E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Granthokta Garbhini Paricharya

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 3 March
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Scientific applicability in day-to-day practice on Granthokta Garbhini Paricharya

Sakshi1*, Kumar Panda J2, Tanwar S3
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.3.28

1* Sakshi, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Institute for Ayurved Studies Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

2 Jitesh Kumar Panda, Professor HOD, Dept of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Institute for Ayurved Studies Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

3 Suniti Tanwar, Associate Professor, Dept of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Institute for Ayurved Studies Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.

Achievement of motherhood is the cherished desire of every woman, as fetus depends upon mother for its nourishment, so health of pregnant women is most important as motherhood represents the bearing capacity of fetus inside the womb and delivery in a healthy status. There are many physiological and psychological changes occur in different stages of pregnancy in which some of them may ends up in discomfort and trouble. Acharyas have described Masanumasika Garbhini Paricharya in classical texts of Ayurveda for pregnant women that help in the development of fetus, healthy growth of fetus and care to mother. Garbhini Paricharya is nothing but the care given to pregnant women mostly through Ahara and Vihara. It is the daily regimen one should have to follow in the most delicate days of their life. The nine monthly diets are singularly unique in Ayurveda. This Paricharya changes in accordance to the growth of fetus in the womb and at the same time ensures health of mother. One can find remnants of dietetics (Paricharya) with older women and midwives but detailed and comprehensive diet plan as Paricharya is being practiced only by Acharyas. The main intension of advising Garbhini Paricharya is Paripurnatya (providing growth to fetus and mother), Anupaghata (pregnancy without complications) and Sukhaprasava (for normal delivery and healthy progeny). In this paper we are giving a broad expanse of the month wise diet as Garbhini Paricharya which can be modified according to the season, age, place, and digestive fire of pregnant woman.

Keywords: Garbhini Paricharya, Ayurveda, Pathya, Apathya, Masanumasika

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Sakshi, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, Institute for Ayurved Studies Research, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India.
Email: 		Sakshi, Kumar Panda J, Tanwar S, Scientific applicability in day-to-day practice on Granthokta Garbhini Paricharya. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(3):181-185.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3188

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-01-13 2024-01-23 2024-02-02 2024-02-12 2024-02-21
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 20.78

© 2024by Sakshi, Kumar Panda J, Tanwar Sand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

Pregnancy is one of the most important normal physiological processes in women’s life. Pregnancy is a period of transition with physical & emotional changes. Even in uncomplicated cases, these changes can affect the quality of life in pregnant women and affect the health of both mother and fetus. 2.7 million Neonatal death and 2.6 million stillbirths were reported in the world from 1990 to 2015 (WHO).[1] Additionally, near 99% of maternal death occurred in low and middle-income countries. If women can assess quality medical care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum then maternal death can be reduced (WHO). Though, health of Garbhini is very important. During the period of pregnancy mother's body undergoes numerous changestocreate and support the development of fetus. Since, health of fetus completely depends on its mother. So, caring of the mother before, during and after pregnancy is very much important.

According to Ayurveda, health of Garbhini was maintained through proper Garbhini Paricharya. These Paricharya maintained from conception till delivery.

Aim and Objectives

To study Masanumasika Garbhini Paricharya as per Ayurveda and to understand clinical importance of Masanumasika Garbhini Paricharya.

Materials and Methods

All the information regarding Garbhini Paricharya was collected from ancient Ayurvedic literature (Brihatrayee and Laghutrayee), related journals, and research and review articles.

Garbhini Paricharya

This Garbhini Paricharya can be studied into three parts:

1. Masanumasika Pathya (Monthly Dietary Regimen)

2. Garbhopaghatakara Bhavas (Activities and substances which are harmful to foetus)

3. Garbhasthapaka Dravyas (Substances beneficial for maintenance of pregnancy)

Masanumasika Pathya

MonthCharaka[2]Sushruta[3]Vagbhata[4]Harita[5]
1.Non medicated milkMadhura, sheet
and liquid diet		Medicated milkMadhuyashti, Madhukpushpa with butter, honey and sweetened milk
2.Milk medicated with Madhura Rasa DravyaSame as 1st monthSame as CharakaSweetened milk treated with Kakoli
3.Milk with honey and GhritaSame as 1st monthSame as CharakaKrishara (a dish prepared with rice and pulses)
4.Butter extracted from milk or milk with butterCooked Shashti rice with curd, food mixed with milk and butter, meat of wild animalsButter extracted from milk or milk with butterMedicated cooked rice
5.Ghrita prepared with butter extracted from milkCooked Shashti rice with milk, meat of wild animalsSame as CharakaPayasa (rice cooked with milk and sweetened)
6.Ghrita prepared from milk medicated with MadhuradravyasGhrita or Yavagu (rice gruel) medicated with GokshuraSame as CharakaSweetened curd
7.Ghrita prepared from milk medicated with Madhura DravyasGhrita medicated with Prithakparnyaadi group of drugsSame as CharakaGhritapuraka
8.Yavagu (rice gruel) prepared with milk and mixed with GhritaAsthapanabasti (decocation of Badari mixed Bala, Atibala, Shatapuspa, Patala, milk, curd, Mastu, oil, salt, Madanphala, honey and Ghrita) followed by Anuvasana Basti (oil medicated with milk and decoction of Madhuradravyas)Yavagu (rice gruel) prepared with milk and mixed with Ghrita, Asthapanabasti, AnuvasanabastiGhritapuraka
9.Anuvasana Basti (oil medicated with milk and decoction of Madhuradravyas), Vaginal tampon of oilAsthapanabasti, Madhura, SnigdhadravyaaharaSame as CharakaDifferent varieties of cereals

