Ayurvedic Approach And Remedies To Postpartum Depression(PPD)

Introduction

Giving birth to a child is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. During pregnancy and after a delivery a lot of physical and mental changes are happening to women. Sometimes they can’t even express how they feel. If the people surrounding an infant-mother haven’t taken such a situation with proper care, things may go worse.

Postpartum depression is a common complication in childbirth and affects approximately 15% of women across the world. Generally, Postpartum Depression (PPD) occurs within the first three months of delivery and in some cases after a year. The exact causes of PPD are under research by experts. Ayurveda has some relieving techniques to overcome PPD.

Soothika Vishada is the Ayurvedic name of PPD. There are various Ayurvedic remedies to treat Soothika Vishada very well.

Symptoms Of Soothika Vishada(PPD)

Common symptoms of Soothika Vishada are:

• Anxiety.
• Crying.
• Depression.
• Unnecessary anger.
• Poor memory.
• Poor appetite or overeating.
• Loss of pleasure in activities.
• Hopelessness.
• Feeling of loneliness and insecurity.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.
• Suicide tendency.

When the infant-mother shows the symptoms like unnecessary crying, anxiety, insecurity, sad mood, suicide tendencies, sleeplessness, overeating, or poor appetite, we need to treat them very well with the help of the family and a medical practitioner.

General Causes Of Postpartum Depression(PPD)

Following are the general causes of PPD:

• Decrease in the hormone (estrogen and progesterone) levels after pregnancy may change the mood of mothers.
• Lack of enough sleep and restlessness is another symptom that we can see in infant-mothers.
• There are a lot of physical changes that may happen after delivery, like change in the shape of the body, problems in breastfeeding, body pains, etc causes PPD.
• After delivery, most of the mothers spend 99% of their time taking care of the baby well. Gradually they forget to take care of themselves. Such a condition makes them feel sad and depressed automatically.
• Changes in a social relationship like lack of contact with families and friends after childbirth. Lack of openness during this period increases their mental stress level.
• Most modern mothers are anxious about whether they can be a good mother or whether they can take care of their baby well, etc.
• In some cases, lack of support from families and loved ones increases the risk of PPD.

Soothika Paricharya

Soothika Paricharya is an Ayurvedic treatment method to control postnatal care. ‘Soothika Kala' is known as postnatal care in Ayurveda. During the post-pregnancy period, mothers need to follow a specific diet and lifestyle. There happens to be vitiation of Vata during the postnatal period, so Vata pacifying medicines and diet should be followed.

Benefits Of Soothika Paricharya

• Soothika Paricharya treatment relaxes muscles and nerves.
• Offers normal body shape to women.
• Improves digestion power.
• Guarantees emotional steadiness.
• Ensures restful feeding.

Ahara (diet), Vihara (lifestyle), and Oushadhi (herbal medicines) are the fine remedies suggested in Soothika Paricharya.

Positive benefits of Soothika Paricharya are the treatment improves digestion power, ensures restful feeding, ensures both physical as well as mental health of infant mothers, improving emotional imbalances, etc.

Treatment Methods For Postpartum Depression(PPD)

Ayurvedic treatments to cure Postpartum Depression are possible through Abhyanga, Ahara, Vihara, and Oushadhi.

• Abhyanga( Body Massage).
• Ahara (Healthy Diet).
• Vihara( Lifestyle changes).

1. Abhyanga( Body Massage)

Simple oil application of the whole body. Whole-body massage reduces muscle spasms and detoxifies the body. Body massage makes you feel that you are pampered and cared for. The massaging helps to calm down the stress hormone so that you feel better. Bala oil (sida cordifolia), Dasmoola oil, Sesamum oil, etc are good for Abhyanga during the postnatal period.

2. Ahara (Healthy Diet)

Proper care of your diet is very important after the delivery stage. Ayurveda suggests taking easily digestible food at this time which keeps you light and healthy.

3. Vihara( Lifestyle Changes)

Making a change in your lifestyle can cure Postpartum Depression.

• Sleep

  Quality sleep is essential for leading a healthy life. Pregnancy and delivery lead to sleepless moments mostly which is another reason for depression. So give time to your body and mind to relax for some time.

• Maintain social relationship

  When you are in depression, whatever be the reason, it is better to have open talks with your loved ones, maybe friends, families, etc. The discussions make you relax and light-hearted.

• Practicing Yoga

  Practicing yoga ensures stress relief and reduces depression symptoms.

4. Herbal Medicines(Oushadhi)

Consuming herbal medicines that can control PPD to an extent and they are:

• Vitamin-D supplements.
• Omega 3 fatty acid
• Flax and chia seeds.
• Vitamin B2 supplements.
• Salmon.

Other Ayurvedic Treatments To Cure PPD

Normally 14-21 days are the treatment period for PPD in Ayurveda. Most of the popular among them are:

• Lepanam

  Applying herbal pastes is an effective therapy in nourishing the skin.

• Takradhara

  Takradhara is very effective in controlling hypertension and stress. The process is pouring medicated oil in a very continuous stream over the forehead in a specified manner.

• Nasya

  Nasya is a body cleansing therapy by administering medicated oils through the nasal passages.

• Njavarakizhi

  Njavarakizhi is a nourishing therapy by using Njavara rice which is very effective in improving the overall health of infant mothers.

• Podikizhi

  Podikizhi is one of the most common therapies in Ayurveda. In Podikizhi massages done with herbal mixtures and herbal oils.

• Avagaham

  Avagaham is a herbal bath therapy that improves your health and makes your mind and body cool.

Studies show that practising these herbal treatments can reduce the symptoms of PPD.

Conclusion

The information provided here is collected from various Ayurvedic sources. Always seeks the opinion of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any ayurvedic herbs or herbal treatments.