Childbirth is a transformational and profound experience but brings along great physical and emotional changes. While it is beyond comparison in terms of the joy of life, most new mothers enter into turmoil at times on their emotional levels, which can be as mild as mood swings to as significant as postpartum depression.
Ayurveda, the ancient holistic system of medicine, offers natural remedies that help restore emotional balance after childbirth. By focusing on the body’s physical and emotional well-being through diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes, Ayurveda helps women navigate this delicate period with greater peace and stability.
In this blog, “Ayurvedic Remedies for Emotional Balance After Childbirth”, we are going to discuss in detail with the help of one of the best ayurvedic doctors in Dubai, Dr Jasnas, the Ayurvedic remedies for emotional balance.
After having a baby, a woman’s body goes through many changes. Hormonal fluctuations, physical recovery, lack of sleep and caring for a new baby can create emotional chaos. Common emotional challenges during this time are mood swings, anxiety and sadness. Some new mums experience postpartum depression, a more severe form of emotional imbalance.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, emotional health is connected to the balance of the body’s energies, or Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). Postpartum imbalances often come from the disruption of these Doshas due to the stresses and changes of childbirth. Ayurveda offers personalized guidance to restore balance, using natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments.
In Ayurveda, emotional well-being is seen as a reflection of the body’s physical state. The root of emotional instability is often an imbalance in one or more of the three Doshas which govern various aspects of bodily function including mood and mental health.
Vata Dosha governs movement, including mental energy. When Vata is out of balance it can cause anxiety, restlessness and overwhelm.
Pitta Dosha governs transformation and metabolism. When Pitta is aggravated it can cause irritability, frustration and anger.
Kapha Dosha governs stability and structure. An imbalance in Kapha can cause feelings of heaviness, sadness and emotional inertia.
For new mums Vata and Pitta imbalances are common. The transition of childbirth and the demands of caring for a new baby can deplete Vata’s energy leaving mums feeling anxious or ungrounded. Pitta can become aggravated by the physical and emotional stress of the postpartum period causing irritability or frustration.
Ayurveda’s holistic approach addresses the root cause of emotional imbalance not just the symptoms. By balancing the Doshas naturally Ayurveda helps new mums heal emotionally, physically and mentally.
Ayurvedic herbs have been used for centuries to calm the nervous system, normalize emotions, and provide mental comfort overall. Such effective herbs for postpartum emotional health include:
Ashwagandha: Often referred to as "Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that enables the body to cope with stressful conditions. A lot of people use it to develop calmness, reduce anxiety, and improve mental clearness. Ashwagandha heals the adrenal glands so that hormonal changes brought about by childbirth cannot easily cause emotional instability.
Brahmi: This herb is known to have the mental powers of soothing and calming it. It acts as a cognitive support, stabilizes the mind, and develops mental clarity with reduced stress and anxiety. It is particularly beneficial in stabilizing mood swings and helping to ease nervous tension that often accompanies the postpartum period.
Shatavari: This herb is commonly called the "Queen of Herbs" for women, for it maintains hormonal balance, and helps after pregnancy. This herb fosters emotional stability by providing a nourishment lady's reproductive system, thus inducing the formation of milk in breasts and helping to mitigate emotions of fatigue or sorrow.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Holy Basil is one sacred herb in Ayurveda that is considered as adaptogenic. It reduces stress, builds a good mood, and ensures emotional resiliency. The immune system is further supported, and it proves to be quite compatible with other herbs for strengthening the emotional and physical health of new mothers.
Aromatherapy was practiced through the use of Ayurveda since ancient times to balance the state of mind. Volatile essences extracted from herbs have more profound reactions in the mind and body.
Lavender Oil: This oil is associated with a calming and soothing sensation; however, it can be particularly useful in addressing postpartum anxiety and stress. A few drops of lavender oil, for example, might be placed in a diffuser or added to a warm bath-a couple of methods to relieve emotional stress and promote good sleep.
Sandalwood Oil: There is reverence for the calming quality and deep emotional healing ability of sandalwood-a gift Ayurveda gives to many. This oil is particularly calming for those with anxiety or feelings that are overwhelming them.
Self-Massage (Abhyanga): One of the most important Ayurvedic practices is Abhyanga: warm oil self-massage. The practice can be about regular self-massage with cooling oils like sesame, coconut, or almond oil. Soothing these oils can calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and help emotions. It is much more than releasing tension in the body; it also has an immense mental and emotional impact, helping us feel rooted and calm.
Ayurveda posits that diet significantly contributes to emotional stability. After delivery, the body needs nourishing yet easily digestible food, so that there is recovery as well as restoration of all three Doshas. This is what Ayurveda recommends for emotional health at the diet level:
Warm, Cooked Foods: Vata imbalance is often linked with coldness and dryness, thus warm, nourishing food like soups, stews, and porridges is suggested to balance Vata and help in gaining emotional stability. Prepare them with wholesome fats and spices including ghee, cumin, coriander, and turmeric to enhance digestion and comfort.
Sweet, Sour, Salty Tastes: According to Ayurveda, one should include sweet, sour, and salty tastes in the diet. Sweet will balance Vata through different preparations like cooked fruits, grains, and even milk or dairy. Sour and salty foods can then work to calm Pitta and enhance digestion.
Hydration: Many women develop dehydration postpartum, so besides causing emotional imbalances, it compounds the problem. Warm herbal teas like chamomile or ginger help hydrate and calm at the same time.
Ayurveda believes in a daily routine, known as Dinacharya, that helps one maintain balanced emotions. For the postpartum mother, there are several structured routines that can include rest, self-care, and gentle activities such as:
Rest and Sleep: Rest is the primary postpartum recovery aspect. The lack of sleep aggravates emotional instability and prevents recovery. As advised by Ayurveda, she should take day time naps and sleep in the night to rejuvenate both the body and mind.
Meditation and Pranayama: These are some of the best weapons to remove mental stress. Nadi Shodhana, alternate nostryl breathing, helps balance the nervous system, calms, and offers emotional well-being.
Gentle Exercise and Yoga: Gentle yoga post-birth can help restore balance to the body as well as the mind. The practices that concern stretching, strengthening, and breathing comprise practices on gentle ways of regaining physical and emotional equilibrium.
Remember, as emotional well-being is quite similar to physical well-being; steps taken in order to nourish both of these are very important for complete and peaceful recovery.
With your requirement, an Ayurvedic practitioner may provide recommendations, along with tailored advice, which will be beneficial for restoration at the postpartum journey of harmony and well-being for those seeking personalized counselling. Connect with Dr Jasnas, the best hospital Dubai for a warm treatment.
