Abstract

MASANUMASIKA PARICHARYA: CLASSICAL INSIGHTS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE IN MATERNAL AND FETAL CARE

Dr. Meghna Vaman Nayak* and Dr. T. Vishala

Abstract

The woman who carries a fetus, referred to as "garbha," is called a "garbhini." The term "paricharya" is derived from the root "charagatau," combined with the prefix "pari." Therefore, "Garbhini Paricharya" represents the essential and appropriate ante-natal care provided to pregnant women. Thousands of years ago, our ancient scholars emphasized the importance of garbhini paricharya, a practice that is scientific, distinctive, precise and highly beneficial for both the mother and the fetus. The principles of prenatal and ante-natal care, highlighted in contemporary science, were already noted in Ayurveda long ago. The nine-month diet and regimen known as "masanumasika garbhini paricharya," which is unique to Ayurveda, adapts to the growth of the fetus while also promoting the mother's health. The fundamental components of garbhini paricharya include "ahara" (food), "vihara" (lifestyle), "garbhopaghatkara bhavas" (factors affecting the fetus), and "garbha sthapaka dravyas" (substances that support fetal development), among others. In today's fast-paced world, many women encounter complications and various health issues during conception and throughout their pregnancy. By properly following garbhini paricharya, one can ensure the proper development of the fetus and prepare the pregnant woman for a healthy delivery (sukhprasava) on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. This paper discusses a comprehensive month-by-month diet that can be tailored based on the pregnant woman's age (vaya), season (rutu), location (desha), constitution (prakruti), and digestive capacity (agni) to enhance her well-being and that of the fetus.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Pregnancy, Garbhini Paricharya, Ante-natal care, Mansanumasik Ahar.