Abstract

GARBHASHAYA SHODHANA DURING SUTIKA KALA: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE AND CONTEMPORARY INSIGHTS INTO POSTPARTUM UTERINE INVOLUTION—A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Prashant Patil, Rutuja R. Nagane

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period (Sutika Kala) is a critical phase characterized by physiological, anatomical, endocrine, and psychological adaptations that restore maternal health after childbirth. Uterine involution, involving myometrial contraction, lochial clearance, endometrial regeneration, and tissue remodeling, is fundamental for successful postpartum recovery. Ayurveda advocates comprehensive postpartum care through Sutika Paricharya, emphasizing restoration of Agni, regulation of Apana Vata, nourishment of Dhatus, and maintenance of maternal well-being. Within this framework, Garbhashaya Shodhana is understood as a holistic concept supporting physiological uterine restoration rather than a simple cleansing procedure. Objective: To critically review the Ayurvedic concept of Garbhashaya Shodhana during Sutika Kala and explore its conceptual relationship with contemporary understanding of postpartum uterine involution. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts and peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Evidence related to postpartum physiology, uterine involution, tissue repair, and Ayurvedic postpartum care was critically reviewed and synthesized. Results: The principles underlying Garbhashaya Shodhana are reflected in Sutika Paricharya through regulation of Apana Vata, enhancement of Agni, and promotion of Dhatu Pushti. These principles show functional similarities with modern physiological processes such as uterine contraction, lochial evacuation, endometrial regeneration, and tissue remodeling. However, high-quality clinical evidence evaluating the effectiveness of Ayurvedic postpartum interventions remains limited. Conclusion: Garbhashaya Shodhana represents a holistic Ayurvedic concept supporting postpartum uterine recovery. Although its principles demonstrate conceptual parallels with modern mechanisms of uterine involution, further well-designed clinical studies are required to establish their therapeutic role within evidence-based integrative maternal healthcare.

Keywords: Garbhashaya Shodhana; Sutika Kala; Sutika Paricharya; Ayurveda; Postpartum care; Uterine involution; Maternal recovery; Integrative medicine.