Abstract

ROLE OF SUTIKA PARICHARYA W.S.R.T. POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

*Dr. Shilpy Shukla and Dr. Anupama V.

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Abstract

Pregnancy is the most exciting and joyous time in a woman‟s life. Giving birth to a baby brings about many changes, and these can include changes in a new mom‟s mood and emotions. Some women experience more than normal ups and downs of the postpartum period. Pregnancy and Puerperium are at times sufficiently stressful to provoke mental illness. In the absence of adequate rest, proper balanced nutrition and moral support, one out of every eight mothers is prone to develop the clinical signs and symptoms of Postpartum Depression. These include sleep disturbance, anorexia, excessive crying, fear, hopelessness, mood swings, irritability, unable to bond with newborn and suicidal thoughts. So it is important to prevent and manage Postpartum Depression. In Ayurvedic texts, Unmaada is described as a similar condition. In Ayurveda Unmaad is treated as somatic altercation, the main principle being to break the Aavarana or Manovaha Srotas. Ayurveda plays an important role in prevention and management of Postpartum Depression through the fundamental approach of Sootika Paricharya (Postpartum regimen), which incorporates diet and behavioural pattern and medicaments. These not only help to prevent but also manages the episodes of Postpartum Depression.

Keywords: Ayurveda, EPDS, Sootika roga, Satwavajaya Chikitsa, Yoga,pranayama,post partum depression.