Sutika Paricharya and its importance

A woman is always given importance in Ayurveda by elucidating care at every phase of her life in respect of Rajaswala paricharya (menstrual care), Garbhini Paricharya ( Ante Natal Care), and Sutika Paricharya (Post natal Care).In Ayurveda,the term Sutika (Puerperal women) can be used only after expulsion of placenta. [1] Puerperium is the period following child birth during which the body tissues especially the pelvic organs revert back to pre pregnant state; both anatomically and physiologically. [2] Due to development of foetus,instability of body tissues, exertion of labour pains and excretion of moisture and blood, woman becomes very weak. After following proper purperial care, woman regains all the lost energy and reaches to pre-pregnant status. [3]

Paricharya (Post natal Care).In Ayurveda,the term Sutika (Puerperal women) can be used only after expulsion of placenta. [1] Puerperium is the period following child birth during which the body tissues especially the pelvic organs revert back to pre pregnant state; both anatomically and physiologically. [2] Due to development of foetus,instability of body tissues, exertion of labour pains and excretion of moisture and blood, woman becomes very weak. After following proper purperial care, woman regains all the lost energy and reaches to pre-pregnant status. [3] AIMS : To review the literature of Sutika, Sutika Kaala, Sutika samanya and vishishta Paricharya, pathya and apathya with importance of Sutika paricharya.

MATERIAL AND METHODS :
It is a conceptual study and data on sutika paricharya is collected from various samhitas. Clinical importance of Sutika paricharya is also reviewed. Basic principle of sukita paricharya is mentioned.After explaining Sutika, Sutika kaala, sutika samanya and vishishtha paricharya & its pathya and apathya is elaborated according to different samhitas

RESULTS :
Sutika who becomes weak due to development of foetus, loss of Dhatus, excretion of Kleda, blood and exhaustion due to labour pains regains her prepregnant state by following this Paricharya.

INTRODUCTION
A woman is always given importance in Ayurveda by elucidating care at every phase of her life in respect of Rajaswala paricharya (menstrual care), Garbhini Paricharya ( Ante Natal Care), and Sutika Paricharya (Post natal Care). In Ayurveda,the term Sutika (Puerperal women) can be used only after expulsion of placenta. [1] As per modern medical science the puerperium is the period following child birth during which the body tissues especially the pelvic organs revert back to pre-pregnant state ;both anatomically and physiologically. [2] Post natal care is a period following child birth which can be co-related with Sutika Paricharya as given in Ayurveda. In this period, recovery of the women after delivery and educate her for proper care of baby is done.

Due
to development of foetus,instability of body tissues, exertion of labour pains and excretion of moisture and blood, woman becomes very weak. After following proper purperial care, woman regains all the lost energy and reaches to pre-pregnant status. [3] Mithyaachar ( inappropriate physical and mental behavior) in this period definitely results in incurable diseases or diseases which are difficult to cure. [4] It is said in ayurveda about 74 types of diseases can occur in this period if not properly managed. [5] So ayurveda has advised a specific diet and life style regimen called Sutika Paricharya to prevent further complications and restore the health of mother.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
It is a conceptual study. Data on Sutika Paricharya is gathered from classical books and organised in a systematic manner.
When it comes to the postpartum care, Ayurveda suggests women should be treated with warmth, wetness and unctuousness as part of their therapy. This purpose can be achieved by rectifying food preparations according to the imbalance of Dosha, keeping the home warmer, providing appropriate rest and by administering daily peaceful massage with warm oil. Food preparations advised are aimed at supporting digestion, restoration and lactation. After childbirth a woman's digestive agni is weakened and needs to be rekindled and nurtured. Ayurveda focuses on foods that are warm, wet, oily, and have sweet, sour and salty tastes, to bring equilibrium of Vata.  Sutika : A woman who has just given birth to a child followed by expulsion of the placenta is known as Sutika. [1] Puerperium is the period following child birth during which the body tissues especially the pelvic organs revert back to pre pregnant state;both anatomically and physiologically. [2]  SUTIKA KAALA ( Duration of post natal phase): According to different Acharyas

months [7]
Ashtanga Hridaya 1 1/2 month or until next rajodarshan [8] Same as Sushrutha Samhita i.e. 1 1/2 month and also added that following subsidence of complication and aggravation of Doshas, woman should give up specific mode of life following 4 months. [10] There are different opinions about Sutika kaala,ranging from 6 weeks to 6 months and some also believe it lasts until next rajodarshan.
Puerperium begins as soon as the placenta is expelled and lasts for approximately 6 weeks. The period is divided into: [11] 1. Immediate -within 24 hours

1) Manidhaaran for Puerperal Women :
The Sutika should fix amulet of trivruta ( Operculina turpethum ) over her head. It is sort of psychological support to her. Thus may protect her from harmful things. [12] 2) Bath for sutika (Prasuta Snana): According to the rituals of family the bathing ceremony of puerperal women should be performed on 10 th or 12 th day after delivery. [13]
Massage unguent irrigation and bathing with jivaniya and brimhaniya,madhura and vatahara drugs.
2) Sutika should have boiled water for drinking. 2) Uttama Stanya is produced by Uttama Rasa which depends on the quality of agni.
3) There is agnimandya in Sutika so agni deepana is the basic need of treatment for few days immediately after delivery, which is done before giving brimahana drugs.Agnivardhaka drugs are first given to Sutika After delivery. 4) Use of mamsa rasa and brimhaniya dravyas like jeeviniya, brimhaniya or madhura dravyas acts as dhatuvardhaka and it helps to maintain proper lactation.

5)
Yava, Kola laghu annapana is advised for 5 days as this helps to replenish Dhatu. 6) Bala taila is advised in nyubja position for Abhyanga which might help in suppressing vata.

8) Dhupana
as rakshaghna and vedanahara is mentioned and kushtha, guggulu and agaru is used. 9) To prevent problems during Sutika kaala such as as UTI,Thirst,Anxiety, backache, anger, disturbed sleep, depression, etc. 10) Udarpattabandhana-wrapping abdomen with long and clean cloth which helps abdomen to retrieve its normal position and then there is no accumulation of vata in vacant place.

RESULTS:
Sutika who becomes weak due to development of foetus, loss of Dhatus, excretion of Kleda, blood and exhaustion due to labour pains regains her prepregnant state by following this Paricharya. And we can summarize post natal care in Ayurveda as follows: 1. It strengthen and improves digestion 2. It increase emotonal steadiness psychlogical alertness and apparent thinking.
3. It tones muscles, calms nerves and greases all joints. 4. It helps woman's body to get back into her normal shape. 5. Effortless lactation and more restful feeding.

CONCLUSION:
Thousands of years ago, Ayurveda described diets and regimens in Sutika Kaala is totally scientific. After following Sutika Paricharya, Sutika can achieve Garbhashyashuddhi, Dhatu paripurnatva and Sthanya vriddhi and avoid post natal complications. After a thorough review of various classical texts, it can be easily concluded that Ayurveda has executed Sutika Paricharya in a meticulous fashion focusing on every aspect required to nurture and replenish the health of woman and avoid post-partum complications.