely in a mixer.
Coconut water or coconut milk as required
3. In an iron frying pan (kadhai) roast the khus khus.
Allow it to cool and grind coarsely in a mixer or 1. Soak the ahleev properly in coconut water or
mortar and pestle. coconut milk for 3-4 hours. This will puff up the
4. Carefully crush larger pieces of dink in a mortar ahleev.
and pestle to make them smaller. Large pieces 2. Grind the almonds, cashew nuts, and pistachios
remain uncooked in the centre and very small coarsely in a mixer.
pieces burn during frying. Heat the ghee in the 3. Mix the puffed up ahleev, grated jaggery and
kadhai and fry the dink pieces a few at a time, grated fresh coconut in a thick-bottomed pan

264
 Special Recipes

and heat over a low flame. The other essential ingredients contained in dink,
4. When the mixture is almost cooked (when it ahleev, and methi laddus, are almonds, cashew nuts
turns soft), add the coarsely ground dry fruits and pistachios. These should definitely be included
and nutmeg powder. Mix thoroughly and roll into in a new mother’s diet. Eating the ladus described
ladus when cool enough to handle. above, ensures that the new mother are health and
nourished while nursing.
om &

265
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskér

Scientific names of
medicinal plants
NY ‘

Ahleev Lepidium sativum

Aamsool, Kokam Garcinia purpurea
Adulsa Adhatoda vasika
Agaru Aquilaria agallocha
Almond - Badam Prunus amygdalus
| Aloe Aloe vera |
Ambat Chuka Rumex vesicarius
Amla Emblica officinalis
Anantmool Hemidesmus indicus ai
Ashok Saraca indica
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera
Ativisha Aconitum heterophyllum
Bajri Sorghum vulgare
Bala Sida cordifolia
Balantshop Peucedanum graveolens
Banyan - Vad Ficus bengalensis
Beet root Beta vulgaris
Behada Terminalia belerica
Bhagar Panicum milliaceum
Bhojpatra Betula bhojapattra ay
Black gram - Udid Phaseolus roxburghii
Black Pepper - Mire Piper nigrum
Black Raisins - Manuka Vitis vinifera
Bor Zizyphus jujuba |
Brahmi Herpestis monniera
Cabbage Brassica oleracea
Cardamom Elettaria cardamomum
Carrot Daucus carotaBhendi _|
Chakwat Chenopodium album
r Charoli Buchanania latifolia |
Chavalai Amarantus polygamus |
Chavya Piper chaba
| Chawii Vigna catiang |

266
 Scientific names of medicinal plants

Chick pea - Harbara Cicer arietinum

Chiku Achras sapota
Chitrak Plumbago zeylanica
Cinnamon Cinnamomum cassia
Daruhalad Berberis aristata
Deodar Cedrus deodara
Dhane Coriandrum sativum
Dhayati Woodfordia floribunda
Dikemali Gardenia gummifera
Dink Acacia arabica
Dodka - Ridged luffa Luffa acutangula
Dudhi - Bottle gourd Lagenaria vulgaris
Durva Cynodon dactylon
Fenugreek - Methi Trigonella foenum-graeceum
Gawar - Cluster beans Cyamopsis psoralioides
Ghosali - Smooth luffa Luffa aegyptiaca
Gokshur Tribulus terrestris
Gorakhmundi Sphaeranthus hirtus
Green gram - Moong Phaseolus mungo
Guava - Peru Psidium guyava
Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia
Guggul Balsamodendron mukul
Gunja Abrus precatorius
Hirda Terminalia chebula
Jai Jasminum grandiflorum
Jambhul Eugenia jambolana
Jav / Yav Hordeum vulgare
Jwari Sorghum vulgare
Jyeshthamadh Glycyrrhiza glabra
Kadechirait Gentiana kurroo
Kakadshingi Rhus succedanea
Kakoli Zizyphus napica
Kala bol Aloe vera
Kalalavi Gloriosa superba
Kankol Cubeba officinalis

267
 Garbha Senskér,

Karela - Bitter gourd Momordica charantia

Kavach Mucuna pruriens > ~

Kavath (Kapittha) Feronia elephantum
Kayphal Myrica nagi
Khareek, Khajur Phoenix dactylifera
Kohala Benincasa cerifera
| Kshirkakoli Gymnema lactiferum
Kuda, Kutaj Holarrhena antidysenterica
[ Kulith Dolichos biflorus
Kushth Saussurea lappa
Lady finger - Bhendi Abelmoschus esculentus
Lajalu Mimosa pudica
Linseed - Atasi Linum usitatissimum
Lodhra Symplocos racemosa
Lotus - Kamal Nelumbium speciosum
Madan Randia dumetorum
Manjishtha [ Rubia cordifolia
Masoor Lens esculenta
Math | Amaranthus gangeticus
Matki Phaseolus aconitifolius
Mayphal Quercus infectoria
Murudsheng Helicteres isora
Musali Asparagus adscendens
Mustard Brassica sp.
Nachani Eleusine coracana
Nagarmotha Cyperus rotundus
Nagkeshar Mesua ferrea
Nutmeg (Jaiphal) Myristica fragrans
Onion Allium cepa
Ova Carum copticum
Padmakashtha Prunus malus
Padval Trichosanthes anguina
Pawata Dolichos lablab
Pear Pyrus communis
Pimpal L Ficus religiosa

268
 Scientific names of medicinal plants

Pimpli Piper longum

Pittapapada Fumaria officinalis
Pomegranate - Dadim Punica granatum
Poppy seeds - Khus khus Papaver somniferum
Potato Solanum tuberosum
Pumpkin Cucurbita maxima
Rajgira Amarantus paniculatus
Rajma i Phaseolus vulgaris
Raktachandan Pterocarpus santalinus
Ratale - Sweet potato Ipomoea batatas —
7
Renuka Piper aurantiacum
Rui Calatropis gigantea
Saffron Crocus sativus
Sagargota Caesalpinia bonduc
Sago - Sabudana Sagus laevus
Sandalwood Santalum album
Sesame - Til Sesamum indicum
Shatavari Asparagus racemosus
Shigada Trapa bispinosa
Shilajit Asphaltum
Shirish Acacia speciosa
Soya-bean Soja hispida
Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Sunth Zingiber officinale
Suran Amorphophallus campanulatus |
Tamalpatra Cinnamomum iners |
Tandulja Amarantus oleraceus
Tondalli Cephalandra indica
Turmeric - Halad Curcuma longa
Umbar Ficus glomerata
Vanshalochan Bambusa arundinacea
Vavding Embelia ribes
Vekhand Acorus calamus
Vidari Pac
ee
le
i ie Ipomoea digitata

