The 5,000-year-old science of Ayurveda gives us the steps we need to take to stay healthy, safe, and sated this fall. Seasonal Guidelines for Fall In Ayurveda , we take our cues from nature. Autumn is a time of transition, a time to leave behind the heat and productivity of summer, slow down, fall back and “learn from the falling leaves how to let go.” As per the Ayurvedic seasonal regimen, or Ritucharya , fall and early winter are vata season (the energy principle of air and ether). Vata is dry, light, cold, rough, subtle, and mobile, and an imbalance in this dosha (energy principle) can lead to similar qualities in the individual. The two simple concepts in restoring balance are like increases like and opposites balance each other. For instance, the dry quality of vata can be balanced by internal and external oleation, hydrating enough, and unctuous food like soups and massages. A rejuvenating cleanse is highly recommended to enhance our immunity in Fall. Ritucharya
According to Ayurveda, pregnancy and delivery can be the most rejuvenating experience of a women’s life, during which every cell of the mother’s body can be transformed. Unfortunately, in the west, we did not get that memo, and mothers often pay dearly with health concerns after a pregnancy.
Ayurvedic Guideline For a Healthy Pregnancy
During pregnancy, downward-moving energy called Apana vata supports the development of the fetus. When the mother-to-be is balanced, there is enough Apana vata to go around. In cases of stress and tiredness, however, the upward-moving vata – called prana vata – has to step in and is redirected downward to support the needs of the baby. Without the prana needed to feel the joy of pregnancy, this can leave the mom exhausted, depleted, tired, and even depressed postpartum.
Ayurveda Pregnancy Dietary Tips
Ayurveda strongly recommends a diet based on fresh flora. Fresh green vegetables and freshly cooked food products are highly advantageous for maintaining the health and hygiene of the mother as well as the baby. Ideally, highly spicy and oily food should be avoided for maintaining a balanced metabolism.
For upholding the perfect quantum of energy in the body, Ayurveda's pregnancy diet deems an equal amount of sweet, savory, and salty tastes as a mandatory part of a mother’s diet. Besides, ayurvedic oils could be used for massages to accord the mother sufficient relief
Pregnancy Care Tips in Ayurveda
There are classic Ayurveda strategies or tips to be used during pregnancy that can support the health and well-being of mom and baby, and keep the prana and Apana vata in balance.
- Favor Your Cravings. The most important advice is to eat what you naturally desire. Follow a well-balanced diet, with meals including adequate amounts of protein, healthy starch, and veggies.
- Ayurveda Balance Vata. The major theme during pregnancy is to balance Vata, the energy of the nervous system. This is best done with a diet of fresh, plant-based, whole or sprouted grains and non-processed foods. Warm, freshly cooked foods with healthy oils of olive, ghee, and coconut are good. Avoid eating leftovers as much as possible. Foods to Avoid:
- Hot spicy foods
- Undercooked beans and lentils – which can also cause gas.
- Uncooked leafy greens – as they can cause gas.
- Artificial flavors, preservatives, and chemical additives
- Balance Between 3 Tastes. The three tastes that balance vata are sweet, sour, and salty. During pregnancy, the sweet taste should be most emphasized, because it is the most sattvic or wholesome for the baby. This includes sprouted bread or those cooked without oils, whole grains, rice, fruits, and healthy starches like sweet potatoes, quinoa, cooked beets, and carrots.
- The Right Milk. Drink warm, vat-pasteurized (heated under 135 degrees F), non-homogenized milk with ghee made from grass-fed cows. One cup of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee twice a day is said to boost immunity and the complexion, or “Ojas,” of the baby.
- Daily Massage with an Ayurvedic Herbalized Massage Oil. These oils feed the microbiology on the skin, as well as calm the skin-based sensory nervous system of the mom. The calmer the mom, the calmer the baby.
- Tips to Conquer Morning Sickness: If pregnant women face morning sickness issues during the last months of pregnancy then you need to follow tips to reduce it:
- Roast cardamom seeds, powder them and eat a small pinch through the day.
- Snack on dry crackers or toast. It helps to always keep a little food in the stomach.
- Temporarily eat from the Spring Grocery List or Kapha-Reducing Diet.
- Sip tea made of 1/4 tsp. ginger powder and/or fennel seeds and hot water.
- Try sleeping in a semi-reclined position by putting a pillow between the box spring and the mattress.
- Do Basic Exercise Daily. A great way to get this is to walk for 30 minutes each day.
- Ayurvedic Tips For Promoting The Health: In the 8th month, you should get as much rest as possible. This is a delicate time when the subtle nutrient fluid called “Ojas” that supports vitality, complexion, and immunity is passed between the mother and baby.
Try to Follow Ayurveda Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
- Maintain a healthy, mild, easy to digest diet
- Keep your food timings regular
- Keep your mental health constant and keep yourself happy
Don'ts Try to Follow Ayurveda Tips for Healthy Pregnancy
- Avoid foods that are spicy or contain too much oil
- Do not engage in sexual intercourse, intense work out regimen during pregnancy
- Try to avoid negative feelings and general feelings of discontent
- Do not cover your abdomen with heavy blankets
- While wearing your clothes, do not tie tight knots over your abdomen
- Do not change sides during your sleep without getting up
- Avoid sleeping on your back and sleep on your sides
Ayurveda Therapies During Pregnant Period
Ayurveda is one of the most effective kinds of therapies that help deal with the problems of pregnancy. During this period, using Ayurveda to support your health could be most helpful for the development of your baby. Ayurveda will help you effectively deal with all kinds of pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, fluid retention, spotting, etc.
Most important thing in Ayurveda for a healthy pregnancy is to be Happy. The most important pregnancy principle is to remember to be happy. The partner’s job during this time is to keep the mama-to-be happy. Of course, the mom must practice daily acts of happiness as well.
Written and reviewed by
BAMS
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