Once the baby is born, it’s time for the mother to take care of herself along with the newborn. Postnatal massage is essential in the long term to ensure the good health and well-being of the mother. The expanded uterus shrinks back to its normal size, and the stretched muscles and ligaments regain strength and go back to their normal position.
A woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy that include changes physical, mental, and emotional. Post-delivery, too, her body changes, and there is added responsibility. Many sleepless nights, feeding the newborn, fatigue, back pain, mental stress, and lack of support in the nuclear family make it difficult for the new mother.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Postpartum Care:
Bananticharya, or care for the new mother or postnatal massage, is indicated in Ayurveda classics for the first six months after delivery. At least for the first three months, the mother needs to take utmost care of herself. These three months allow the mother to settle down from her mental stress, too.
The vata dosha and pitta dosha are the imbalanced doshas during delivery. Due to this imbalance, there can be issues related to digestion, low back pain, stretch marks, itchy skin, hair fall, fatigue, constipation, mood swings, anxiety, etc.
Role of Abhyanga in Postpartum Healing:
The main aim of postpartum care is to balance the vata dosha and correct the pitta. Abhyanga, or oil massage, is the first treatment that is offered regularly as postpartum care. Abhyanga with warm herbal oil helps in the reduction of vata dosha. Herbal oils such as Balaguduchyadi Taila, Dhanwantaram Taila, Ksheerabala Taila, and Bala Ashwagandha Taila are all very helpful for restoring the strength of the mother.
Benefits of Abhyanga:
The oil, or taila, is heated and massaged generously throughout the body of the woman. Abhyanga helps in improving the circulation of the body and nourishes the tissues. It helps to distress and induces better sleep quality.
It releases low back pain and gives lubrication to the joints. It restores core strength and helps in breaking the knots and stiffness in the back, thighs, and legs. Oil massage to the head helps relieve stress and also nourishes the hair follicles and reduces hair fall.
Hormones get balanced and help in soothing the body and mind. Regular massage also helps in reduction of the stretch marks and improves the tone of the skin. It also helps in the reduction of itching and dry skin. It also improves digestion. Furthermore, it helps in the easy shrinking of the uterus and also releases gas easily.
Support for Lactation:
Warm oil abhyanga also helps in the easy flow of breast milk, and it heals the cracked nipples. It also doesn’t allow for the milk to clog so that the flow is good and easy. It also helps in the reduction of blood pressure and hence reduces anxiety levels and calms the mind. A warm oil massage along with a hot water bath is a blissful feeling and helps in the ultimate nourishment of body, mind, and soul.
Incorporating Abhyanga into Daily Life:
The postpartum journey becomes easier when Abhyanga is included in daily life for the first three months post-delivery. Along with abhyanga, a proper warm and healthy diet with mild yoga and proper sleep helps in getting long-term health.
Guidelines for Normal and C-Section Deliveries:
In normal delivery and C-section in both ways, abhyanga can be started immediately after the mother is back home. In C-section, it’s better to avoid pressure massage to the abdomen till the stitches heal. Make sure the oil is soothingly hot during the massage.
Practical Tips for Massage:
It is best to take abhyangam from a trained Ayurveda therapist, but if they are not available, then it’s always better to take the help of the mother, grandmother, house help, or even the help of a husband. Properly anointing the body is very important. It is better to feed the baby before the massage and make it sleep so that the mother can enjoy the massage.
A minimum of a 30-minute massage to a maximum of an hour duration is better. The massage should be performed in a warm room to ensure the mother doesn’t catch a cold. It is better to take the massage at the same time daily. Always remember to take a hot water shower to sweat the toxins and feel more relaxed.
You can look at other published article for more guidance in the same topic:
5 Significant Reasons to Get Yourself Pregnancy Massage Therapy
Ayurvedic Post-Natal Massage Therapy:
For a comprehensive strategy for postpartum recovery, choose postnatal massage therapy from Sevayu-Ayurvedic Treatment Center . Warm herbal oils suited for your needs are used by their experienced Ayurvedic therapists to aid in healing, reduce pain, and increase relaxation. This treatment promotes milk, improved sleep, and hormonal balance, guaranteeing new moms receive complete support in a supportive setting.
Book your free consultation today at Sevayu-Ayurvedic Treatment Center to help your body heal in a better way. Learn and start your journey with our Post-Natal Massage Therapy.
Ending Note:
A mother's recovery and long-term health depend on postnatal massage. Warm oil massage, or abhyanga, is an Ayurvedic technique used daily to help with hormone balance, digestion, lactation, emotional wellness, and physical strength recovery.
This complete plan ensures a more easy transition into parenthood when combined with a healthy diet, gentle yoga, and enough sleep. Regular Abhyanga creates a caring pattern that supports the mother's body, mind, and spirit during this life-changing stage, whether done by an experienced therapist or a loved one.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ’s):
1. What is a post-natal massage?
A postnatal massage helps in the mother's physical and mental recovery after childbirth.
2. When should you start post-natal massage?
Depending on each person's health, postnatal massage should begin after the initial recovery phase, usually during the first week or two.
3. How soon postpartum can you get a massage?
Generally, postpartum massage can begin two to three days following a vaginal birth or after a C-section has been confirmed by a physician.
4. What is the massage after birth called?
The massage after birth is called postnatal or postpartum massage.
