Thought of women in Ayurveda

Thought of Women in Ayurveda

AyurvedaAyurveda is based on a medically relevant philosophy with a distinctive perspective towards human life. It views man as a microcosm of the universe. Ancient Indian physicians asserted that both nature and man are made up of the same matter, the five gross elements: earth, fire, air, water and space;additionally, man has consciousness. Man is a combination of body, mind and self; physical and psychological processes are inseparable and interact, both expressions of the life force. The treatment is given to the psychophysical organism (Bhutatma) and not to one or the other part of the body.
Ayurveda views the human being as a whole constituted of body, mind, intellect and self. The body is said to be of two types: the gross body, Sarira, which is observable and perishable, and the subtle body, Sukshma- deha, made up of elements like mahat, ahankara and sensory organs. The subtle body cannot be perceived.
Ayurveda views the human being as a whole person and not as a machine but how does it look upon male and female? The male is the giver of seed, nourished by the female, the field. The seed has potential for life; the field is inanimate. Both Caraka and Susruta use the word field for the womb. The language of Beeja and Kshetra sees woman as an object and hence a lesser being. The four goals of life, the system of four stages of life which provide a context for moral life, are not for her. Her duties are mainly two - giving birth and acting as a sexual partner. In her youth she is in the custody of her father or brother. Later on, the husband has a right over her and in old age she is under the control of her sons. She is always a dependent being. Medical treatment by Ayurveda has the effect of controlling a woman’s life. For example, Ayurveda does not permit the practice of abortion in accordance with the tenets of the Hindu Dharmasastras where garbhapaat (Abortion) is considered a sin twice greater than that of the greatest sins called Brahmahatya (Parashar Smriti.4-20: Manusmriti.4-208). The MTP Act 1971 has proved to be an agony for the women in india, rather than providing any relief to them.
Because of its commitment to the western scientific perspective, Modern medicine cannot and does not have a just approach to women’s problems. Medicinal systems are created by human beings, so they can be changed by them as well. This requires the evolution of a new perspective. The issue is not the hegemony of this or that system but how we use it for the health of all human beings. Both systems are influenced by socio- cultural practices that appropriate and use techniques to fulfill political purposes. At this level, one’s understanding of ethics and commitment to values become important.
Ayurveda prescribes a medically relevant lifestyle which includes proper diet, proper exercise and proper mental attitude. This is reflected in day-to-day practice, dinacharya. Thus ethics becomes an integral part of Ayurveda. In this ethics, obligation is the keyword. Human beings are part of a social world and they have an obligation to nature, society and to themselves. These obligations are determined according to varna and ashrama.
GARBHA SANSKAR (Prenatal education)

The Indian History of Prenatal education The story of Abhimanyu is well known in the Mahabharata. Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, learned how to enter the Chakravyuha (the strategic arrangement of warriors to entrap and defeat the enemy) when he was in his mother's womb. Abhimanyu had heard and remembered the narration of the technique by Krishna to Subhadra during her pregnancy.When Pralhad's mother was pregnant with him, she used to listen to devotional songs. Therefore, even though Pralhad took birth in a Rakshasa family, he became a devotee of Lord Vishnu.Mother of the great Indian freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar used to read the courageous stories from the Ramayana and Maharana Pratap to her son when he was in her womb.
Ancient Indian medicine has recognized the need for the mental, spiritual and physical preparation of the mother-to-be for the momentous event of childbirth. Ayurveda describes this theory as "Supraja janan" or eu-maternity This "Supraja janan", as conceptualised in Ayurveda, involves the preparation of the couple planning pregnancy, three months prior to conception. Pregnancy should be by choice, and not by chance. The beginning is by pinda shuddhi or the purification of the gametes (sperm and ovum). If the couple is not in a state of mental stability and calmness, even if they are physically fit, they cannot give birth to a healthy child. This mental calmness and stability ("Sathwa Guna") of mind is closely related to ones food habits and many other factors. Abstinence from spicy foods and addictive substances is advised.
It is now universally proven that the foetus is not just a mindless mass of flesh, but a highly responsive and evolving human being, capable of receiving, understanding and responding to external stimuli. It, therefore, follows that the foetus has a right to receive positive and enriching feedback or garbha sanskar.Ayurveda prescribe a particular daily practice for the pregnant woman. Along with the prescription for diet, Yoga and routine body care, instructions are also given for reading material, subjects of discussion, and music and mantras to be listened to.