269
 Ayu rvedic
Garbha Sensbar

Santulan products for

Garbha Sanskar
eee

Santulan Feminine Balance Asav: in the morning, or can alternatively be

It is important for women to maintain removed carefully by hand.
their femininity and achieve optimal Ideally, the use of Femisan oil should
hormonal balance. This asav, made be started at 12 or 13 years of age (at the
from ingredients such as ashok, kumari, onset of menstruation), and should be
dhayati, and lodhra, helps to regulate the used as often as possible, upto old age.
menstrual cycle. It alleviates the following The only time when itis not recommended,
symptoms. is during the days of menstruation.
1. Excess blood flow or clots during Using Femisan oil like this during the
menstruation. ninth month of pregnancy provides
2. Pain during menstruation lubrication in the passage for easy and
3. Black or mucoid discharges normal childbirth.
Regular intake helps prevent pre- Post-partum, the oil can be used again,
menstrual symptoms such as pain in the once vaginal discharge ceases after
breasts, irritability, and general swelling childbirth. Here, it works to restore the
in the body. In addition, it helps purify and uterus to normalcy and strengthens the
strengthen the entire female reproductive reproductive system.
system.
Santulan Shakti Dhoop: Dhoop has
Santulan Prashant Powder: This several uses. It is often used in temples
medicine is made _ from _ gokshur, and houses to neutralise potentially
punanarva, and other ingredients which harmful microorganisms. This dhoop
nourish shukra and increase virya. is a specific mixture of herbs made
Prashant, ideally to be taken by both according to traditional Ayurvedic
partners before conception, ensures formulae. It contains herbs such as
healthy sperm and ova. In women, it dhayati, balantshep, and vavding, which
additionally strengthens the ovaries and are specifically beneficial for women. The
uterus. therapy should be administered to the
vagina. It benefits the female reproductive
Santulan Femisan Oil : It contains herbs organs, helping to restore the uterus
such as dhayati, daruhalad and ashok. and vagina to their normal status after
It is an easy and effective medicine delivery. It is effective in cases of urinary
for women. It helps to balance female and vaginal infections, white discharge,
hormones. burning sensation or itching in the vagina,
Directions for use: Soak a small swab and similar complaints.
of cotton with approximately 7-8 drops of It is recommended that all women take
Femisan oil. Place this inside the vagina dhoop regularly, at least once or twice a
at bedtime and leave it overnight. It will week, and more often, in cases of uterine
usually fall out by itself during urination or urinary problems.

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serepensaes

SR

Directions: Put 2-3 pinches of dhoop mixture Marrosan: It is made from the highest quality dink
onto a small pan with some pieces of burning (specified since several qualities are available),
charcoal. Sit or stand around the pan in such a almonds, godambi, and musali, which nourish
way that the smoke rising from the pan reaches the the dhatus. This preparation increases virya
vaginal region. Wrap a sheet around the lower part and strengthens shukra dhatu. Since Marrosan
of the body during the therapy so that the smoke strengthens and nourishes the sperm and ova, as
remains contained inside. Sit like this for at least well as helps fertilization, it is recommended that
five mins. Make sure to keep adding more mixture couples wishing to have a child should take it for
to the charcoal as it is consumed. at least two months before planning conception.
It can be continued from delivery until menstruation Ideally, pregnant women should take Marrosan
resumes to help restore the uterus to its normal throughout pregnancy, and for at least three
size. months after delivery. It helps the foetus to grow
well, and helps prevent post-partum backaches
Santulan Purusham Oil: This special oil for men, and osteoporosis.
infused with herbs, such as ashwagandha, kushtha,
and mustaa, helps maintain the health of the male Santulan Dhatri Rasayan: It is made from herbs
reproductive system. such as amla, raisins, and kushmanda, which have
Directions for use: After bathing, gently apply cooling properties. This formulation is especially
2-3 drops ofthe oil on the genital organs. Santulan effective in improving brain function (medhya).
Purusham Oil is helpful in conditions such as It also helps improve the quality of rakta dhatu
urinary and genital infections, defects in the vas (blood) and increase physical strength.
deferens, impotence, premature ejaculation, wet
dreams, as well as in complaints encountered due Santulan Chyavanprash: Made from ingredients
to diabetes etc. To help maintain overall health, it like amla, ashwagandha and_ vidarikand, it
should be applied at least twice or thrice a week. nourishes the dhatus and increases virya. This
mixture helps the ovum achieve proper maturity
Vitasan Tablets: For problems specific to men, in women, when taken prior to pregnancy, and
such as low sperm count, weak sperm motility, or supports the development of the foetus when taken
premature ejaculation, Ayurveda has suggested during pregnancy.
many medicines. This medicine should be used
after consulting an expert vaidya. Santulan Suryaprash: This preparation is similar
to Chyavanprash, and enhanced due to the addition
Santulan Uricool Powder: This special medication of edible gold.
is beneficial for urinary disorders, pain, or swelling
due to infection and to achieve a proper passage Santulan Ashokadi Ghruta: This is in the form of
of urine. ghee and contains herbs such as ashok, shatavari
and cumin, which purify and nourish the uterus.
Santulan Urix Powder: This is beneficial for Ashokadi ghruta facilitates proper ovulation
problems such as a burning sensation orpain during and assists fertilization. Since it strengthens the
urination, itching, and various urinary problems. In uterus, it helps to avoid complications arising from
such instances, Urix should be taken with lemon the uterus throughout pregnancy. Women with
juice, and in combination with Santulan Uricool. a previous history of miscarriages will find that it

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strengthens the uterus for future pregnancies. It is Santulan Amrutshatakara: One teaspoon taken
recommended that this tonic be taken for two to daily, with milk or in Panchamrut, is extremely
three months before conception. beneficial for the overall health. This health food
contains ingredients, such as, shatavari, saffron
San Rose: It is basically gu/kand (a jam made and suvarnavarkha (edible gold in a film-like form),
from the petals of the Indian rose) enhanced with which nourish shukra dhatu as well as purify and
praval bhasma, suvarnamakshik bhasma, abhrak increase rakta dhatu. It also improves immunity
bhasma etc. San Rose is the best of all rasayans and boosts energy.
for women. It strengthens bones, improves physical When taken regularly during pregnancy,
strength, boosts haemoglobin levels, stops hair Amrutshatakara ensures the proper formation and
loss, prevents weakness, and nourishes rakta development of the various organs of the foetus,
dhatu. When taken regularly during pregnancy, it especially the brain and heart. It also improves
helps the baby achieve good skin and complexion, intelligence, memory and grasping power. Since
and prevents skin diseases. San Rose can be it nourishes rakta dhatu it helps give the baby
taken before conception, during pregnancy, and healthy and glowing skin. Saffron, especially, is
post-delivery. known to help ensure that the process of labour is
normal, and occurs on time, by helping to balance
Shatavari vata dosha. It helps the uterus return to its normal
a) Santulan Shatavari Kalpa b) Shatanant state thereafter. When taken regularly by nursing
c) Shatadaam d) ShatavariSan, e) Shatavari mothers, it ensures timely growth and development
Churna: All these different preparations of the of the baby as well as helps to make the child bright
shatavari herb offer different benefits in addition and intelligent.
to the basic benefits of shatavari. Shatavari kalpa
is beneficial to female health in general, and Santulan Pittashanti Tablets: It is made from
especially during pregnancy and lactation. One praval bhasma, motibhasma, guduchi satva, and
should regularly take two teaspoons of Shatavari other ingredients, which are cooling in nature. This
Kalpa in a cup of hot milk. Shatavari helps maintain medication in tablet form, helps reduce acidity
hormonal balance, supports the physical and and heat in the body, and neutralises pitta, thus
intellectual development of the foetus, helps the relieving headaches and migraines. It is also a rich
nursing mother to produce a sufficient quantity of source of natural calcium. Thus, it is recommended,
milk, and helps maintain her figure. The Shatavari before, during, and after pregnancy, for its bone-
used in Santulan Shatavari Kalpa is of a very strengthening properties for both, mother and
high quality, and its efficiency is enhanced by the baby.
addition of herbs, such as ashwagandha, gokshur,
keshar, cardamom and cinnamon. Shatanant Santulan Calcisan: Santulan Calcisan tablets
kalpa contains anant along with shatavari contain natural calcium, and are thus ideally suited
which improves complexion and balances pitta. to cater to increased calcium requirements during
Shatadaam kalpa contains almonds, which help pregnancy, without causing an increase in body
improve brain function. Shatavari San tablets or heat or other side effects normally seen due to
shatavari churna also provide some of the above the intake of calcium supplements. The calcium in
mentioned benefits. Calcisan is easily absorbed and assimilated by the
body, making this preparation useful in cases of

