
Feeling Drained After Delivery? Ayurvedic Therapies Every New Mom Must Try To Beat Baby Blues (Image Credits: iStock)
Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful yet challenging experience. Post-delivery, a mother undergoes significant anatomical and physiological changes that can lead to fatigue, disturbed sleep, mood swings, and hormonal imbalances. While modern medicine offers various recovery options, Ayurveda—India’s ancient system of medicine—provides a holistic approach called Sutika Paricharya, which helps in postpartum healing. But how?
We got in touch with Dr Sakshi Varshney, a certified Garbhasanskar coach and Ayurvedic expert, to understand how Ayurveda helps new mothers recover naturally.
What is Sutika Paricharya?
According to Dr Varshney, Sutika Paricharya is a structured postpartum care regimen that dates back over 5,000 years. It involves a combination of Panchakarma therapies, Ayurvedic treatments, herbal supplements, a specialized diet, and yoga practices. The goal is to restore balance in the body, enhance vitality, and support long-term well-being.
“The postnatal period is critical for a woman’s health,” explains Dr Varshney. “It’s when her body undergoes deep hormonal and anatomical shifts. If these changes are not managed properly, they can lead to long-term health issues like weak digestion, joint pain, and emotional imbalances,” she said.
Why Choose Ayurveda for Postpartum Recovery?
Postpartum recovery isn’t just about resting; it’s about restoring the body’s strength and function. Whether a mother has undergone a C-section or a normal delivery, the body experiences immense stress. Ayurveda offers a natural way to heal by focusing on:
Restoring hormonal balance
Enhancing milk production
Strengthening digestion
Aiding in physical and emotional recovery
Replenishing lost blood and nutrients
Cleaning the uterine cavity to prevent infections
Dr Varshney explains, “Since Ayurveda works with the body's natural processes, it ensures a sustainable recovery without harmful side effects. It’s about rejuvenation, not just symptom relief.”
Panchakarma Therapies for Postpartum Healing
Panchakarma, Ayurveda’s detoxification therapy, plays a vital role in Sutika Paricharya. Some key therapies include:
Sarvang Abhyanga (Full-body Oil Massage):
Eases muscle tension and emotional stress
Enhances blood circulation and energy levels
Relieves postpartum fatigue
Podikizhi (Herbal Pouch Therapy):
Reduces pain and stiffness, especially in the back and pelvic region
Helps with inflammation and postpartum swelling
Marma Therapy:
Restores the body’s natural balance
Udarveshtan (Belly Binding & Massage):
Helps the uterus shrink back to its normal size
Reduces swelling and aids in digestive recovery
Talam (Ayurvedic Head Therapy):
Uses Vata-pacifying herbs to promote relaxation
Enhances mental clarity and emotional stability
Dhoopan (Herbal Fumigation):
Uses herbs like hingu, ajwain, mustard, neem, and guggulu to purify the air and prevent infections
Enhances immunity and promotes better sleep for both mother and baby
Yoni Prakshalan (Herbal Vaginal Wash):
Maintains postpartum hygiene
Helps reduce vaginal discomfort and swelling
Ayurvedic Principles for a New Mother’s Health
Beyond therapies, Ayurveda incorporates dietary and lifestyle changes to support recovery. Dr Varshney shares the four key principles:
Vata Shaman (Balancing Vata Dosha):
Postpartum Vata imbalance leads to bloating, joint pain, and dryness.
Treatments like Abhyanga, Udarveshtan, and Podikizhi help stabilize Vata energy.
Agni Deepan (Boosting Digestion):
A weakened digestive fire (Agni) can cause constipation and sluggish metabolism.
Ayurveda recommends warm, easily digestible foods like moong dal khichdi and herbal teas.
Pachan (Enhancing Nutrient Absorption):
Certain herbs and digestive supplements aid in postpartum digestion and improve milk quality.
Dhatuposhan (Tissue Nourishment):
The body rebuilds itself by nourishing all seven tissues (dhatus), from blood to bones.
Therapies and diet work together to restore strength and stamina.
Recovering from childbirth requires more than just rest—it needs mindful care and nourishment. Ayurveda’s Sutika Paricharya provides a natural way for mothers to regain their health, ensuring a balanced body and mind.
As Dr Varshney says, “Postpartum care is an investment in a mother’s future well-being. When she heals properly, she is stronger, healthier, and better able to care for her baby.”
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