Development of parent-foetus bonding : The techniques involve meditation, autosuggestion, self-hypnosis, and visualisation (including the highly-effective white light visualisation and benevolence beaming technique), establishing a dialogue with the foetus.The main requirement to transmit 'good values' is to establish communication with the baby in the womb. Thoughts and feelings of the parents affect the baby. Even before the thought is expressed, it remains in an unexpressed form in the mind. At that time, its wavelength is the shortest and its energy is at the maximum level. Intentional, directed, selfless, unspoken thoughts lead to maximum sanskar on the foetus.Prayer For The Parents -'We pray in the name of the Highest Truth. We believe that everyone stands by his own causality, self or karma. To the extent to which the karma of all three of us has conjoined, my prayer should contribute to, and ameliorate the child. Though I do not wish any change in the chosen course of the child, I harbor a natural desire for the good of the child. Little baby we welcome you!''Come to enjoy a fruitful and realized life. On our part we would like you to be .... [In these spaces parents suggest their wish to the baby] and develop...skills, if you have no objection. In pursuance of we shall try to offer facilities for the indication from you, namely..., we shall try to offer facilities for the same. Let this prayer work to that end as much as it can. We submit this prayer for the good of yourself, our family, nation, mankind and the world as a whole. Let this step purify all of us to attend to what we desire and deserve. May the Good Spirit in us help all of us.'
Lifestyle of of the mother-to-be : It is unadvisable for the pregnant woman to watch the films depicting scenes of horrer, murder, and violence. It can produce negative effect on the child's character in future. During pregnancy she should keep company only with people who have a favorable influence over her. She should read fine literature, look at the beautiful works of art, listen to soft music, contemplate pleasant landscapes and have only positive and constructive thoughts.
Herbal Medication:Two herbal Ghees (Medicated ghee - Base is Cow's ghee) are recommended in the 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 9th months of pregnancy. This ghee is to be taken every day during this period and the dose is one tablespoon. This treatment is widely practised southern states of India especially in Kerala. The herbal preparation 'Kalyanakam Ghrut' is used in the 4th & 5th months. It is supposed to be effective in the development of mental faculties of the growing foetus. It also helps in the development of all bodily systems in the foetal baby. More over it prevents congenital abnormalities. This ghee prevents anemia in mother. 'Thanka sree Ghrut' is used in the last months of pregnancy. This aids the complete developments in the foetal life and can bring good fortunes to the child. This ghee also helps to a full term normal delivery. Punsavan Sanskara : It is one of the 16 Sanskaras mentioned in Hindu Dharmasastras, also one out of the four,that are performed upon the females, i.e., Garbhadaan, Punsavan, Seemantonnayan and Jaatakarma. The popular notion about this Sanskara is that it is performed for the desire of having a male child. But the description in Ayurvedic texts (Charak Sh.8, Susruta Sh.2 and Ashtangsangraha S.S), provide the option to choose out of male and female, with a slight difference in the performance of the Sanskaras.
Nutritional Status During Pregnancy
Successful pregnancy requires continuous adjustments in maternal body composition, metabolism and the functions of various physiological systems. The physiological condition of women influence their nutritional status, because most Indian mothers are pregnant too frequently, malnourished, anaemic and dying of causes which can be easily prevented. In addition, Indian society has some socioeconomic conditions, cultural norms, and practices, which determine the nutritional status of a family and the women.
A nutritional diet is required for the maternal well being and a healthy baby. Normal pregnancy needs an adequate amount of protein, fats, calcium, vitamins, magnesium and zinc.
Various studies on the average daily dietary intake of calories in pregnant women indicate that this varies from 1000-1900 calories; the intake of proteins is around 40 grams. The calorie and protein intake needs of pregnant women are lower than those of lactating women and higher than those of the non-pregnant, non-lactating women. The average daily iron intake of pregnant women averages 17.1mg. In general the dietary intakes of all the women in the urban slums are lower than the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) recommended daily allowances, it may be improved by making nutritional education and supplementary nutrition to the pregnant women.
During pregnancy there is increased requirement of various vitamins and minerals; minerals include calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Calcium deficiency in pregnant women cause increased blood pressure, myocyte contraction and arteriolar constriction. Magnesium deficiency includes hypomagnesaemia, hypomagnesuria and hypokalaemia. Zinc deficiency cause congential malformations, neural tube defects and intrauterine growth retardation. To prevent these deficiency leafy vegetables, whole cereals, whole grain, whole pulses, meat, nuts, etc. should be consumed frequently by the pregnant women.
The ICMR recommended dietary allowance was not followed by many of village women residing in villages. The main cause for such a low intake of food was found to be lower literacy rate among these women. It was also seen that women consumed food only after everybody has eaten their share. Nutrition education programmes should be rendered to rural women, through orientation training camps on regular intervals. All nutrition education programmes, study of dietary pattern should be conducted at intervals to monitor the impact of such programmes on the women.