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osteoporosis.
Sanpitta syrup & Dadimavaleh: Though both
Santulan Rudhira & Lohit Plus Tablets these medicines are quite diiferent from each other,
(they are almost alternatives for one another): they have very similar effects. Sanpitta Syrup is
Rudhira contains valuable ingredients, such as, useful against morning sickness, nausea and lack
suvarnamakshik bhasma, mandur bhasma, and of appetite, all of which are common in the first
tapyadi loha, and helps the blood have balanced trimester of pregnancy. Dadimavaleh, in addition
constituents and boosts haemoglobin levels. Lohit to the above benefits, helps to reduce acidity.
Plus is a good supplier of iron as it contains natural
and easily digestible iron, which strengthens rakta Santulan Annayog Tablets: The main ingredients
dhatu. The regular intake of Lohit Plus, will help of these tablets are various natural salts and lemon
maintain physical strength, especially in women. juice. The intake of these tablets supports the
digestive process, and prevents minor complaints,
Santulan Brahmaleen Ghruta & Sanbrahmi such as, acidity and flatulence.
Tablets: They are made from brahmi and other
herbs, that improve memory, intelligence, and the Santulan Padabhyang Ghruta: This helps reduce
health of the brain. Brahmaleen ghruta is good for complaints associated with increase in body heat,
all adults, especially those over forty. When taken such as a burning sensation in the eyes, on the
during pregnancy, it benefits both mother and child. palms, or feet. This ghee is to be applied on the
Sanbrahmi tablets, which are convenient to take, soles of the feet, and then using the outside of
also provide some of the above benefits. a bowl made of a special combination of metals
(kansa), the ghee is massaged on to the sole.
AnantSan & ManjishthaSan Tablets: They impart Padabhyang is also recommended for diabetes,
a healthy skin to the growing foetus. Anantsan especially in cases where the nerves of the feet
tablets ensure that the baby’s skin becomes clear, are affected, and immunity is impaired. It helps
radiant, and glowing. It improves the colour and improve general health if used during pregnancy
complexion of skin. Manjishthasan has the same and after delivery.
properties with the added benefits of being useful
in preventing skin diseases as well, and helping Santulan Suhrud Oil: During lactation, it is
reduce hereditary skin disorders. important that a mother produces adequate breast
milk for her baby. Problems such as dry skin,
Jeevansan: It is very useful as a general tonic and improper breast development, could hamper
for all types of physical weakness. It supports the breastfeeding. Suhrud is a sesame-based oil, which
proper nourishment of the foetus, and helps to has been infused with herbs such as gorakhmundi
maintain adequate quantities of amniotic fluid. (Sphaeranthus hirtus), dhayati (Woodfordia
floribunda) and kaasis (an Ayurvedic product
Gulkand special: Gulkand mixed with praval, containing iron). Used regularly, it maintains the
reduces excess heat in the body, ensures proper health of the breasts, especially during pregnancy
bowel movements, and neutralises dryness and and after delivery. It also helps the breasts remain
irritation of the eyes. It is, therefore, recommended firm and prevents sagging.
that Gulkand be taken during pregnancy and after
delivery. Santulan Rose Beauty Oil: This is coconut oil

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Garbha Sansker

infused with skin-nourishing ingredients, such as occasionally from the third month of pregnancy,
sandalwood, rose, saffron, and others. Santulan and regularly in the last trimester. After delivery, a
Rose Beauty Oil helps prevent stretch marks full body massage with this oil is recommended for
if applied to the abdomen during pregnancy. It an entire year. It should be applied in combination
also helps loose skin become firm after delivery with smoke therapy (dhoop/ dhuri), for the first three
and reduces the formation of scar tissue after a months after delivery. Abhyang (C) is mild, cooling
caesarian section. If either mother or baby has in nature, and nourishing. This renders it ideal
abdominal pain, gently massaging Santulan Rose for the soft and sensitive skin of babies. Cultured
Beauty Oil on to the abdomen with relieve the with mild nutritive herbs such as shatavari, bala
discomfort. and sariva, this oil protects the delicate skin, and
promotes the baby’s general development.
Santulan Kundalini Oil: Based on the traditional
recipe of chandanbalalakshadi oil, this oil Santulan Balant Lep: This mixture helps to ensure
strengthens the spine, back muscles, and general a natural, easy, and quick labour, and is used
structure of the back. It should be used to massage only at that time. It should be applied around the
the back and pelvic region of the mother-to-be after umbilicus as soon as contractions begin at regular
the third month of pregnancy. This helps the joints intervals. In addition, Santulan Balant Lep helps
of the pelvis remain flexible. Thus, it facilitates the prevent complications during labour.
process of labour, and prevents backache and
lumbar pain after delivery. Lactosan Tablets (lactogogue): It helps increase
the quantity of breast milk being produced and
Santulan Abhyang Oil: Based on the traditional helps ensure that breast milk production continues
recipe of narayan oil, this oil is additionally for as long as required.
infused with various vata-pacifying herbs. When
gently massaged onto the skin, it gets absorbed San Massage Powder: This is a_ herbal
fully. Therefore, even if used in small quantities, massage powder containing valuable herbs,
it penetrates to the cellular level to remove toxic such as nagarmotha, turmeric, anantmool, and
substances. Santulan Abhyang Oil provides sandalwood. It balances vata (which increaseds
lubrication, helps maintain flexibility, and increases after delivery), helps reduce excessive fatty tissue
physical strength. Its regular use balances vata and stretch marks, and tightens loose skin. It can
dosha, increases the capacity to work, and lends to be used instead of soap while bathing. It may also
clear glowing skin. Since it helps the body eliminate be used from the third month of pregnancy, as a
toxins, it consequently helps the immune system preventative measure against stretch marks.
and leads to increased enthusiasm.
There are two types of Santulan Abhyang Oil: Santulan Baby Massage Powder: This is a
Abhyang (S) (Sesame oil base) can be used by special massage powder for baby’s delicate and
mothers; and Abhyang (C) (Coconut oil base) can tender skin. Made from anantmool, rose petals,
be used for children. Abhyang (S) is ideally suited to sandalwood and several other fragrant herbs, it
balance vata after delivery. Regular use maintains should be mixed with cream or milk, and used for
the physical structure, prevents the accumulation of the baby’s bath, instead of soap. Using Santulan
excess fat or removes that which is already present. Baby Massage Powder allows you to avoid the
The expectant mother should start using this oil chemicals present in commercial soap. It lends

