by Terra Rafael
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).