Longitudinal studies on the nutrient intake of pregnant women show that intake of calories, protein, calcium and iron by the pregnant women in all the trimesters was far below the recommended dietary value. It was also found that the intake of all nutrients by the pregnant women was significantly in the second and third trimesters than that in the first trimester. The factors that exerted a significant effect on the food intake were family income and trimesters of pregnancy.
According to ayurvedic obstetricians the greatest challenge is the effort to cope with the disparity between traditional Eastern and modern western ideas. Ayurveda is also a medical science but it does make a very slender demarcation between food and medicine. Ayurveda is more practical and experience based medical science "Swasthasya Swasthaya Rakshanam"(prevention is better than cure) is Ayurveda’s primary goal. Even today prescribing food along with few herbs is able to make a great impact on the health of a pregnant woman. To an expecting mother, intake of milk, honey, and ghee is advised. During pregnancy there is tendency to put on undue weight. At this time, dieting is not suitable advice. Use of honey is best, as it helps one loose weight.
Ayurveda advises special attention to be paid to the nutrition and protection of the woman. The ayurveda approach can certainly contribute in a significant manner. Some areas where integration between western medicine and ayurveda can be thought of are:
Incorporation of Do's and Don'ts in antenatal counseling.
Giving due importance to the psychological and emotional aspects of the pregnant woman, and her daily routine.
Laying stress on care by the husband and other family members.
Supplementing her diet with folic acid and Shatavari during the first trimester.
Using Ashwagandha during the second trimester to improve immunity.
Giving supplements of iron and calcium with herbal preparations and
Adopting the beneficial concepts of the sootikagar
Menopause- The Agony and
Ayuvedic approach of its management
Menopause is a unique experience for every woman. It is the ending of a woman's monthly menstrual periods and ovulation. It also signals other changes to the body and mind, brought on in part because the body begins producing lesser amounts of the hormones estrogen and progesterone (among others).
Menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman's life. How a woman views this time of her life can have a lot to do with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is viewed as the end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is viewed as the next, natural phase of life, a time of greater freedom, liberation from the restrictions of youth. .
Although menopause is one of the important physical milestones in a woman's life, many women lack concrete information about what is taking place and what are their options. With a proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise and simple lifestyle changes, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized to a great extent and with this knowledge and preparation you can step forward with grace and embrace it!
Ayurveda links menopause with aging. Aging is a ‘Vata’ predominant stage of life. Thus, the symptoms of menopause experienced by some women are similar to the symptoms seen when the Vata dosha rises and upsets the normal balance of the body. Vata-type menopausal symptoms tend to include depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Menopause may also manifest itself as a rise in the other two humors also. Women with Pitta-type symptoms are often angry and suffer hot flashes. Kapha type symptoms include listlessness, weight gain, and feelings of mental and physical heaviness.
The type of treatment depends upon the dosha in which the woman's menopausal symptoms are manifesting.
Here it is important to note that health problems at menopause represent imbalances in the body that were already growing in the body and are unmasked by the stress of shifting hormones. Menopause symptoms are Nature's wake-up call to let you know you need to start paying more attention to your health. Taking proper steps in the direction of balancing the imbalance doshas, paying attention to your diet and making lifestyle changes now is critical to ensuring that you age gracefully without the burden of chronic health problems.
Vata-type menopause
Symptoms – Nervousness, anxiety, panic, mood swings, vaginal dryness, loss of skin tone, feeling cold, irregular periods, insomnia, mild or variable hot flashes, constipation, palpitations, bloating and joints aches and pains.
Treatment:
Diet - Increase warm food and drinks, regular meals, and use spices such as fennel and cumin. Decrease caffeine and other stimulants, refined sugar, cold drinks, salads.
Lifestyle - Early bedtime, oil massage using almond and olive oil, meditation, yoga, Regular exercise like walking
Anti-Vata herbs include ashwagandha, arjuna, astragalus, cardamom, comfrey root, garlic, ginseng, guggul, hawthorn berries, licorice, myrrh, rehmannia, sandalwood and zizphus.
Pitta-type menopause
Symptoms - Prone to Hot Temper, anger, irritability, feeling hot, hot flashes, night sweats, heavy periods, excessive bleeding, urinary tract infections, skin rashes and acne.
Treatment:
Diet - Increase cooling foods, water intake, sweet juicy fruits (grapes, pears, plums, mango, melons, apples,) zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, organic foods. Use spices such as cinnamon, cardamom and fennel. Avoid hot spicy foods, hot drinks and alcohol. no eating late at night.
Lifestyle - Go to bed before 10 PM , oil massage using coconut and sesame oil. Use Meditation and other techniques to reduce anger, hatred and resentment. Exercise and exposure to the sun are limited.
Anti Pitta herbs to be used include aloe vera, arjuna, barberry, golden seal, gotu kola, saffron, sandalwood and shatavari.
