AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVES ON PREGNANCY CARE: A THEORETICAL AND COMPARATIVE FRAMEWORK OF GARBHINI PARICHARYA
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Abstract
Garbhini Paricharya described in Ayurveda is a structured, month-wise regimen for pregnancy that integrates dietary guidelines, lifestyle practices, psychological well-being, and therapeutic interventions from conception through the postpartum period. This paper examines the theoretical foundations and contemporary relevance of Ayurvedic pregnancy care, particularly in the context of global maternal health challenges.
The significance of this research paper is underscored by key considerations: the persistent burden of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing regions, the documented limitations of biomedical antenatal care in addressing multifactorial pregnancy outcomes such as obesity and lifestyle-related complications, and the increasing global utilization of complementary and alternative medicine among reproductive-age women. Drawing upon a focused body of classical Ayurvedic texts and contemporary scholarly literature, this study adopts a conceptual and comparative approach to analyze the principles underlying Garbhini Paricharya and their alignment or divergence from modern biomedical frameworks.
Although the available literature is largely descriptive and lacks extensive large-scale randomized controlled trials, it provides a valuable basis for theoretical exploration. The analysis highlights Ayurveda’s emphasis on individualized care, preventive strategies, and holistic well-being, offering potential insights for integrative models of antenatal care. This synthesis contributes to the ongoing discourse on expanding maternal healthcare paradigms by situating Ayurvedic knowledge within a modern global health context.
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Dr. Mamta Tiwari
Assistant Professor, Department of Swasthavritta and Yoga, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Dr.Anurag Pandey
Assistant Professor, Department of Vikriti Vigyan, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