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a glow to the skin, clears the complexion, and as ashwagandha, kavachbeej, vidari, and dry
prevents rashes and allergies. ginger, which nourish all seven dhatus. Santulan
Chaitanya Kalpa increases muscle strength,
Santulan Tenderness Dhoop: This mixture is strengthens bones, improves the intellect, grasping
to be used as in smoke therapy for children. It power, and all other brain functions. Therefore it is
contains germicidal and fragrant herbs such as an excellent food supplement for growing children.
ajwain, jataamanvsi, and guggul. Regular use helps
prevent coughs, colds, fever, and other commonly Santulan Balamrut: Made from handpicked
occurring infections. So, it is recommended that precious ingredients, like keshar, suvarnavarkha,
the herbal smoke treatment be given to babies vekhand, shatavari, gulvel, and candy sugar. This
regularly, after bathing. This dhoop strengthens the mixture is a nectar for the baby. Dip a clean, honey-
respiratory system, helps prevent infantile asthma, coated finger in this powder. The amount of the
whooping cough, and other serious respiratory medicine that sticks to the finger is the ideal dose
diseases. Additionally, some of the ingredients are for anew-born baby. The dose may be increased in
also beneficial for development of the entire body. small amounts after the first six months as the baby
In administering the dhoop, take care that the child keeps growing. It should be given to the child once
does not feel uncomfortable. a day. Besides enhancing the baby's complexion,
Santulan Balamrut nourishes the brain of the
San Anjan (black): This is a kajal, made using child, and improves intelligence, memory, grasping
traditional Ayurvedic techniques. power, and comprehension. It also boosts immunity,
Method of preparation: A ghee lamp is lit, and the so that common illnesses, such as coughs, colds,
soot produced is collected and mixed ghee that has and fever do not occur. It helps the child become
been processed with triphala, daruhalad, and other intelligent, bright, and healthy.
ingredients, which are beneficial for the eyes and
vision of the baby in particular. The kajal, carefully Santulan Bal Herbal syrup: Made from vidang,
applied, with a clean finger, in the baby’s eyes, suntha, pimpli, and shrungi, this syrup acts on the
helps keep the eyes healthy, bright, and glowing. baby’s digestive system. It improves the digestion
A small spot is traditionally applied to the baby’s and appetite, prevents parasitic infestations, and
cheek to ward off negativity. ensures proper weight gain. It is sweet in taste,
and generally liked by children.
Santulan Chaitanya’ kalpa: This herbal
granulate, comprises of a mixture of herbs, such

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Ayurvedic
Garbha Sansbér

Other Santulan medicines

preparations, meant for Oil, Santulan Rose Beauty oil, Santulan
Ayurvedic
use prior to conception: Santulan Kundalini Oil, Santulan Abhyang (S) Oil,
Feminine Balance Asav, Santulan San Masage Powder.
Prashant, Santulan Femisan Oil,
Santulan Shakti dhoop, Santulan Uricool, Ayurvedic preparations for used
Santulan Urix, Marrosan, Santulan Dhatri during delivery: Femisan Oil, Santulan
Rasayan, Santulan Chyavanprash / Shakti Dhoop, Marrosan, Santulan
Santulan Suryaprash, Santulan Ashokadi Shatavari Kalpa / Shatanant / Shatadaam/
Ghruta, San Rose, Santulan Shatavari Shatavarisan/ Shatavari Churna, Santulan
Kalpa / Shatanant / Shatadaam / Amrutshatakara, Santulan Feminine
Shatavarisan/ Shatavari churna, Santulan Balance asav, Santulan Amrutshatakara,
Amrutshatakara, Santulan Suhrud Oil, Santulan Pittashanti, Calcisan, Santulan
Santulan Purusham Oil, Vitasan. Rudhira & Lohit Plus, Gulkand special,
Annayog, Santulan Padabhyang Ghrut,
Ayurvedic preparations to be used Santulan Suhrud Oil, Santulan Rose
during pregnancy: Marrosan, Beauty Oil, Santulan Kundalini Oil,
Santulan Dhatri rasayan, Santulan Santulan Abhyang (S) Oil, Lactosan, San
Chyavanprash/ Suryaprash, San Rose, Massage Powder.
Santulan Shatavari kalpa / Shatanant /
Shatadaam/ Shatavarisan / Shatavari Ayurvedic preparations suitable
Churna, Santulan Amrutshatakara, for infants: Santulan Abhyang (C)
Santulan Pittashanti, Calcisan, Santulan Oil, Santulan Baby Massage Powder,
Rudhira & Lohit Plus, Brahmaleen ghrut Santulan Tenderness Dhoop, San Anjan
/ San Brahmi, Anantsan/ Manjishthasan, (black), Santulan Chaitanya Kalpa,
Jeevansan, Gulkand special, Sanpitta Santulan Balamrut, Santulan Bal Herbal
Syrup / Dadimavaleh, Annayog, Santulan Syrup.
Padabhyang Ghrut, Santulan Suhrud

Reference Books
Kashyap Samhita Ashtangasangraha
Bhaishajya Ratnavali Text book of Obstretics: D.C. Dutta
Charak Samhita Yogaratnakar
Charak Shareersthan Shaw's textbook of Gynaecology
Rasayogasagar Bhavprakash
Sushrut Samhita Dorlands medical dictionary
Sushrut Shareersthan Sharangdhar Samhita
Santulan Kriya Yog Gray's Anatomy
Ashtanghrudaya Text book of Pediatrics: O. P. Ghai
Hathayog Pradeepika

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Garbha Senshér

Glossary
Abhimanyu — An important character in the when it cannot be seen from the Earth.
Mahabharata. Son of Arjuna and Subhadra. Anahat Chakra — The fourth major energy
He learned how to break into the feared vortex (chakra) in the body situated near
chakravyuha from Shri Krishna, while still in the heart. It is the seat of the element of air
his mother’s womb. The chakravyuha was (movement) and this is easily conceived
a supposedly impregnable battle formation. looking at the function of the heart. It is
Abhimanyu had not learned how to break out associated with love and compassion.
how to break out. He was a supreme warrior.
Apanavata — It is one of the sub-types of
In the Mahabharata War, the Kauravas had
vata doshas that rules the lower abdominal
to resort to bending the rules of combat to
region of the body and is responsible for
vanquish him after he had broken into the
driving the natural delivery of a child, among
chakravyuha and averted certain defeat for
other important functions.
the Pandavas (the heroes of the epic).
Ashram —Anormal person gets tired oftrying
Abhyanga - Literally translated as massage,
to achieve his illusory goals and objects of
normally with the help of medicated oil. In
possession. An ashram is a place where one
‘abhyanga’ one does not just rub oil onto
can enjoy rest and recuperation from this
the surface of the body. It implies a specific
process and learn to become quiet.
practice of massage through which the oil is
Ashtanga Sanghraha — One of the central
administered so that it reaches as deep into
treatises of Ayurveda, authored by Acharya
the body as possible, sometimes as far as
Vagabhatta that deals with subjects across
the bones.
the eight branches of Ayurveda. Ashtanga =
Acharya — A teacher who has complete
Eight-part
mastery over his subject.
Ashtangahruday Shareersthan — The
Agni — The Fire Element. One of the Five
entire Ashtangahruday is one of the central
Universal Elemental Forms that constitute
treatises of Ayurveda, written by Acharya
all matter in the universe. See also Pancha-
Vagabhatta. A section of the Ashtangahruday
Mahabhoot and Chapter on Ayurvedic
that deals mainly with anatomy is called the
Concepts. Agni is not what is normally
Shareersthan. The Ashtangahruday deals
understood to be fire. It is the principal
with all the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is a
agency for transformation. unique piece of medical work that profoundly
Ahar-ras — The ingested part of the food captures the essence of the subject in the
is in the form of a juice which is capable of form of verse rather than prose.
nourishing all the seven dhatus. This juice is
Aum — The First and Universal sound from
called ahar-ras. which the entire Universe emerges.
Akash Tattva — One of the Five Universal
Ayurveda — A complete medical system. An
Elemental Forms that constitute all matter in
upa-veda (sub section) of the Atharva Veda.
the universe. See also Pancha-Mahabhoot
Basti — An oil based medical preparation
and Chapter on Ayurvedic Concepts. It does
administered through an enema. It is one of
literally mean sky. It means the ‘element’ or
the most effective therapies to help pacify
principle of space.
vata dosha.
Amavasya-— The last day of the waning moon

