Ayurveda, the science of life
Ayurvedic medicine can help expectant mothers thanks to some of its practices such as Ayurvedic massage. It is a massage made with essential oils that helps the mother to relax and find a balance between mind and body, which will also positively affect the baby.
In general, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a practice that helps to live better and healthier for longer. The medicinal principles that are used are minerals, metals purified and combined with fulvic acids and herbs, reduced in the form of powders, infusions or tablets.
It is believed that it dates back to Brahma, the creator of the universe and is said to have been born 6000 years ago, although the first manuals found date back to 1500 years ago. This medicine, for example, was first mentioned in the Caraka Samhita, a treatise on medicinal principles compiled during the reign of Emperor Kanishka.
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The balance of Ayurveda
According to the principles of Ayurveda, our body contains the three Doshas or the vital energies that determine the individual's state of well-being or discomfort based on the balance between them. The three Doshas are:
The Vata: is composed of space and air and indicates the principle of movement, therefore the movement of our body. The nervous system, respiration and blood circulation are attributed to the Vata.
The Pitta: is composed of fire and water and indicates the principle of transformation and is therefore attributed to digestion, understood in both senses, on a physical level (therefore digestion in the stomach) and on a mental level (the processing of emotions).
Kapha: is composed of water and earth and is linked to cohesion, its task is to lubricate and keep the body solid and uniform.
According to Ayurveda, pathologies arise when imbalances are created in the Dosha. Identifying these imbalances helps to find remedies to restore the internal balance of our body. The main causes of imbalance are:
The Prajna-aparadha which would be the error of the intellect, which takes the form of repeating the wrong actions or attitudes made with the aim of achieving a desire.
The Kala-parinama are the oscillations of the Doshas within our life.
The asatmyendriyartha-samyoga which corresponds to the incorrect use of the senses.
The therapies used to heal are techniques aimed precisely at rebalancing the Doshas, in addition to the different substances to be taken, physical exercises must be added. These vary according to the patient's health status and are usually yoga exercises and deep breathing techniques.
Ayurveda and pregnancy
For this reason Ayurvedic medicine provides specific attention and care for both women who wish to get pregnant and for those who are carrying on a pregnancy.
In fact, for those who want to have a child, Ayurveda recommends a purification period that must last about 6 months and which consists of a diet to cleanse the body of all harmful toxins and thus restore balance.
During this period, Ayurveda recommends quitting smoking and drinking alcohol, reducing coffee by favoring organic foods, fruit and vegetables, while avoiding acidifying foods such as tomatoes and peppers. And then take herbal teas that purify the intestine, do a lot of physical activity and a little yoga and meditation, focusing on the new life that will be born.
For pregnant women, on the other hand, Ayurveda provides a series of Ayurvedic massages with aromatic oils that are used to better prepare the body for childbirth. The expectant mother can reap great benefits both physically and mentally.
Psychologically, the massage helps to relax and achieve a balance that will also be good for the child, while physically the massage counteracts the water retention that causes swelling in the legs and feet. Ayurvedic massage stimulates energy points such as the head, face, hands and feet and the oils are chosen according to the needs of the future mother and prepared with specific herbs.
Ayurvedic massage is energizing, relieves nervous tension and prevents ailments, especially the pains of pregnancy, which is why it helps to prepare for childbirth with more serenity.
