The empirical science of Ayurveda can support you during pregnancy. Below we have received a few practical tips from Nina Kamran, who supports her pregnancy with Ayurveda and yoga. In another journal article you can also read more detailed information about the interaction of Ayurveda and yoga. This article is all about your Vata Dosha and how you can combine Ayurveda and pregnancy. Happy reading!
Ayurveda during pregnancy
In Ayurveda, the period of pregnancy is viewed as a very spiritual phase in a woman's life. With every birth, not only the baby but also the mother is “reborn”.
Pregnancy is a time of deep transformation - which is why the Vata dosha is particularly active. Vata consists of the elements air and ether and has a very light and mobile quality. It provides the drive that creates and grows the new life and also the exchange between mother and baby.
For the (expectant) mother, this means that her own Vata dosha can quickly become unbalanced. This can be shown, for example, by increasing fatigue, lower energy levels, insomnia, low stress resistance and inner restlessness or worries and circling thoughts.
In Ayurveda the basic principle “opposites balance each other out” applies. From an Ayurvedic perspective, during pregnancy we need rituals, practices and foods that ground us, bring us back to the moment and strengthen us - both on a physical, emotional and energetic level. We are also talking about building Ojas - our energy storage.
Mothering the mother: Self care during pregnancy
Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic oil massage that has a balancing effect on the Vata dosha and is therefore perfect for pregnant women. The Vata Dosha dries out the skin, which already loses its elasticity during pregnancy. Warm sesame oil or almond oil is ideal for lovingly massaging tired legs, the growing belly and back of the pregnant woman and for restoring moisture and relaxation. You can use Abhyanga on yourself or ask your partner to do it. The abdominal massage in particular gives you additional mindful moments of connection with your baby.
Deeply nourished: nutrition during pregnancy
In order to balance the Vata dosha and provide you with lots of energy, you should first pay attention to the regularity of your eating habits. Three solid meals should structure your day, with healthy snacks in between. This brings calm and reliability to your body and mind. Of course, you don't have to eat "for two" - however, your nutrient needs increase during pregnancy.
The second magic trick to balance Vata: warm meals! Start your day with a warm breakfast such as porridge, rice porridge or breakfast quinoa, topped with kernels and seeds and seasonal fruit. Dates are also perfect for pregnancy because they help you build up your energy stores and provide many important nutrients. Three warm meals per day are ideal. You can drink tea or other warm drinks in between. This also keeps your digestion going.
Specific foods that provide you with energy during pregnancy and counteract inner restlessness include: root vegetables such as carrots, pumpkin, beets or sweet potatoes, sweet-tasting grains such as rice, quinoa or oat flakes, almonds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, ghee, sesame oil and dates .
Quiet the mind: Yoga during pregnancy
Your yoga practice will help you stay connected to your body, honor your growing belly, and calm your mind during pregnancy. Pranayama techniques (breathing exercises) also prepare you very well for birth! A prolonged exhalation brings you inner peace.
Your yoga practice should have a grounding effect on you and your nervous system. Gentle forward bends and poses supported with aids such as bolsters, blocks and straps will support you.
Yin yoga, restorative yoga and gentle hatha yoga are wonderful for pregnancy. You should avoid practices that are too fast, twists, inversions and backbends or side bends that are too intense. Always make sure that you feel comfortable in the pose and otherwise leave it immediately! After the first trimester, lying on your back can also become uncomfortable. Then lie on your left side in Savasana or support your back high on a bolster.
You can find more information about Ayurveda during pregnancy and in general in Nina's offers at www.aplaceofpurity.com. If you have any questions, please contact Nina directly. We would like to thank you very much for your great contribution and wish you all the best for your time to come!
If you are interested in yoga asanas during pregnancy in particular, take a look at our article about yoga and pregnancy .
We also recorded a pregnancy yoga flow with Sina from Holy Wow in Nuremberg. We wish you a wonderful time in your pregnancy!
