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The Downward Energy - Key to Healthy Pregnancy

1/1/2014

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Why would something like constipation or diarrhea be a sign of something that could lead to implantation problems, in utero developmental problems, or premature labor?

Female reproductive health is greatly dependent on the downward energy regulation of apana vayu, as taught by Ayurveda. The functions of the uterus of a woman during menstruation, as well as in pregnancy & birth, are controlled by apana, along with bladder and bowel functions. For optimal fertilization, implantation and pregnancy the apana needs to be balanced- being neither over-stimulated or reduced in activity ( signaled by diarrhea or constipation, which are also regulated by this vayu.)

The growth and differentiation of different organs of the fetus are also regulated by apana, thus both exaggeration and reduction in its function can injure during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. When apana is out of balance it can, for instance divide the fertilized egg into several parts, creating twins with the special added risks. At various times of development an imbalanced apana can also cause malpresentation, prolapse, prematurity, intrauterine growth retardation, and malformation of various organs or body parts.

Want a timely start of labor and a healthy process? Be sure that apana has been tended. Preparing for birth in Ayurveda also involves continued protection and balance of the apana vayu.

Here are six of many practices to help balance the Apana vayu:

​Protecting and Correcting Apana vayu in Menstrual/Fertility Phase
  • Avoid holding or forcing urination or bowel movements, including release of gas. Avoid constipation due to inappropriate diet, dehydration, or lack of physical activity.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse and use of internal sanitary protection (tampons and menstrual cups) during menstrual periods.
  • Avoid jarring activities - snowboarding, falls, gymnastics, excessive jumping - especially just before and during menses.
  • Keep warmth around the kidneys, by wearing something like a flannel or fleece wrap in cold weather. Avoid wearing low-waisted pants that cut circulation and bare the belly and hips.

Protecting and Correcting the Apana vayu in Pregnancy
  • Continue apana balancing practices from before pregnancy
  • To prevent constipation: Eat fewer dry foods and more mushy foods. Two tablespoons of healthy dietary oils daily gently help ease apana vayu without using laxatives. Soupy, creamy, healthy sauces and cooked veggies are especially for vata pregnant mamas.. If needing a fiber supplement, hydrate it well first. One way to take psyllium is mixed into a fruit juice then splashed into a fruit bowl; for cooler weather, have oatmeal, cooked with extra water. Be sure to move your body daily and stay well hydrated.
  • Both Ayurveda & the Maya tradition from Central America suggest eat slippery foods for the end of pregnancy like okra, gruel with plenty of ghee, and papaya --slippery foods to “grease the passage” before birth (another way of saying, having healthy apana).

Terra Rafael


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Recovery from Miscarriage

1/1/2014

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Healthy Recovery from Miscarriage in Six Steps
​by Terra Rafael, Certified Professional Ayurvedic Practitioner

Step One:  Be sure that you have no complications from the miscarriage-

​Signs of Infection: 
fever, flu-like symptoms, uterine tenderness or continued cramping, foul smelling discharge. If you have any of these seek emergency medical care for a possible infection that can escalate quickly.

 To prevent infection: 
take extra Vitamin C and Echinacea tincture ( 1 dropperful 5 times/day for 3 days following, then taper off, reducing times/day to 3 times/day for 4 more days)
           
Signs of Anemia: tiredness, poor digestion, pale nail beds and mucous membranes

To prevent anemia: 
take Floradex herbal iron supplement as directed on bottle for one bottle full. Also eat plenty of iron foods, protein, B vitamins, Vitamin C. Some gentle aerobic exercise is necessary—walking works well.


Step Two:  Address your emotional needs-
            
Helps for the emotions of grief-- sadness, anger : 
rosewater spritzer, basil/ tulsi tea for sadness, flower essences, mental/emotional Reiki healing, Ayurvedic balancing
            
Be sure to express your experience and feelings enough: 
Miscarriage is often disregarded in our culture. “Get over it” is the message we are given. Moving on too quickly can just bury the emotions, leading to more future imbalances. Healthy grieving is a cyclical process—it won’t just be gone—it cycles back at different times, to different degrees—like when the baby would have been born, when you see ababy, when you get pregnant again (fear may come up). These feelings need to be acknowledged.

Ways to express yourself: You can journal, use ritual, make a special song for this baby, talk with a supportive person, dance, write a poem, paint a picture.

However, obsessing or getting stuck on the experience also builds imbalance. If you are unable to move through the cycle, staying always in the sadness, anger of it, then seek some help to break through.

Step Three:   Calm the reproductive tract after interruption of the pregnancy cycle-
            
Ayurvedic balancing:
 Post miscarriage is like a mini – postpartum. In Ayurveda the postpartum time is considered a time for rebalancing and rejuvenation to prevent problems from occurring in the future.
Drink some Dashamula tea.   This is a mix of 10 roots that help rebalance your roots.– You can buy it at Banyan Botanicals (online) or Rebecca’s Apothecary (Boulder). Use 1 teaspoon/cup of water. Simmer 10 minutes then strain & drink. Take 1 cup a day for one month or until you begin your next menstrual cycle. This helps rebalance the downward energy in your pelvic area.

Oil massage. This will help balance your sudden change. You can do this on yourself or, most relaxing, have an oil massage from someone else. This would be for after your initial miscarriage bleeding has stopped. Several times may be indicated, depending on your needs.

Therapeutic enemas. The use of gentle oil and tea enemas may be indicated in some cases to calm the disturbed pelvic area, once the miscarriage bleeding has subsided. I will discuss this with you if it is needed in your case.
                  
Step Four:   Balance your energy-
            
Ayurveda balancing: 
Miscarriages may be related to various factors—mistakes of development in the baby; inadequate implantation or disruption by physical jarring ; hormonal imbalance that doesn’t maintain the lining of the uterus; and other unknown factors like karma. Getting balanced in general with Ayurveda may help with some of these causes and also lays the groundwork for your highest level of health and the healthiest possible next pregnancy, if that is what you wish for.
                   
Personal Consultation: Meeting with Terra on line or in person will assure the best level of care. 

For a Free Phone Consult with Terra: Click Here

Step Five:  Be sure that your uterus is properly positioned after the miscarriage experience-
            
Uterine position:
 The uterus may have been out of place, leading to the miscarriage or the miscarriage may have strained the ligaments, leading to some malpositioning of the uterus.
                   
Maya Abdominal Therapy: The techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy can help the uterus return to its physiological position, thus allowing for the proper circulation of blood, lymph, and energy. This makes for optimal hormonal communication, nourishment of the lining of the uterus & ovaries, removal of local toxins and acidic blood which can imbalance the area, as well as provide the environment which allows for the normal implantation of the baby & growth of the uterus during pregnancy. This work goes hand-in-hand with Ayurvedic balancing of reproduction & digestion.
                   
MAT Consultation: You will receive an evaluation as well as professional treatment. You will learn how to do self massage on yourself to nourish your core on an on-going basis.

Step Six:   Wait at least 3 normal menstrual cycles before conceiving again-

While you may be excited to try for another pregnancy soon, waiting has many advantages. Seeing three NORMAL periods confirms that you are well recovered. It also gives time to feed the ovaries for the coming egg to be fertilized. It allows you to recover more fully on an emotional as well as physical level. It gives you time to rectify any imbalances, malpositioning, or emotional issues before getting pregnant again, thus providing the best possible pregnancy start.

For a free phone consult to find out how Terra can help you:  Click Here

Wise Womanhood   www.wisewomanhood.com    wisewomanhood@gmail.com

Terra Rafael,  Ayurveda Practitioner, retired Midwife, & Maya Abdominal Therapist


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