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Bhakri — One of the many ways in which Indians make Charak Sutrastana — A Sutrasthana text generally
bread. It is made of millets. Often two or more types of deals with the basic princip les The Charak
of Ayurveda.
millet flour or grains are mixed to make bhakri. Since Sutrasthana has been written by Acharya Charak.
it is cooked directly over a fire, it is very light and easy Chetana — Consciousness
to digest. Dhatu — They loosely correspond to the tissues of
Bhastrika —These are special cleansing exhalation the body as understood by western medicine. They
techniques. They clean the respiratory tract and purify are the result of each transformation of energy in the
the channels of energy in the body. They also provide body, beginning from ingested food and going up to the
all the benefits of Pranayam. They are often practiced creation of life energy. Please see chapter on Ayurvedic
in conjunction with specific poses which provide even Concepts for more details.
more benefit in the exercise. Dhoop — A method to administer herbal smoke to a
Brahmacharya —A pattern of behavior and attitude that physical area or a specific part of the body (or the
helps direct the energies of the body to the two main entire body). Traditionally, a pot or pan is filled with
organs (seats of consciousness) — the brain and the dried cow dung or charcoal. This is lit, and the required
heart. Mistakenly assumed to mean celibacy, although dry herbal mixture is sprinkled on top of it. This herb is
the protection and preservation of the body’s seminal administered to the desired area in the form of smoke
and vital fluids is part of the practice. particles for a very penetrating effect. The use of the
Brahmacharya-ashram -— referring to the first major dhoop depends on the kind of herb used. The revival
phase of life, as propounded by the ancient systems of therapeutic dhoop formulations for specific health
of thought, where the person prepares to become a purposes has been a one of Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe’s
useful part of society and a responsible adult, through well-known innovations. Nowadays, very easy to use
learning, studies and discipline. and attractive, candle-based dhoop pots, and even
Brahmaghosh -— The aural effect of vedic mantras electric dhoop pots are available.
being chanted in unison by many people to create Dosha — vata,pitta and kapha — The three major
resonance in the atmosphere. functioning forces in the human body. When one or
Chakra — A centre for interaction and redistribution of more of these ‘doshas’ is out of equilibrium, it brings
different types of bio-energy. disease. The root of all discomforts can be traced back
to the imbalance of the doshas. Please see chapter on
Chakravyuha -— Literally translated as ‘the Circular
Ayurvedic Concepts for more details.
Strategy’. In the Mahahbarata it refers to the seemingly
impregnable battle formation created by Drona, Fodni - In Indian cooking, the cooking medium (oil,
commander of the Kaurava army. While Arjuna was ghee) is heated with spices in the pan. The spices begin
distracted and led away, his son Abhimanyu, was the to pop and release their essence into the medium. This
only other Pandava warrior who knew how to break is called fodni. Vegetables can now be added to the
into it, but not how to break out. He bravely gave up his medium to be cooked.
life to save the day for the Pandavas. Fomentation — A therapeutic technique of exposing
Chapati - Thinly rolled bread of coarse grained wheat the body or a part of the body to heat. It can be done
flour cooked on a pan. in several ways, like steam from hot water, hot water

Charak Sharirsthan — Part of the medical canon bags or hot sand bags. Often, herbal additions to the
of the Seer Charak that deals with anatomy and water or the hot mixture are used for specific results.
reproduction Fulka - extremely thin rolled bread made from coarse

278
 Glossary
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grained wheat flour that is cooked on a pan and then allows one to be in permamnent bliss and freedom.
puffed on an open flame. ‘Guru’ is also the name given to the planet Jupiter who
Garbha Sanskar — Ayurveda has researched and is considered the Master and Guide of the Gods.
developed a very sophisticated and detailed procedure Hanuman Chalisa — 40 verses in praise of Hanuman,
that takes care of conception, pregnancy and early the ultimate devotee of Shri Ram, and a mighty and
development of a child. The process described in this powerful God, son of Vayu.
book has been further distilled to make it suitable for Jala Tattva — The Water Element. One of the Five
modern times without compromising on any of the Universal Elemental Forms that constitute all matter
benefits. in the universe. See also Pancha-Mahabhoot and
Garbhadhaan - The first important sanskar of life. Chapter on Ayurvedic Concepts.
Garbhopanishad Ancient knowledge about HCG Tests — This is a pregnancy detection kit. It is in
pregnancy. the form of a strip to be inserted in a urine sample, or
Ghee — Pure Ayurvedic ghee is made in the following a card, on which a few drop of urine must be placed.
manner. Pure, unprocessed (at most only pasteurized) The test delivers the result in about three mins. HCG
milk is boiled and then allowed to settle until its stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, which is
cream rises to the top. Collect this cream. Culture a hormone secreted during pregnancy, made by the
the cream with Indian household curd (not yoghurt). embryo, soon after conception takes place. The test
Allow the cream to convert to curd. Churn this curd strip or card contains anti HCG globulin for detection
in a pot with alternating clockwise and anti-clockwise of the hormone.
movements until it results in an extract that easily rises Jatee Sutreeya — A chapter from the collected works
to the surface. This extract is butter. Separate out of the Seer Charak, that deals with conception,
the butter and heat it in a pan until its water content pregnancy, childbirth and childcare.
completely evaporates. The resultant substance is Jeevaniya group of herbs — This is the name given to
ghee. Throughout this book, this is what we mean by a category of herbs that are extremely potent and are
ghee. If there are any compromises in the process, the able to attract life force positively for the patient. They
resultant substance is not to be accepted as ghee. are useful in the rejuvenation of the human body.
Ghruta — The Sanskrit word for ghee. Lep — A viscous paste, usually made out of herbs. It
Grihast-ashram — referring to the second major phase is normally thick since it should be able to stay at the
of life, where a person engages in society, gets married applied location on the body for a while.
and performs all the social, natural and economic Kadha — A decoction, normally made of herbs or food
obligations of human life. products in water or some other liquid carrier like milk
Gotra — The pedigree of a human being. Shows the or ghee.
original connection of the genetic thread of the family. Kalpa — A sugar-based medical preparation. Sugar is
Guna — Tendencies that pervade/motivate all action in cooked with an herbal decoction resulting in a granular
the universe. powder.
Guru —A teaches deals with subjects that will be useful Karma — Action
merely to earn a living. The guru helps one develop Kartikeya — He is the child of Shiva and Parvati, created
one’s personality, and a broader outlook to life identified to destroy the demon Tarkasur. In Ayurvedic tradtion,
by one’s vocation. The Sadguru offers the practical prayers are offered to Kartikeya for the protection of
process to experience that ‘oneness’ which ultimately the new born child and mother.

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Garbha Sanskar

Kashyap Samhita — One of the oldest texts of Moodhagarbha — The various undesirable positions
Ayurveda. It deals with gynaecological issues, child that a foetus can accidently get into in the womb.

