Abstract

THE CONCEPT OF GARBHINI PARICHARYA: ANTENATAL CARE IN AYURVEDA -A REVIEW

Dr. Veena Ajay Patil* and Dr. Anjali Arun Harishchandre

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Abstract

In Ayurveda pregnancy is considered a very special and divine time in a woman's life. It is often seen that a pregnant woman's aura is mainly gleaming and golden. Thus our Acharyas evolved the concept, about the type of Ahar(dietetics) and Vihar(lifestyle) during pregnancy that a pregnant women should go around with and keep away from in terms of Garbhini Paricharya. Pregnant woman desiring a healthy and good looking child should give up uncongenial diet and mode of life and sheild herself by doing good manners and using appropriate diet and mode of life. Pregnancy is an important chapter in a woman's life and any carelessness in this phase may become unfavourable to both mother and baby. The awareness about pregnant women reflects on the standard and health of the child. Ayurveda considers Ahar to be the best gut source of sustenance as well as medication for the pregnant woman. The genuine Garbhini Paricharya would result in proper growth of the foetus and its delivery, the wellbeing of the mother and hence her ability to cope with the strain of labour. Garbhini Paricharya has described monthly Ahar(dietetics)and Vihar (living style) throughout pregnancy. Dietary regimen and way of life which are contraindicated during pregnancy are called Garbhopaghatkara bhavas should abstain from a pregnant woman as well as the use of Garbhasthapak dravya is favourable for the foetus.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Ahar, Vihar, Garbhini Paricharya, Garbhopaghatkara bhavas, Garbhasthapak dravya.