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− | Ayurveda speaks of ‘Suprajanana’ (Samskrit : सुप्रजननम् ) which means thoughtful, deliberate efforts taken to ensure genesis of a human being with superior mental, physical & spiritual attributes. These efforts include use of Deha shuddhi (detoxification) procedures for both the partners and stipulated dietary regimen and lifestyle modifications to be followed by a pregnant woman before and during pregnancy. | + | Ayurveda speaks of ‘Suprajanana’ (Samskrit : सुप्रजननम् ) which means thoughtful, deliberate efforts taken to ensure genesis of a human being with superior mental, physical & spiritual attributes. These efforts include use of Deha shuddhi (detoxification) procedures for both the partners and stipulated dietary regimen and lifestyle modifications for a pregnant woman before and during pregnancy. Use of various medicinal herbs, foods and Panchakarma procedures is described in classical Ayurveda treatises for Suprajanana i.e. generation of healthy progeny. |
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| == Introduction == | | == Introduction == |
− | The influence of diet, psyche and other routines of mother on the fetus has been talked since ages. Ayurveda describes simple methods to procure a healthy offspring and the planning of which starts from detoxifying the bodies of the partners for conception. These methods are popularized as ‘Garbha samskaras’. | + | The influence of diet, psyche and other routines of mother on the fetus has been talked since ages. Ancient Ayurveda scholars also believed that, if we make an effort to enhance the quality of these factors which are responsible for the final status of the resulting new life, we can certainly obtain healthier, stronger and superior offspring . To achieve this, one can eliminate the adversely affecting dietary and lifestyle factors and at the same time make use of beneficial food, activities and herbs to gain the lacking attributes. It also includes counseling, motivation and meditation for developing a balanced and Satva predominant mind of a baby. Ayurveda describes many such simple methods to procure a healthy offspring and the planning of which starts from detoxifying the bodies of the partners for conception. These methods are popularized now-a-days as ‘Garbha samskaras’ however, the classical treatises mention this regimen as 'Suprajananam'. |
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| == Garbha (The concept of fetus according to Ayurveda) == | | == Garbha (The concept of fetus according to Ayurveda) == |
− | Garbha is defined as the union of Shukra (Purusha beej), Artava (Stree beej) and Atma inside the uterus. | + | Garbha is defined as the union of Shukra (Purusha beej), Artava (Stree beej) and Jivatma or Atma inside the Garbhashayam (Womb). (Su sha 5.3) |
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− | Beej is defined as the entity which gives origin to a new life similar to itself. (Cha. Sha. 2/35 Chakrapanidatta Commentary) The beeja therefore, is responsible for inheritance of maternal & paternal properties. | + | Beej is defined as the entity which gives origin to a new life similar to itself. (Cha. Sha. 2/35 Chakrapanidatta Commentary) The beeja therefore, is responsible for inheritance of maternal & paternal properties. In this context, Beej refers to the male and female reproductive tissues known as Shukra of male and Artava of female. |
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− | Ayurveda elaborates the process of beginning of a new life in great depth. According to Ayurveda, any individual is a union of Sharira (Body), Manas (Mind) and Life energy (widely recognized as soul). Thus, during the birth of a new individual, genesis and union of all these factors must take place. Although the Sharira (physical body) of an individual develops due to union of male and female gametes, an individual is born only after entry of the new entity called ‘Jivatma’ (Atma) in it. This 'Jivatma' represents life energy. It is only after entry of life energy or Jivatma in fetus, that the life begins and known as 'Garbha'. {{Citation needed}} | + | Ayurveda elaborates the process of beginning of a new life in great depth. According to Ayurveda, any individual is a union of Sharira (Body), Manas (Mind) and Life energy (widely recognized as soul). Thus, during the birth of a new individual, genesis and union of all these factors must take place. Although the Sharira (physical body) of an individual develops due to union of male and female gametes, an individual is born only after entry of the new entity called ‘Jivatma’ (Atma) into it. This 'Jivatma' represents life energy or consciousness. It is only after entry of life energy or Jivatma in fetus, that the life begins and is known as 'Garbha'. {{Citation needed}} |
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− | This garbha inherits attributes from mother, father, from the past life karma, from the diet and the daily regimen that the mother follows during the pregnancy .{{Citation needed}} Thus, Ayurveda suggests Suprajanan Ayurveda emphasizes on practicing specific lifestyle and | + | This garbha inherits attributes from mother, father, from the past life karma via Jivatma, from the diet of mother and the daily regimen that the mother follows during the pregnancy. {{Citation needed}} Thus, Ayurveda suggests improving all those components consciously and mindfully which can be made better with use of diet and medicines and this process is called as 'Suprajananam'. |
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− | The journey of sanskara starts from the pre-conception phase.