During pregnancy fetus gets its nutrition from mother through placenta. Adequate nutrition is


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needed for proper growth of fetus. The requirement of nutrition varies according to developmental stage of fetus month wise (Masanumasika Vrudhi). Pregnancy imposes the extra nutrients requirement thus, the dietetic requirements of mother also changed month wise. By following these dietetic regimens, the pregnant woman remains healthy and delivers a baby having good health, energy, strength, complexion and voice. The baby would also be well-built.

In Ayurvedic literature, month wise dietetic regimen is given in details known as Masanumasika Paricharya (monthly regimen) for woman right from the first month up to the ninth month of pregnancy. The monthly regimen is necessary to make pelvis, waist, sides of the chest, back, healthy & flexible and downward movement of Vata Dosha (Vataanulomana) - which is needed for the normal delivery.

Clinical Importance of Garbhini Paricharya

First Trimester

  • Embryogenesis takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy hence an increased amount of energy is required during this period. The energy will be provided by Kshira, Ghirta, Krusara, Payasa, Kshira medicated with Madhura Ausadhi.
  • Most women experience nausea and vomiting during first trimester, thus cannot take proper diet which results in dehydrationandlossof Use of cold, sweet, liquid diet and milk will prevent dehydration and supply required nourishment.
  • Drugs of Madhura group being anabolic will help in maintenance of proper health of mother andfetus.

Second Trimester

  • Fourth month onwards muscular tissue of foetus grows sufficiently thus requiring more protein which is supplied from animal sources suchasmeat,milk, cheese, butter etc.
  • Milk provides nourishment and stability to foetus.
  • Cooked Shasti rice advised in Garbhini Paricharya is rich in carbohydrate and provides energy to body.
  • Meat provides nourishment to the foetus and helps in muscular growth of the foetus.
  • By the end of second trimester most women suffer from oedema of feet and other complications of water retention so, Ghirta medicated with Guksura is used which is a good diuretic. It will prevent retention of water as well as itscomplications.

Third Trimester

  • Ghrita medicated with Prithakparnayadi group of drugs are diuretic, anabolic, relieve emaciation and suppress Pitta and Kapha Dosha. Their regular use in seventh month might help in maintaining health of both mother and foetus.
  • Yavagu consumption in eighth month which is Balya and Brimana provides nourishment to mother and foetus.
  • Most women suffer from constipation in late pregnancy, Asthapana Basti administered during eighth month which is best for Vata Anulomana relieves constipation. Besides this it may also affect the autonomous nervous system governing myometrium and help in regulating their function during labour.
  • Tampon (Yoni Pichu) of medicated oil in vagina provides lubrication of cervix, vaginal canal and perineum thus help in normal labour. This tampon may destroy pathogenic bacteria of vaginal canal and prevent puerperal sepsis. Regular use of tampon might influence autonomic fibers governing myometrium and in regulating their functions.
  • Milk and drugs of Madhura group have been advised for entire period of pregnancy. Milk is the complete food and the drugs of Madhura group are anabolic, thus use of these will help in maintenance of proper health of mother and growth and developmentoffetus.

1. Garbhopaghatakara Bhavas[6]

Garbhopaghatakara Bhava means certain factors should not be done during pregnancy because they harm the foetus. In Ayurveda different Acharyas have explained the Garbhopaghatakara Bhavasareasfollow:

Charaka Samhita

In Charaka Samhita, Acharya Charaka has explained that the pregnant woman should avoid Tikshna Aushadha, Vyavaya (excessive coitus) and


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Vyayama (excessive exercise), use of Atiguru, Atitikshna (excessive pungent), Atiushna (excessive hot), Darun Cheshta etc. Pregnant women should not wear red colored clothes, should not consume alcohol, should not travel in fast vehicles, should not eat meat, should avoid from a distance the spirit that are inimical to senses. Pregnant women should avoid Ahitkar Ahar and Vihar.

Sushruta Samhita[7]

According to Acharya Sushruta, women should completely abstain from Vyavaya (coitus), Vyayam (exercise), and Atitarpan (excessive drinking) starting on the day of conception, Atikarshan (excessive emaciation), Diwaswapna, Ratrijagaran, Yanavrohan (vehicle riding), Bhaya, avoid untimely use of Snehana, and Vega dharana. She should not touch Malin, Hina, Vikruta Gatra, should avoid Durgandha (foul smelling), Dudarshan, Udaveg Katha (exciting stories), should not eat Suskha (dried up), Paryushit (stale), Kutitha (Putrified). Loudly speaking, laughing, anger etc. all things likely to harm the fetus. Repeated excessive massage of Tail Abhyanga shouldavoid.

