Postpartum Depression Management with Special Reference to Sutika Unmaada
Keywords:
Postpartum, Puerperal, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Sutika UnmaadaAbstract
Pregnancy is a natural process and a transformative journey that brings physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. Pregnancy and puerperium are at times sufficiently stressful to provoke mental illness. Acharya kashyap describes sutika unmad among the 64 diseases of prasutika. Postpartum depression (PPD) cases are increasing with time in India, ranging from 17.4% to 33.8%. In Ayurvedic texts, PPD is described as a similar clinical condition. The heart is the seat of Manas. The Ayurveda approach to mental health, which integrates mind, body, and soul, is offered. In Ayurveda, Unmaada is treated as a somatic alteration, the main principle being to break the Aavarana or Manovaha Srotas. Thus, Shodhana, Shamana, Satvavajaya Chikitsa, Proper diet, and regimen are used for the management of Sutika Unmaada. Apart from Daivavyapashraya (spiritual remedies) and Satvavajaya Chikitsa, both Ayurveda and Allopathy primarily concentrated on Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa (internal and external medication) (psychotherapy). Through Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa, application of Daivavyapashraya or Satvavajaya Chikitsa is good for effective and quick prediction of the disease. The conclusions conclude that strengthening maternal mental health services, improving screening practices, and conducting further research on culturally sensitive interventions are vital for reducing the burden of PPD among women.
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