What is Ashtanga Garbha Samskar and Why is it Important?
Introduction:
Ashtang Garbha Samskar, also known as Prenatal Care in Ayurveda, is a set of practices and rituals that are performed during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby. This ancient prenatal care system has been practiced in India for centuries and passed down from generation to generation.
Ashtang Garbha Samskar is a holistic approach to prenatal care that includes physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It aims to provide a nurturing environment for the baby to grow and develop in the womb, while also preparing the mother for childbirth and motherhood.
In this article, we will explore the different aspects of Ashtanga Garbha Samskar, its benefits, and why it is important for pregnant women.
What is Ashtang Garbha Samskar?
Ashtang Garbha Samskar is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Ashtang," which means eight limbs, and "Garbha," which means the womb. Ashtang Garbha Samskar refers to the eight stages of prenatal care that are practiced in Ayurveda.
The eight stages of Ashtanga Garbha Samskar are as follows:
Garbhadhana: This is the first stage of Ashtang Garbha Samskar and involves preparing the couple for conception. It includes practices such as abstinence from sexual activity during menstruation, consuming a healthy diet, and engaging in spiritual practices to purify the mind and body.
Punsavana: This stage involves practices to ensure the proper growth and development of the fetus. It includes techniques such as consuming a nutritious diet, performing certain physical exercises, and engaging in spiritual practices.
Simantonnayana: This stage involves practices to ensure the proper growth and development of the fetus's brain. It includes techniques such as performing specific exercises to stimulate the brain's development, consuming a healthy diet, and engaging in spiritual practices.
Jatakarma: This stage involves practices to welcome the newborn into the world. It includes practices such as performing a ceremony to purify the newborn and offering prayers to the gods and goddesses for the child's well-being.
Namakaran: This stage involves giving the newborn a name. It includes performing a ceremony to name the child and offering prayers for the child's well-being.
Nishkramana: This stage involves taking the newborn outside for the first time. It includes performing a ceremony to bless the child and offering prayers for their well-being.
Annaprashana: This stage involves introducing solid foods to the child. It includes performing a ceremony to bless the child and offering prayers for their well-being.
Chudakarana: This stage involves shaving the child's head. It includes performing a ceremony to bless the child and offering prayers for their well-being.
Why is Ashtang Garbha Samskar important?
Ashtang Garbha Samskar is important for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure the proper growth and development of the fetus. By following the practices and rituals of Ashtang Garbha Samskar, pregnant women can provide a nurturing environment for their unborn child, which can help to promote healthy growth and development.
Second, Ashtang Garbha Samskar helps to prepare the mother for childbirth and motherhood. By engaging in physical exercises and spiritual practices, pregnant women can prepare their bodies and minds for the physical and emotional demands of childbirth and motherhood.
Finally, Ashtang Garbha Samskar helps to promote a sense of spiritual connection between the mother and the baby. By engaging in spiritual practices.
Industry statistics:
According to a survey conducted by the National Family Health Survey, only 54% of women in India receive antenatal care during pregnancy. This highlights the need to promote traditional practices like Ashtanga Garbha Samskar that can ensure the well-being of both the mother and the child.
Experts opinion:
According to Dr. B.R. Sharma, an Ayurvedic physician, "Ashtang Garbha Samskar is an ancient practice that has been in use for thousands of years. It is a holistic approach to pregnancy that can have several benefits for the mother and the child."