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− | This process ensures
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− | * Pure, good quality Shukra and artava
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− | * The overall health of the male & female partners including the mental health; especially the female body, the uterus and related organs. (Referred to as Kshetra ).
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− | This is achieved through the following steps in both the partners
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− | * Body detoxification measures (Vamana, Virechan,Basti, Uttarbasti)
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− | * Following stipulated diet and daily regimen
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− | * Counseling, self motivation and meditation for developing a balanced and satva predominant mind.
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| == Suprajananasya prayojanam: Shreyasi praja (Aim of Suuprajanana) == | | == Suprajananasya prayojanam: Shreyasi praja (Aim of Suuprajanana) == |
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| From the viewpoint of Ayurveda, the welfare of the foetus is very well connected with that of the pregnant lady. Thus, she always should follow desired congenial (Satmya) diet, proper behavior and avoid the factors which can harm the foetus in order to achieve safe pregnancy & motherhood. | | From the viewpoint of Ayurveda, the welfare of the foetus is very well connected with that of the pregnant lady. Thus, she always should follow desired congenial (Satmya) diet, proper behavior and avoid the factors which can harm the foetus in order to achieve safe pregnancy & motherhood. |
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− | On this basis, Ayurveda acharyas have put forward a regimen to be followed by a pregnant woman, which is designed considering month wise growth and development of the foetus accepted by Ayurveda. It is believed that, such regimen effectively maintains the continuous supply of the essential key elements for building body architecture and to avoid the complications and adversities during pregnancy and delivery. | + | On this basis, Ayurveda acharyas have put forward a regimen to be followed by a pregnant woman, which is designed considering month wise growth and development of the foetus accepted by Ayurveda. It is believed that, such regimen effectively maintains the continuous supply of the essential key nutritive elements for building body architecture and to avoid the complications and adversities during pregnancy and delivery. |
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| == Factors essential for Suprajana- == | | == Factors essential for Suprajana- == |
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| == Garbhini pricharya (The monthly regiment for a pregnant lady) == | | == Garbhini pricharya (The monthly regiment for a pregnant lady) == |
− | The regimen has to be observed from the very point of doubt of conception . The specific month wise regimen has to be followed till the time of delivery. (Cha.Sha.8/32)The regimen is designed as per the month wise growth and development of the garbha to maintain the continuous supply of the required raw material for building of the body and to avoid the possible harmful effects on the mother and the baby. | + | The regimen has to be observed from the very point of doubt of conception . The specific month wise regimen has to be followed till the time of delivery. (Cha.Sha.8/32)The regimen is designed as per the month wise growth and development of the garbha to maintain the continuous supply of the required raw material for building of the body and to avoid the possible harmful effects on the mother and the baby. |
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− | The month wise regimen is described in classical literature. Todays vaidyas design customised diets on the basis of this and to be taken under strict medical supervision.
| + | This month wise regimen is described in classical Ayurveda samhitas. Today's Vaidyas design monthly customized regimens based on these classical guidelines for those couples who are willing for Suprajananam. The herbs, foods and lifestyle modifications suggested under this are to be followed under strict medical supervision of Vaidyas. |
| == Garbhopaghatakar bhava (Factors likely to be harmful to the foetus)- == | | == Garbhopaghatakar bhava (Factors likely to be harmful to the foetus)- == |
| the following things should be avoided by a pregnant lady: | | the following things should be avoided by a pregnant lady: |