bearing and infant care. It has been written by the seer These positions can cause various problems and bring
Kashyap. difficulties during childbirth.
Kaushalya — Wife of Dashratha, mother of Shri Rama Muladhar Chakra — The first major energy vortex
(chakra) in the body situated at the base of the spine. It
Khichadi — A simple dish consisting of rice and pulses
is associated with a person’s basic existence. After long
cooked together until they are softened and easy to
practice one may be able to visualize it as a golden-
digest.
yellow square at the base of the spine, and one may
Krishnaleela — The stories of the naughty child
become aware of the Cosmic smell. It corresponds to
Krishna.
the element of Earth in the body.
Kriya Yog — A set of actions or postures synchronized
Netratarpan - Walls made of dough are built around
with breath and mental attitude as part of the practice
the eyes and medicated oil or ghee is poured in over
of Yoga.
the eyes and kept for a while. Very helpful in various
Kundalini Massage —A Kundalini massage is a special eye problems.
massage using Santulan Kundalini Oil that works on
Ojas — When sukra dhatu (virya) becomes active, it
Kundalini Energy and the spinal cord.
turns into action, function and light. This is called
Lactational amenorrhea —The period after child birth
Ojas.
when the baby is breast-feeding and the mother’s
Padabhyanga — Pada = foot, Abhyanga = massage.
menstrual periods have not re-started.
This is a foot massage done either with a special
Madhavnidan — The collected works of the Seer
medicated ghee or Shatadhauta Ghruta, being rubbed
Madhav describing diagnostic procedures for all
onto the soles of the feet with the outside of a bowl
diseases.
made of ‘kansa’ (a specific metal amalgam). It is an
Mahabharata — It can be understood as ‘The Great extremely effective therapy to help remove excess
Play of Energy’. It is one of two Indian epics that have heat from the body and provide strength to the nervous
iconic and spiritual status in Indian culture. Part history system.
and part universal metaphor for the eternal struggle
Panchamrut — Can literally be translated as ‘the Five
of mankind, it is a mammoth work of art consisting
Nectars’. It consists of ghee, honey, sugar, curd and
over a hundred thousand intricately composed verses
milk in specific proportions. See chapter on Special
in Sanskrit. It contains within it the 722 verses of the
Recipes for details.
Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta, the Supreme Song of the
Panchakarma -— Literally translated as Five Actions.
Lord, which is the essence and epitome of Indian culture
The five major cleansing and rejuvenating actions of
and values. The Mahabharata continues to influence
almost every sphere of life in India, from politics to art,
Ayurvedic therapy. Please see chapter on Ayurvedic
Concepts for more details.
from spirituality to social sciences, to this day.
Mantra — A combination of sounds having phonetic Pancha-mahabhoot — Literally translated as the
values that stimulate specific brain and nervous system Five Great Elements (Sources). The five universally
activity. recognized elemental forms of matter that make
up the entire world viz Earth, Water, Fire, Air (Wind)
Marma — A marma is an important cross-section on
and Space. Ayurveda, and all ancient Indian science,
the meridians, which are passages of bio-energy in the
recognizes that everything in the material world is
body.

280
 Glossary Ent ca

made up of various combinations of these elements Putrakameshti Yadnya-—A ‘yadnya is a transformative

interacting — coming together and moving apart. The process that is normally used to evolve matter into
dominance and interplay of these elements lends all higher forms of result-oriented products or energies.
matter, living and non-living, the unique qualities and The Putrakameshti Yadnya is supposed to help a
‘nature’ that they display. couple produce ideal progeny.
Panchatattva Beejamantra — It refers to the root Raga — A melody with a specific use of notes. It has a
sounds associated with the various Chakras in the minimum of 5 notes while ascending and 5 notes while
body, that also correspond to the five elements present descending. It offers a change of colour of the mind i.e.
in Nature. The sound Lam is associated with the 1st a change in mood.
chakra and corresponds to the Earth Element. Vam — Raj-Kshaya — Scanty menstrual flow.
2nd chakra, Water Element, Ram — 3rd chakra, Fire
Rakta dhatu — The result of the second level of energy
Element, Yam — 4th chakra, Air Element, Ham - Ksham
transformation in the body, beginning from the digestion
— Fifth and Sixth Chakras (chanted together), Space
of food. ‘Rakta dhatu’ loosely corresponds to ‘blood’.
Element. Aum is the seventh and final, denoting pure
Each level of transformation results in a dhatu (dhatus
energy or light.
loosely correspond to tissues as understood by western
Paratha - Rolled flat bread of coarse-grained wheat medicine). Please see chapter on Ayurvedic Concepts
flour cooked on a pan with oil or ghee. for more details.
Payas — A sweet, medical rice preparation. Ramayana — One of two Indian epics that has iconic
Payasdaan — Refers to when payas was given and spiritual status in Indian culture, it is the story of
to Dashrath by Lord Agni after he performed the Shri Rama as an incarnation of the Lord. It occurred
Putrakameshthi Yadnya. about 10,000 years ago. Shri Rama collected the
Prajapati — The knowledge of creation and art of living tribes of the land and brought them together, and
a healthy was conceived and ultimately made available defeated the traitorous Ravan. Rama is understood
to the masses through Prajapati. as ‘Consciousness’, Ravan as the ‘Ego’ and Sita as
‘Material’ in the philosophy developed and explained in
Prakriti — The constitution or composition of a person’s
the Shri Rama Vishwapanchayatan by Dr. Shri Balaji
body in relation to Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Tambe.
Pran — The finest, most subtle, and conscious life-
Rasayan — a preparation made from sevral herbal and
energy that is spread all over the universe. It uses the
medicinal products that helps rejuvenate the whole
vehicle of air and oxygen.
body, or a specific process in the body. It is extremely
Pranayam — A breathing discipline to attract pran. important that rasayans are made exactly according to
Pre-eclampsia — High blood pressure induced due scientific Ayurvedic processes.
to pregnancy is called pre-eclampsia. It is indicated Sahasradhar Chakra — The uppermost energy vortex
by large amounts of protein present in the pregnant (chakra) in the body at the crown centre of the head. It
woman’s urine. is pure energy or pure light.
Prithvi — The Earth Element. One of the Five Universal Saindhav — Salt obtained from rocks that have their
Elemental Forms that constitute all matter in the origin in the sea.
universe. See also Pancha-Mahabhoot and Chapter
Shashti Shali Lahya — also called ‘Shashti Shashti
on Ayurvedic Concepts.
Shali Lahya’. Puffed rice. It can be eaten by itself,
Pushya — Nakshatra — One of the 27 constellations of with milk or in various other forms like chiwda. Only a
Indian astrology.

281
 b_ Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

particular strain of rice, called ‘Sixty Day Rice’, is used Shiro basti — Special medicated oil is poured into a
to make Shashti Shali Lahya well (formed of dough) on the head. The oil is then
Sanskar — Ancient Indian traditional systems were built required to stay there for a specific time. Very helpful in
around natural phenomena that occurred both within the brain and nervous disorders.
body and in the external environment. Though they are Shirodhara — An Ayurvedic therapy in which a small
seen as traditional or religious rituals today, they have a and steady stream of medicated oil is dripped on to
deep therapeutic value. Their effects over thousands of the forehead for a specific period of time. This therapy
years have shaped life in the Indian subcontinent. This is extremely effective in all cases of mental or stress
effect, along with the adherence to these traditions in related disorders.
the present day, are both called Sanskar. Shri Adi Shankaracharya — The great ancient Seer
Santulan Ayurveda — The registered brand name for who re-invigorated the Vedic way of life. He has
the Ayurvedic teaching, products and lifestyle practiced authored hundreds of stotras in Sanskrit that have
at the Atmasantulana Village and designed by Dr. Shri great therapeutic value and that are still in use for
Balaji Tambe. the purpose of healing many disorders. Shri Adi
Satsang - Literally translated as ‘to be with Truth’ Shankaracharya travelled the length and breadth of
or ‘study in person. Discussions about gaining true the Indian subcontinent in a herculean effort to raise
spiritual knowledge done in person (being present) are socio-religious practices to their original higher aim of
called ‘Satsang’. self-knowledge through a natural way of life.