Vagbhata Acharya[8]

According to Acharya Vagbhata, she should avoid Tiksna Ausadh, Vyavaya, Vyayama.

Acharya Kashyap

According to Acharya Kashyap, Garbhini should not look at declining moon, setting sun and both the Rahus. She should not remain for long time in acutely erect or flexed posture and carry heavy weight for long. She should avoid tremoring, excessive laughing and trauma, use of cold water and garlic.[9]

2. Garbhasthapak Dravyas

  • Acharya Charaka and Kashyapa prescribed certain drugs during pregnancy without specifying their indication, period or method of use. Acharya Chakrapani has clarified that Garbhasthapana drugs are those which after counteracting the harmful factors for foetus help in its proper maintenance, thus these can be considered even as a treatment for abortion.
  • Acharya Vagbhata has indicated use of Prajasthapana drugs described in Sutrasthana after PumsawanaKarma.
  • Tikakar Indu says that these Garbhasthapana drugs prevent abortion.
  • Acharya Kashyapa has advised these to be used as a routine by pregnant woman. Routine use of these drugs might be beneficial for maintenance of growth and development of mother and foetus respectively. Drugs mentioned by Acharyas are following:
  • Aindri (Centella asiatica)
  • Brahmi (Bacopa monieri)
  • Satavirya (Asparagus recemosus)
  • Sahastravirya (Cynodon dactylon)
  • Amogha (Stereospermum suaveolens)
  • Avyatha (Tinospora cordifolia)
  • Shiva (Terminalia chebula)
  • Arista (Picrorhiza kurroa)
  • Vatyapuspi (Sida cordifolia)
  • Vishwasenkranta (Callicarpamacrophylla)

Discussion

Garbhini Paricharya to be used in routine by Garbhini, routine use of these drugs might be beneficial for maintenance of proper health, growth and development of mother and fetus respectively. With the help of Garbhini Paricharya the health of woman remains good and delivers healthy child having good energy, strength and voice. Life of baby begins with conception even nine months prior to the delivery. Entire gestational period is very important for the achievement of healthy baby along with prevention of complications during pregnancy. Dauhrudavastha is the special concept of Ayurveda affecting fetal growth. It is the period during which pregnant woman expresses dietary and behavioral desires. These longings are the desires of fetus, fulfillment of which is beneficial for proper gestation period, whereas non fulfillment or ignorance of which causes various developmental anomalies.

Conclusion

All the discussions about the dietary, behavioral and medicinal regimen prescribed by all Ayurveda classics aims at the healthy progeny and avoiding pregnancy induced complications. These regimens help in the known cases of secondary


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infertility and cases of recurrent abortions. Dos and don’ts for pregnant lady show the vigilant aspect of scholars and carefulness about the prevention of any adverse effect of food, drug, its interactions and incompatibility. Dauhruda should be completed and prescribed regimen if followed will results in the yield of desirous and happy entity. For avoiding complications related to pregnancy and obtain healthy outcome, should consider nine months specific diet explained in various Samhitas. The ancient Ayurvedic Literature is not only unique but also scientific with Modern sciences so, Antenatal care should be done as per Ayurveda.

References

1. Dutta D. C., Text book of Obstetrics, 6th Edition, New Delhi (India): New Central Book Agency (P) Ltd; 2006.

2. Sastri K., Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana, Chapter no 8, Verse no 32, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2015.

3. Murthy K.R.S., Sushruta Samhita, vol 2, 1st edition, Sharira sthana, Chapter no 10, Verse no 2-5, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 2002;252-255.

4. Murthy K. R. S., Astanga Hrdaya Samhita of Vagbhata, Sharira Sthana, Chapter no1, Verse no 16, 44-47, 10th edition, Chaukhamba Krishnadas AcademyPune,2010.

5. Ramavalamba., Harita Samhita with Hindi commentary, 1st edition, Tritiya Sthana, Chapter no 49, Verse no 1-3, Prachya Prakashana, Varanasi, 1985;404.

6. Tiwari P. V., Ayurveda Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, 1st Part, Chapter 5, 2nd Edition, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, 1999; (Reprint)2001;226-233.

7. Murthy K.R.S, Sushruta Samhita of Sushruta,1st edition, Sharira Sthana, Chapter no 3, Verse no 12-14, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi,2002.

8. Murthy K. R. S., Ashtang Hridaya by Acharya Vagbhata, Shareera Sthana, Chapter no 1, Verse no 49, 10th edition, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi,2010.

9. Shrisatyapal Bhisagaacharya, Hindi commentary Commentor on Kashyap Samhita Sharir sthana 8, Verse no 181, 4th Edition, Varanasi, Chaukhamba Bharti Academy.


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