Kapha-type menopause
Symptoms - Weight Gain , sluggishness, lethargy, fluid retention, yeast infections, lazy, depressed, lacking motivation, slow digestion.
Treatment:
Diet – Prefer light, dry and warm food, Consume fruits, whole grains, legumes, vegetables. Use spices such as black pepper, turmeric and ginger. Avoid meat, cheese, sugar, cold foods and drinks. Weekly fasting is helpful. Most or all of the daily food should be consumed before 6 p.m.
Lifestyle - Get up early (by 6AM). Mustard oil and linseed oil are often recommended for massage.
Anti Kapha Herbs include bayberry, cayenne, cinnamon, guggul, motherwort ,mustard and myrrh.
Key factors in achieving graceful menopause –
A smooth menopause transition and great health in the years to come can be achieved with the help of -
Balancing Doshas - Ascertain the imbalance dosha according to your symptoms and follow the advice given above to balance that dosha.
Balancing Diet - Diet plays a key role in balancing hormones during and after menopause. It is well known that Japanese women rarely experience hot flashes, probably because their diet contains large amounts of soy/soya, a food rich in certain plant estrogens called "isoflavones." Soya products are not the only source of plant estrogens, however. Another equally healthful source of phytoestrogens are "lignans," compounds found in a variety of whole foods including grains and cereals, dried beans and lentils, flaxseed, sunflower seeds and peanuts, vegetables such as asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic and broccoli and fruits such as pears, plums and strawberries. Common herbs and spices such as thyme oregano, nutmeg, turmeric and licorice also have estrogenic properties. Eat a varied diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dried beans .It’s a rich source of phytoestrogen. Variety and moderation are important because just as too much estrogen is unhealthy after menopause, too much phytoestrogen may also be dangerous. Apana Vata, which governs the genito-urinary tract, elimination, and menstruation, is a key area to attend to when preparing for menopause. Drink plenty of warm water throughout the day. Eat plenty of cooked, leafy greens, as this helps elimination and is also a good source of calcium. For both Pitta and Vata imbalances, a breakfast of cooked apples and prunes and figs is a good way to start the day, as it balances the doshas and cleanses the digestive track.
Panchakarma - More serious symptoms, such as frequent hot flashes, continual sleep disturbance, and moderate to severe mood swings, are signs of deeper imbalances. Ayurveda describes that these stubborn symptoms are usually due to the buildup of wastes and toxins, referred to as "ama," in the body's tissues.In this case, a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification program "panchakarma," may be needed to clear the body's channels and gain relief. This internal cleansing approach is also the treatment of choice for more serious problems such as osteoporosis and high cholesterol.
Prasooti-Tantra (Obstetrics), has always been an important discipline in Ayurveda as is clear from the above therapeutic approach. In addition Ayurveda prescribes in detail the procedures to manage the full term pregnancy, in order to facilitate a safe delivery off the foetus. Whereas Acharya Charak and Susruta have called for the laprotomy to take out the dead or undelieverable fortus (Caesarean Section), there is no mention of the procedures like Episiotomy or Forceps Delivery.
A multi-disciplinary approach to menopause is completely lacking in India. Menopausal ailments can require specialist attention ranging from urologists to cardiac surgeons to brain specialists. While an interdisciplinary exchange is essential within allopathy, it is also essential between the various systems of medicine. Allopathic physicians tend to ignore the cures offered by ayurveda, naturopathy, unai and yoga. Dr. S.K. Sharma, Adviser (Ayurveda), Union Ministry of Health, says; "The post-graduate teaching universities of Gujarat Ayurvedic University, Banaras Hindu University and the National Institute of Ayurveda in Jaipur have brought out doctoral theses on the management of menopausal symptoms. Ashwagandha, Ashoka and Chandan are the most useful as they are non-hormonal. They are said to be quite suitable to deal with menopausal symptoms. The medication is usually given to women between the ages of 40 and 50 for a period of two months and there is usually no need to repeat it."
It is clear from the above discussion that Ayurveda provides a holistic and non-discriminatory approach towards females giving them an opportunity to lead a normal healthy life like that of the males, because it is a healthy body that can obtain chaturvidh purushartha, i.e., Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Ayuveda, being contemporary to the Indian classical History, supplements the demands of an ideal Hindu life and therefore is fittest in the frame of the Indian Ethos.Thus, it is beyond doubt that there has been enough conciousness about women in ancient Indian Ethos and Ayurveda on its part has made a valuable contribution in keeping the health of the fair sex Pink, always.
Dr. Jai Prakash Gupta, Amritkalash Chikitsalaya, Shop N. 20-21, Housing Board Colony, AMBALA CANTT-133001 ( HARYANA). INDIA Mobile- +91-9315510425 Email- chikitsak@rediffmail.com