Sattvik, Rajasik, Tamasik — These are the three Shri Krishna — The avatar of the Lord Himself, and the
major tendencies that pervade/motivate all action in centrifugal force of the Mahabharata, who delivered
the universe. the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta to Mankind.
Sattvik — that which acts without expectation of result Shri Rama — The avatar of the Lord Himself, Ideal Son,
King, Brother, Husband, Friend and Devotee — Best
Rajasik — that which acts with expectation of result
among all Men.
Tamasik — that which expects a result without action
Shri Rama Vishwapanchayatan — The understanding
Sharangdhar Sanhita — The collected medical works
and decoding of the Ramayana for day-to-day life
of the Seer Sharangdhar that deal with pharmacology.
developed and written by Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe.
‘Sanhita’ means ‘collected works’.
Sita — Wife of Shri Rama, daughter of King Janaka.
Shatadhauta Ghruta — Ghee -— Literally, it means,
She was found in the Earth while ploughing the fields.
‘Ghee that has been washed a hundred times.’ Pure
ghee is put into a copper or ‘kansa’ (a particular metal Subhadra — Sister of Shri Krishna, wife of Arjuna,
amalgam) pot. Water is mixed with the ghee. This mother of Abhimanyu.
mixture is then stirred against the sides of the pot in a Supari — Supari is the Indian name for the betel nut,
circular motion (the hands make one hundred circles which, in many places in India is the main ingredient
while stirring). This is called one ‘wash’. The water is in a digestive mixture and mouth freshener. But
drained and fresh water is added, and the process ‘supari’ has now become the generic name for mouth
repeated one hundred times. The resulting ghee is freshener mixtures. The supari mentioned in this book
called Shatadhauta Ghruta. (see Special Recipes) contains no betel nut.
Shivcharitra — the biography and character sketch of Sushrut Samhita — One of the oldest literatures in
the great Maratha warrior-king Shivaji. Ayurveda written by Acharya Sushrut. The Sushrut
Shloka — Verses made with Sanskrit poetic rules. Samhita deals with the subject of surgery.

282
 Glossary Ea ESR oo

Sushrut Sharirsthan — An part of the medical canon Universal Elemental Forms that constitute all matter
of the Seer Sushrut that deals with anatomy. in the universe. See also Pancha-Mahabhoot and
Swadhishthan Chakra — The second major energy Chapter on Ayurvedic Concepts.
vortex (chakra) in the body situated in the lower Vedas — It is the science of life. While they are generally
abdomen, a little to the left of the spinal cord. It is referred to as the four Vedas, three are principal.
associated with a person’s sensibilities. After long These are the Rig, Yajur and Sama. The Atharva is the
practice one may be able to visualize it as a It is fourth.
represented as a silver crescent. It corresponds to the Veena — A kind of string instrument that is considered
element of Water in the body.
very evolved and whose sounds are supposed to have
Tantra — Literally translated as a ‘technique’ or penetrating properties. It is the musical instrument
‘mechanism’ - a scientific technique, normally used to held by the Goddess Saraswati and Narada, the Sage
deal with the plane beyond the physical plane. responsible for mass communication and media. The
Thalassemia —|s a condition in which the body produces character of Sage Narada brings information to all
an abnormal form of haemoglobin. In thalassemia the three levels of beings — humans, demons and gods.
body’s red blood cells are destroyed in excess, leading He has access to all private areas and can appear
to anemia and other problems. Thalassemia is almost and disappear at will, bringing the latest news to all
always an inherited disorder. quarters. Since he brings current news, he is said to be
devoted to the ‘present’.
Triphala — A mixture of three fruits - amla, hirda and
behada. It is a preparation that helps to balance all Veera Rasa — The mood of the mind that allows the
three doshas. entire body to have energy and protect oneself and
others.
Uttar-basti — Basti administered through the vagina
into the uterus. Please see ‘Basti’ for more details. Virechan — One of the Pancha Karma (five cleansing
actions of Ayurvedic therapy) techniques. It is a medical
Uttar-dhoop — Dhoop administered to the genital area.
laxative that helps enables toxins collected dur to pitta
Please see ‘dhoop’ for more details.
dosha to leave the body. It is one of the most effective
Vagbhat, Acharya — He is one ofthe authors of ancient
therapies to help pacify pitta and vata doshas.
Ayurvedic literature. He has written the Ashtangahruday
Virya — It is generally understood as seminal fluid, but
and Ashtangasangraha. These treatises cover subjects
actually it is life energy in liquid form, and the seventh
across all eight branches of Ayurveda.
level of transformation of digested food.
Vaidya — An Ayurvedic physician.
Vyanavayu — The most powerful of the pancha-
Valkal — The bark of a tree used as a dress for covering pran (five life forces). It has a seat in the heart and is
the body. responsible for circulation all over the body, particularly
Vaman — One of the Pancha Karma (five cleansing in the narrow peripheries (fingers, toes etc.)
actions of Ayurvedic therapy) techniques. It enables Yoganidra — A deep relaxation technique that takes
toxins collected due to kapha dosha to leave the body the mind towards the inner self and consciousness. It
with emetics. It is one of the most effective therapies to has been designed to help de-stress and refresh the
help pacify kapha dosha. body and mind, and to help develop creativity.
Vastu Shastra — The Indian science of architecture Yogasana-— Special postures prescribed by Hathayoga,
and space design. a science developed by the Seer Patanjali.
Vayu — The Air (Wind) Element. One of the Five

283
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Semskér

Music published by
Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe
Holistic Healing for Body, Mind and Soul -

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De. Shri Balaji També

Santulan (Om) Learn to Yoga Nidra |

Meditation Meditate For Meditation
A daily prayer compilation, A guided audio CD for and Peace. Healing
that consists of meditation and learning Santulan Om music for spiritual
the chanting of Aum. Good for Meditation. ‘SOM’. practice. It helps
physical and mental health and purify the subtle
spiritual practice. Brings a sense bodies and brings
of joy, well being, prosperity and mental peace.
peace in day-to-day life. Includes
Datta Bavani for astral healing.

© Earners °
= es) Music for Reluxaton & Sleep .

CG Garbh Sanskar” rook

Yoga Nidra II Stree Santulan Garbha Sanskar

For Relaxation and (Feminine Balance) Wellness music for pregnancy.
Sleep. Healing music Healing music for women. It helps Compositions that encourage the
for that relieves stress. with gynecological problems like proper growth and development
It brings deep sleep, irregular menstrual cycles and of the foetus. Helps the child
cleanses the effect of hormonal imbalance. It brings to develop good memory and
negative dreams and peace of mind. Includes selected intelligence. Gives a sense of
helps bring success in compositions and Vedic mantras, protection to the foetus and the
day-to-day life. based on scientific studies, expectant mother.

284
 Music published by Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe ene

Mahashakti Durga

The Healing Sounds of The Healing Sounds of Spirit of Harmony

Mahashakti Durga Shri Dattatreya Helps to reduce stress, calms the
Helps to remove, and protect Helps recovery from diseases, mind and is good for relaxation.
one from, all negative removes suffering. Helps to It leads to sound sleep and
energies. Includes the receive Lord Shri Dattatreya’s creates a joyful atmosphere.
Tripurasundari-stotram and the Grace. Includes stotras written Recommended for patients
Mahishasuramardini-stotram. by H. H. Shri Vasudevananda of hypertension, diabetes and
Saraswati (Tembe Swami). heart diseases.

TYAVACNG Gav ot ere

DR. SHRI BALAJI TAMBE

Samruddhi Dawn to Dusk Shiva

The Healing Sounds of Healing Music for the The Healing Sounds of
Shri Mahalakshmi. whole day in different Lord Shiva.
ragas. Includes mantras, Brings a sense ofprotection
Promotes prosperity
stotras and bhajans. and encourages the listener
at all levels. Includes
towards Liberation. Includes
Shri Lakshmi-
Shivatandava-stotram,
stotram, Annapurna-
Shivastuti, Shivashtakam,
strotram and Shri
Shivapanchaksharatotram etc.
Mahalakshmyashtakam
etc.

ae raat
285
 Ayurvedic
Garbha Sanskar

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Dr. Shri Bala hambe Dr Shei Balaji Tambe

Hanuman Vitality Devotion

Helps conquer fears and Live Performances of Healing Live Peformances of Healing
protects one from negative Music from Dr. Shri Balaji Music by Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe,
energies. Includes Shri Tambe’s European concert presented at the annual
Ramaraksha and the Hanuman tour. Includes bhajans like Gurupournima seminar in
Chalisa. Recommended for Mara Mana Madiriya Maahya, Karla. Includes bhajans/stotras
people suffering from allergies, He Pinjare Ki & Shiradiwale like Datta Dayeche, Re Mana
skin conditions and patients of Sain Piya. Laga, Guru Ghara Aavya, Shiva-
any heart and lung diseases. panchakshrastotram.

Cetate lates
ae utiiThels,Sone

Aumkar Ganesh Maha Arti Devi Chants

For an energising Eleven of the most popular Authentic mantras from the
start to your day. and effective Artis and Tantric Tradition. Secret
Includes Atharvashisha, daily shlokas. A must for sounds to evoke Mahashakti -
Mayureshpratahsmaran, every house during any the Supreme Energy to bring
He Dayanidhe celebration. Includes Jay Protection, Prosperity and
Jagdish Hare, Sukhakarta Spiritual progress. Includes
Dukhharta, Gayatri Mantra Shrisuktam, Devi Stotram and
and Mantrapushpanjali. Devisuktam

Many more cassettes and CD albums from Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe are also available.

286
 Books published by
Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe
Ayurvediya
Garbhasanskar

heya]
Dr. Balaji Tambe

Santulan Kriya Yog

(Also in Marathi as Santulan Kriyayog)
Simple and extremely effective daily yoga exercises designed by Dr. Shri Balaji
Tambe using some ofthe secret high energy techniques favoured by Yoga
Masters. These exercises have specially been designed so that everyone, from
children to the aged, and even those with serious illnesses, can practice these
Marathi
everyday. The book contains detailed instructions for yogasanas as well advice
for specific ailments, and daily yoga regimen.

DSgce
acre? eI

pure’
St. af nai did

So Peacock
Feathers
i, ae

Peacock Feathers |
(Also in Marathi as ‘Shri Geeta Yog Shodh Brahmavidyecha Parts 1,2 and 3)
Peacock Feathers is an ongoing series of 18 books on the Shrimad Bhagawad
Geeta, one book for each chapter. Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe brings to bear his
Gujarati unique and insightful perspective on the Geeta in this detailed, beginner level
commentary. The first book, on the first chapter, talks about Arjun’s basic
conflict, which is our own - his inability to decide how to act.
Peacock Feathers II
The 2nd of 18 books on the Shrimad Bhagawad Geeta, based on the
second chapter. Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe continues his discerning and intuitive
commentary on the Geeta.

Feu 287
 y
” 5 al
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~ Ayurvedic
Garbha Senskar

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Ayurvedic
Home Remedies |

Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe

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Ayurvedic Home Shri Ram Chakra Sudarshan

Vishwapanchayatan (Marathi)
Remedies
(Also in Marathi as (Marathi) [Also in Gujarati as The chakra system in the human
Ayurvedic Gharguti Upchar) Aatma Ramayan] body works from the physical to the
Ayurveda has a host of Decoding the characters and subtlest levels of existence. Dr. Shri
remedies for several ailments message of the Ramayan so Balaji Tambe has demystified the
right out of your kitchen that we can apply its lessons to chakras and explained how and why
cabinet. Simple, effective and modern life. Dr. Shri Balaji Tambe they work. He has also developed a
natural, these remedies have uncovers the nature of action and system whereby one can work on
no side effects and can be evolution hidden in the Ramayan. the chakra system in simple ways
administered without medical Perhaps the one commentary on as part of daily life to realize their
consultation. the Ramayan that can actually be benefits to the maximum.
applied and experienced.

BF. MY aren ary

Ayurved Uvach Mantra Jeevanacha Mantra Aarogyacha

Parts I and 2 Collections of Dr Shri Collected from Dr Shri Balaji Tambe’s
(Marathi) Balaji Tambe’s writings medical writings in ‘Family Doctor’, a
Ayurveda like it is taught from the weekly ‘Family weekly supplement of Maharashtra’s
at school, but simplified Doctor’ supplement of Sakal, leading Marathi newspaper, Sakal.
even further for the Maharashtra’s leading Marathi In this book Dr Shri Balaji Tambe
common person. You newspaper. In this book Dr focuses on severai serious illnesses,
do not need any prior Shri Balaji Tambe deals with and in his lucid and often humorous
knowledge of medicine to lifestyle issues in his inimitable manner explains in great detail how
understand this engaging way, bringing to the fore how one should prevent or deal with such
introduction to basic simple practices and habits can potentially life threatening situations
Ayurvedic principles. dramatically improve your life. and lead a nor:nal life in spite of
them.

288
 co
x

A on
.. Some of his longest,standing and
most important work hasbeen in the
field of women’s health, especially
relating to pregnancy and childcare.
This area of health careis most critical
to human health. It is easy to see that if
women are helped through this period,
all of human society will benefit
immensely. Over several ratevereta lesen it
became impossible to serve the
number of people requesting guidance
on the subject. Therefore, the
Ayurvedic Garbha Sanskar became a
ele) am tm meatal ouabiercteceyemeymentts
thought process-and effort.

In his forty years of medical practice

and research, Dr-Tambe has come to
the conclusion that flaws and
deficiencies in parents-to-be can be
passed on to their future children. In
fact, there are precise correlations
between the behaviour ofparents
throughout the process of
and having a child, and the health of
their children. This is a complete
science that helps you maximize the
potential of your child. The aim of the
Ayurvedic Garbha Sanskar is that your
child should be he<
capable in every
book p ents an astonishing
detailed advice for the man and
woman planning a baby, and for their
entire family. The far-reaching
consequences of this process are really
worth experiencing and bringing to
life.
 What's in the book?
Everything you need to know from the time you
plan to have your baby, through pregnancy and
delivery, and up until your child is two years old.

® © Traditional Indian Sanskar and therapies

» Planning for a healthy child and
preparing for pregnancy
= Ayurvedic concepts and medical
formulations for pregnancy
= The importance of Healing Music
Dr. Shri
ri Balaji Tambe
= Yoga during and after pregnancy Dr Shri Balaji Tambe has been a
pioneering Ayurvedic physician for forty
= Diet before, during and after pregnancy
years. He has rediscovered several vital
= Daily practices that can help your baby processes in Ayurvedic therapy as well as
in the womb pharmacology, leaving a trail for many
m= Complete child care
others in the field to follow. A number of
his proprietary medicines have been his
= Natural diet and therapy that helps you own formulations. His centers for
regain your shape after delivery Ayurvedic Pancha Karma in India and
. abroad are considered international
... and much more benchmarks. He is a spiritual guide to
many people all over the world.

* This is the culture, the sanskar, that will help take every generation in your family towards the light
that we all have been searching for. — Saint Shri Morari Bapu

eg ; : z :
*“ A well-respected elder person of a household will guide us with all that he and his forefathers knew.
Dr. Tambe offers his rigorous scientific research of forty years, ina Hs manner to the world at
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The original Marathi version of the book, Ayurvediya Garbhasanskar} has been included
in
the United States Library of Congress as a reference book on pre and postnatal care in
Ayurveda, and maintained in the Asian Reading Room.

Language Editions: Mam §6ISBN 978-93-8057

Published in Marathi (First Edition - 4 March 2007) .
Gujarati (First Edition -6 March 2011)--

Published by Balaji Tambe Foundation

www.balajitambe. com
www.garbhasanskar.in , 9 "78938
Printed and Distributed bySakal Papers Ltd. - es INDIAONLY)